Evening star., 1952-03-23
The Democratic Party Dilemma

The contradictory political statements and
uncertain behavior which are marking the
Democratic Party command of President Truman
these days hardly indicate state OF harmony
and carefully -thought-out intent.
The predominant riddle, of course is whether
or not Mr.. Truman intends to seek denomination.
If Mr.. Truman has decided this question he has
not yet made his decision known generally and
there have been clear indications he has not
made it known to party leutenants and asso-
ciates. When National Chairman Mckinney
emerged from Key West conference with the
President few days ago he told reporters that
a settlement of the Korean war would lessen the
chances of Mr. Truman'S running again. The
implication was that the President had not made
the decision, but that he was leaning toward
retirement. The chairman expressed the hope
that the Presidents decision would be made
known prior to party conference in Chicago
on May Is. He went further to say that If Mr..
Truman did not run the President would not
attempt to dictate the choice Of his successor.
Two days later Mr.. Truman fatty contra
dicted Mr. McKinney's statement that the
Korean situation would be controlling factor
in the political decision. At the same time he
gave no support to the chairman's hope that
the Anal word would be passed down by May
Is or that he would leave choice Of successor
fully to the party convention in July. Senator
Anderson of New Mexico, former cabinet
member, interpreted the Presidents remarks to
mean he does intend to seek reelection. Mr..
McKinney's Interpretation has not been obtained,
but it would seem on the surface that the Presi-
dents reputation of the party chairman'S re-
marks hardly can add to harmony and smoothly
effective operation within the top command.
Mr.. Trumans attitude toward the State
primaries likewise has been difficult for public
or disconcerting to the party leadership. After
tossing broadside at all primaries as "eyewash,"
the President yielded. to the persuasion OF Mr..
Mckinney and others to enter the New Hamp-
shire race. His defeat by Senator Kefauver
was q surprise to most, even though he indi-
Gated it was neither surprising nor annoying
to him.
Meanwhile he had allowed his name to be
entered in the Democratic primary In California,
where he would have been pitted again against
Senator Kefauver with voting scheduled for June
8. While MIR. Mckinney was in Key West, and
obviously on direct orders from Mr.. Truman, he
sent an abrupt telegram to the California spon-
sors to withdraw the Presidents name.
on several occasions, Mr.. Truman has
SPOKEN highly OF Governor Stevenson Of Illinois.
leading to the inference that he might be fa-
voring the Governor as his successor. He ap-
proved entry by Senator Humphrey In the
Minnesota primary, and State organization that
has always been regular" In Its support Of the
President is now reported backing oklahomas
Senator Kerr in the Nebraska contest slated for
April /. These facts lead to . conclusion that
the President wishes scattering OF candidates
to come to the convention In command Of dele
cations which they could swing to him. II he
wishes to run, or to candidate of his choosing.
Mr.. Truman has demonstrates In the past
that he Is highly skilled in the arena Of prac-
tical politics His maneuyering In recent days
and weeks may be further demonstration OF
that skin but it is not now obvious to observers.