Bryan defeats McKinley, 1896!

[TommyC1776]

The next day a poll was taken.

Who won the debate?
Roosevelt 51%
Ford 38%
Johnson 10%
Thomas 1%.

Roosevelt said "Americans trust me at this time of need."  Ford states "Americans seem to like Roosevelt over me.  I feel that I am the best candidate though."


Only days until Election Day.  Wait and see what happens.  ok?

[TommyC1776]

Breaking News: President Roosevelt re-elected.

Roosevelt-red
Ford-blue
Johnson-green.

PV%: Roosevelt 45% Ford 35% Johnson 19% Thomas 1%

EV: Roosevelt 368, Johnson 85, Ford 78
Roosevelt states "Thank you America, thank you America.  You have given me a mandate for my work over the last 4 years.  I am honored to serve the next four as I've served the last four years.  America was on the wrong path during the Hoover administration and as you've seen we're doing better than ever thanks to the Democratic Party platform.  So, again, thanks to the voters all across America.  God Bless You All."

Ford states "We tried our best this campaign.  It went through some rough times and we weren't successful at all in this campaign.  America has chosen to stay with the same leader and I can understand that but what I can understand is why Americans want more government.  Thanks for your support and I also want to thank Republicans all across the country for trying real hard to elect me their President.  Thanks again.  Goodnight."

Johnson states "Hi all.  We keep doing better and better with each election and this one was no excpetion.  It looks like I may come in 2nd in the Electoral College which is really wonderful.  We had a good chance to make this a well run three-way race and guess what.  We did.  More Progressives won seats this time than any other time in our party's history.  Thanks for your support this campaign and maybe within a few years we can win the Presidency.  Thanks again."

[TommyC1776]

House Results: 267 Dems, 155 Reps, 13 Progs.
Senate Results: 58 Dems, 32 Reps, 6 Progs.

Roosevelt now has more Democrats than before in the House and Senate.

On the Progressive side, George Norris is re-elected Senator of NE.

[TommyC1776]

On January 3, 1937 the new Congress is inaugurated.  VP Cox swears in all the Senators.

On January 20, 1937 President Roosevelt is inaugurated for his 2nd term.

"Americans we are on a journey through tough times which are getting better and better with Democrats helping out everyone.  We must and will continue to help everyone.  This is what America's all about.  I am really honored to be here for a second term as your President and I will continue to work with Congress on the issues of the day.  As always its great serving as President of the United States."

[TommyC1776]

FDR proposes a plan to enlarge the Supreme Court by appointing more justices that agreed with him. 

His plan:
get rid of justices once they reached the age of 70 yrs and 6 mos.
appoint liberal judges.
get up to 15 judges on the court.

He tried to get Congress to pass it but it wasnt able to pass through Congress.

Foreign Affairs: In Europe there erupts a Civil War in Spain. (the League of Nations doesnt want any foreign involvement in this war.)  The Battle of Jarama lasts almost 2 1/2 weeks.  In early April Britain gain control of Aden.

Meanwhile, back at home, the Supreme Court rules that the National Labor Relations Act is constitutional.  FDR states "The Court turned to the right decision on this during the NLRB v. Jones & Laughlin Steel hearing.  They stood up for the labor workers, which is the right thing to do."

Then Congress and the Senate pass the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act overwhelmingly.

Over the next few months Congress debated and passed the National Cancer Institute Act, the Neutrality Act of 1937 and the Miller-Tydings Act.

Foreign: As 1938 begins, Germany and Italy were becoming the "Super Powers" in Europe.  Germany had annexed Austria early in the year.

Back in the U.S. 3 Acts come up in Congress (Wheeler-Lea Act, Foreign Agents Registration Act and the Natural Gas Act of 1938).  All of them pass through easily over the course of 3 months or so.

Meanwhile President Roosevelt is getting ready to campaign for Democrats in the midterm elections this fall.
Click here to see him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzJNj03FPPk

[TommyC1776]

Republicans accused Democrats of having too much power and for the Recession of 1937.

The midterm results were:
House: 259 Dems, 162 Reps, 14 Progs.
Senate: 56 Dems, 34 Reps, 6 Progs.

