The 1944 Democratic Convention:
If we define an American fascist as one who in case of conflict puts money and power ahead of human beings, then there are undoubtedly several million fascists in the United States. There are probably several hundred thousand if we narrow the definition to include only those who in their search for money and power are ruthless and deceitful. ... They are patriotic in time of war because it is to their interest to be so, but in time of peace they follow power and the dollar wherever they may lead.
-Henry A. Wallacet
July 3, 1944: The President was in bad health and many party insiders didn't know if he could serve the entirety of his 4th term. He was more sick than ever. In Tehran, he suffered bronchitis and his attacks were happening more than usual. Many even suspected the man could have cancer. The stress of leading a nation at war, rehabilitating a depressed economy and a two pack a day cigarette habit had turned his heart into a time bomb. It wasn’t a question of “if”, but “when” FDR would succumb to a major stroke.
They were afraid of the man that could replace him. The current Vice-President, Henry Wallace. He was a staunch Progressive, further left than the President. They thought the man had crazy ideas. A scientist farmer, and capable administrator, Wallace revolutionized American farming as the Secretary of Agriculture. He spearheaded the New Deal’s most revolutionary and innovative programs, fought concentrations of power, and transformed the Federal Government into a leading incubator of scientific research. He spoke openly about the need to end racial segregation, the benefits of international cooperation, and the importance of economic development. The party bosses were afraid that if he became President that the southern faction of the Democratic Party would leave, fracturing it for decades. He was a New Dealer, if not further left. The bosses had a different idea. They did not support the insane socialist, but they backed someone else, anyone else. They did not care who. The group who was anti-Wallace were supported by the bankers and industrialist, the wealthy and conservative factions of the Democratic Party. The group consisted of
Edwin W. Pauley, treasurer of the DNC,
Robert E. Hannegan, Democratic national chairman,
Frank chairman; Frank C. Walker, Postmaster General; George E. Allen, the Democratic party secretary; and
Edward J. Flynn, political boss of New York. They met with the President.
"I recommended James A. Byrnes," Hannegan states.
"No." Roosevelt said. "The Negroes and Labor cannot support him."
"How about Truman?" Pauley asked.
"Truman is too isolationist." countered Roosevelt. "Wallace is my man."
Hannegan replied, "No, Wallace is a fat-head. He's too left. He'll lose us the South for God's sake!"
Roosevelt, now irritated, blurts out, "The man is the closest to me than any one else. I'm not endorsing anyone else. I won with him last time and will win again. He helped me passes the New Deal and if I pass on, he's the man that will continue my legacy."
Pauley replied, "Well, we ain't supporting Wallace that's for sure."
Roosevelt says, "Well you all got to prepare for a battle, that's for sure."
Roosevelt himself was an obstacle to this as he had come to see himself as "irreplaceable," Ferrell writes, and "refused to consider the possibility he might die" and considered his choice of running mate inconsequential in comparison to other pressing issues, such as World War Two.
July 11, 1944:
Dear Bob [Hannegan]:
You have written me about Harry Truman and Bill Douglas. I should, of course, be not running with either of them and believe that both of them won't bring real strength to the ticket. Thank you for your offers.
Always Sincerely, Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt had chosen to support Wallace for the ticket. Of course, that was if the party chose to support him. There was a real chance that the party bosses could try to get the delegates to support Truman or Douglas or someone else to get the ticket. A Gallop poll showed Wallace was overwhelming backed by Democratic voters, with over 76% of voters backing him over the second highest, Byrnes, a conservative, with 12%, and Truman, a moderate, with 5% support. At 10:00 A.M CST, Roosevelt won the presidential nomination. The southern Democrats tried to support Harry F. Bird Sr., who did not try to actively run, but he only 7% of the ballots and was crushed in a landslide by Roosevelt, who won with 92% of the ballots. Roosevelt gave his acceptance speech. He spoke on the war, supporting the end of the war, and how the Americans will help reconstruction and he would create a lasting peace on this planet. The vote for the vice president, however was a dirty one, taking three ballots. It looked like Truman would pull through, thanks to anti-Wallace propaganda and the entire blocks of states and voters voting against Wallace. But then everything changed. Before the 3rd ballots were cast Roosevelt gave a speech.
"I urge you to vote on what the people want. We want a fighter. We want a smart man to lead them. We need a Progressive to be the Vice President! They need someone to help me carry out my policies and be a fighter for the rights of the common man. We do not need a moderate to lead them. We do not need a party loyalist to become our Vice President! We must support the people's choice for Vice President! Wallace is overwhelmingly backed by the Democratic voters. Truman is backed by the anti-New Deal faction, who do not care about the American people. I urge all of you to submit your ballot for this man for Vice President. He is a fighter and will carry out my legacy better than anyone else. Vote for Wallace!
With the regrouping starting, Wallace was emerging as the President's choice and Democrat's nominee for Vice President.
Vice-Presidential vote:
And just like that, George Wallace became Vice-President.
At the DNC:
A man states, "A man, who in writing, Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, 'If I were a delegate to this convention I would vote for Henry A. Wallace.'
Chants (We want Wallace! We want Wallace!)
Hannegan starts speaking "Of there being 1175 qualifying votes, of which Henry A. Wallace has received a majority, I do declare him be the nominee of the Democratic Party as Vice President and the next Vice President of the United States.
Wallace goes on the stage.
He starts his speech, "As the sitting Vice President of the United States of America I will fight for all of you under the leadership of our great leader Franklin Delano Roosevelt! I will be a fighter for our values as the Democratic Party and I accept the nomination. Thank you."
(Cheers break out)
