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

Of the nearly five dozen presidential campaigns conducted since ratification of the Constitution, only a small number have been held during wartime. The 1944 election was one of them. Twenty-first century Americans are told that during World War II the country was united as never before, but that is not entirely true. Author Michael Davis asserts that "Contrary to popular belief, World War II did not mute politics as usual in the United States. If anything, it amplified it." This superb volume looks back at the presidential campaign of 1944, the last for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in which he faced his toughest opponent in New York governor Thomas E. Dewey.Most today do not realize how contentious American politics of the early-to-mid 1940s was, and there were changes and debates within both major parties during that time. The relationship between the president and Congress was fractious even in wartime, especially after the GOP scored major gains in the 1942 midterm elections, which were also wartime elections. There were debates about the issues that affected the American home front during the war, as well as recriminations over the Pearl Harbor attack and lack of American preparedness for history's deadliest conflict.Tom Dewey brought great strengths but notable personal weaknesses into the 1944 campaign, and Davis recalls his road to the Republican presidential nomination and selection of conservative Ohio governor John Bricker as his running mate. Dewey had partial but not total appeal to the major wings of the party, and the book recalls how he of necessity made the GOP more internationalist in an era that called for it, while in economics tried to maintain a capitalist, market-based approach while acknowledging that the New Deal would never be repealed.Davis recalls the conventions of both major parties and the strategies that Roosevelt and Dewey developed to deploy in the fall campaign. That campaign took place after the D-Day landing; the end of the war was within sight, and Dewey had reason to think he had a realistic chance of victory, since polls showed voters supported him more on domestic issues. The challenger actually led FDR in some polls late in the summer. The war was still very much an issue, though, as during the increasingly contentious campaign the two nominees fought over both foreign and domestic issues, as well as over the perennial issues concerning planning and the size and role of government.Roosevelt did emerge as the winner, and Davis analyzes the result across the country and in many of the states and compares how Roosevelt and Dewey fared with some groups of voters. The author notes Dewey's effect on the Republican Party even in defeat, and Dewey would gain the nomination again four years later in the nation's first postwar election. The 1944 election is not one that is remembered frequently, but is certainly one worth studying. "Politics As Usual" is a superb look back at that intriguing campaign.

A very good review of the 1944 presidential campaign. Dr. Davis writes in a manner that is easy to read and understand.

Enlightened, well-balanced overview of the 1944 election. The author does an excellent job in highlighting the debate between the Democrats and the GOP. Our political arguments have changed little in 72 years. Another plus is the illuminating portraits of FDR, Dewey, and the other political leaders involved in the campaign.

Great book!

Great book with great research! It's a great addition to any bookworm who wants to have unique portions of history brought to life! Great job Michael Davis for this well-written!

Very informative and easy to read book! It has a great narrative, but it's scholarly at the same time. There is a wonderful variety of sources and it is definitely well-researched. Highly recommend for anyone insterested in American politics! Good job Michael Davis!