DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN?
By the Fall of 1948, Mr. Truman, who took office on the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 12, 1945, was even unpopular in his own Democratic party.
Nevertheless, Truman shocked everyone, when he won. It was to go down as the greatest upset in presidential election history. The President was photographed grinning broadly while holding the Tribune's headline up for all to see.
Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50) On November 2, 1948, American voters went to the polls to participate in the presidential election of 1948. The following morning, the Chicago Tribune published the now famous headline based on early returns: "DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN".
The newspaper was apparently caught up in the pre-election polls that showed President Harry S Truman had little chance to win. Governor Thomas E. Dewey was the clear favorite.
In order to boost his chances, HST completed a nation-wide whistle stop campaign speaking to crowds from his railroad car. He appealed to hard-working American citizens when he said...
"Any working man or farmer who votes against the Democratic party ought to have his head examined."
By the Fall of 1948, Mr. Truman, who took office on the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 12, 1945, was even unpopular in his own Democratic party.
Unwilling to "dump" Truman at the convention, some delegates wore buttons which read..."I'm Just Mild About Harry," a play on the popular song of the day "I'm Just Wild About Harry."
The final totals were...
Electoral Votes: Truman (D) 303
Dewey (R) 189
Popular Votes: Truman (D) 24,179,347
Dewey (R) 21,991,292
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