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Entry One: Iowa, Iowa, That's Where The Tall Corn Grows
Introduction: This is a collaborative work between me, RedHistorian1917, and GroßDeutchesKaiserreich. Entries from both of us are official for this work. I hope you enjoy Crimson Century.
View attachment 561216
Entry One: Iowa, Iowa, That's Where The Tall Corn Grows
It was a cold morning in Washington as the sun began to rise. The cool air from the Potomac sat at odds with the swampy terrain which formed Washington DC. A man bound by a wheelchair looked out the window of the Oval Office. He felt very old and frail yet there was still a brightness and glimmer to the man. His mood was that of optimism. The landings in France were successful, the Soviets were in Poland and the Japs were scurrying in retreat in Asia. However, there was a matter he needed to attend to. In the Democratic Party, there was a threatening divide forming between the Southern Democrats and Progressives. At the center of this was his popular Vice President Henry Wallace.
A woman walked in the room, “You’re up early”. FDR smiled, “slept well for once last night. Still, this nomination business is bothering me”. Eleanor then replied, “it’s about Henry isn’t it?” Eleanor walked over to face him directly. Frustrated, he replied. “These Dixiecrat geezers honey. They are making all kinds of trouble over Wallace, I'm just wondering if it’s worth it”. Eleanor’s expression went stern upon this comment, she admired Wallace and saw him as the main architect of the New Deal Policy which made her husband an unprecedented three-term president. After a brief pause Eleanor spoke up, “Henry has stuck by us for a long time Franklin, we should as well”. FDR replied, “I know El, he is the people’s choice but it will upset the Dixiecrats immensely and we may need them”. The first lady paused considering her husband's position. “It’s party vs friend, I think this time we should go with Henry”. FDR’s expression became less stern and he made his decision, “I agree El, I’ll support Henry.
A few days passed as rumors spread around Washington as different news circulated. Some said that FDR was going to drop Wallace while others said Wallace would be President perhaps even longer than FDR himself. Eventually, FDR summoned Wallace to the Oval Office for a late afternoon meeting. The two sat down for tea. “Thanks for inviting me over Franklin, I have a lot to talk with you about”. Wallace was an eccentric idealist, an odd creature compared to the typical Washington politician. He spoke fluent Spanish, studied Zoroastrianism, and represented the left-progressive faction of New Dealers. FDR was glad to see a different face other than that of his doctor. “It’s good to see you, Henry, we have a lot to talk about. FDR motioned for a server to bring the crackers and tea over. FDR took a sip, “This stuff puts me right to sleep, I think it’s something chamomile”, “Herbs do wonderous things Mr. President” Wallace upliftingly remarked.
After finishing the cup the two men began to talk the business at hand with FDR commenting first. “So, I'm hearing a lot of talk at hand about the convention, the dixies are raising a holy war over your candidacy. I suspect they just want one of their guys when I go. “Well I can say one thing, Frank, I’m not one of their guys. These dixie agents of reaction in our party have kept the blacks in Jim Crow bondage”. FDR sighed, it was an unfortunate situation that had developed in the South. “I know Wal,” the man said with the tired voice of a three-term president. Henry and FDR began to conclude the sit down as FDR then asked Wallace to come over, Wallace did. Roosevelt, now very tired, finally said “Henry, I hope it can be the same team and I’ll come to Chicago if that’s what it takes”.
A week later the convention began, despite the resistance and backroom maneuvering, the winds were obvious. In the hot July days of the convention, the delegates made their will known. The chants “we want Wallace” filled the hall, even the loudspeaker was hijacked to play Wallace’s “Iowa Song”. Wallace’s support in the convention looked to be unstoppable. Furious and desperate the party insiders tried to adjourn the first night and not hold a ballot. The uproar was overwhelming as insults of “rigged”, “dixie” and “baron”. However, this was halted as FDR entered the convention building to give a short speech. The convention grew silent as the once thought diminished man began to speak. It was slow but at the same time unmovable and forceful. “Mr. Chairman, the delegate's choice must be heard. You shall not adjourn democracy tonight. If Henry Wallace is supported by the majority of the people of this convention then Henry Wallace shall be my Vice President on my ticket”! As soon as FDR stopped speaking the convention roared in approval. It was almost unanimous, there was little the party insiders could do. Henry Wallace would be on FDR’s ticket as Vice President in November.
