National Affairs: The Loyal Catcher

After the 30-minute ovation for Keynoter Alben Barkley on opening night, there was no longer any question about the nominee for Vice President. Rugged old Alben Barkley was beloved by many, trusted by most, disliked by none.

Harry Truman, who had preferred Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, made no further effort to buck the convention's wishes. Called by National Chairman Howard McGrath, Truman said: "I love him like a brother... If the convention wants Alben, of course he is acceptable."

Alben Barkley had not always felt that close to Harry Truman. In the...

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