Misplaced Pages

#511488

123-506: It was highly active in spreading its message for two years. Following the landslide re-election of Roosevelt in 1936 , it sharply reduced its activities and disbanded entirely in 1940. The creation of the league was announced in Washington, D.C., on August 22, 1934, by a group of Democrats and a smaller number of Republicans . Jouett Shouse , who had been prominent in Democratic politics and

246-523: A landslide victory . Roosevelt won the highest share of the popular vote (60.8%) and the electoral vote (98.49%, carrying every state except Maine and Vermont) since the largely uncontested 1820 election . The sweeping victory consolidated the New Deal Coalition in control of the Fifth Party System . Roosevelt and Vice President John Nance Garner were renominated without opposition. With

369-414: A 1936 presidential bid against incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt. When questioned by the press, Long gave conflicting answers on his plans for 1936. While promising to support a progressive Republican like Sen. William Borah , Long claimed that he would only support a Share Our Wealth candidate. At times, he even expressed the wish to retire: "I have less ambition to hold office than I ever had." However, in

492-414: A 1936 presidential bid against incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt. When questioned by the press, Long gave conflicting answers on his plans for 1936. While promising to support a progressive Republican like Sen. William Borah , Long claimed that he would only support a Share Our Wealth candidate. At times, he even expressed the wish to retire: "I have less ambition to hold office than I ever had." However, in

615-583: A Wisconsin dairy farmer and writer on farming issues. The Communist Party (CPUSA) nominated Earl Browder and for vice president their 1932 candidate James W. Ford , who had been the first African American nominee. William Dudley Pelley , Chief of the Silver Shirts Legion, ran on the ballot for the Christian Party in Washington State, but won fewer than two thousand votes. This election

738-405: A Wisconsin dairy farmer and writer on farming issues. The Communist Party (CPUSA) nominated Earl Browder and for vice president their 1932 candidate James W. Ford , who had been the first African American nominee. William Dudley Pelley , Chief of the Silver Shirts Legion, ran on the ballot for the Christian Party in Washington State, but won fewer than two thousand votes. This election

861-453: A candidate, and the largest ever for a Democrat. Roosevelt also won by the widest margin in the popular vote for a Democrat in history, although Lyndon Johnson would later win a slightly higher share of the popular vote in 1964 , with 61.1%. Roosevelt's 523 electoral votes marked the first of only three times in American history when a presidential candidate received over 500 electoral votes in

984-570: A committee of academic economists failed. Retired Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler , alleged in November 1934 that a bond salesman named Gerald C. MacGuire told him that leaders in the League wanted Butler to lead 500,000 veterans in a coup to overthrow President Franklin Roosevelt. Butler and MacGuire were not active in the league and it rejected the allegations as nonsense. Butler admitted he never

1107-591: A former mayor told the press "There are 250,000 Long votes" in this city. Regarding Roosevelt, Long boasted to the New York Times' Arthur Krock : "He's scared of me. I can out promise him, and he knows it." While addressing reporters in late summer of 1935, Long proclaimed: "I'll tell you here and now that Franklin Roosevelt will not be the next President of the United States. If the Democrats nominate Roosevelt and

1230-427: A former mayor told the press "There are 250,000 Long votes" in this city. Regarding Roosevelt, Long boasted to the New York Times' Arthur Krock : "He's scared of me. I can out promise him, and he knows it." While addressing reporters in late summer of 1935, Long proclaimed: "I'll tell you here and now that Franklin Roosevelt will not be the next President of the United States. If the Democrats nominate Roosevelt and

1353-439: A landslide, carrying 46 of the 48 states and bringing in many additional Democratic members of Congress. After Lyndon B. Johnson 's 61.05% share of the popular vote in 1964, Roosevelt's 60.8% is the second-largest percentage in U.S. history (since 1824, when the vast majority of or all states have had a popular vote), and his 98.49% of the electoral vote is the highest in two-party competition. The Republican Party saw its total in

SECTION 10

#1732845660512

1476-439: A landslide, carrying 46 of the 48 states and bringing in many additional Democratic members of Congress. After Lyndon B. Johnson 's 61.05% share of the popular vote in 1964, Roosevelt's 60.8% is the second-largest percentage in U.S. history (since 1824, when the vast majority of or all states have had a popular vote), and his 98.49% of the electoral vote is the highest in two-party competition. The Republican Party saw its total in

1599-543: A later Senate speech, he admitted that he "might have a good parade to offer before I get through". Long's son Russell B. Long believed that his father would have run on a third party ticket in 1936. This is evidenced by Long's writing of a speculative book, My First Days in the White House , which laid out his plans for the presidency after the 1936 election. Long biographers T. Harry Williams and William Ivy Hair speculated that Long planned to challenge Roosevelt for

1722-489: A later Senate speech, he admitted that he "might have a good parade to offer before I get through". Long's son Russell B. Long believed that his father would have run on a third party ticket in 1936. This is evidenced by Long's writing of a speculative book, My First Days in the White House , which laid out his plans for the presidency after the 1936 election. Long biographers T. Harry Williams and William Ivy Hair speculated that Long planned to challenge Roosevelt for

1845-586: A man independent of traditional politicians and political alliances. In 1950, Roosevelt's successor Harry Truman branded critics who labelled his programs "socialism" as the heirs of the Liberty League of the 1930s. J. Carlyle Sitterson , Professor of American History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, characterized the American Liberty League as "The Cellophane League" - because it

1968-524: A more popular style, but distributed to the same audience as the pamphlets. A different promotional tactic that downplayed the role of the league itself was the creation of a syndicated news service. Before its discontinuation near the end of 1936, the league reached 1600 newspapers through the Western Newspaper Union. Finally, the league took advantage of offers of free radio time. Regarding the controversial National Recovery Administration (NRA),