View attachment 561216
Entry One: Iowa, Iowa, That's Where The Tall Corn Grows
It was a cold morning in Washington as the sun began to rise. The cool air from the Potomac sat at odds with the swampy terrain which formed Washington DC. A man bound by a wheelchair looked out the window of the Oval Office. He felt very old and frail yet there was still a brightness and glimmer to the man. His mood was that of optimism. The landings in France were successful, the Soviets were in Poland and the Japs were scurrying in retreat in Asia. However, there was a matter he needed to attend to. In the Democratic Party, there was a threatening divide forming between the Southern Democrats and Progressives. At the center of this was his popular Vice President Henry Wallace.
A woman walked in the room, “You’re up early”. FDR smiled, “slept well for once last night. Still, this nomination business is bothering me”. Eleanor then replied, “it’s about Henry isn’t it?” Eleanor walked over to face him directly. Frustrated, he replied. “These Dixiecrat geezers honey. They are making all kinds of trouble over Wallace, I'm just wondering if it’s worth it”. Eleanor’s expression went stern upon this comment, she admired Wallace and saw him as the main architect of the New Deal Policy which made her husband an unprecedented three-term president. After a brief pause Eleanor spoke up, “Henry has stuck by us for a long time Franklin, we should as well”. FDR replied, “I know El, he is the people’s choice but it will upset the Dixiecrats immensely and we may need them”. The first lady paused considering her husband's position. “It’s party vs friend, I think this time we should go with Henry”. FDR’s expression became less stern and he made his decision, “I agree El, I’ll support Henry.
A few days passed as rumors spread around Washington as different news circulated. Some said that FDR was going to drop Wallace while others said Wallace would be President perhaps even longer than FDR himself. Eventually, FDR summoned Wallace to the Oval Office for a late afternoon meeting. The two sat down for tea. “Thanks for inviting me over Franklin, I have a lot to talk with you about”. Wallace was an eccentric idealist, an odd creature compared to the typical Washington politician. He spoke fluent Spanish, studied Zoroastrianism, and represented the left-progressive faction of New Dealers. FDR was glad to see a different face other than that of his doctor. “It’s good to see you, Henry, we have a lot to talk about. FDR motioned for a server to bring the crackers and tea over. FDR took a sip, “This stuff puts me right to sleep, I think it’s something chamomile”, “Herbs do wonderous things Mr. President” Wallace upliftingly remarked.
After finishing the cup the two men began to talk the business at hand with FDR commenting first. “So, I'm hearing a lot of talk at hand about the convention, the dixies are raising a holy war over your candidacy. I suspect they just want one of their guys when I go. “Well I can say one thing, Frank, I’m not one of their guys. These dixie agents of reaction in our party have kept the blacks in Jim Crow bondage”. FDR sighed, it was an unfortunate situation that had developed in the South. “I know Wal,” the man said with the tired voice of a three-term president. Henry and FDR began to conclude the sit down as FDR then asked Wallace to come over, Wallace did. Roosevelt, now very tired, finally said “Henry, I hope it can be the same team and I’ll come to Chicago if that’s what it takes”.
A week later the convention began, despite the resistance and backroom maneuvering, the winds were obvious. In the hot July days of the convention, the delegates made their will known. The chants “we want Wallace” filled the hall, even the loudspeaker was hijacked to play Wallace’s “Iowa Song”. Wallace’s support in the convention looked to be unstoppable. Furious and desperate the party insiders tried to adjourn the first night and not hold a ballot. The uproar was overwhelming as insults of “rigged”, “dixie” and “baron”. However, this was halted as FDR entered the convention building to give a short speech. The convention grew silent as the once thought diminished man began to speak. It was slow but at the same time unmovable and forceful. “Mr. Chairman, the delegate's choice must be heard. You shall not adjourn democracy tonight. If Henry Wallace is supported by the majority of the people of this convention then Henry Wallace shall be my Vice President on my ticket”! As soon as FDR stopped speaking the convention roared in approval. It was almost unanimous, there was little the party insiders could do. Henry Wallace would be on FDR’s ticket as Vice President in November.
- RedHistorian1917
- Word Count: 870