Category: Campaign 1952
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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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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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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.
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A Fork in the Democratic Road
After Ike’s big win in 1952, Estes Kefauver and Hubert Humphrey had ideas for what the Democrats should do. They sought the same destination, but had very different routes to get there.
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Reckoning With Russell
Richard Russell was considered one of the great Senators of all time. He also led the Southern resistance to civil rights. How should he be remembered?
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Support Your Local Sheriff!
The crime hearings earned Kefauver a reputation as a racket-buster. But that reputation obscured what he really tried to accomplish.
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Portrait of a Lady
Lady Bird Johnson wasn’t just Lyndon’s wife – she was a key political adviser and an astute observer. Her comments about Kefauver show that she understood his immense political gifts – and what held him back.
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Sing Along With Keef, Part 5: “The Man From Tennessee”
In 1952, an obscure North Carolina songwriter tried to launch himself to fame by writing a Kefauver campaign song. The song hit the big time… but the songwriter didn’t.
