Bryan defeats McKinley, 1896!

[TommyC1776]

Progressive National Convention:

Bob LaFollette is nominated on the first ballot.  He selects Hiram Johnson of CA as his running mate.

LaFollette tells delegates "We can and we will win.  With Hiram Johnson at my side we can do well in the West.   We will beat President Ford and Senator Cox.  This will be a great campaign.  I look forward to it."

George Norris speaks at the Convention saying "It's a must for us to win or do really well in this election.  We need more Progressives in Congress.  Please Elect LaFollette/Johnson President and Vice President in November."

Democratic National Convention:

Senator James Cox is nominated on the first ballot.  Senator Cox decides to pick Al Smith as his running mate.

Cox tells Democratic delegates "President Ford hasn't looked out for the smaller people.  He's more interested in helping the big businesses.  Governor Smith and I will fight for you and your family."

Former President (and Senator) William J Bryan speaks and says "What has our President done?  Has President Ford really looked out for the little guy?  No he hasn't.  Vote for Senator James Cox and Governor Al Smith in November."

Republican National Convention:

President Ford is nominated on the first ballot.  Vice President Hughes is nominated on the first ballot for VP.

Ford says "Americans, Vice President Hughes and I will continue our way forward.  Now, Democrats say I dont look out for the common man.    Remember Republicans help make Native Americans official citizens of the United States?  Now lets go forward and elect more Republicans in November.  Thanks and God Bless."

[TommyC1776]

Campaign 1924:

This campaign is very similar to 1920 as all three of the major candidates are the same.

Senate Majority Leader Robert Lincoln and Thomas Edison go on the stump for the President.  Lincoln states "Our President has been a great leader for this country.  He will continue the next four years to do the same.  Let's make sure he's re-elected."

Edison then states "I have known our President for a long time and he really is a terrific man.  He will help all Americans and not just the business owners and such.  That's why I will be voting to re-elect the President in November.  Thanks."

Meanwhile, Senator Cox is campaigning hard in all of the states and telling voters "President Ford may have done some good things but he still has been looking out for the business community.  Democrats must stop this and win in November.  Let's go forward and fight for the middle class.  This will be the campaign where we win."

Bob LaFollette is going out on the stump stating "Americans we need a third party in America and the Progressive Party is the way to go.  I plan to do very well this election.  Also, we must elect more Progressives to the House and Senate.  God Bless you all and let's go win.  Thanks."

The Election will soon be here.  Get ready.

[TommyC1776]

1924 Presidential Election

Ford-blue
Cox-red
LaFollette-green.

PV%:
Henry Ford/Charles Hughes 44%
James Cox/Al Smith 41%
Bob LaFollette/Hiram Johnson 15%.

President Ford states "Thank you supporters.  We now will have another 4 years of in the White House."

Senator Cox states "First off I want to thank my supporters.  Secondly I would like to congratulate the President.  I now plan to just go back to the Senate.  Thanks again supporters."

Bob LaFollette states "This was my last campaign for President.  I want to thank all of my supporters throughout the years."

House: 230 Reps, 200 Dems, 5 Progs.
Senate: 50 Reps, 43 Dems, 3 Progs.

Leadership: (Next session)
Senate Majority Leader: Charles Curtis
Senate Democratic Leader: James Cox
Senate Progressive Leader: George Norris

Speaker of the House: Nicholas Longworth
House Majority Leader: Frank Gillett
House Democratic Leader: John W. Davis

[TommyC1776]

As the 68th Congress comes to an end, Senate Majority Leader Robert Lincoln makes a statement on the floor "I want to thank all of you for helping me throughout my 24 years in the White House and Senate.  It's been a pleasure to be in Washington and I am sorry that I now will be leaving but I am getting older.  I am going to miss all of you and I will be thinking of you all too.  Thanks again and have a nice day."  (He ends up shedding a few tears).

President Ford and VP Charles Hughes issue a statement about Robert Lincoln "He is a very good man and he did a great deal for this country.   Thanks again Senator Lincoln."

Newly elected Senate Leader, Charles Curtis, will have to fill big shoes.