2091-555: A presidential candidate received over 500 electoral votes in a presidential election (the others being in 1972 and 1984 ) and made Roosevelt the only Democratic president to accomplish this feat. Before his assassination, there was a challenge from Louisiana Senator Huey Long . But, due to his untimely death, President Roosevelt faced only one primary opponent other than various favorite sons . Henry Skillman Breckinridge , an anti-New Deal lawyer from New York, filed to run against Roosevelt in four primaries. Breckinridge's challenge of

2214-493: A presidential election (the others being in 1972 and 1984 ) and made Roosevelt the only Democratic president to accomplish this feat. Before his assassination, there was a challenge from Louisiana Senator Huey Long . But, due to his untimely death, President Roosevelt faced only one primary opponent other than various favorite sons . Henry Skillman Breckinridge , an anti-New Deal lawyer from New York, filed to run against Roosevelt in four primaries. Breckinridge's challenge of

2337-499: A press conference that the league seemed founded "to uphold two of the Ten Commandments ," stopping at protecting property and drawing no inspiration from the command to "Love thy neighbor as thyself." Arthur Krock wrote a few weeks later, just after the November election, that the league was prepared to announce more eminent members of its leadership group "to eradicate the purely political and anti-administration tinge that colored

2460-466: A scientific poll, predicted that Roosevelt would win the election , based on a quota sample of 50,000 people. His correct predictions made public opinion polling a critical element of elections for journalists, and indeed for politicians. The Gallup Poll would become a staple of future presidential elections, and remains one of the most prominent election polling organizations. Landon proved to be an ineffective campaigner who rarely travelled. Most of

2583-466: A scientific poll, predicted that Roosevelt would win the election , based on a quota sample of 50,000 people. His correct predictions made public opinion polling a critical element of elections for journalists, and indeed for politicians. The Gallup Poll would become a staple of future presidential elections, and remains one of the most prominent election polling organizations. Landon proved to be an ineffective campaigner who rarely travelled. Most of

SECTION 20

#1732845660512

2706-476: A third-party ticket, he would win about 4 million votes (about 10% of the electorate). In a memo to Roosevelt, Farley wrote: "It was easy to conceive of a situation whereby Long by polling more than 3,000,000 votes, might have the balance of power in the 1936 election. For example, the poll indicated that he would command upwards of 100,000 votes in New York State, a pivotal state in any national election and

2829-419: A third-party ticket, he would win about 4 million votes (about 10% of the electorate). In a memo to Roosevelt, Farley wrote: "It was easy to conceive of a situation whereby Long by polling more than 3,000,000 votes, might have the balance of power in the 1936 election. For example, the poll indicated that he would command upwards of 100,000 votes in New York State, a pivotal state in any national election and

2952-496: A vote of that size could easily mean the difference between victory and defeat ... That number of votes would mostly come from our side and the result might spell disaster". In response, Roosevelt in a letter to his friend William E. Dodd , the US ambassador to Germany, wrote: "Long plans to be a candidate of the Hitler type for the presidency in 1936. He thinks he will have a hundred votes at

3075-403: A vote of that size could easily mean the difference between victory and defeat ... That number of votes would mostly come from our side and the result might spell disaster". In response, Roosevelt in a letter to his friend William E. Dodd , the US ambassador to Germany, wrote: "Long plans to be a candidate of the Hitler type for the presidency in 1936. He thinks he will have a hundred votes at

3198-745: Is asked to communicate direct with the Republican National Committee." Landon respected and admired Roosevelt and accepted most of the New Deal but objected that it was hostile to business and involved too much waste and inefficiency. Late in the campaign, Landon accused Roosevelt of corruption – that is, of acquiring so much power that he was subverting the Constitution: The President spoke truly when he boasted ... 'We have built up new instruments of public power.' He spoke truly when he said these instruments could provide 'shackles for

3321-552: Is asked to communicate direct with the Republican National Committee." Landon respected and admired Roosevelt and accepted most of the New Deal but objected that it was hostile to business and involved too much waste and inefficiency. Late in the campaign, Landon accused Roosevelt of corruption – that is, of acquiring so much power that he was subverting the Constitution: The President spoke truly when he boasted ... 'We have built up new instruments of public power.' He spoke truly when he said these instruments could provide 'shackles for

3444-484: Is notable for The Literary Digest poll, which was based on ten million questionnaires mailed to readers and potential readers; 2.38 million were returned. The Literary Digest had correctly predicted the winner of the last five elections, and announced in its October 31 issue that Landon would be the winner with 57.08% of the vote (v Roosevelt) and 370 electoral votes. The cause of this mistake has often been attributed to improper sampling: more Republicans subscribed to

3567-484: Is notable for The Literary Digest poll, which was based on ten million questionnaires mailed to readers and potential readers; 2.38 million were returned. The Literary Digest had correctly predicted the winner of the last five elections, and announced in its October 31 issue that Landon would be the winner with 57.08% of the vote (v Roosevelt) and 370 electoral votes. The cause of this mistake has often been attributed to improper sampling: more Republicans subscribed to

3690-675: The Farmers Independence Council of America to oppose the administration. Social Security was said to "mark the end of democracy." Lawyers for the American Liberty League challenged the validity of the Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act), but in 1937, the United States Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the statute. The American Federation of Labor accused the League of hiring detectives to infiltrate labor unions and incite strikes and violence. On

