Fall 1952 (PJW)

September, October, and November of 1952 in the world of President John Wayne.

Fall 1952


WAYNE SURGES AHEAD IN POLLS

"Frontier spirit" is the rallying cry of Republican candidate John Wayne and his supporters. Wayne's appearance as a regular citizen representing the interests of the common American has led to a surge in the polls. Once even with Democratic candidate Adlai Stevenson, even behind Stevenson following a post-nomination bump, Wayne now possesses a comfortable lead.

Wayne began picking up steam as he campaigned across middle America. The voters in those areas rallied around Wayne, who presented himself as supporting the common man while the Democrats and their "egg-head" candidate Adlai Stevenson only represented the elite and the corrupt. "It's high time for a change in America!" Wayne told a crowd in Indianapolis, Indiana. "The corrupt elites in Washington have had their way for too long. Together, as Americans with a little frontier spirit, we will usher in a new age for America!"

Stevenson has found himself floundering in the polls. His initial attacks on Wayne for his lack of experience were curtailed when Wayne chose Senator Everett Dirksen (R-IL) as his Vice President. Stevenson's speeches, though great in oration, lacks the charisma of Wayne's and though thrilling to intellectuals and academics, are feared to be going "over the head" of the common American voter.

The majority of Stevenson's support remains in the southern states, while Wayne is popular across the nation, especially in the Midwest and the middle American heartland. If Stevenson wants to stay in the election, that will need to be the next area he campaigns in.

- Washington Post, 8/4/52

The caption "Let's not forget...The Farmer" appears on screen.

''It's an animation reel. Scene changes to an average farmer lounging on his chair in front of his television. He appears to be reading a book.''

Narrator (singing): Old MacDonald had a farm, back in '31.

The camera focuses on the farmer's book, which is labeled "Album".

Narrator (singing): Conditions filled him with alarm, back in '31.

Several scenes of dilapidated farms appear, including broken-down wagons and farmhouses, starving cattle, and foreclosed houses.

Narrator (singing): Got a chick-chick here or a moo-cow there, just broken-down farmland everywhere. And Farmer Mac doesn't want to go back to the days when there wasn't a moo or whack. To the days of 1931, when he didn't have bread when the day was done.

A scene of a modern, strong, large farmhouse appears.

Narrator (singing): Farmer Mac knows what to do; Election Day of '52.

Scene then appears of a cowboy-hat wearing Adlai Stevenson driving a brand new car, waving to an unseen crowd.

Narrator (singing): He's gonna go out with everyone, in the USA.

''Scene changes to a row of cars waiting in line at a local school. The next scene is of a ballot box.''

Narrator (singing): To vote for Adlai Stevenson, to keep his farmer's way.

A row of ballot boxes, then a large crowd of happy farm animals.

Narrator (singing): With a vote, vote here, and a vote, vote there, and a vote for Stevenson everywhere. For if it's good for Mac you see, it's good for you and it's good for me.

Stevenson smiles, pointing at a sign that says "Vote for Stevenson".

Narrator (singing): All America loves that farm, vote for Stevenson todaaaay.

- Adlai Stevenson Campaign Ad

"What the hell is this?"

- Remarked by an Iowan Farmer After Seeing Adlai's Ad