Curtis plans to meet with both the President and Speaker of the House Longworth.  They want to get work done in Washington.

[TommyC1776]

Newly elected Senate Leader, Henry C Lodge, will have to fill big shoes.

Henry Cabot Lodge died on November 9, 1924 so that rules him out from being Senate Majority Leader in the 69th Congress.

I guess i didnt research enough on that.  thanks.

[TommyC1776]

On March 4, 1925 President Ford is inaugurated for his second term.

Ford states: "Americans, we are going to countinue the great progress we have made in the last 4 years.  I am glad to be President at such a prosperous time called the Roaring 20's.  We have more to do in the coming years but we really have got alot done.  Just think when the election of 1920 got here Native American's weren't US citizens but because of Congress and my approval they are now.  Now let's go forward Americans.  Thank you and God Bless."

[TommyC1776]

A few months after Inauguration the Scopes Trial came up in court.  (A teacher in TN had taught evolution when he wasn't supposed to according to TN law.)

Former President and Senator Bryan was one of people who attended the trial.  He had believed the Bible was right about creation.  This debate went on for awhile.


Meanwhile at the end of June 1925, Former VP and Progressive Presidential candidate, Bob LaFollette died at the age of 70.

President Ford said "America has lost a great man.  He stood up for what he believed in.  He was against the war in Europe before alot of people in Congress were.  He was really a fighter. God Bless Bob LaFollette."

Then at the end of July it was decided that Professor John Scopes had the right to teach evolution if he wished.  Thus, after three months it was over.

A few days later Bryan died.  President Ford and VP Hughes said "It's a sad day for America.   The former President and Senator was a great man.  He really accomplished alot in his life.  William Jennings Bryan, you will be missed.  God Bless you."

Democrats we're very upset.  Senator Cox stated "Democrats have lost a leader.  We always turned to Bryan whenever we needed advice.  He surely will be missed."

[TommyC1776]

At the end of 1925, Congress decides to bring up a revenue bill.  Speaker Longworth stated that the House vote will be in January 1926.

Senator Charles Curtis decides the Senate vote will be in February 1926.

January 1926 is here.  The House votes 242-201.  It passes.  Now onto the Senate.  The Senate votes 54-42 on it.  It passed in the Senate too.

On February 18, 1926 President Ford signs the Revenue Act of 1926 into law.  It will lower taxes on inheritence and income.

The House and Senate adjourn for a couple months.

[TommyC1776]

On July 26th, 1926 (about a year after Bryan's death) former President and Senator Robert Lincoln died.  He was 82 years old.

President Ford issues a statement about Lincoln "He was a great man.  He will be missed.  I consider him one of the greatest men who lived.  He came from a great family as he was blessed to have a father such as Abe.  Senator, you will be missed.  God Bless Robert Todd Lincoln."

Senate Majority Leader Charles Curtis states "America has lost a giant.  He's to the Republicans as William Jennings Bryan was to the Democrats.  We will miss you."


Former First Lady Edith Roosevelt "Senator Lincoln was a great man.  I will miss him.  He is now up in the sky with Teddy."

[TommyC1776]

A month later Congress brings up the Railway Labor Act of 1926.  This governs labor relations and hopes to solve union disputes.

The House votes  251-180.  Then the Senate votes 53-42.  It passes in both Houses.

Then President Ford signs the Railway Labor Act of 1926 into law.

Finally Congressman and some Senators are up for re-election.  The midterm results will be coming later.  Get excited.

Democrats want to regain control of one or both Houses.

[TommyC1776]

President Ford is stumping the country so more Republicans can get elected.  He says "Elect Republicans to continue the way forward in America."

Former First Lady Edith Roosevelt campaigns hard for her son-in-law Nicholas Longworth in his district.

Midterm Elections are here:

House: 242 Reps, 187 Dems, 6 Progs.
Senate: 53 Reps, 40 Dems, 3 Progs.

After the election Senator George Norris (P-NE) declares he will be a candidate for the Progressive Party nomination in 1928.