3813-538: The Literary Digest than Democrats, and were thus more likely to vote for Landon than Roosevelt. Indeed, every other poll made at this time predicted Roosevelt would win, although most expected him to garner no more than 370 electoral votes. However, a 1976 article in The American Statistician demonstrates that the actual reason for the error was that the Literary Digest relied on voluntary responses. As

American Liberty League - Misplaced Pages Continue

3936-414: The Literary Digest than Democrats, and were thus more likely to vote for Landon than Roosevelt. Indeed, every other poll made at this time predicted Roosevelt would win, although most expected him to garner no more than 370 electoral votes. However, a 1976 article in The American Statistician demonstrates that the actual reason for the error was that the Literary Digest relied on voluntary responses. As

4059-522: The Minnesota Farmer–Labor Party . After Long's assassination, however, the two senators lost interest in the idea, while Olson was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer . Father Coughlin, who had allied himself with Dr. Francis Townsend , a left-wing political activist who was pushing for the creation of an old-age pension system, and Rev. Gerald L. K. Smith , was eventually forced to run Representative William Lemke (R-North Dakota) as

4182-452: The Minnesota Farmer–Labor Party . After Long's assassination, however, the two senators lost interest in the idea, while Olson was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer . Father Coughlin, who had allied himself with Dr. Francis Townsend , a left-wing political activist who was pushing for the creation of an old-age pension system, and Rev. Gerald L. K. Smith , was eventually forced to run Representative William Lemke (R-North Dakota) as

4305-440: The New Deal Coalition in control of the Fifth Party System . Roosevelt and Vice President John Nance Garner were renominated without opposition. With the backing of party leaders, Landon defeated progressive Senator William Borah at the 1936 Republican National Convention to win his party's presidential nomination. The populist Union Party nominated Congressman William Lemke for president. The election took place as

4428-554: The United States on November 3, 1936. In the midst of the Great Depression , incumbent Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt defeated Republican governor Alf Landon of Kansas in a landslide victory . Roosevelt won the highest share of the popular vote (60.8%) and the electoral vote (98.49%, carrying every state except Maine and Vermont) since the largely uncontested 1820 election . The sweeping victory consolidated

4551-544: The United States House of Representatives reduced to 88 seats and in the United States Senate to 16 seats in their respective elections and only won four governorships in the 1936 elections . Roosevelt won the largest number of electoral votes ever recorded at that time, and has so far only been surpassed by Ronald Reagan in 1984 , when seven more electoral votes were available to contest. Garner also won

4674-420: The United States House of Representatives reduced to 88 seats and in the United States Senate to 16 seats in their respective elections and only won four governorships in the 1936 elections . Roosevelt won the largest number of electoral votes ever recorded at that time, and has so far only been surpassed by Ronald Reagan in 1984 , when seven more electoral votes were available to contest. Garner also won

4797-399: The caucuses and at state party conventions . With Knox withdrawing to become Landon's selection for vice-president (after the rejection of New Hampshire Governor Styles Bridges ) and Day, Green, and Warren releasing their delegates, the tally at the convention was as follows: Many people, most significantly Democratic National Committee Chairman James Farley , expected Huey Long ,

4920-399: The caucuses and at state party conventions . With Knox withdrawing to become Landon's selection for vice-president (after the rejection of New Hampshire Governor Styles Bridges ) and Day, Green, and Warren releasing their delegates, the tally at the convention was as follows: Many people, most significantly Democratic National Committee Chairman James Farley , expected Huey Long ,

5043-460: The 1850s. Roosevelt took 60.8% of the popular vote, while Landon won 36.56% and Lemke won 1.96%. Roosevelt carried every state except Maine and Vermont, which together cast eight electoral votes. By winning 523 electoral votes and 98.49% of the electoral vote total, this was the largest share of the Electoral College since 1820 and the second-largest number of raw electoral votes ever received by

American Liberty League - Misplaced Pages Continue

5166-641: The 1936 campaign was an address he gave in Madison Square Garden in New York City on 31 October. Roosevelt offered a vigorous defense of the New Deal: For twelve years this Nation was afflicted with hear-nothing, see-nothing, do-nothing Government. The Nation looked to Government but the Government looked away. Nine mocking years with the golden calf and three long years of the scourge! Nine crazy years at

5289-412: The 1936 campaign was an address he gave in Madison Square Garden in New York City on 31 October. Roosevelt offered a vigorous defense of the New Deal: For twelve years this Nation was afflicted with hear-nothing, see-nothing, do-nothing Government. The Nation looked to Government but the Government looked away. Nine mocking years with the golden calf and three long years of the scourge! Nine crazy years at

5412-452: The 1936 election. Norman Thomas , who had received 884,885 votes in the 1932 election saw his totals decrease to 187,910. 4.78% of Landon's votes came from the eleven states of the former Confederacy, with him taking 19.09% of the vote in that region. This was the last Democratic landslide in the West, as Democrats won every state except Kansas (Landon's home state) by more than 10%. West of

5535-405: The 1936 election. Norman Thomas , who had received 884,885 votes in the 1932 election saw his totals decrease to 187,910. 4.78% of Landon's votes came from the eleven states of the former Confederacy, with him taking 19.09% of the vote in that region. This was the last Democratic landslide in the West, as Democrats won every state except Kansas (Landon's home state) by more than 10%. West of

5658-431: The American Liberty League and called it "a very vulnerable straw man" for New Deal Democrats. FDR wanted to run in 1936, he wrote, without emphasizing his Democratic identity. The league's alliance of conservative Democrats "in whom the rank and file long ago had lost confidence" like Al Smith with "conservative Republicans, among whom were lawyers for great corporations" helped President Roosevelt's backers to present him as

