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Dropping the Mask
When Kefauver appeared in costume on a silly game show, journalists claimed he was debasing politics. But their real worry was about the growing influence of TV.
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The Bosses Know Best
The Democrats ignored the people’s preference for Kefauver in 1952. A national columnist tried to prove it was justified… but just proved how weak party leaders’ case was.
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I Can’t See Clearly Now
Kefauver believed that the people should have the power in America, and he backed his words with actions. Voters got it. Why didn’t reporters?
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California, Rest In Peace
Democratic leaders in the Golden State tried to lock up the 1956 nomination months before the primaries even started. But Kefauver wouldn’t go down without a fight.
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Legen-dairy: Kefauver’s Wisconsin Connection
Kefauver and the Badger State understood each other. In 1957, long shot Bill Proxmire stunned the world and reached the Senate using Kefauver’s playbook – with Kefauver’s help.
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A Small Speech With a Big Message
Most politicians wouldn’t turn a speech about dedicating a small-town hospital into an object lesson in democratic participation, or tie the hospital to the Cold War. Estes Kefauver wasn’t most politicians.
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Commissioner Kefauver?
In 1951, Kefauver wrote an article offering suggestions for improving baseball – by applying his political philosophy to the national pastime.
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What Kefauver Wouldn’t Do
Kefauver’s 1952 campaign had a lot of passion, but it wasn’t enough to get the nomination. A look at his effort in New Mexico explains why.
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A Complicated Heritage
For two decades, the American Heritage Foundation preached the importance of community and civic engagement. Their message was valuable, but it missed something important… something that Kefauver understood.
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Rage Against the Machine
Wayne Morse and Estes Kefauver were both principled liberals who took plenty of lonely stands. But their approaches to politics couldn’t have been more different.
