In 1948,
fewer than half a million Americans owned television sets. Truman
took his campaign directly to the people, and utilized radio addresses and
print media. The election marked the end of an era with it being
the last campaign to use cross-country railroad tours. As Truman’s
popularity continued to grow, journalists discounted his unexpected appeal.
After Truman won the election and returned to Washington, he was greeted
with a sign in front of the Washington Post: “Mr. President, we are
ready to eat crow whenever you are ready to serve it.” He was invited
to a banquet of political reporters, editors, pollsters, radio commentators,
and columnists. The main course was to consist of breast of crow
glace. The Democratic National Committee offered to furnish toothpicks.
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Truman v. Dewey 1948 |
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