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William Edgar Borah (June 29, 1865 - January 19, 1940) was a prominent Republican attorney and longtime United States Senator from Idaho noted for his oratorical skills and isolationist views. One of his nicknames later in life was "The Lion of Idaho."
Before entering politics, Borah was a prosecutor, even once matching wits with Clarence Darrow. As a member of the Idaho legislature and then the U.S. Senate, Borah tended toward progressive domestic policy (supporting Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, in the face of opposition from his own party), but tended more toward isolationism in foreign matters. He sought the party nomination in 1936, but was defeated by Alf Landon.
Borah died on January 19, 1940, lamenting the outbreak of World War II. Strong evidence suggests that he fathered Paulina Longworth, the only daughter of Alice Roosevelt Longworth, and thus the granddaughter of Theodore Roosevelt, who was only six years Borah's senior.
William Borah in Southern Victory[]
William Borah was Democratic Vice Presidential candidate in 1936, running with incumbent President, Herbert Hoover.[1] Due to Hoover's indecisiveness in dealing with Confederate President Jake Featherston, and his inability to cope with the depression, Socialist candidate Al Smith won quite easily.[2]
Even loyal Democrats viewed Borah as being unintelligent, and were more impressed with Socialist VP candidate, Charles W. La Follette.[3].
References[]
- ↑ The Victorious Opposition, pgs. 195-216, generally
- ↑ Id. at 216.
- ↑ Id., generally at 195
| Political offices (OTL) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Fred Dubois |
United States Senator from Idaho 1907-1940 |
Succeeded by John W. Thomas |
| Preceded by Reed Smoot |
Dean of the United States Senate 1933-1940 |
Succeeded by Ellison Smith |
| Party political offices (Southern Victory) | ||
| Preceded by Herbert Hoover |
Democratic Party Vice Presidential Candidate 1936 (lost) |
Succeeded by Unknown; Next Known is Harry Truman |
