DBWI: FDR runs for a third term

So I just got done with a biography of John Nance Garner, and apparently FDR almost ran for a third term in 1940. He had a LOT of misgivings about if Garner was up for the job. But he had a heart-to-heart with Garner and decided to endorse him for the Presidency in 1940, carrying on the tradition of stepping aside after serving two terms. Of course, Garner naming FDR Secretary of State didn't hurt.

What if FDR had decided to run again? Would the American people would have elected him again? Would he have been up for more of the job, especially given his health issues at the time?
 

CaliGuy

Banned
I kind of think so too, but thankfully he didn't because Garner was well-prepared for the war and FDR could take some time off in the early goings to get his health in order so he could help broker peace.
Agreed.

Also, it's interesting how President Garner did a U-turn and became much more interested in European affairs than he previously was. :) Indeed, one would think that, as President, he simply wouldn't have given a damn about Europe!
 
Well, but if FDR had run for a third turn, would the German menace be restricted to beyond the Ruhr?

If you call it a "menace." The German military government likes to throw its weight around, but it's been a valuable ally against communism and fascism ever since the anti-Nazi faction took over.
 
True, but its War with the French Commune show that it is quite unlikely to go all in in anti-communist wars. It was the UK who helped defeat the Anarchist government and place D.Gaulle back in place.

Although yes, France was a strange oddity. And I do like Germany's support of India overruling the Americans. Only if I wish Bhutto wasn't so socialist across borders, because Rajagopalachari is moving strongly towards a proper market economy.
 
Top