#1) How did polio affect president roosevelt's character and physical abilities? Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt was diagnosed with polio, It left him with permanent paralysis from the waist down. He attempted to recover from the illness and founded the treatment center for people with polio. Roosevelt took office as the 32nd president of the united states of america and was motivated by his personal victory over polio, Roosevelt relied on his persistent optimism and activism to renew the national spirit.