[TommyC1776]

On February 18, 1927 NY Governor Al Smith anounced he will seek the Democratic nomination for President in 1928.  He says "We need a Democrat in the White House.  The Democrats can and must win this coming election in 1928."

New Congress begins March 4, 1927.

In July of 1927 Vice President Hughes states he will not be a candidate for the GOP in 1928.

Sec. of Commerce Herbert Hoover anounces he will be a candidate for the GOP as does Senate Majority Leader Charles Curtis.

A few months later Representative John W. Davis decides to run for the Dem nomination.  Then Hiram Johnson decides to challenge George Norris for the Progressive nomination.

Here is a list of Presidential candidates:

Democrats:
Al Smith
John W. Davis

Republicans:
Herbert Hoover
Charles Curtis

Progressives:
George Norris
Hiram Johnson

[TommyC1776]

President Ford announces he will endorse Herbert Hoover over Senate Majority Leader Curtis in the Republican Primaries.  He says "Hoover is the man we need at this time.  Just to let everyone know this is not a shot at the Senate Majority Leader because I agree with him on alot but it's who I think can really lead the country at this time.  Now let's go Hoover."

Commerce Secretary Hoover states "I want to thank the President for this endorsement.  It means alot.  Whenever a President endorses your own campaign for President it really means something."

Meanwhile get ready for the primaries.

[TommyC1776]

New Hampshire: March 13th

Democrats: 24 delegates
Smith 55%-13 delegates
Davis 45%-11 delegates


Republicans: 19 delegates
Hoover 57%-11 delegates
Curtis 43%-8 delegates

Progressives: 15 delegates
Norris 53%-8 delegates
Johnson 47%-7 delegates

Over the next few days, Smith states "I'm starting off on a roll."  Davis states (which is considered bad) "Yeah the Governor's on a roll......he's on a roll down hill."   Governor Smith says "I think what Congressman Davis said was a mistake.  I think he will regret it."

North Dakota: March 20th

Democrats: 29 delegates
Smith 54%-17 delegates
Davis 46%-12 delegates

Republicans: 30 delegates
Hoover 56%-17 delegates
Curtis 44%-13 delegates

Progressives: 23 delegates
Norris 55%-13 delegates
Johnson 45%-10 delegates

Both Democrats state if their elected that Prohibition will be overturned.

Onto MI (April 2nd) and Wisconsin (April 3rd) next.  Alright wait and see.

[TommyC1776]

President Ford is campaigning hard for Hoover in Michigan.  He says "Secretary Hoover is the man we need at this time.  He will continue our policies and ideas. I am happy to support Hoover this election.  Now in a couple weeks lets make sure Hoover wins Michigan's primary."

Senator Curtis campaigns in Wisconsin mostly but a little in Michigan but he leaves Michigan to Hoover.  He states he will drop out if Hoover wins MI and WI.

[TommyC1776]

Michigan: April 2nd

Democrats: 38 delegates
Smith 54%-21 delegates
Davis 46%-17 delegates

Republicans: 37 delegates
Hoover 57%-21 delegates
Curtis 43%-16 delegates

Progressives: 33 delegates
Norris 52%-17 delegates
Johnson 48%-16 delegates

Wisconsin: April 3rd

Democrats: 34 delegates
Smith 55%-19 delegates
Davis 45%15 delegates

Republicans: 32 delegates
Hoover 54%-17 delegates
Curtis 46%-15 delegates.

Progressives: 26 delegates
Norris 56%-15 delegates
Johnson 44%-11 delegates

On the Republican side Charles Curtis endorses Herbert Hoover and drops out of the race.  "Hoover is our man." says Curtis.

Total delegates so far:

Democrats:
Smith-70 delegates
Davis-55 delegates.

Republicans:
Hoover-66 delegates (118 delegates w/ Curtis's)
Curtis-52 delegates.

Herbert Hoover is the presumptive Republican nominee in 1928.

Progressives:
Norris-53 delegates
Johnson-44 delegates.

[TommyC1776]

At a rally for Hoover, President Ford states:
"Americans, Secretary Hoover is a great man.  He will be a great President as well.  I can tell you to trust Secretary Hoover.  Now, here he is..........Mr. Hoover."

