Death of A Statesman

[DKrol]

Presidents Of the United States
John N. Garner, IV/Vacant (1933-1937)
John N. Garner, IV/Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. (1937-1941)
Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr./Sherman Minton (1941-1945)
Wendell Willkie/Joseph W. Martin, Jr. (1945-1947)
Wendell Willkie/Earl Warren (1949-1950)
Earl Warren/Wayne Morse (1950-)


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President-Elect Franklin D. Roosevelt Shot In Florida

New York Times, Afternoon Edition - February 15, 1933

    News is breaking from Miami, Florida. It is reported that President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt has been shot by an Italian immigrant and possible Communist, Giuseppe Zangara. Mr. Zangara fired three shots, from a pistol he purchased at a local pawn shop, and hit Mr. Roosevelt twice. The third bullet stuck Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak, of Chicago, in the head. Mr. Cermak is believe to be dead. Mr. Roosevelt was rushed to the local hospital by ambulance as Mr. Zangara was wrestled to the ground and taken into custody by Miami police. The Hospital Mr. Roosevelt was taken to, Jackson Memorial Hospital, has not released a statement on the President-elect’s condition but President Herbert Hoover wished Mr. Roosevelt “a speed recovery”.

Hospital Confirms Roosevelt Shot in Chest

New York Times, Special Edition - February 15, 1933

    A spokesman for Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami Florida, Mr. Harold J. Neumann, confirmed just hours ago that President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt was taken to Jackson Memorial. Mr. Neumann also confirmed that Mr. Roosevelt has been struck by one bullet in her right shoulder and a second bullet in his abdomen. While Mr. Neumann did not give any clues as to Mr. Roosevelts condition, our personal medical correspondent, Dr. Daniel Parker, said that Mr. Roosevelt does not “appear to be heading towards recovery”. Dr. Parker, a trauma physician, told us that cases similar to this rarely result in a recovery. Without any official word from Jackson Memorial, we can only pray that Mr. Roosevelt has a speedy and full recovery.


Roosevelt’s Condition Failing, Hospital Announces

New York Times, Morning Edition - February 16, 1933

    Mr. Harold J. Neumann, a spokesman for Jackson Memorial Hospital, gave his first official statement on the condition of President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt. “Mr. Roosevelt is in critical condition,” Mr. Neumann said “Our doctors have been working without halt to remove the bullet from Mr. Roosevelt’s right breast. He has not improved in state since arriving at our hospital.” Our medical correspondent, Dr. Daniel Parker, tells us that this is leading to the possibility that an infection may arise near Mr. Roosevelt’s heart. “It would be very common for an infection to arrive from such a procedure, and an infection is such a delicate area is likely fatal.” An unconfirmed report, from a reputable source, says that Mr. Roosevelt has been issued the Last Rites of the Episcopal Church.

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Well, this is my new timeline, succeeding "Camelot Rises." What do you guys think of the premise?

[badgate]

I'm very excited to follow this. This certainly isn't a point of divergence I'd have thought of. How the hell does America get through the next decade? Please continue

[Dancing with Myself]

Please continue! Got great potential!

[LeBron]

Wow! This caught my attention. I'm interested to see if FDR will actually be able to make it through it but in the event that he's not, what a Garner Presidency would look like during the Great Depression.

[Lumine]

Great start! I can already see Huey Long creating another long term scheme to end up in the White House...

[DKrol]

Roosevelt Dies in Miami

New York Times, Special Edition - February 21, 1933

   President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt has died, Jackson Memorial Hospital has announced. Mr. Harold J. Neumann, a spokesman for the hospital who has been keeping the public up to date with Mr. Roosevelt’s condition, announced this afternoon that Mr. Roosevelt had passed away. “The patient passed early this morning, surrounded by his wife and children.” The hospital declared the cause of death was an infection of the heart lining, caused by two failed surgeries to remove the bullets her was shot with. His death comes 6 days after Mr. Roosevelt was shot in Miami by Italian immigrant Giuseppe Zangara. President Herbert Hoover extended his condolences to Mrs. Roosevelt and invited Vice President-elect John Nance Garner IV to the White House to discuss the new transition. The Supreme Court has met in an emergency session to determine who will be inaugurated on Match the 4th.