5781-497: The Democratic convention. Then he will set up as an independent with Southern and mid-western Progressives ... Thus he hopes to defeat the Democratic Party and put in a reactionary Republican. That would bring the country to such a state by 1940 that Long thinks he would be made dictator. There are in fact some Southerners looking that way, and some Progressives drifting that way ... Thus it is an ominous situation". However, Long

5904-438: The Democratic convention. Then he will set up as an independent with Southern and mid-western Progressives ... Thus he hopes to defeat the Democratic Party and put in a reactionary Republican. That would bring the country to such a state by 1940 that Long thinks he would be made dictator. There are in fact some Southerners looking that way, and some Progressives drifting that way ... Thus it is an ominous situation". However, Long

6027-523: The Democratic nomination in 1936, knowing he would lose the nomination but gain valuable publicity in the process. Then he would break from the Democrats and form a third party using the Share Our Wealth plan as its basis. He hoped to have the public support of Father Charles Coughlin , a Catholic priest and populist talk radio personality from Royal Oak, Michigan ; Iowa agrarian radical Milo Reno ; and other dissidents like Francis Townsend and

6150-465: The Democratic nomination in 1936, knowing he would lose the nomination but gain valuable publicity in the process. Then he would break from the Democrats and form a third party using the Share Our Wealth plan as its basis. He hoped to have the public support of Father Charles Coughlin , a Catholic priest and populist talk radio personality from Royal Oak, Michigan ; Iowa agrarian radical Milo Reno ; and other dissidents like Francis Townsend and

6273-721: The Democrats lost some of their traditional allies in big business, high-income voters, businessmen and professionals, they were replaced by groups such as organized labor and African Americans, the latter of whom voted Democratic for the first time since the Civil War , and made major gains among the poor and other minorities. Roosevelt won 86 percent of the Jewish vote, 81 percent of the Catholics, 80 percent of union members, 76 percent of Southerners, 76 percent of Blacks in northern cities, and 75 percent of people on relief. Roosevelt also carried 102 of

SECTION 50

#1732845660512

6396-569: The Democrats lost some of their traditional allies in big business, high-income voters, businessmen and professionals, they were replaced by groups such as organized labor and African Americans, the latter of whom voted Democratic for the first time since the Civil War , and made major gains among the poor and other minorities. Roosevelt won 86 percent of the Jewish vote, 81 percent of the Catholics, 80 percent of union members, 76 percent of Southerners, 76 percent of Blacks in northern cities, and 75 percent of people on relief. Roosevelt also carried 102 of

6519-444: The Electoral College since 1820 and the second-largest number of raw electoral votes ever received by a candidate, and the largest ever for a Democrat. Roosevelt also won by the widest margin in the popular vote for a Democrat in history, although Lyndon Johnson would later win a slightly higher share of the popular vote in 1964 , with 61.1%. Roosevelt's 523 electoral votes marked the first of only three times in American history when

6642-520: The Great Depression entered its eighth year. Roosevelt was still working to push the provisions of his New Deal economic policy through Congress and the courts. However, the New Deal policies he had already enacted, such as Social Security and unemployment benefits , had proven to be highly popular with most Americans. Landon, a political moderate, accepted much of the New Deal but criticized it for waste and inefficiency. Roosevelt went on to win

6765-468: The Great Plains States, Roosevelt only lost eight counties. Since 1936, only Richard Nixon in 1972 (winning all but 19 counties) and Ronald Reagan in 1980 (winning all but twenty counties) have even approached such a disproportionate ratio. Of the 3,095 counties, parishes and independent cities making returns, Roosevelt won in 2,634 (85 percent) while Landon carried 461 (15 percent); this was one of

6888-406: The Great Plains States, Roosevelt only lost eight counties. Since 1936, only Richard Nixon in 1972 (winning all but 19 counties) and Ronald Reagan in 1980 (winning all but twenty counties) have even approached such a disproportionate ratio. Of the 3,095 counties, parishes and independent cities making returns, Roosevelt won in 2,634 (85 percent) while Landon carried 461 (15 percent); this was one of

7011-552: The House or the Senate until 1946, and would not regain the presidency until 1952. The Electoral College results, in which Landon only won Maine and Vermont, inspired Democratic Party chairman James Farley —who had in fact declared during the campaign that Roosevelt would lose only these two states —to amend the then-conventional political wisdom of " As Maine goes, so goes the nation " into "As Maine goes, so goes Vermont." In fact, since then,

7134-455: The House or the Senate until 1946, and would not regain the presidency until 1952. The Electoral College results, in which Landon only won Maine and Vermont, inspired Democratic Party chairman James Farley —who had in fact declared during the campaign that Roosevelt would lose only these two states —to amend the then-conventional political wisdom of " As Maine goes, so goes the nation " into "As Maine goes, so goes Vermont." In fact, since then,

7257-585: The New Deal among the public. The expected third-party candidacy of prominent Senator Huey Long briefly reignited Hoover's hopes, but they were just as quickly ended by Long's assassination in September 1935. While Hoover thereafter refused to actively disclaim any potential draft efforts, he privately accepted that he was unlikely to be nominated, and even less likely to defeat Roosevelt in any rematch. Draft efforts did focus on former vice-president Charles G. Dawes and Senate Minority Leader Charles L. McNary , two of

7380-533: The New Deal among the public. The expected third-party candidacy of prominent Senator Huey Long briefly reignited Hoover's hopes, but they were just as quickly ended by Long's assassination in September 1935. While Hoover thereafter refused to actively disclaim any potential draft efforts, he privately accepted that he was unlikely to be nominated, and even less likely to defeat Roosevelt in any rematch. Draft efforts did focus on former vice-president Charles G. Dawes and Senate Minority Leader Charles L. McNary , two of

