Tag: averell harriman
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Commies for Kefauver?
During the 1956 campaign, the Communists published a report that appeared to endorse the Democrats, and Kefauver in particular. it caused a stir… but why didn’t it dominate the campaign?
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Power of the Press: Drew Pearson’s Campaigns for Kefauver
Kefauver had a lot of challenges in his runs for President, but he had the most powerful political columnist in America on his side. How far did the columnist go to help Kefauver win, and why wasn’t he ultimately able to get it done?
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To Run or Not to Run: Kefauver’s Candid Campaign Thoughts
Kefauver’s 1956 Presidential run seemed like a sure thing. But did he come close to sitting it out? He shared his honest thoughts on the challenges of campaigning with a pair of national political columnists.
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Speak Loudly and Fly a Big Plane: The GOP “Truth Squad” and the 1956 Election
In 1956, Republicans pioneered a new form of “rapid response” campaigning that combined jet planes, TVs, and other cutting-edge technology. Was it a political innovation – or a clever distraction?
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Anybody But Estes: Truman’s Biggest Mistake?
Harry Truman was looking for a successor… as long as it was anyone but Estes Kefauver. Did Truman let a personal grudge cost the Democrats their best shot at beating Ike and extending Truman’s legacy?
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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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Was Jimmy Carter Kefauver 2.0?
Southern outsiders battling the party establishment: was Carter running Kefauver’s playbook? One columnist saw the similarities, but missed the key reason why Carter succeeded where Kefauver failed.
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Campaign 1956, Part 2: “He Just Can’t Stop”
Kefauver lost the nomination, but he won a consolation prize: Stevenson’s VP nomination. Their campaign started with a ray of hope… that turned out to be the headlight of Ike’s oncoming train.
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Campaign 1956, Part 1: If At First You Don’t Succeed…
Undaunted by his loss in 1952, Kefauver tried for the Presidency a second time. This time, though, he’d have company in the primaries. Adlai Stevenson was taking it to the streets.
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Campaign 1952: The Rise – and Fall – of “Senator Legend”
Riding a wave of popularity from the televised crime hearings, a young Kefauver – still in his first term as a Senator – decided to run for President. His popularity carried him a long way… but, as it turned out, not long enough.
Estes Kefauver for President 