Garner Prepares for Inauguration

Washington Post, Morning Edition - February 25, 1933

    Vice President-elect John Nance Garner IV received a good piece of news yesterday evening. The Supreme Court, in a 8-1 decision, declared that the Vice President-elect, “having received the vote of a majority of eligible Americans”, should take the oath as President, should the President-elect “fall unable to assume the office”. In a statement, Mr. Garner said that he was “willing and able” to assume the Office of President of the United States. As to the issue of a Vice President Mr. Garner said that “the highest law of the land gives me no ability to appoint a man” to the Vice Presidency. A source within Mr. Garner’s office tells us that the Vice President-elect has begun to assemble his cabinet. Many expect Mr. Garner to follow through with many of the late Mr. Roosevelt's choices.

Garner Sworn In, Hopes Surge

Washington Post, Evening Edition - March 4, 1933

    After a very shaky month of February, with the death of President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt, the questions of who would take office, and the plummeting of the New York Stock Exchange, Americans felt hope for the first time in many years. Speaker of the House of Representatives John Nance Garner IV of Texas was sworn in as the 32nd President by Chief Justice Charles E. Hughes and he promised to bring an end to the “bad policies” of the last four years. “I stand before you today not as a politician,” Mr. Garner said “But as an American. I ask you to give me your confidence, your trust, and your hope. The task before us, as a nation, is not easy - it is quite hard. But we will overcome, we will persevere, and we will flourish.” The address was broadcast across the country by radio waves, as well as being reprinted in newspapers coast to coast. Speaking to people on the street, who had heard Mr. Garner’s speech, some 42% feel that “there is a chance” that the depression will end soon. This is the highest percentage in the last two years.

[Peter the Lefty]

Oh no.  Something tells me we're in for austerity.  At least maybe this will lead to the rise of the SPA.

[DKrol]

Garner’s Cabinet Announced, Confirmed

Washinton Post, Morning Edition - March 12, 1933

    The White House today announced that all of President John Nance Garner’s cabinet appointees had been confirmed by the Senate. Heading the State Department will be Mr. Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., the Treasury by Henry Morgenthau, Jr., and the War by Louis L. Ludlow. Homer S. Cummings will be taking office as the new Attorney General, James A. Farley as Postmaster General, Frakkn Knox as Secretary of the Navy, Harold L. Ickes as Secretary of the Interior, Henry A. Wallace as Secretary of Agriculture, Hiram W. Johnson as Secretary of Commerce, and William Green as Secretary of Labor. Experts believe many of these to be appointments that the late Mr. Franklin D. Roosevelt has planned on, with the exception of Mr. Kennedy (State). Mr. Roosevelt’s chose for the post was Mr. Cordell Hull of Tennessee.

Garner Closes Banks, Pushes Reforms

New York Times, Evening Edition  - March 15, 1933

    The White House today announced that President John Nance Garner has order “an immediate emergency bank holiday” for every banking institution in the country. The banks will be closed for 5 days, during which time the Treasury Department will review each bank’s stability and issue a report on whether that bank will be allowed to re-open. This is Mr. Garner’s first response to the current depression. “Once the banks are sound,” a White House Spokesman said “The economy will stabilize.” Mr. Garner also called the Senate Majority Leader, Mr. Joseph T. Robinson, a Democrat of Arkansas, and the Senate Minority Leader, Mr. Charles L. McNary, a Republican of Oregon, to the White House in order to discuss “further reforms to our financial system.” Mr. Garner announced that he would be keeping the Reconstruction Finance Corporation in operation “for the time being” in order to “spur business activity”.


Economic Reform Enacted

Tennessee Press Association - May 5, 1933

    The first piece of economic reform enacted under President John Nance Garner was signed into law this morning. Mr. Garner signed the Tennessee Valley Authority Act, surround by Southern Governors and Senators, from the Oval Office. The Act creates the Tennessee Valley Authority, a government-owned company that will create jobs and electricity for many areas in the rural South. The TVA also plans on damning various rivers in the Tennessee Valley as an effort to curb the rampant flooding of farmland.  Republican Senator George W. Norris of Nebraska, the author of the bill, said that he was “very happy” to see the bill pass. “The TVA will create numerous jobs to rural Americans and bring about an end to this great depression we are in.” A White House spokesman said “More reforms may be coming, we want to see how the TVA works.”