7503-485: The Republicans nominate Hoover, Huey Long will be your next President." As the 1936 election approached, the Roosevelt administration grew increasingly concerned by Long's popularity. Democratic National Committee Chairman James Farley commissioned a secret poll in early 1935 "to find out if Huey's sales talks for his 'share the wealth' program were attracting many customers". Farley's poll revealed that if Long ran on

SECTION 60

#1732845660512

7626-431: The Republicans nominate Hoover, Huey Long will be your next President." As the 1936 election approached, the Roosevelt administration grew increasingly concerned by Long's popularity. Democratic National Committee Chairman James Farley commissioned a secret poll in early 1935 "to find out if Huey's sales talks for his 'share the wealth' program were attracting many customers". Farley's poll revealed that if Long ran on

7749-418: The anti- Prohibition movement, became the group's first chairman. The makeup of the league's executive committee was designed to demonstrate its bipartisan nature. It included: John W. Davis and Al Smith , former Democratic candidates for president; wealthy businessman Irénée du Pont , who left the Republicans to support Al Smith in 1928 and Roosevelt in 1932; and two New York Republicans, Nathan L. Miller ,

7872-428: The article explains, the 2.38 million "respondents who returned their questionnaires represented only that subset of the population with a relatively intense interest in the subject at hand, and as such constitute in no sense a random sample ... it seems clear that the minority of anti-Roosevelt voters felt more strongly about the election than did the pro-Roosevelt majority." A more detailed study in 1988 showed that both

7995-428: The article explains, the 2.38 million "respondents who returned their questionnaires represented only that subset of the population with a relatively intense interest in the subject at hand, and as such constitute in no sense a random sample ... it seems clear that the minority of anti-Roosevelt voters felt more strongly about the election than did the pro-Roosevelt majority." A more detailed study in 1988 showed that both

8118-474: The attacks on FDR and Social Security were developed by Republican campaigners rather than Landon himself. In the two months after his nomination, he made no campaign appearances. Columnist Westbrook Pegler lampooned, "Considerable mystery surrounds the disappearance of Alfred M. Landon of Topeka, Kansas ... The Missing Persons Bureau has sent out an alarm bulletin bearing Mr. Landon's photograph and other particulars, and anyone having information of his whereabouts

8241-474: The attacks on FDR and Social Security were developed by Republican campaigners rather than Landon himself. In the two months after his nomination, he made no campaign appearances. Columnist Westbrook Pegler lampooned, "Considerable mystery surrounds the disappearance of Alfred M. Landon of Topeka, Kansas ... The Missing Persons Bureau has sent out an alarm bulletin bearing Mr. Landon's photograph and other particulars, and anyone having information of his whereabouts

8364-435: The backing of party leaders, Landon defeated progressive Senator William Borah at the 1936 Republican National Convention to win his party's presidential nomination. The populist Union Party nominated Congressman William Lemke for president. The election took place as the Great Depression entered its eighth year. Roosevelt was still working to push the provisions of his New Deal economic policy through Congress and

8487-488: The candidate of the newly created " Union Party ", with Thomas C. O'Brien , a lawyer and former District Attorney for Boston, as Lemke's running-mate. Lemke, who lacked the charisma and national stature of the other potential candidates, fared poorly in the election, barely managing two percent of the vote, and the party was dissolved the following year. The Socialist Party again ran Norman Thomas who had been their candidate in 1928 and for Vice President George A. Nelson ,

8610-488: The candidate of the newly created " Union Party ", with Thomas C. O'Brien , a lawyer and former District Attorney for Boston, as Lemke's running-mate. Lemke, who lacked the charisma and national stature of the other potential candidates, fared poorly in the election, barely managing two percent of the vote, and the party was dissolved the following year. The Socialist Party again ran Norman Thomas who had been their candidate in 1928 and for Vice President George A. Nelson ,

8733-400: The colorful Democratic senator from Louisiana, to run as a third-party candidate with his " Share Our Wealth " program as his platform. Polls made during 1934 and 1935 suggested Long could have won between six and seven million votes, or approximately fifteen percent of the actual number cast in the 1936 election. Popular support for Long's Share Our Wealth program raised the possibility of

8856-400: The colorful Democratic senator from Louisiana, to run as a third-party candidate with his " Share Our Wealth " program as his platform. Polls made during 1934 and 1935 suggested Long could have won between six and seven million votes, or approximately fifteen percent of the actual number cast in the 1936 election. Popular support for Long's Share Our Wealth program raised the possibility of

8979-425: The courts. However, the New Deal policies he had already enacted, such as Social Security and unemployment benefits , had proven to be highly popular with most Americans. Landon, a political moderate, accepted much of the New Deal but criticized it for waste and inefficiency. Roosevelt went on to win the greatest electoral landslide since the rise of hegemonic control between the Democratic and Republican parties in

9102-453: The few measures by which Landon's campaign was more successful than Hoover's had been four years prior, with Landon winning 87 more counties than Hoover did, albeit mostly in less populous parts of the country. Democrats also expanded their majorities in Congress, winning control of over three-quarters of the seats in each house. The election saw the consolidation of the New Deal coalition; while

9225-402: The few measures by which Landon's campaign was more successful than Hoover's had been four years prior, with Landon winning 87 more counties than Hoover did, albeit mostly in less populous parts of the country. Democrats also expanded their majorities in Congress, winning control of over three-quarters of the seats in each house. The election saw the consolidation of the New Deal coalition; while

