Stevenson Promises To Talk Sense (PJW)

July 26, 1952
CHICAGO: Only a few weeks ago, the Republican Party had their national convention in this same amphitheater and chose actor and national icon John Wayne to be their presidential candidate. Today, the Democrats finished their selection, and their candidate is Adlai Stevenson, Governor of Illinois.

Stevenson originally didn't want the candidacy - he didn't even appear in the primaries. But after giving a rousing opening speech at the Democratic National Convention, an effort began to nominate the Governor. After three ballots, Stevenson had enough support to be chosen as the party's candidate.

"Our nation is at a crossroads," Stevenson stated in his speech accepting the Democratic nomination. "The trials and tribulations are from over. We can't escape those facts. Let's face it. Let's talk some sense to the American people. We must make some great - not easy - decisions. We come must stand united as a nation to overcome these challenges. There is a tyrannical empire across the sea, our valiant soldiers are fighting and dying in Korea in the name of democracy, and we must establish peace and security in our homeland while making sure the rights our our citizens are protected.

The people are wiser than the Republicans think. We are fighting a battle against tyranny - a battle we can and will win - with the right leadership. The Democrat Party is the people's Party. It is the Party of everyone. Myself and my colleagues understand the enormity of the decisions we must make, and with the help our citizens, we will make sure the right people are there to make those decisions.

The Republican Party does not seem to understand this. We stand on the precipice - and who do they nominate? A man with no experience in public office. A man that is most famous for working in Hollywood. Now, more than ever, the United States needs a strong politician - and the Republicans chose an actor."

John Sparkman (S-AL) was nominated for Vice President.

Despite a positive reception of Stevenson's speech, opinion polls between the two conventions shown that a majority of Republican voters are supportive of Wayne's nomination.