POLITICAL NOTES: Invective &. Abuse

On the eve of New York's mayoralty election, steatopygous Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, whose tongue is a potent weapon but an unruly member, cut loose with an all-out show for the voters, mixing mock tears with invective, prayers with abuse, fireworks with slaps of the cold towel. His language got him in the kind of trouble he likes best: name-calling. The little rump-sprung Mayor, who has been campaigning New York City for 24 years, had a far shrewder appreciation than his opponents of the delicate art of abuse. He started the ball rolling by putting the name of Governor...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!