9348-670: The few prominent Republicans not to have been associated with Hoover's administration, but both men quickly disclaimed any interest in running. The 1936 Republican National Convention was held in Cleveland , Ohio, between June 9 and 12. Although many candidates sought the Republican nomination, only two, Governor Landon and Senator William Borah from Idaho, were considered to be serious candidates. While County Attorney Earl Warren from California, Governor Warren Green of South Dakota, and Stephen A. Day from Ohio won their respective primaries,

9471-566: The few prominent Republicans not to have been associated with Hoover's administration, but both men quickly disclaimed any interest in running. The 1936 Republican National Convention was held in Cleveland , Ohio, between June 9 and 12. Although many candidates sought the Republican nomination, only two, Governor Landon and Senator William Borah from Idaho, were considered to be serious candidates. While County Attorney Earl Warren from California, Governor Warren Green of South Dakota, and Stephen A. Day from Ohio won their respective primaries,

9594-415: The greatest electoral landslide since the rise of hegemonic control between the Democratic and Republican parties in the 1850s. Roosevelt took 60.8% of the popular vote, while Landon won 36.56% and Lemke won 1.96%. Roosevelt carried every state except Maine and Vermont, which together cast eight electoral votes. By winning 523 electoral votes and 98.49% of the electoral vote total, this was the largest share of

9717-425: The highest percentage of the electoral vote of any vice president. Landon won only eight electoral votes, tying William Howard Taft 's total in his unsuccessful re-election campaign in 1912 . As of 2023, this is the equal lowest electoral vote total for a major-party candidate; the lowest number since was Reagan's 1984 opponent, Walter Mondale , who won only thirteen electoral votes. Roosevelt's net vote totals in

9840-425: The highest percentage of the electoral vote of any vice president. Landon won only eight electoral votes, tying William Howard Taft 's total in his unsuccessful re-election campaign in 1912 . As of 2023, this is the equal lowest electoral vote total for a major-party candidate; the lowest number since was Reagan's 1984 opponent, Walter Mondale , who won only thirteen electoral votes. Roosevelt's net vote totals in

9963-513: The idea was that this candidate would split the left-wing vote with President Roosevelt, thereby electing a Republican president and proving the electoral appeal of Share Our Wealth. Long would then wait four years and run for president as a Democrat in 1940. Prior to Long's death, leading contenders for the role of the sacrificial 1936 candidate included Idaho Senator William Borah, Montana Senator and running mate of Robert M. La Follette in 1924 Burton K. Wheeler , and Governor Floyd B. Olson of

10086-513: The idea was that this candidate would split the left-wing vote with President Roosevelt, thereby electing a Republican president and proving the electoral appeal of Share Our Wealth. Long would then wait four years and run for president as a Democrat in 1940. Prior to Long's death, leading contenders for the role of the sacrificial 1936 candidate included Idaho Senator William Borah, Montana Senator and running mate of Robert M. La Follette in 1924 Burton K. Wheeler , and Governor Floyd B. Olson of

10209-500: The initial sample and non-response bias were contributing factors, and that the error due to the initial sample taken alone would not have been sufficient to predict the Landon victory. The magnitude of the error by the Literary Digest (39.08% for the popular vote margin for Landon v Roosevelt) destroyed the magazine's credibility, and it folded within 18 months of the election, while George Gallup , an advertising executive who had begun

10332-451: The initial sample and non-response bias were contributing factors, and that the error due to the initial sample taken alone would not have been sufficient to predict the Landon victory. The magnitude of the error by the Literary Digest (39.08% for the popular vote margin for Landon v Roosevelt) destroyed the magazine's credibility, and it folded within 18 months of the election, while George Gallup , an advertising executive who had begun

10455-653: The league in the beginning." The league proceeded to name a National Executive Committee of 25 and a National Advisory Council of about 200. Those named constituted a geographically diverse group, almost all drawn from the upper echelons of American industry. Among the notable exceptions were Hollywood movie producer Hal Roach and naval hero Richmond Pearson Hobson . More typical were Alfred P. Sloan, Jr. of General Motors and J. Howard Pew of Sun Oil Company . Membership exceeded 36,000 in July 1935, only 27% of whom were contributors. It doubled by January 1936, peaked at 125,000 in

10578-436: The league into protestations of nonpartisanship that highlighted its partisan role. Following the 1936 elections in which FDR won by a landslide and his party expanded its majorities in both houses of Congress, the league eliminated its public activities and restricted itself to reviewing legislation and sending its assessments to members of Congress. A small national staff remained, but all state and local offices closed. Only

10701-508: The league was ambivalent. Jouett Shouse, the league president commented that "the NRA has indulged in unwarranted excesses of attempted regulation"; on the other, he added that "in many regards [the NRA] has served a useful purpose." Shouse said that he had "deep sympathy" with the goals of the NRA, explaining, "While I feel very strongly that the prohibition of child labor, the maintenance of a minimum wage and

10824-482: The liberties of the people ... and ... enslavement for the public.' These powers were granted with the understanding that they were only temporary. But after the powers had been obtained, and after the emergency was clearly over, we were told that another emergency would be created if the power was given up. In other words, the concentration of power in the hands of the President was not a question of temporary emergency. It

10947-430: The liberties of the people ... and ... enslavement for the public.' These powers were granted with the understanding that they were only temporary. But after the powers had been obtained, and after the emergency was clearly over, we were told that another emergency would be created if the power was given up. In other words, the concentration of power in the hands of the President was not a question of temporary emergency. It

11070-508: The limitation of the hours of work belong under our form of government in the realm of the affairs of the different states, yet I am entirely willing to agree that in the case of an overwhelming national emergency the Federal Government for a limited period should be permitted to assume jurisdiction of them." The League labeled Roosevelt's Agricultural Adjustment Administration "a trend toward Fascist control of agriculture" and supported

