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Franklin Roosevelt and Thomas Dewey: The Wartime Presidential Campaign of 1944

Richard Adams

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Published in Politics As Usual: Thomas Dewey Franklin Roosevelt And The Wartime Presidential Campaign Of 1944

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In 1944, Franklin Roosevelt was running for an unprecedented fourth term as President of the United States. The war in Europe was still raging, and the outcome of the election would have a major impact on the course of the war. Roosevelt's opponent was Thomas Dewey, the Republican governor of New York. Dewey was a charismatic and experienced politician, and he campaigned on a platform of change. He promised to end the war quickly and efficiently, and to restore prosperity to the United States.

The 1944 presidential campaign was one of the most closely contested in American history. Roosevelt ultimately won the election, but Dewey came close to defeating him. The campaign is a fascinating study in political strategy and tactics, and it offers a glimpse into the challenges facing the United States during World War II.

Politics as Usual: Thomas Dewey, Franklin Roosevelt, and the Wartime Presidential campaign of 1944

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The Key Issues

The key issue in the 1944 presidential campaign was the war. Roosevelt argued that he was the only candidate who could lead the country to victory. He pointed to his experience as president during World War II, and he promised to continue to fight until the war was won.

Dewey, on the other hand, argued that Roosevelt was too old and tired to lead the country. He promised to end the war quickly and efficiently, and to restore prosperity to the United States.

Other issues that were discussed during the campaign included the economy, labor relations, and civil rights. Roosevelt promised to continue his New Deal policies, which were designed to help the country recover from the Great Depression. Dewey promised to cut taxes and reduce government spending.

The Candidates

### Franklin Roosevelt

Franklin Roosevelt was born in Hyde Park, New York, on January 30, 1882. He was the son of James Roosevelt, a wealthy businessman, and Sara Delano Roosevelt, a prominent socialite. Roosevelt attended Groton School and Harvard College, and he graduated from Columbia Law School in 1907.

Roosevelt began his political career in 1910, when he was elected to the New York State Senate. He served in the Senate for two terms, and he was then elected to the United States Senate in 1913. Roosevelt served in the Senate until 1920, when he was elected Vice President of the United States.

Roosevelt served as Vice President for two terms, and he was then elected President of the United States in 1932. He served as President for four terms, and he led the country through the Great Depression and World War II.

Roosevelt was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant politician, and he was able to connect with people on a personal level. However, he was also known for his ruthlessness and his willingness to bend the rules.

### Thomas Dewey

Thomas Dewey was born in Owosso, Michigan, on March 24, 1902. He was the son of George Dewey, a newspaper editor, and Anne Dewey, a schoolteacher. Dewey attended the University of Michigan, and he graduated from Columbia Law School in 1925.

Dewey began his political career in 1931, when he was elected to the New York State Assembly. He served in the Assembly for two terms, and he was then elected to the United States Senate in 1934. Dewey served in the Senate for four years, and he was then elected Governor of New York in 1942.

Dewey served as Governor of New York for four years, and he was widely seen as a rising star in the Republican Party. He was a charismatic and experienced politician, and he was seen as a moderate Republican who could appeal to both Republicans and Democrats.

Dewey was a strong supporter of the war effort, and he promised to end the war quickly and efficiently. He also promised to restore prosperity to the United States.

The Election

The 1944 presidential election was held on November 7, 1944. Roosevelt won the election by a narrow margin. He received 53% of the popular vote, and he won 364 electoral votes. Dewey received 46% of the popular

Politics as Usual: Thomas Dewey, Franklin Roosevelt, and the Wartime Presidential campaign of 1944

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