NRR Project: Harry Truman’s speech at the Democratic National Convention (July 15, 1948)

 

NRR Project: Harry Truman’s speech at the Democratic National Convention

Delivered July 15, 1948

It was the first presidential nomination acceptance speech to be broadcast on TV. To really understand the effectiveness of this speech, one must understand the circumstances preceding it. To do so, read David Pietrusza’sessay on it at the National Recording Registry.

It was delivered at close to 2 in the morning, almost four hours late. The party was deeply divided. Truman was unpopular, and could not get the legislation he wanted through the Republican Congress. No one thought he would win the election.

He came up with a feisty little address, retailing the sins of the Republican Party. “ . . . the people know that the Democratic Party is the people's party, and the Republican Party is the Party of special interest, and it always has been and always will be,” he said. That he managed to rouse and unify the crowd that stood unsteadily after a long day of nominating is remarkable. He veered away from political rhetoric and spoke plainly. He illustrated his character with his words. And damned if he didn’t win the election!

The National Recording Registry Project tracks one writer’s expedition through all the recordings in the National Recording Registry in chronological order. Next time: Flatt and Scruggs play ‘Foggy Mountain Breakdown.’.