21st Amendment Ratified, Ends Prohibition

New York Times, Morning Edition - June 17, 1933

    The 18th Amendment, enforcing the prohibition of the consumption and sale of alcohol, has been repealed. Late last night the state legislature of Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment, giving the amendment enough states to take effect. Supported by both President John Nance Garner and Secretary of State Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., the amendment has been wildly popular with the citizens of the country, and the editors of this paper, who just want to drink in their homes. The end of prohibition will not formally take effect until the 15th of December, but Attorney General Homer S. Cummings announced he has order federal police officers to stop enforcing the ban.

Kennedy: Acting Vice President?

Washinton Post, Afternoon Edition - June 21, 1933

    While President John Nance Garner has declared that he had no authority to appoint a Vice President to serve with him, he has not been stopped in giving extreme importance to Secretary of State Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. Mr. Kennedy as sat in on most cabinet meetings with Mr. Garner, as well as representing Mr. Garner at official reception he could not make it to. This has led many to dub Mr. Kennedy as the “Acting Vice President” although there is no actually office of Acting Vice President. A source within the White House said that Mr. Garner has asked Mr. Kennedy to run with him, as Vice President, in 1936.

[BaconBacon96]

How very interesting.

[Dancing with Myself]

I see Kennedy being as if not more Power Hungry than in RL. But he would be a fine pick for Garner. I guess he would go in '40 if he survives past 36.

[DKrol]

So the general consensus is that you guys like this and want me to keep going? I'm really excited to go with this.

[DKrol]

Organized Crime Runs Rampant

San Francisco Chronicle, Evening Edition - February 4, 1934

    John H. Dillinger, noted criminal, robber, and mobster, has escaped capture once more. 16 agents of the Bureau of Investigation cornered Mr. Dillinger outside a local movie theatre and attempted to apprehend him. Mr. Dillinger opened fire, killing 4 of the BOI agents and 3 bystanders, and fled the scene. The BOI attempted to pursue Mr. Dillinger but they had no success. This raises the issue of organized crime into the spotlight; It is still a major issue and the government is having little success in curbing the crime syndicates. Former President Herbert Hoover was a strong supporter of the BOI and gave it’s director, Mr. J. Edgar Hoover, much discretion and power. This stands in stark contrast to President John Nance Garner’s view of the BOI and Mr. Hoover. Mr. Garner is skeptical of the FBI and has tried to limit it’s authority, instead giving his support to local police departments. Many have cited the depression as the primary cause for the spike in crime over the last few years.

Dust Storms Kill Farmland

New York Times, Morning Edition - May 11, 1934

    For the past week, massive dust storms have surged over the Mid-Western States. Officials in the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Idaho, and Oklahoma has released reports stating that there may be over 100,000 acres of land destroyed by the storms. President John Nance Garner declared a state of emergency for the aforementioned states, directing Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes to “give all aide possible” to affected farmers. A bill has passed the Congress, the Soil Conservation Service Act, that would encourage farmers to follow certain protocols to protect what soil is left but Mr. Garner is not receptive of the bill, saying that the farmers “already know how to handle their land”.


National Guard Squashes Union Riots

Minneapolis Star, Special Edition - June 21, 1934

    What began as a simple strike of Teamsters in Minneapolis rapidly devolved into a citywide strike that has crippled one of the country’s largest manufacturing cities. When local police could not restore order, some officers joining the strikers, Governor Floyd B. Olson, a Farmer-Labor politician, ordered nearly 5,000 National Guardsmen into the city to restore order. The Guardsmen set up checkpoints and enforced curfews across the city in hopes to reign in the strike and get the city functioning once more. Mr. Olson did not expect to meet resistance for his actions and received the support of President John Nance Garner, who said that “we cannot allow strikers to cripple a city and an industry”.

Tensions Flair in Germany

New York Times, Evening Edition - August 31, 1933

    Adolf Hitler, a former soldier, has consolidated control in Germany and taken absolute power. This afternoon, Mr. Hitler declared himself “Fuhrer of Germany” after President Paul von Hindenburg died on the 4th of August. Mr. Hitler has been slowly building up his Nazi Party since he took office as Chancellor early last year. Mr. Hitler is known for his anti-semitism and racism, his book Mein Kampf blames Jews for the economic problems of Germany. Secretary of State Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. spoke to reports from his Hyannis Port  home, regarding Mr. Hitler, saying only that “The United States does not wish to entangle it in the affairs of foreign countries.”

