Category: Campaign 1948
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Electoral College Dropout, Part 5: Kefauver’s Southern Strategy
In 1948, disaffected Southerners tried to hijack the Electoral College because they felt that their region was getting ignored by the national parties. Kefauver sympathized with their complaints… but he felt there was a better way.
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Thank God I’m A Country Boy: Kefauver’s Musical Connection
Throughout his career, Estes Kefauver used country music to connect with people and promote his campaigns. Like Kefauver himself, it may not have impressed the powerful, but it hit home with regular people.
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India Edwards: Forgotten Political Trailblazer
India Edwards should be an icon: female DNC vice chair, H, 1952 VP candidate, convinced Truman to appoint numerous women. Why is her story so little remembered?
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Estes Kefauver: Not an Organization Man
Kefauver was a principled politician, which cause stumbling blocks for his ambitions. In particular, his refusal to build a political organization made his campaigns harder than they had to be… and may have been hazardous to his health.
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Kefauver: Tabbed for “Bigger Things” from the Beginning?
Think Kefauver’s rise from freshman Senator in ’48 to Presidential candidate in ’52 was really quick? Turns out he was being talked up for national office even earlier… as in immediately.
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Campaign 1948: Kefauver Beats the Machine and Enters the Senate
Let’s go back to where it all began. In Estes Kefauver’s first campaign for the Senate, he took down a powerful political machine, earned the national spotlight… and gained a symbol that stuck with him.
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The Story of the Coonskin Cap
The coonskin cap was a symbol for Estes Kefauver throughout his political career. Why? Hint: It had nothing to do with Davy Crockett.
Estes Kefauver for President 