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Never A Question
Kefauver spent twenty years trying to pass his signature political reform proposal. It was a good idea that convinced a lot of people – just not the ones he needed.
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A Real Ladies’ Man
Estes Kefauver took women seriously – as voters and as campaign workers. In his time, that was rarer that it seemed.
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When the Dam Breaks
When the Eisenhower administration tried to kill a public power project, Kefauver fought back with hearings that exposed a giveaway to private industry. He couldn’t save the dam, but won a different victory.
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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.