[Mister Mets]

Looks good- It's a significant change with lots of potential.

I'm really interested in the role of Joseph Kennedy, considering his views during World War II (he supported appeasement, and was against economic aid to the UK.)

In this scenario, does Joseph Kennedy Jr survive World War 2? Or will his death affect someone more powerful than a former ambassador? Looking forward to that.

[DKrol]

Looks good- It's a significant change with lots of potential.

I'm really interested in the role of Joseph Kennedy, considering his views during World War II (he supported appeasement, and was against economic aid to the UK.)

In this scenario, does Joseph Kennedy Jr survive World War 2? Or will his death affect someone more powerful than a former ambassador? Looking forward to that.

You'll have to wait and find out, won't you?

[Dancing with Myself]

So the general consensus is that you guys like this and want me to keep going? I'm really excited to go with this.

Yes please!

[DKrol]

Economic Reforms Stalled, Unemployment Rises

Washington Post, Morning Edition - December 15, 1934

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced yesterday evening that the depression is still going strong. The economy shrunk nearly 2% over the last year and the current unemployment is up to 25.8%. Many hoped the President John Nance Garner’s administration would take up major reforms and heal the economy but the opposite has happened. Mr. Garner signed the TVA into law but due to disorganization and a small budget the program has been a major failure. While Congress has passed numerous economic reforms Mr. Garner has let them sit, saying “We must hold firm, tuck in our stomachs, and learn to make due with less.” Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Henry Morgenthau, Jr., declared boldly that “we are getting into better shape” by “having to live within tighter measures” due to the depression. Public approval of Mr. Garner is low, some say as low as 34%, but a larger percentage say that he is trying to improve the economy (42%).

New Congress Takes Office

Washington Post, Special Edition - January 3, 1935

    The newly elected Congress took their seats this morning. In the Senate, the Democrats gained 5 seats (Missouri, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island) and the Progressive Party gained 2 seats (Wisconsin, Ohio). The Republicans and the Farmer-Labor Party gained no seats. This puts the balance of power at 67 seats for the Democrats, 26 for the Republicans, 2 for the Progressives, and 1 for the Farmer-Labor Party. Senator Joseph T. Robison, Democrat of Arkansas will remain at Majority Leader while Senator Charles L. McNary, Republican of Oregon, will remain as Minority Leader. In the map above, pink indicates a Democratic pickup, red indicates a Democratic hold. Blue indicates a Republican hold, green indicates a Farmer-Labor hold. Pale yellow indicates a Progressive pickup. In the House of Representatives, the Democrats now hold 320 seats, the Republicans 107, the Progressives 7, and the Farmer-Labor 3. Representative Joseph W. Byrns, Sr., a Democrat of Tennessee, will serve as the Speaker of the House.

Garner Announced He Will Seek Second Term

Washington Post, Evening Edition - February 1, 1935

    President John Nance Garner announced that he would be seeking a second term in office, his first as the elected President. Mr. Garner addressed the nation by radio this afternoon and announced that, although times are tough he is doing the best he can. Mr. Garner made the case that he needs four more years as President to fully implement his “New Hope Agenda”. Mr. Garner explained that his first term laid the groundwork, by spending very little, for an explosion of “recovery oriented” programs.

Republicans Begin Campaigning

New York Times, Evening Edition - March 21, 1935

    Following President John Nance Garner’s announcement that he would be seeking a second term as President numerous Republicans have been traveling across the country, sparking speculation that they may run in 1936. The biggest name is that of former President Herbert C. Hoover, who lost in a landslide to then-Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt. Hoover has made visits to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, and California over the last two months. Kansas Governor Alf M. Landon has also given rise to Presidential speculation, visiting large cities in California, New York, and Ohio. An unlikely candidate that has been discussed is Senate Minority Leader Charles L. McNary of Oregon. Mr. McNary is considered the Republican standard-bearer and, should he pursue it, the nomination may be very easy to receive.

Record Temperatures Set, Thousands Die

New York Times, Afternoon Edition - July 8, 1935
 
    Scientists are now reporting that temperatures across the nation are soaring to levels never seen before. The temperature peaked at 113*F in Detroit, Michigan yesterday afternoon. Over a million people have left their homes due to the heat wave, living in camps around bodies of water, in an attempt to cool down some. This was not enough for the 4,562 Americans who died do the heat. “They simply ran out of water in their bodies,” our medical expert says “It’s like drying out some leaves. They just dried up.” The heatwave, coupled with the massive dust storms of the mid-west, has nearly destroyed the United States’ farm production for the year.

