LIFE AFTER THE WHITE HOUSE, PART V

Top 2. Mar 17, 2001 5:10 PM

» Mugwump53 - Hoover Boomlet

I never heard anything about any credible Hoover boomlet at the 1940 convention. For almost the entire nomination campaign, it was a three-way race between Distruct Attorney Thomas Dewey, Senator Robert Taft and Wendell Willkie.

Dewey led on the first ballot, followed by Taft, with Willkie in third place. Willkie took the lead on the fourth ballot, and won on the sixth ballot. At no time was Hoover a contender.

Hoover may have been mentioned by a few die-hard conservatives, but was never a serious candidate. The GOP had just lost by a record landslide in 1936, and were not about to nominate the only person ever to lose a greater margin before then. They were looking for someone dynamic, and that was not Hoover's strong suit.

Hoover was very active in speaking out on issues, and as the article said, disagreed with Roosevelt on many things. But he was never again a candidate for office. I will check further for actual convention voting and get back to you.

Hoover is a fascinating subject. His long life after his Presidency allowed him the opportunity to be politically "rehabilitated" and the chance to be of further valuable service to his country.

-- posted by Mugwump53

Top 3. Mar 26, 2001 1:20 PM

» ossining - Re: Hoover Boomlet

In response to message posted by Mugwump53:

Hello!
I have another question to ask you. Thinking about the 1940 campaign, I remember reading a biography of Wendell Willkie that reported that he was, let's say, less than faithful in his marital relations. From what I read, FDR knew about his GOP opponent's indiscretions, but did not reveal them(probably for fear of opening up his OWN can of worms, i.e. Lucy Mercer Rutherford, etc...). What do you know about Wendell Willkie and his private life?
Interesting footnote to the 1940 campaign...both the GOP candidates for President and Vice-President (Willkie and Charles Linza McNary) were dead within the four years of the term they were seeking office to (1941-1945).

-- posted by ossining

Top 4. Mar 26, 2001 5:02 PM

» Mugwump53 - Dirt

I remember reading somewhere (but I can't remember where at the moment) that democratic politicos told FDR they had some dirt on Willkie. He said for them to put it away and never use it. He said the republicans could have a monopoly on the dirt in the campaign.

That may or may not have been because FDR lived in a glass house, and so refused to throw stones. But another reason might be because he genuinely liked Willkie, a fact which many people around FDR documented over the years. Also,FDR knew he would win the election, and so could afford to take the high road and look presidential.

As to Willkie and McNary dying before the end of the term for which they were running, that was the subject of the last trivia question here, Election Trivia.

Interesting questions, as always. Thanks.

-- posted by Mugwump53