"FIGHTING BOB" LA FOLLETTE, PART II

» Tina_Coruth - Wow!

This is a fascinating series! As you said, La Follette would not have made a good president. Yet, I think the politicians who take stands counter to the popular ones of the day have often served as a counter-balance, which in my mind is a healthy thing for our government!

I am astounded that the people of Wisconsin would go from La Follette to McCarthy! Wow! I don't know much about McCarthy before he got to the senate. Perhaps the people of Wisconsin didn't know how extreme he was? Even so, that was quite a leap!

As always, thank you for a fascinating and very informative article. I always come away learning something new!

Happy New Year!!
Tina

-- posted by Tina_Coruth

» Mugwump53 - Re: Wow!

You are so right, Tina. The few who stand up for what they believe, while not always being the best team players, are certainly important to our republic. They may not make the best presidential material, but I hope we always have some of them in the legislature.

I did not realize until I researchewd this article who it was that McCarthy defeated to get his senate seat. As I said in the article, it is hard to believe that independent, progressive Wisconsin dumped La Follette, Jr. for McCarthy. Talk about going from one end of the political spectrum to the other!

McCarthy, before his election to the senate, had been an elected state judge before and after World War II. He had tried for the Republican senate nomination in 1944 and lost. He won the nomination and the election in 1946. I don't think anyone knew how he would turn out, but remember, they knew how extreme he was by the time they re-elected him in 1952. Still, hard to believe, isn't it?

Thanks for your reactions. always glad to see you post here. Have a very happy new year.

-- posted by Mugwump53