11193-431: The middle of 1936, and then declined rapidly following the 1936 election. The league targeted college students for membership and had particular success at state universities. There were 345 chapters with more than 10,000 members by April 1936. Academics played a variety of roles. For example, New York University economist Walter Spahr gave speeches that the league reproduced in pamphlet form, though an attempt to organize

11316-401: The nation's 106 cities with a population of 100,000 or more. Some political pundits predicted the Republicans, whom many voters blamed for the Great Depression , would soon become an extinct political party. However, the Republicans would make a strong comeback in the 1938 congressional elections, and while they would remain a potent force in Congress, they were not able to regain control of

11439-401: The nation's 106 cities with a population of 100,000 or more. Some political pundits predicted the Republicans, whom many voters blamed for the Great Depression , would soon become an extinct political party. However, the Republicans would make a strong comeback in the 1938 congressional elections, and while they would remain a potent force in Congress, they were not able to regain control of

11562-425: The national level, the league's total expenditures over its six-year life amounted to $ 1,200,000, with more than a million of that being spent during its most active months before the 1936 election. Wealthy donors dominated, so that "fewer than two dozen bankers, industrialists, and businessmen" accounted for more than half the league's 1935 monies on the national level, with the du Pont family responsible for 30% of

11685-541: The old enemies of peace—business and financial monopoly, speculation, reckless banking, class antagonism, sectionalism, war profiteering. They had begun to consider the Government of the United States as a mere appendage to their own affairs. We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob. Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred. Roosevelt won in

11808-541: The old enemies of peace—business and financial monopoly, speculation, reckless banking, class antagonism, sectionalism, war profiteering. They had begun to consider the Government of the United States as a mere appendage to their own affairs. We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob. Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred. Roosevelt won in

11931-463: The penultimate time a Democrat won any of the Great Plains states. Source (popular vote): Leip, David. "1936 Presidential Election Results" . Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections . Retrieved July 31, 2005 . 1936 United States presidential election Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic Presidential elections were held in

12054-521: The popularity of the New Deal among Democrats failed miserably. In New Jersey, President Roosevelt did not file for the preference vote and lost that primary to Breckinridge, even though he did receive 19% of the vote on write-ins. Roosevelt's candidates for delegates swept the race in New Jersey and elsewhere. In other primaries, Breckinridge's best showing was 15% in Maryland. Overall, Roosevelt received 93% of

12177-417: The popularity of the New Deal among Democrats failed miserably. In New Jersey, President Roosevelt did not file for the preference vote and lost that primary to Breckinridge, even though he did receive 19% of the vote on write-ins. Roosevelt's candidates for delegates swept the race in New Jersey and elsewhere. In other primaries, Breckinridge's best showing was 15% in Maryland. Overall, Roosevelt received 93% of

12300-458: The previous presidential election in 1932, combined with devastating congressional losses that year, the Republican Party was largely seen as rudderless. In truth, Hoover maintained control of the party machinery and was hopeful of making a comeback, but any such hopes were dashed as soon as the 1934 mid-term elections, which saw further losses by the Republicans and made clear the popularity of

12423-399: The previous presidential election in 1932, combined with devastating congressional losses that year, the Republican Party was largely seen as rudderless. In truth, Hoover maintained control of the party machinery and was hopeful of making a comeback, but any such hopes were dashed as soon as the 1934 mid-term elections, which saw further losses by the Republicans and made clear the popularity of

12546-533: The primary vote, compared to 2.5% for Breckinridge. The Democratic Party Convention was held in Philadelphia between July 23 and 27. The delegates unanimously re-nominated incumbents President Roosevelt and Vice-president John Nance Garner . At Roosevelt's request, the two-thirds rule, which had given the South a de facto veto power, was repealed. Following the landslide defeat of former president Herbert Hoover at

12669-431: The primary vote, compared to 2.5% for Breckinridge. The Democratic Party Convention was held in Philadelphia between July 23 and 27. The delegates unanimously re-nominated incumbents President Roosevelt and Vice-president John Nance Garner . At Roosevelt's request, the two-thirds rule, which had given the South a de facto veto power, was repealed. Following the landslide defeat of former president Herbert Hoover at

12792-627: The remnants of the End Poverty in California movement. Diplomat Edward M. House warned Roosevelt "many people believe that he can do to your administration what Theodore Roosevelt did to the Taft administration in '12 ." In spring 1935, Long undertook a national speaking tour and regular radio appearances, attracting large crowds and increasing his stature. At a well attended Long rally in Philadelphia,

12915-419: The remnants of the End Poverty in California movement. Diplomat Edward M. House warned Roosevelt "many people believe that he can do to your administration what Theodore Roosevelt did to the Taft administration in '12 ." In spring 1935, Long undertook a national speaking tour and regular radio appearances, attracting large crowds and increasing his stature. At a well attended Long rally in Philadelphia,

13038-557: The seventy-year-old Borah, a well-known progressive and "insurgent," won the Wisconsin, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Oregon primaries, while also performing quite strongly in Knox's Illinois and Green's South Dakota. The party machinery, however, almost uniformly backed Landon, a wealthy businessman and centrist , who won primaries in Massachusetts and New Jersey and dominated in

13161-402: The seventy-year-old Borah, a well-known progressive and "insurgent," won the Wisconsin, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Oregon primaries, while also performing quite strongly in Knox's Illinois and Green's South Dakota. The party machinery, however, almost uniformly backed Landon, a wealthy businessman and centrist , who won primaries in Massachusetts and New Jersey and dominated in

