Evening star., 1940-08-11
Willkie, On Vacation,' Carries
Pre>Campaign Offensive to Foes
Promises an Unorthodox, Lively Fight
When Drive Really Starts.
By J. A. O'Leary,
Star Staff Correspondent,

cIltIuSldStS are approaching UIle DaCGle,
and is one of the evidences that 1910
is going to be an unorthodox campaign
year.
The way the nominee has covered
ground in the last month is in itself
proof that Mr.. WILKES campaign is
not going to follow any hard and fast
pattern of the past. Instead of going
fishing to await the formal visitation
of the Notification Committee to Elwood
on August II, to break the news that
he is the nominee of the Republican
party, Mr.. Willkie already has flown
thousands of miles into several Western
States in the big United Air Lines plane
in which he left Washington July 9.
Quick to Seize Advantage.
Despite lack of experience as a CAM
paigner for public Office, he has shown
acumen in laying the foundation for
campaign issues. For example, he was
quick to seize upon the support given
President Roosevelt's denomination by
big city Democratic machines in Chi
cago, New York and New Jersey. In
this Western country that is likely to
prove potent argument.
Again, he embraced the Hatch "Clean
Politics" Act, directed his campaign ad-
viserS to observe it in spirit as we'll
as letter, and, more recently, he has
promised the farmers that he will not
upset the present farm program unless
better one can be worked out.
On - 1.
has withheld comment for the present
compulsory military training-but has
indicated he will discuss the subject of
national defense in his Elwood speech.
Without revealing the high lights Of
his acceptance speech, he has managed
adroitly to keep his cause before the
public during this lull before the battle
and, whenever possible, he does it in a
way designed to put the administration
on the defensive
Most candidates for Office, when they
are attacked by the opposition, like to
weigh their answers carefully and pom
der their effects. This is one of the
points on which Mr. Willkie differs from
the career politicians. He tries to get
his answer out before the ink is dry
on the enemy's statement.
Takes Hike Every Morning.
Although he has seen many callers
in his hotel apartment, Mr.. Willkie mas
not made himself conspicuous in the
lobbies or about the grounds. Before
the tourists begin to stir about in the
morning Mr.. Willkie goes out at 6 am
and hikes two or three miles before
breakfast. Then he settles down to
day of work, polishing up his acceptance
speech, comforting with men from sur
rounding States, answering mail and
keeping in touch with party leaders by
telephone.
Mrs. Willkie has accompanied him on
most of his public appearances in
nearby States, but never forces herself
into the limelight. When the presiding
officer introduces her at a luncheon
or other gathering she bows graciously,
smiles and sits down.
In visiting rodeos and other public
gatherings since he came West, Mr..
Willkie has shaken hands with hun
dreds of men, women and children who
turned out to see him, yet he has not
turned to other customary devices of
seasoned campaigners.
Thus far he has not gone in for kissing
babies. Neither has he submitted to
staged photographs. He will stand pa
tiently for cameramen to snap pictures
while he talks, or waves good-by, but
he has avoided donning cowboy hats
or other make-believe regalia.
Still Has Midwest Touch.
Although he rose to prominence in
the business world in New York, Wendell
Willkie has not lost touch with the Mid
west in which he grew up, and he re-
minds the crowds he meets that he
knows their daily problems.
Within few days he will head back
toward Indiana for the first major
event in the campaign-the acceptance
speech-but, for all practical purposes,
his campaign already is several weeks
old.
In ElWood a crowd of more than
100000 is expected to gather to witness
once more the old familiar drama Of
the local boy who made good. For Mr..
Willkie left Elwood, after his return
from the World War, as young lawyer
just getting start.
If Wendell Wilkes month in the
West has been a vacation, political OBJ
servers are wondering how fast a pace
he will set for the Democratic ticket
when he settles down to work.