Harry S. Truman 1948 presidential campaign (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
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This article is about Harry S. Truman's 1948 campaign, arguably the most under-rated presidential campaign in American history. By various accounts, Truman was a fine man, who was nominated for vice-presidency by Franklin D. Roosevelt for his fourth term. Just 82 days after being inaugurated for his unprecedented fourth term, Roosevelt died. Truman ascended to the presidency, explaining the burden of the presidency as "the moon, the stars, and all the planets had fallen on [him]." In 1948, he tried to "earn" a term in his own right, but almost all predicted a victory of his opponent—the young and charismatic Governor of New York, Thomas E. Dewey. Various Democratic Party bosses wanted General Dwight D. Eisenhower (considered the most popular man in America) to run, and drafted him. Due to his unpopularity, Truman even agreed to run as Eisenhower's running mate! Eisenhower declined. Truman had to face division withing his own party; two new parties were formed by influential Democratic leaders challenging Truman in the election. Truman campaigned around 22,000 miles, gave 352 speeches, and traveled almost the entire nation (except deep south). Almost all polls predicted a "landslide" for Dewey. Elmo Roper discontinued polling way before election, saying "My whole inclination is to predict the election of Thomas E. Dewey by a heavy margin and devote my time and efforts to other things." The top 50 political writers were asked their opinion about the election. All predicted a victory for Dewey. On the election day, Chicago Tribune printed the headline "DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN", boldly anticipating a victory for him. Truman won! He won by a margin of over 2 million popular votes. Truman's picture, holding the erroneous headline of Chicago Tribune has been described as "greatest photograph ever made of a politician celebrating victory".
This article was copy-edited by @Twofingered Typist, reviewed for GA by @Maile66, and peer reviewed by @Hog Farm and @DanCherek. Any constructive feedback is more than welcomed. – Kavyansh.Singh (talk) 12:23, 18 October 2021 (UTC)
((PD-US-no notice)) should also apply.((PD-US-no notice)). Truman Library claims it to be in PD. – Kavyansh.Singh (talk) 13:44, 18 October 2021 (UTC)((PD-US-not renewed)). Does that help? – Kavyansh.Singh (talk) 04:06, 20 October 2021 (UTC)
((PD-US-no notice)). Is it fine? Also, Berryman (the author) died in 1949, i.e. more than 70 years ago, so it is surely in the PD anyways. And I guess, rest all the image licencing concerns are resolved. – Kavyansh.Singh (talk) 07:27, 21 October 2021 (UTC)
@Nikkimaria – Replies above. – Kavyansh.Singh (talk) 13:44, 18 October 2021 (UTC)
As you probably know from Daisy, I am very inexperienced/naive in the field of politics and probably will screw something up.
In 1948, Harry S. Truman and Alben W. Barkley were— who are they and why do they warrant a mention?[just kidding]
and former vice president under— per MOS:PERSONOROFFICE, I think "former" can be removed
and urged former Chief of Staff of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower to— WP:SOB?
wanted Supreme Court Associate Justice William O. Douglas to— same as above
however, Douglas declined, claiming a lack→ Douglas, however, declined, claiming a lack (MOS:HOWEVER)
and impressed Truman. Truman selected— repetition of Truman
received some notable endorsements— WP:EDITORIALISING
Initially leading in the popular vote, Truman defeated Dewey— given what the rest of the sentence says, I believe this is referring to Dewey leading the popular vote. Though I'm not that well-versed in grammar, I think this makes it grammatically as the verb in the dependent clause at the start (i.e. leading) is tied to the noun of the next phrase (i.e. Truman); if Dewey led, I would revise it to: "Initially leading in the popular vote, Dewey lost to Truman", or "Initially losing in the popular vote, Truman defeated Dewey", etc.
By July 1918, became commander— missing word
Roosevelt believed that Roosevelt might not live— "he" (for the latter "Roosevelt") seems fine in this case as this (probably) could not refer to Truman or another man
The incumbent Vice President Henry A. Wallace was viewed as too far to the left and too friendly to the labor by most of Roosevelt's advisors.→ Most of Roosevelt's advisors viewed the incumbent Vice President, Henry A. Wallace, as too far to the left and too friendly to the labor.
Though he showed little interest in being the vice president, the 1944 Democratic National Convention chose him— I think this is another grammatical error as the beginning bit (i.e. Though he showed little interest) is linked to the 1944 Democratic National Convention. Might need rewording
nominee of Eisenhower, if Eisenhower so desired— repetition of Eisenhower
four possible Republican nominees including Dewey— to my knowledge, "include" means as part of a whole. Since all four are listed, however, I would replace "including" with a colon or something
"Americans in 1948 had to render [...] conventions really mattered."— per MOS:BQ, blockquotes should not have quotation marks
initial choice was Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas.— WP:SOB
That brings me to #Democratic convention... Pamzeis (talk) 06:32, 25 October 2021 (UTC)