Roosevelt states "We Democrats didnt do enough to gain more seats.  We still have a big majority though.  Having 56 seats compared with the Republicans 34 seats is a great advantage.  That's all I will say today.  Thanks."

As the 75th Congress winds down Senate Majority Leader Alben Barkley states "America is moving in the right direction.  We seem to keep doing better at this point.  We have more jobs than we did 6 years ago under the Hoover administration.  Today I adjourn the Senate until next session.  Goodnight and Goodbye."

On January 3, 1939 the 76th United States Congress begins.  Get excited.

[TommyC1776]

Over the next several months it looks like there could be a World War.
Germany's been attacking every country in sight.

In the US the Hatch Act is being debated.  It passes on July 1, 1939.

A few months later Germany declares war on Poland.

[TommyC1776]

On September 18, 1939 Ford CEO Edsel Ford announces his intention to seek the Republican nomination for President in 1940.



"Today I am announcing my candidacy for President in 1940.  I hope to implement the conservative values that my parents taught me.  We must get government out of people's lives.  Government is the problem.  It's causing us to become more Communist like.  As far as the war, we need to be neutral and shouldn't be in the middle of it.  Thanks and I look forward to meeting you."

2 weeks later former Kansas Governor Al Landon announces his intentions for the Republican nomination for President in 1940.



"Today America needs new leadership in Washington.  I can get things done and will get things done.  We have to go back to the days of conserving our government to more important things like war and peace treaty's, etc.  Let's get America on a better track."

On the Democratic side, President Roosevelt states he would like to be renominated.  "I shall accept whatever the delegates want to do this political season."



Al Smith states he's going to run for the Democratic nomination in 1940 against President Roosevelt.

[TommyC1776]

a Republican Primary debate is scheduled for January 30th, 1940.  Edward R Murrow will moderate the debate.

a Democratic Primary debate will take place on January 13th, 1940.  Murrow will also moderate that one too.

First primary (for both parties) will be NH on March 12th.

In December 1939 Wendell Wilkie announces he will be a candidate for President.

Here he is talking about his campaign:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm9ft5HXaUw

Here are some polls:

Democratic poll for nomination:
Franklin D. Roosevelt 70%
Al Smith 26%
Undecided 4%.

Republican poll for nomination:
Edsel Ford 43%
Wendell Wilkie 35%
Al Landon 18%
Undecided 8%.

Heres Landon speaking at a rally:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge0Kfaqwmcg

[TommyC1776]

Warfront: In early January General Timoshenko of the Soviet Union takes command of the Russian forces in Europe.

Back home the Democratic Debate is ready to begin.

Democratic Primary Debate: January 13th, 1940.
Moderater: Edward R. Murrow.
Participants: FDR and Al Smith.

Murrow: Hello Americans I'm Edward Murrow and I welcome you to the 1940 Democratic primary debate between President Franklin Roosevelt and Former NY Governor Al Smith.  Tonights debate is from Cornell University here in New York, where coincidently both men are from.  Now first question is about the war.  Should we invade or no?  Mr. President.

Roosevelt: I dont believe intervention is good at this point.  We've been aiding Britain with supplies over the past year and that's just working fine.  Hopefully we can stay out of the war.

Murrow: Governor Smith.

Smith: I believe that if we're attacked than go over there but until then we should stay our distance.  Giving aid to one country can cause war to happen to the country that gives aid.  The President is wrong in that sense.

Murrow: ok.  Second question, is the government getting too powerful?  Governor Smith.

Smith: Yes I believe it is.  President Roosevelt has increased the size in government that it hasnt been in years.  Creating all these programs are just not right for America.  We cant have our nation become Socialist.  That wouldn't be good but it looks like we could be heading that way under this President.

Murrow: President Roosevelt.

Roosevelt: I believe that government and the market should balance out but I also believe that caring for the less fortunate is the most important thing in America.  We cannot let America in general go bankrupt.  That could mean the loss of the country we know today.

Murrow: Alright.  Last question, so lets talk about the Recession of 1937-1938.  What was the problem?  Mr. President then Governor Smith.

Roosevelt: We just havent given Americans all the help they need.  Republicans like to say we spend all this money.  They dont lift a finger for anyone these days it seems like.  Governor Smith I believe is in the closet about being a Republican.  Everything he says sounds so Republican its just not funny.

