10.1 FDR's 1932 Democratic Nomination and Campaign

FDR's Disability and Public Image

  • FDR had a significant disability, which was actively concealed from the public.

  • He utilized technologies like telephones, radio, automobiles, trains, and airplanes to overcome his physical limitations.

  • Automobiles provided him mobility, and he ran a vigorous campaign, reminiscent of William Jennings Bryan in 1896.

1932 Democratic Nomination Strategy

  • FDR's strategy was to secure enough early delegates to prevent a catastrophic outcome at the Democratic convention.

  • He aimed to offer voters a clear philosophical choice, positioning himself as a progressive Democrat.

Jim Farley's Role

  • Jim Farley was crucial in engineering FDR's nomination in 1932.

  • Farley led the Democratic Party to three consecutive landslide victories: the 1932 presidential election, the 1934 midterms, and the 1936 re-election.

  • Farley was considered a paradox: an Irish Democratic politician who didn't drink or join Tammany Hall and supported civil rights.

1932 Democratic Convention

  • The convention required a 2/3 vote to select a nominee, which posed a challenge for FDR.

  • A "stop Roosevelt" coalition, led by Al Smith, aimed to prevent FDR's nomination.

  • FDR's support primarily came from the South and West, while urban bosses and political machines in the Northeast opposed him.

First Ballot Results

  • FDR received 666 votes on the first ballot, needing 766 to secure the nomination.

  • Al Smith received 201 votes, and John Garner received 90 votes.

The McAdoo Shift

  • William Gibbs McAdoo played a key role in the convention.

  • McAdoo shifted his support to FDR.

  • Fourth Ballot: FDR's votes increased to 945, securing the nomination.

1932 Election Results

  • FDR won the 1932 election with 57% of the vote, while Hoover received 40%.

  • FDR won 42 out of 48 states.

  • FDR emphasized being a progressive Democrat during his campaigns.

FDR's disability was concealed, as he leveraged technologies to overcome limitations, enabling a "vigorous campaign". His 1932 nomination strategy focused on securing early delegates and presenting himself as a progressive Democrat. Jim Farley played a crucial role, leading the Democratic Party to multiple victories. The 1932 Democratic Convention required a 2/3 vote, challenged by a "stop Roosevelt" coalition led by Al Smith. On the first ballot, FDR received 666 votes. William Gibbs McAdoo's shift in support on the fourth ballot secured FDR's nomination with 945 votes. In the 1932 election, FDR won with 57% of the vote, carrying 42 out of 48 states, underscoring his emphasis on being a progressive Democrat.