Truman

History repeats itself is an oft quoted phase. When Harry Truman ran for reelection in 1948, he faced a daunting task. He had followed FDR who was a sophisticated easterner who was seen as the giant of the war years. FDR was an intellectual with great speaking skills who was seen as the consummate politician. Democrats tried to dump Harry but he prevailed. Harry was crude and often spoke his mind not caring what others might think. He was proposing civil rights and this angered the south that was solid democratic. Some split away from him and formed another party called the Dixiecrats. Others thought he was too tough on communism and formed the new Progressive Party. It was a house divided and most felt it would fall. He had to run against Thomas E Dewey the handsome, young, dashing New York governor. Dewey was considered dignified while Truman was just plain old Harry. Harry was not good on the radio like FDR so he traveled by train campaigning across the country giving 10 to 15 speeches a day. He crisscrossed the country twice all the while drawing large enthusiastic crowds. The rallies were filled with flag waving, sign wearing fans, along with high school bands. Newsweek Magazine asked 50 leading journalist who would win and all 50 said Dewey. When Truman heard this he said, "Don't worry, I know every one of those 50 fellows and not one of them has enough sense to pour sand into a rat hole". Every poll showed Harry losing and he lashed out at the press so often that people called him, "give em hell Harry". Harry's favorite President was Andrew Jackson who he saw as a man of action who represented the common people.