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The United States presidential election of 1944 saw President Joe Steele running for an unprecedented fourth term, facing off against New York Governor Thomas Dewey.
The Candidates
Joe Steele, his absolute power certain, made a bid for a fourth term with John Nance Garner becoming his running mate again.
Dewey had made his bones as a prosecutor in New York before becoming the governor.[1] He'd sought the Republican nomination in 1940, but lost out to Wendell Willkie.[2]
The Campaign
Dewey's campaign rested primarily on his assurances that he'd do a better job of prosecuting World War II and reducing the labor camps Steele had created during his second term. As the Allies had achieved several victories throughout the early part of 1944, and as the American people at home were used to the labor camps at this point, Steele easily neutralized Dewey's efforts.
At home, Steele maintained his strong hold over the country. While his bid for a fourth term was unprecedented, it was not against the letter of United States Constitution or any law.[3]
The Election
With the end of the war in sight, a strong economy, and broad indifference to the labor camps, Dewey had very little go campaign on.[4]. Moreover, Steele's apparatus was difficult to contend with. In the end, Steele trounced Dewey.[5] In his concession speech, Dewey wished Steele well, because wishing the President well meant wishing the country well, and Dewey loved the U.S. as he knew Steele did.[6]
Literary Comment
The above pertains to Joe Steele the novel. In the story, Steele runs unopposed.
OTL Campaign
Like Steele, incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt sought an unprecendented fourth term. He was joined by Harry Truman as Vice Presidential candidate. As in Joe Steele, Thomas Dewey emerged as the Republican Party's nominee from a crowded field.
Despite Roosevelt's popularity, which was continually being buoyed by news of major battlefield victories such as Leyte Gulf, Dewey came closest of any of Roosevelt's four opponents to defeating him. However, Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945 and Truman ended up serving most of Roosevelt's term. Roosevelt did not live to see the end of the war.
See Also
References
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