Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1944-06-08
POLITICAL
u ARA1DE
-ByG.R.
Brown

WASHINGTON June "ke-
W publican campaign leaders
suddenly have come to realize
that the defeat of President
Roosevelt for a fourth term is
going to be an uphill fight from
now on to the November cleo
tons.
The optimism that prevailed
in January. when the last meet
ing of the national committee
was held in Chicago. has been
superseded largely by a grim
appreciation of stern realities.
Not all Republican leaders be-
lieved five months ago that "a
Chinaman could be elected" this
year. Indeed, only a few of
them rode their hopes on such a
fleecy cloud.
Now all are aware that prob
ably the hardest campaign i'm
the history OF the party lies be-
fore il.
These more or less pessimistic
views have been confirmed by
this writer on a political survey
covering more than 30 states.
The Republican position UNI
doubtedly has deteriorated dur
ing the past five months.
This is true. for example, in
two OF the border states, which
In February-admittedly when
the Roosevelt fortunes were at
the lowest ebb in this campaign
year 49, seemed certain to move
into the Republican column.
THESE states are Oklahoma
L and West Virginia. In both
Mr.. Roosevelt now has a fight
ing chance.
Several things have con-
tributed to the current Repub-
lican slump"
One of these is the tension
over the invasion OF Europe.
Another is the Improvement in
the situation in Italy. still fur.
Their increased by the fall oil
Rome. In February the Italian
campaign was disheartening.
Still another factor is the in
evitable let-down following Re.
publican successes last Novem-
her in New York, New Jersey
and Kentucky, and in strong
congressional district in Phila-
delphia.
High elatlon followed those
party gains. but the memory of
them has faded. and perhaps
the significance Of them has
been unduly minimized. as time
has gone on.
One phenomenon encountered
by this observer is the curious
fact that there seems 10 he
less outward manifestation Of
popular resentment over the
fourth term than there was
over the third term.
Many people have become
cynical. There is spirit of de-
featism even among the most
outspoken critics of the New
Deal. There is feeling that
the champ" can't be beaten,
MANY Republicans have been
ANA encountered who have told
this writer that they Will vote
for Roosevelt this year-for the
first time-because they have a
son. or brother. under arms.
II is no valid reason. but the
argument. If il can be called
an argument. appeals 10 GER
tain individuals OF the emo
tional type.
There is a feeling among the
people that the Republican party
has failed to produce a leader
ship in Congress commensurate
with the crisis which confronts
the country.
Now that the invasion Of Eu-
rope is under way. Mr.. Roose-
welt takes the center of the
stage. BY radio. statements and
prayer. he makes a tremendous
emotional appeal to the people.
Most every family with boy
in the army hangs upon his
slightest word.
The current Republican slump
however is by no means re-
markable. Political hopes ebb
and flow throughout presiden-
tial campaign. All parties have
their ups and downs.
The moral for the Republican
party is that il must organize
down TO the precincts; that il
must take nothing for granted:
that it must put forth every
exertion. and every move must
be an intelligent one.
1t is a task calling for genius
Of a high order.
Copyright. 1874. by United Features synd