[DKrol]

Social Security Up for Debate

Washington Post, Evening Edition - November 21, 1935

    Should the government provide funding to the elderly, once they become unable to work, widows, and the unemployed? This is the debate before the United States Congress. Senator Robert F. Wagner, a Democrat of New York, crafted the Social Security Act with Secretary of State Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. and Secretary of Labor William Green. President John Nance Garner, possibly feeling the pressure of the upcoming election, has given mild support to Social Security but was careful not go as far as to formally endorse the bill. In a radio address, Mr. Garner spoke about “the need to provide for those who cannot”.

Hoover Running For President

New York Times, Evening Edition - January 14, 1936

    Former President Herbert C. Hoover announced today that he would be “actively campaigning” for the Republican nomination for President. “President Garner has done little to respond to the economic crisis,” Mr. Hoover said in a speech in San Francisco, California “It is time to go back to my tried and true economic policies.” Mr. Hoover is likely to face opposition from Kansas Governor Alf M. Landon, who is more moderate than Mr. Hoover and a supporter of President John Nance Garner’s New Hope Agenda.

Garner Faces Competition From Senator Long

Washington Post, Morning Edition - January 23, 1936

    The Kingfish is challenging Cactus Jack. Louisiana Senator Huey P. Long, Jr. has announced that he will challenge President John Nance Garner for the Democratic nomination for President this summer. Mr. Long escaped an assassination attempt last September and has since been a vocal member of the Democratic Party, calling for the party to accept the message of “Share The Wealth”. Mr. Long has been critical of Mr. Garner for his nearly entire presidency, saying that Mr. Garner has been “too soft on the banks, to willing to oppress the common man for the good of the rich.” Mr. Garner did not issue any response to Mr. Long’s announcement.

[badgate]

This tl makes me wanna read up on this era. Lol

[Dancing with Myself]

I wouldn't mind Long, but def not Hoover!

Maybe in 1920 but not 1936.

[Mister Mets]

One thing I'm curious about is the 1934 midterms. How were those different with Garner seeming slightly less popular/ effective than FDR?

One reason Alf Landon was the nominee in 1936 was that he was the only Republican Governors able to win reelection in '34.

FDR's also credited with keeping the US from seriously embracing fascism as many European nations did, so it'll be interesting to see if that goes any differently.

[DKrol]

One thing I'm curious about is the 1934 midterms. How were those different with Garner seeming slightly less popular/ effective than FDR?

One reason Alf Landon was the nominee in 1936 was that he was the only Republican Governors able to win reelection in '34.

FDR's also credited with keeping the US from seriously embracing fascism as many European nations did, so it'll be interesting to see if that goes any differently.

I actually forgot about the '34 midterms so I edited in an article about it. Landon remained the only Governor to be re-elected.

[DKrol]

First Ballot of Democratic National Convention Results

Washington Post, Special Edition - July 23, 1936

   The Democratic National Convention began today in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. President John Nance Garner was not present at the Convention, due to car troubles, but he’s expect to arrive early tomorrow afternoon. Senator Huey P. Long, Jr. of Louisiana was present and whipped the delegates into an anti-Garner frenzy. The results of the first ballot are as follows: President John Nance Garner, 533; Senator Huey P. Long, Jr., 312; Secretary of State Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., 113; Former Governor Al E. Smith, 98; Senator Alben W. Barkley, 96; State Senator James Roosevelt II, 2. No candidate received a majority of the delegates, 577 votes, but Mr. Garner showed a commanding lead. The second round of voting is set to begin early tomorrow evening and will lack a number of candidates. Mr. Kennedy has announced he will not accept the nomination, as has Mr. Smith and Mr. Barkley. The second ballot will be a three-way race between Mr. Garner, Mr. Long, and Mr. Roosevelt.