Cheers "Hoover" "Hoover" "Hoover"......"Hoover".

Hoover statement: "Americans, we can continue our great ideas from President Ford.  I will work hard with Congress to do whatever I can do to get things done.  That's what we need here in Washington.  We need a President who cares about you and that will be me.  Thank you all again."

President Ford and Secretary Hoover leave the area to meet and discuss the issues of the day.

[TommyC1776]

Illinois: April 10th

Democrats: 55 delegates
Smith 58%-32 delegates
Davis 42%-23 delegates

Progressives: 44 delegates
Norris 53%-23 delegates
Johnson 47%-21 delegates

Nebraska: April 10th

Democrats: 29 delegates
Smith 53%-15 delegates
Davis 47%-14 delegates

Progressives: 20 delegates
Norris 79%-16 delegates
Johnson 21%-4 delegates.

On the Democratic side, John W. Davis decides to drop out of the race and endorse Al Smith.

Davis states "Al Smith is the right man we need right now.  We can't have another Republican in the White House.  Let's make sure we have a President Smith by November."

Smith thanks Davis for his endorsement.  "Congressman Davis is a great man and I thank him for his endorsement."  "Thanks Congressman"  says Smith.

[TommyC1776]

Now just the Progressives will have primaries since the Republicans have their nominee as does the Democrats.

Senator James Cox decides to campaign a little for Smith.  "Governor Smith is a great man.  He's been good for New York.  He will make a great President."

Senator Goerge Norris is trying to make the point that he's the better man for the Progressives than Johnson is.  "I can bring the Progressive Party to high ratings in the Election while Governor Johnson can't.   Now, let's go win the nomination."


Ohio: April 24th

Progressives: 47 delegates
Norris 55%-26 delegates
Johnson 45%-21 delegates.

PA: April 24th

Progressives: 54 delegates
Norris 54%-29 delegates
Johnson 46%-25 delegates.

Johnson states he is still in the race.  "I plan to make a comback in California in a week."

Massachusetts: April 28th

Progressives: 29 delegates
Norris 56%-16 delegates
Johnson 44%-13 delegates.

Total delegates so far:
Norris-163 delegates
Johnson-128 delegates.

Johnson figures he will win CA so he doesnt campaign much there.  "California will help us, as I've said before but we will continue to go campaign in the rest of the primaries."

[TommyC1776]

George Norris says "California is the only state that Johnson can win.  He'll drop out soon anyways.  He's not much of a threat to me at this point."

While this is happening, Congress starts bringing up the Revenue Act of 1928.  It states that any regulation to the IRS will be amended.

The House debates it for a few days.

Meanwhile, back to the Progressive's primaries:

CA: May 1st

Progressives: 30 delegates
Johnson 71%-21 delegates
Norris 29%-9 delegates.

Johnson says "We did it.  We won a primary.  Thank you California.  It's a great state to be in.  Let's continue our progress here."

George Norris states privately "I dont think Johnson can beat me in the primaries.  I am still ahead.  Indiana and Maryland are next and I think that I can win both of those."

On May 3rd the Revenue Act of 1928 passes in the House, 254-179.  Now it's onto the Senate.

[TommyC1776]

On May 4th Hiram Johnson decides that he may drop out after the Maryland and Indiana Primaries.

Johnson states "Maryland and Indiana are important to our campaign.  Let's go win their."

Norris says "By May 8th I will be the presumptive nominee for the Progressives."

Indiana: May 7th

Progressives: 25 delegates
Norris 52%-13 delegates
Johnson 48%-12 delegates.

Maryland: May 7th

Progressives: 20 delegates
Norris 55%-11 delegates
Johnson 45%-9 delegates.

The next day Hiram Johnson drops out and endorses George Norris.

Johnson: "Today I end my campaign for the Progressive nomination.  It's been a great run.  I now urge all Progressives to vote for George Norris.  Thanks again."

Now, George Norris is the presumptive Progressive nominee.