Smith: I believe that government handouts caused the recession to happen in America.  We just cant keep giving money away.  That's a big burden on the taxpayers and their families.  Do you want to have food on your table at dinner?  Vote for me because I will leave your financial issues to you and not the government.

Murrow: This debate of 1940 is over.  Don't forget to vote in the primaries for your favorite Democratic candidate.  Thanks again.  I'm Edward Murrow.  Goodnight.

Alot of Americans thought that Smith dug into Roosevelt a little bit and some even liked that.

A new poll shows Roosevelt with 65%, Smith with 31% and Undecided at 4%.

[TommyC1776]

Shaking hands after the debate.  President Roosevelt (seated) and Governor Al Smith (standing)


Breaking News: Senator William Borah of Idaho dies today January 19th, 1940.

(June 29, 1865-January 19, 1940)

[TommyC1776]

Republican Presidential Debate: January 30th, 1940
Moderater: Edward R. Murrow.

Murrow: Hello Americans and welcome to the only Republican Presidential debate of 1940.  We have with us tonight Edsel Ford, Wendell Wilkie and Al Landon.  Welcome all 3 of you.  The first question will go to Edsel Ford.  What is your plan to deal with the war in Europe?

Ford:Before I begin my answer I want to thank the University for hosting this debate.  Now, I believe that we shouldnt worry about the war in Europe?  We need to rid ourselves of foreign entanglements.  Let them worry about themselves.  As Gover Smith said in the Democratic debate a few weeks ago if we aid Europe then thats more of a reason to attack us.

Murrow: Mr. Wilkie.

Wilkie: First I want to say thanks to University of Southern California for hosting this debate and to my 2 opponents for showing up tonight.  As far as the war in Europe goes lets just stay out of their business.  Unless we're attacked lets just stay out of Europe's war.

Murrow: Governor Landon.

Landon: Hi Americans, I want to thank Mr. Murrow for hosting this debate tonight.  The war in Europe is one of the greatest issues of our day.  It seems were all agreeing on the fact that we're not going to get into a war where we have no right getting into it.

Murrow: Thanks.  Now the second question is what has caused the recession of 1937-1938?  Governor Landon.

Landon: Government spending caused the recession over these years.  The government shouldn't create all this spending because it causes debt in America.

Murrow: Mr. Wilkie.

Wilkie: Franklin Roosevelt hasn't done anything with the recession.  He's the reason the recession happened here in America.

Murrow: Mr. Ford.  go ahead.

Ford: I believe that we cant spend, spend, and spend.  That's what caused this whole debt that we're in right now.  The Democrats have been so terrible on their spending.  We cant let the Democrats win anymore seats or even the Presidency.

Murrow: Alright, final question, do you believe that government is getting overwhelmingly powerful?  Mr. Ford.

Ford: Yes I believe President Roosevelt has grown the government to its highest lever ever since our foundation back in 1776.

Murrow: Mr. Wilkie.

Wilkie: I believe that the government has got way out of control.  Spending needs to be cut more than it has been.  I will say though that the Social Security Act of 1935 was one of the only good things to come out of this administration so far.  Other than that the President has started to become more of a Socialist than anything at all.

Murrow: Governor Landon.

Landon: Government spending has gotten to is worst point in history.  I don't know how President Roosevelt can do some of the things he's done so far.  He's just taken more and more of people's liberties away from us.

Murrow: Alright Americans, if your a Republican, don't forget to vote in the Republican primaries this year.  I'm Edward R Murrow from the University of Southern California.  Goodnight.

[TommyC1776]

On the Progressive side: Senator Burton K Wheeler (P-MT), Congressman Henry Wallace (P-IA) and Senator Charles Bryan (P-NE) are candidates running for the Presidency.

Meanwhile, the primaries are coming up soon.

Governor Al Smith starts campaigning hard in New Hampshire hoping to best the President out there in the March 12th primary.  "I hope I can win New Hampshire and win it big.  We need to stop the liberal policies of the Roosevelt administration. Let's go toward the middle so we can work with all 3 political parties in Congress."

In Idaho, the Governor appoints Glen H. Taylor to fill out the remainder of the Borah's term in office.

