Evening star., 1944-07-15
Democratic Politician
Seen Focing Dilemma
Opposition to Wallace Might
Prove Boomerang, Says Writer


Opposition to Wallace Might
Prove Boomerang, Says Writer
By David laurence
The practical politician in the Demo-
cratic party faces terrible dilemma.
Does President Roosevelt really want
Henry Wallace renominated for the vice
presidency? Or is the President just
making gesture 50 as to fulfill the
obligations Of friendship while at the
same time letting the delegates do about
as they please in picking the second man
on the ticket?
Obviously Mr. Roosevelt would have
preferred nonintervention. He has
known for some time that there Is a
revolt on inside the Democratic party
and that the Southern Democrats in
particular are bestirred. Being a good
politician himself, the President would
rather let the rebellious elements blow
of steam, have their own way on one
or two things in the convention and then
hope for harmonious front.
Four years ago Mr.. Roosevelt selected
Henry Wallace as his running mate over
the protests of the regular Democratic
organizations. The leaders could hardly
believe their ears when they were told
that Mr.. Roosevelt really wanted Mr..
Wallace. The wishes of the President
were not too clearly or comprehensively
conveyed and some of the delegates
thought 1t incredible and actually booed
the Presidents choice.
The convention was in the mood to
nominate Paul McNutt just to show its
independence but the former Indiana
Governor got up on the platform and
withdrew his name, pointing out that
ne was oPeying the wishes of the Presi-
Not Organiza tion Man.
During the last four years Mr. Wallace
has not intrenched himself with the
practical politicians of the Democratic
party. He has acquired considerable
support among the labor union leaders
and the left-wingers Of the party, but
he has not achieved popularity among
the organization men. This is not at all
surprising because, after all, Mr.. Wallace
was Republican until few years ago
and did not grow up in the Democratic
ranks. His father was a Republican
member Of the Coolidge cabinet.
There are. of course, many Demo-
Gratis who have served the party faith
fully throughout the years, and would
be good material for the vice presi-
Dental nomination. There is, for in
stance, James F. Byrnes, former Sena-
tor from South Carolina and former
Justice Of the Supreme Court of the
united States. He was a loyal soldier
at the last convention in helping to
draft Mr. Roosevelt. He has been a
faithful servant of the White House
ever since. In fact, he stepped down
from the Supreme Court just to help
the President in his relations with the
Congress. Surely there ought to be
some reward for that kind of self
abnegation
Then there Is Senator Barkley Of Ken.
lucky, majority leader, who has carried
the banner in the Senate through many
legislative disturbance. 1t Is true he
had bit OF tiff a few months ago with
the President but that is not calculated
to harm him politically because there
are some people who would like to
see an independents minded man as the
running mate of the President rather
than just rubber stamp.
Truman Has Strength.
There Is Senator Truman of Missouri.
too, who has reputation inside the
Democratic party now because of his
activities on the Senate Investigating
Committee. There is also Speaker Ray
burn, who has served the party MANY
years, and Paul McNutt, who stood
aside four years ago.
The outcome, however, depends upon
how strongly the President or those
who represent him at the convention
will press for Mr.. Wallace's 1enomina.
ton. Many OF the delegates will hest.
tate to antagonize Mr.. Wallace because
there Is always the remote chance he
may be President. This could happen in
case the hand of fate took Mr.. Roose-
welt from the scene before next Novem.
Der.
In that event. Mr.. WallaSe would be
President at least until next January.
and since the Democratic National
Committee is usually empowered to fill
vacancies on the ticket. it might hap
pen that the Democrats would select
Mr.. Wallace as the presidential norni-
nee, and he might even be elected
President. in which case those who
oppose him now might regret having
gone on record against him.
But unless the President is insistent.
the delegation in Chicago will pick
somebody besides Mr.. Wallace.
Reproduction Rights Reserved)