Now it's Hoover vs. Smith vs. Norris.

Also this day, the Senate passes the Revenue Act of 1928 57-38.  The next day President Ford signs it into law.

(now i know there werent polls back then but in my TL there will be one or two for this election.)

Poll:
Hoover 49%
Smith 43%
Norris 7%
Undecided 1%.

[TommyC1776]

Campaign 1928:

Secretary Hoover states all across the country that he will continue the economic progress of President Ford's administration.

Governor Al Smith states to supporters "Hoover is too much like President Ford as they both want to lower taxes on the rich as we have seen with some of these bills passed in the past few years."

Meanwhile, Progressive nominee, George Norris, is stating that he is the "real" candidate for the people.

Hoover calls Smith "a Tammany Hall advocate."

President Ford and VP Charles Hughes starts campaigning for Herbert Hoover.

Later: Political conventions.

[TommyC1776]

Progressive Party Convention:

Senator George Norris is nominated on the first ballot.  He selects fellow Progressive Senator Burton Wheeler as his running mate.

Norris states "Us Progressives will do well this election.  We will win more seats in the House and Senate.  Lets go ahead and beat both Smith and Hoover."

Progressive ticket: Norris/Wheeler.

Democratic Party Convention:

The Democrats nominate Al Smith on the first ballot.  He selects Congressman John W. Davis as his running mate.

Smith states "We cannot let the Republicans win this election.  They've done nothing much except pass tax bills.  That's all they have cared about.  What else has President Ford done?  We must elect Democrats this fall."

Democratic ticket: Smith/Davis.

Republican Party Convention:

The Republicans nominate Herbert Hoover for President and VP Charles Hughes for Vice President.

President Ford introduces Hoover at the convention.

Hoover states "Lets go on to continue the policies of President Ford.  He has been a great President for the US.  I am glad to be our nominee this year.  Now, lets go on to beat Governor Smith and Senator Norris in this election."

VP Hughes states "I am happy to serve with Mr. Hoover as I have been happy to serve with President Ford."

Republican ticket: Hoover/Hughes.

back to the campaign in a few.

[TommyC1776]

The radio networks are considering having one debate with Herbert Hoover, Al Smith, George Norris and Socialist candidate Norman Thomas.

All 4 candidates have agreed to participate IF there is a debate.  Radio commentator Fred Allen would moderate the debate.

[TommyC1776]

October 18, 1928: Presidential Debate

Moderator: Fred Allen.
Participants: Sec. Herbert Hoover, Gov. Al Smith, Sen. George Norris and Mr. Norman Thomas.

Allen: Hello everyone.  Welcome to the first Presidential debate.  Tonight we have 4 candidates with us.  They are Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover, Governor Al Smith, Senator George Norris and Mr. Norman Thomas.  Now, first question, what will your first thing you do on your first day in office?  Go ahead Sec. Hoover.

Hoover: Well first I want to thank you Fred for hosting this debate and thanks to my opponents to coming here to debate me.  On my first day in office I would make sure that taxes are cut low and we keep the conservatism policies of President Ford.  America will be better off if I am elected in 1928.

Allen: Governor Smith go ahead please.

Smith: Thank you for this debate Fred.  Now, on my first day in office, I will do what former President Bryan, God Bless his soul, had done such as fight for Civil Rights for blacks.  Speaking of that, I would try and fight the KKK, as it is a horrible organization.

Allen: Senator Norris please go ahead.

Norris: Hi everyone, and thanks to Fred for hosting this debate.  Now, Secretary Hoover and Governor Smith stated they will continue what their previous party's President had done.  We need to get this idea that both of the parties are the right ones out of our head because they havent done much.  My first day would be a great day in America because of a break of this 2 party system.

Allen: Mr. Thomas go ahead please.

Thomas: Thanks Fred and all of my opponents for being here tonight and allowing me to debate.  Now, my first day would be getting government involved and helping every single human being regardless or race, religion or gender.  That's what we need here in America folks.  Thats what we need.

Allen:Alright next question.  What is your opinion of Prohibition?

(note: debate will continue soon.)