Richard norton smith, why did you call your book that you wrote 35 years ago uncommon man . Well, its taken, actually, from the title of a relatively famous hoover speech about the uncommon man. Remember, Vice President henry wallace, who was the second of fdrs Vice President s, gave a famous speech in 1942, i believe, maybe43, about the century of the common man. And wallace, from a left of center perspective, was projecting, in effect, the goals and ambitions of the generation that was fighting world war ii. And it wasnt enough simply to defeat the nazis, but to create at home a true democracy. A place where the common man would finally come into his own. And hoover approached this from a different place on the political spectrum. He was, in effect, making the case for what we might call a meritocracy. But something to say, that i shouldnt paraphrase it, but, you know, when you get sick, you want an uncommonly skillful doctor. When we go to war, we want an uncommonly able general. Yo
Gov. Thomas e. Dewey which is over california on his Campaign Around the nation. Striking at communist elements in government, the gop leader draws big audiences. The next step is portland, oregon with mrs. Dewey by his side. He makes another stirring bid he has at least one ardent supporter. Those are some of the regions finest specimens. We will know soon. In november is just around the corner. President truman continues his swing around the circuit. The chief executive get a president. He writes to the home of his own his old friend cactus aand its a war record warm welcome on route to. He visits the alamo. The historic shrine of texas independence. In austin, a big crowd to greet the president as he continues his campaign for the lone star states 23 electoral votes. On his tour, the president spoke and visited with sam rayburn, former soup e. Deweys Campaign Manager and the confidence they had early on. Take a look. Champagne flows freely. Victory is in the air. The first returns h
Film from the Republican National committee telling the story of his political life. Thomas e dewey was elected, four years earlier he was appointed special prosecutor by the governor for the war on organized crime in new york. You have been given a most difficult task, and you have the opportunity to help people in this city. What can we do to help you. There is a detective in new york, mr. Mayor, whoa i think i one of the best in the United States. I would like him to head my squad of detectives. Clearing out gangsters, racketeers, they were tightening through years of rule. Are you going to keep out of our territory or not . Im not. But i dont need any protection. Dewey started by getting the frightened victims of the racket to talk. After long months of work. He had enough evidence to move in on the citys racketeers. He convicted all but one of the criminals. Rackets that flourishes with immunity started to break up as the cities gang overlords went off to jail. On the straight on
Corner. President truman continues his swing around the circuit. The chief executive get a president. He writes to the home of his own his old friend cactus aand its a war record warm welcome on route to. He visits the alamo. The historic shrine of texas independence. In austin, a big crowd to greet the president as he continues his campaign for the lone star states 23 electoral votes. On his tour, the president spoke and visited with sam rayburn, former soup e. Deweys Campaign Manager and the confidence they had early on. Take a look. Champagne flows freely. Victory is in the air. The first returns had truman in the lead, but republicans are not worried. And then he brings good news secured we now know that governor do we will carry new york state by 50,000. Dewey represented that. Opposed to that were the conservatives, but westerners, many of them isolationists who rallied around bob rttaft. He had precipitated the split. That never really healed. When republicans took congress,s ca
Cspan3, created by americas Cable Television companies as a Public Service and brought to you today by your television provider. I come here tonight to the Al Smith Dinner knowing im the underdog in the final weeks. If you know where to look, there are signs of hope. Even in the most unexpected places, even in this room full of proud manhattan democrats, i cant i cant shake that feeling that some people here are pulling for me. [ applause ] im delighted to see you here tonight, hilary. [ laughter ] i was thrilled to get this invitation and i feel at home here because its often been said that i share the politics of alford e. Smith and the ears of alford e. Newman. Its an honor to be here with al smith. I never knew your great grandfather. From everything that senator mccain has told me [ laughter ] the two of them had a great time together before prohibition. Of course im delighted, but not surprised, by the final repeal of the 18th amendment. I felt all along that when this matter was