Second Ballot of Democratic National Convention Results

Washington Post, Special Edition - July 24, 1936

    The second day of the 1936 Democratic National Convention yielded no candidate but has revealed an anti-Garner sentiment within the Democratic Party. In a passionate speech, Senator Huey P. Long, Jr. decried President John Nance Garner as “the president of the Southern businessman, not the president of the American man!” The delegates applauded Mr. Long for nearly five minutes before decorum could be restored. Mr. Garner arrived at the convention this afternoon but did not address the delegates, choosing instead to meet with party leaders behind the scenes. The results of the second ballot are as follows: Senator Huey P. Long, Jr., 513;  President John Nance Garner, 511; State Senator James Roosevelt II, 130. Following the vote, Mr. Roosevelt announced that he would be withdrawing his name from the third ballot and instead endorsing Mr. Long. Mr. Long reportedly promised Mr. Roosevelt the post of Secretary of the Navy, should Mr. Long win the nomination and then the election.

Third Ballot of Democratic National Convention Results

Washington Post, Special Edition - July 25, 1936

    It took three round of voting and many hours of intense negotiations, but the Democratic National Convention has nominated a candidate. President John Nance Garner IV clinched the nomination over Senator Huey P. Long, Jr. late this evening. Mr. Garner received 615 votes, compared to 539 for Mr. Long. Mr. Garner proposed the Secretary of State Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. should be his Vice President. The delegates agreed, nominating Mr. Kennedy by acclamation. The 1936 Democratic ticket is Mr. John Nance Garner for President, Mr. Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. for Vice President. Mr. Garner, in his acceptance speech, called for the unity of the party going into the election, as well as the “furtherance of the New Hope Agenda”.

[DKrol]

First Ballot of Republican National Convention Results

Washington Post, Special Edition - June 9, 1936

   The Republican Party launched it’s nominating convention this evening in Cleveland, Ohio. Former President Herbert C. Hoover, who lost four years ago to then-Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt in a massive landslide, has repaired his public image and has taken a commanding lead in the Republican nominating fight. Some in the party are very weary of renominating the man who lost them the 1932 race, but many see him as the best challenger to President John Nance Garner. The results of the first ballot are as follows: Former President Herbert C. Hoover, 463; Governor Alf M. Landon, 301; District Attorney Earl Warren, 110; Governor Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., 102; Senator William E. Borah, 27. Mr. Warren and Mr. Roosevelt have both withdrawn their names from the second ballot.

Second Ballot of Republican National Convention Results

Washington Post, Special Edition - June 10, 1936

   The electoral tickets of 1936 have been determined. This morning, the Republican Party elected former President Herbert C. Hoover as their nominee for President. The results of the second ballot are as follows: Former President Herbert C. Hoover, 618; Governor Alf M. Landon, 211; Senator William E. Borah, 174. In regards to his Vice Presidential nominee, Mr. Hoover selected Mr. Landon and the convention nominated Mr. Landon by acclamation. In his acceptance speech Mr. Hoover called for a “return to normalcy” and the beginning of “the road to prosperity.” A poll, done by researchers at Harvard University, shows Mr. Garner and Mr. Kennedy leading Mr. Hoover and Mr. Landon with 54% to 46%.

[DKrol]

Garner and Hoover Battle Over Economy

New York Times, Evening Edition - October 13, 1936

    For the past three months President John Nance Garner and former President Herbert C. Hoover have been criss-crossing the country campaigning. Mr. Garner has become much more progressive since his renomination. Mr. Garner announced his full support for the Social Security Act and promised to sign it once it passed the House of Representatives (The bill already passed the Senate). Mr. Hoover has spent many hours trying to restore his public image. Mr. Hoover has dropped his former line of “rugged individualism” and is instead preaching “moderate assistance”.

Unemployment Drops

Washington Post, Morning Edition - October 29, 1936

    Days before the election, President John Nance Garner received a well-needed shot of energy to his campaign. The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the unemployment rate has fallen from 25.8% to 23.1% over the past year. Many do not feel that this is enough of a recovery,  but everyone agrees it is a good sign of things to come. Mr. Richard T. Thomas, a Virginia Banker, said that he was voting for Mr. Garner because “he’s obviously doing something right. I don’t know what it is, but it’s working”. A poll conducted by Harvard University shows Mr. Garner leading Mr. Hoover with 56% of the popular vote, compared to 44% for Mr. Hoover.

[badgate]

Hopefully Garner's progressive turn sticks. Should make a difference considering Roosevelt turned toward austerity after this election. Keep it up!