13284-500: The state's former governor, and Representative James W. Wadsworth . The moving spirit behind the launch of the organization was John Jacob Raskob , a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and the foremost opponent of Prohibition, former director of General Motors and a board member of DuPont . Reaction to the league formation was generally skeptical of its non-partisan nature. President Roosevelt told

13407-523: The states of Vermont and Maine voted for the same candidate in every election except the 1968 presidential election . Additionally, a prankster posted a sign on Vermont's border with New Hampshire the day after the 1936 election, reading, "You are now leaving the United States." This was the last election in which Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota would vote Democratic until 1964 . Of these states, only Indiana would vote Democratic again after 1964 (for Barack Obama in 2008), making this

13530-523: The states of Vermont and Maine voted for the same candidate in every election except the 1968 presidential election . Additionally, a prankster posted a sign on Vermont's border with New Hampshire the day after the 1936 election, reading, "You are now leaving the United States." This was the last election in which Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota would vote Democratic until 1964 . Of these states, only Indiana would vote Democratic again after 1964 (for Barack Obama in 2008), making this

13653-771: The three du Pont brothers, Irénée , Lammot and Pierre , financed the organization, until the du Ponts decided to devote as much of their financial resources as possible to Republican Willkie 's 1940 campaign. The league closed its Washington office in September 1940. The league produced 135 pamphlet titles during its first two years, printed for easy distribution by mail. Half of them originated as speeches or radio addresses delivered by league officers or its most prominent supporters. A total of more than five copies went to newspapers and government agencies, public and college libraries, all members of Congress, and other political groups, often generating new stories and reports in other publications. It also produced two-page monthly bulletins in

13776-431: The ticker and three long years in the breadlines! Nine mad years of mirage and three long years of despair! Powerful influences strive today to restore that kind of government with its doctrine that that Government is best which is most indifferent. For nearly four years you have had an Administration which instead of twirling its thumbs has rolled up its sleeves. We will keep our sleeves rolled up. We had to struggle with

13899-431: The ticker and three long years in the breadlines! Nine mad years of mirage and three long years of despair! Powerful influences strive today to restore that kind of government with its doctrine that that Government is best which is most indifferent. For nearly four years you have had an Administration which instead of twirling its thumbs has rolled up its sleeves. We will keep our sleeves rolled up. We had to struggle with

14022-415: The total. The next year, 30 donors provided two-thirds of the funds and the du Ponts' share of the total exceeded 25%. Few continued to contribute after the 1936 elections. During the 1936 campaign, Postmaster General James Farley , FDR's campaign manager, mocked it as the "du Pont Liberty League." In 1940, Pulitzer Prize -winning Washington reporter and later columnist Thomas L. Stokes looked back on

14145-417: The twelve largest cities increased from 1,791,000 votes in the 1932 election to 3,479,000 votes which was the highest for any presidential candidate from 1920 to 1948. Philadelphia and Columbus, Ohio , which had voted for Hoover in the 1932 election, voted for Roosevelt in the 1936 election. Although the majority of black voters had been Republican in the 1932 election Roosevelt won two-thirds of black voters in

14268-417: The twelve largest cities increased from 1,791,000 votes in the 1932 election to 3,479,000 votes which was the highest for any presidential candidate from 1920 to 1948. Philadelphia and Columbus, Ohio , which had voted for Hoover in the 1932 election, voted for Roosevelt in the 1936 election. Although the majority of black voters had been Republican in the 1932 election Roosevelt won two-thirds of black voters in

14391-443: The worker dry in his old age and cast him like an orange rind into the refuse pail." The Republican campaign, not content with the league's declaration of non-partisanship, asked it to "stay aloof from too close alliance with the Landon campaign." FDR's campaign manager used that information as the basis for saying that the league had behaved so badly that it "had to be repudiated by the regular Republican organization," further drawing

14514-432: Was a duPont product, and "you could see right through it!" 1936 United States presidential election Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic Presidential elections were held in the United States on November 3, 1936. In the midst of the Great Depression , incumbent Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt defeated Republican governor Alf Landon of Kansas in

14637-464: Was a question of permanent national policy. In my opinion the emergency of 1933 was a mere excuse ... National economic planning—the term used by this Administration to describe its policy—violates the basic ideals of the American system ... The price of economic planning is the loss of economic freedom . And economic freedom and personal liberty go hand in hand. Franklin Roosevelt's most notable speech in

14760-413: Was a question of permanent national policy. In my opinion the emergency of 1933 was a mere excuse ... National economic planning—the term used by this Administration to describe its policy—violates the basic ideals of the American system ... The price of economic planning is the loss of economic freedom . And economic freedom and personal liberty go hand in hand. Franklin Roosevelt's most notable speech in

14883-446: Was approached by any league official and admitted he got the story from Maguire, a local bond salesman who had no role in the league. Maguire told Congress there was no such plot, and historians are divided on the allegations. Butler would repeat his claims about the plot at paid speeches to left wing groups. Roosevelt's campaign manager accused the Liberty League of being an "ally of the Republican National Committee" which would "squeeze

15006-403: Was assassinated in September 1935. Some historians, including Long biographer T. Harry Williams , contend that Long had never, in fact, intended to run for the presidency in 1936. Instead, he had been plotting with Father Charles Coughlin , a Catholic priest and populist talk radio personality, to run someone else on the soon-to-be-formed "Share Our Wealth" Party ticket. According to Williams,

15129-403: Was assassinated in September 1935. Some historians, including Long biographer T. Harry Williams , contend that Long had never, in fact, intended to run for the presidency in 1936. Instead, he had been plotting with Father Charles Coughlin , a Catholic priest and populist talk radio personality, to run someone else on the soon-to-be-formed "Share Our Wealth" Party ticket. According to Williams,

#511488