[TommyC1776]

Democratic primary polls:
Roosevelt 64%
Smith 31%
Undecided 5%

Republican primary polls:
Ford 44%
Wilkie 34%
Landon 13%
Undecided 9%

Progressive primary polls:
Wheeler 45%
Bryan 35%
Wallace 16%
Undecided 4%.

The primaries are coming up.

Former President Henry Ford starts campaigning for his son, Edsel, in New Hampshire.  "People in New Hampshire, you can do here in 1940 for Edsel, what you did here for me back in the 1920's as well as 4 years ago.  Edsel will bring youth to the office of President.  He understands America's problems because he has a business and a family. Now lets give New Hampshire to Edsel."  The crowd goes wild.  "Ford, Ford, Ford, Ford" etc.

[TommyC1776]

Now for the primaries in 1940 I'm going to try something new and innovate.  I don't believe it's been done before.

Its a surprise.  Get ready.  ok?  cool.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

C:\Users\TommyCraw\Documents\internet file 1940.htm

Tommy I'm afraid the link doesn't work. Any chance of another link?

[TommyC1776]

here are the 1940 NH primary results for all 3 major parties.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkrtBuFCv3o

[TommyC1776]

A few days later the German's attack the Scapa Flow.



Get ready for some more stuff.

[TommyC1776]

Hitler and Mussolini met to discuss the war and when Italy will enter it.


Meanwhile, back in the US campaigning is still going on.

Alf Landon puts out a radio ad stating "Americans, does Edsel Ford really have any experience politically?  No he doesnt.  Does he know how to handle people all over the world?  No!  I've been around and dealt with pressing issues as Governor of Kansas.  Elect me as the Republican nominee in 1940.  I'm Alf Landon and I approve this message."

During the next few weeks fmr. President Ford campaigns hard for himself while finding some time to help Edsel with his campaign.  "Edsel's a great man who can really represent America in its time of need.  Vote for him for President."

[Robespierre's Jaw]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkrtBuFCv3o

In order so everyone can view the results I suggest to remove the status of that video from private to public.

[TommyC1776]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkrtBuFCv3o

In order so everyone can view the results I suggest to remove the status of that video from private to public.

ok did that.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

The link still does not work Tommy, as its still classified as a "private" video.

Anyway, I have a few questions for you regarding your timeline. Why does former President Henry Ford continue to seek office whether for the Presidency of the United States or this time for the Senate? Ford seems like the type that would retire from public life after reaching her peaks, that being the Presidency of the United States. Not to mention his campaigns, particularly during the late 1930's, early 1940's would be dogged by rumours of supporting Hitler, which was quite true.

[TommyC1776]

The link still does not work Tommy, as its still classified as a "private" video.

Anyway, I have a few questions for you regarding your timeline. Why does former President Henry Ford continue to seek office whether for the Presidency of the United States or this time for the Senate? Ford seems like the type that would retire from public life after reaching her peaks, that being the Presidency of the United States. Not to mention his campaigns, particularly during the late 1930's, early 1940's would be dogged by rumours of supporting Hitler, which was quite true.

yeah ur right.  I decided after all he will just retire and live in Michigan.

[TommyC1776]

Former President Henry Ford is campaigning with Edsel in Wisconsin for the primary there on April 2nd.

Edsel states "I can be as good a President as my father was.  If I am lucky to win the Presidency in 1940 we can and we will get things done.  We need new ideas now more than ever.  We cant handle another 4 more years of President Roosevelt.  Lets get back to our conservative values."

The press and media report on a story that may dog Edsel in his quest for the Presidency: that Henry supported Hitler during the war.

Wilkie and Landon jumped at the chance to claim Ford as a "traitor".

"We cant have another Hitler in the White House.  Thats what we'll get if Edsel's elected President in 1940.  It just cant happen."  said Wilkie.

Landon stated "This man should withdraw from the race for the Presidency.  We cant have a man who loves our enemies.  I wouldn't trust him as President as he may carry his father's views of loving our enemies."

Edsel Ford strikes back "Americans, I don't represent the views of my father.  My father and I are two different people.  What he does behind our backs is his business.  I am and will never be my father.  So lets stop comparing me to my father.  Its just unfair to our family as well as the American people.  Thanks.  God Bless."

[TommyC1776]

Alf Landon puts out an ad against Edsel Ford.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-y-h4mT5sk