The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1940-08-08
Economic
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which some nine out of ten delegates
are pledged to one man-and in which
that mans word is law That was
the case with the Democratic conven-
ton, which ran absolutely true to an
ticipated form. 1t took up several
days and a good many hundreds of
thousands of words were spoken, but
all the essential business at hand
could have been concluded in half an
hour. From the word "go," there was
no question whatsoever but that most
of the delegates would cast their votes
for Mr.. Roosevelt. Other candidates
were nominated, and received a scat
tering Of favorite son votes, but this
was simply window dressing.
In the opinion of cynical and ex-
perienced newsmen, this was one of
the dullest conventions on record. 1t
was poorly attended, and during some
sessions delegates left the floor in
droves or openly slept in their seats.
There was no enthusiasm shown at all,
until Senator Barkley mentioned the
Presidents name in his long keynote
address. Then there was a thirty
minute ovation, and managers had a
hard time restoring order so Barkley
could go on. His announcement, fol-
lowing his speech, of the PRESIDENT s
position on the third term was some
thing of a dud. There had been a
leak somewhere, the rumors of what
would be said were printed and broad
cast hours ahead of the actual an
nouncement. The rumors proved 100
per cent accurate-the President said
he did not seek another term, but in
timated he was willing to accept a
draft. The way the stage was set,
there can be little question but what
he would have been drafted whether
he was willing or not. Democratic
big-shots consider the Willkie- McNary
ticket one of the strongest in Repub-
lican history, and feel that only Mr..
Roosevelt is good enough candidate
to send into the lists.
The Democratic platform, like the
Republican, is small potatoes. Both
are full Of weasel words, and evade
the issues whenever possible, but Mr..
Willkie and Mr.. Roosevelt can be
trusted to clarity their positions.
This convention, however, will be
remembered in history for one thing
for the first time the "unwritten law"
opposing the third term was violated
And one of the big questions of the
moment is just how much faith in that
tradition the American people have.
Polls indicate that fairly substantial
minority of the voters believe, as a
general principle, that two terms are
sufficient for anyone. "Walkouts"
within the party have already started.
These "walkouts" are partly due to
anti-third term .sentiment-but more
to the conservatfve wings dislike for
Roosevelt policies.
The nomination of Secretary Wall
ace for vice-President was, curiously
enough, Indirectly dictated by the
Republicans. Senator McNary's prin-
ciple strength as a vote-puller is in
the agricultural areas, and the Presi-
dent thought it necessary to have a
running mate who would appeal to
the farmer. At the same time, Mr..
Wallace, though he is personally pop
ular, is poison in some states, where
New Deal farm policies are heartily
disliked.
SO brilliant, colorful Mr.. Willkie is
pitted against brilliant, colorful Mr..
Roosevelt. This should be one of the
most vivid campaigns in history-no
two men in decades have exerted so
powerful a hold on the imaginations
of the people. Mr.. Willkie will prob
ably make long swing around the
country, touching the little towns as
we'll as the cities. Mr.. Roosevelt, ac-
cording to his own announcement, will
conduct "portico campaign"-that
is, he will stay in the White House
and make radio speeches, instead of
canvassing The country in person. Mr..
Wallace will probably do considerable
speaking. Senator McNary has said
he plans to do relatively little cam
paigning.
Who will win? Watch the polls for
an indication. The excerpts now think
it may be one of the closest cam
paigns in history.
THE SIGN OF THE WHITE CANE