1912 Presidential Election: Rise of the Progressives (IC)

[Arlenton]

1912 Presidential Election
President William Howard Taft not only leads a divided country, but a divided party. The debates of tariffs, trusts, and other economic issues are dominant, as well as the debate over proposed progressive reforms. The Republican party is divided between conservatives who are loyal to President Taft and progressives who want a new progressive nominee. There is a real possibility that the progressives may bolt and run their own ticket. The Democratic Party, meanwhile, sees the Republican party's internal friction as a chance for them to finally win the Presidency after over a decade of Republican administrations.

Top Issues: Tariffs, Trusts, Economic Issues, Progressive Reforms.


Roster
Aureumterra - Robert La Follette (R-WI)
Finland SSR - Theodore Roosevelt (R-NY)
Greater Arab State - Champ Clark (D-MO)
Helowi - Thomas R Marshall (D-IN)
Dentali - Judson Harmon (D-OH)

OCC Thread

[Arlenton]

In the Republican field both Roosevelt and La Follette have entered the race. President Taft has yet to announce whether he will seek renomination. Currently, Roosevelt seems to be the favorite among most state delegations. La Follette has a base of support in the upper Midwestern delegations, but must try to expand upon this to have a chance at the nomination.


Alabama: Leans Roosevelt
Arizona: Leans Roosevelt
Arkansas: Leans Roosevelt
California: Leans Roosevelt
Colorado: Leans Roosevelt
Connecticut: Certain Roosevelt
Delaware: Certain Roosevelt
Florida: Leans Roosevelt
Georgia: Leans Roosevelt
Idaho: Leans Roosevelt
Illinois: Leans Roosevelt
Indiana: Leans Roosevelt
Iowa: Undecided
Kansas: Leans Roosevelt
Kentucky: Leans Roosevelt
Louisiana: Leans Roosevelt
Maine: Certain Roosevelt
Maryland: Certain Roosevelt
Massachusetts: Certain Roosevelt
Michigan: Undecided
Minnesota: Leans La Follette
Mississippi: Leans Roosevelt
Missouri: Leans Roosevelt
Montana: Leans Roosevelt
Nebraska: Leans Roosevelt
Nevada: Leans Rooselevt
New Hampshire: Certain Roosevelt
New Jersey: Certain Roosevelt
New Mexico: Leans Roosevelt
New York: Certain Roosevelt
North Carolina: Leans Roosevelt
North Dakota: Leans La Follette
Ohio: Leans Roosevelt
Oklahoma: Leans Roosevelt
Oregon: Leans Roosevelt
Pennsylvania: Leans Roosevelt
Rhode Island: Certain Roosevelt
South Carolina: Leans Roosevelt
South Dakota: Undecided
Tennessee: Leans Roosevelt
Texas: Leans Roosevelt
Utah: Leans Roosevelt
Vermont: Certain Roosevelt
Virginia: Leans Roosevelt
Washington: Leans Roosevelt
West Virginia: Leans Roosevelt
Wisconsin: Certain La Follette
Wyoming: Leans Roosevelt

[Arlenton]

In the Democratic field three candidates have so far entered the race. Speaker of the House Champ Clark has the early advantage with most state delegations.

Alabama: Leaning Clark
Arizona: Undecided
Arkansas: Leaning Clark
California: Undecided
Colorado: Undecided
Connecticut: Leaning Clark
Delaware: Leaning Clark
Florida: Leaning Clark
Georgia: Leaning Clark
Idaho: Undecided
Illinois: Undecided
Indiana: Certain Marshall
Iowa: Undecided
Kansas: Leaning Clark
Kentucky: Leaning Clark
Louisiana: Leaning Clark
Maine: Leaning Clark
Maryland: Leaning Clark
Massachusetts: Leaning Clark
Michigan: Undecided
Minnesota: Undecided
Mississippi: Leaning Clark
Missouri: Certain Clark
Montana: Undecided
Nebraska: Undecided
Nevada: Undecided
New Hampshire: Leaning Clark
New Jersey: Leaning Clark
New Mexico: Undecided
New York: Leaning Clark
North Carolina: Leaning Clark
North Dakota: Undecided
Ohio: Certain Harmon
Oklahoma: Leaning Clark
Oregon: Undecided
Pennsylvania: Leaning Clark
Rhode Island: Leaning Clark
South Carolina: Leaning Clark
South Dakota: Undecided
Tennessee: Leaning Clark
Texas: Leaning Clark
Utah: Undecided
Vermont: Leaning Clark
Virginia: Leaning Clark
Washington: Undecided
West Virginia: Leaning Clark
Wisconsin: Undecided
Wyoming: Undecided

[Finland SSR]

Roosevelt's New Nationalism!

"I do not ask for overcentralization; but I do ask that we work in a spirit of broad and far-reaching nationalism when we work for what concerns our people as a whole. We are all Americans. Our common interests are as broad as the continent. I speak to you here in Illinois exactly as I would speak in New York or Georgia, for the most vital problems are those which affect us all alike."

The returning Bull Moose, Theodore Roosevelt, has begun his thunderous primary campaign by making a speaking tour through the states of the Industrial Belt - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio - with rallies and barnstorms. In the Industrial Belt, President Roosevelt introduces the crux of his electoral program, a package of reforms known as New Nationalism. The New Nationalism program calls for stronger federal intervention in the economy to ensure government protection of human welfare, as well as far reaching electoral reforms such as the direct election of Senators as well as women's suffrage.

[Dentali]

Judson Harmon

Judson Harmon Campaign Stop #1
Columbus, Ohio

Judson first met with members of the Ohio delegation to garner support before going to give a large rally in Columbus Ohio. He would position himself as a "Practical Progressive" taking advantage of the fact more Progressive democrats like Wilson were not entering the election. He had contacted Louis D Brandeis to help him write the platform. He also sent several handwritten letters to William Jennings Bryan, highlighting the Progressive aspects of his platform and asking to visit in order to discuss them.

PLATFORM: THE NEW FREEDOM

1. Tariff Reform
2. Establishment of Federal Trade Commission to halt unfair and illegal business practices 'the next step in trust busting'
3. Banking Reform, creating the Federal Reserve
4. Federal Farm Loan Act, to help small farmers
5. Workers Compensation for Federal Employees
6. Restrict Child Labor
7. Worker Safety Reform
8. Restrictions on Liquor (Not full prohibition)
9. Financial support for veterans
10. Establishment of the National Park Service
11. An expert tariff commission, wholly removed from the possibility of political pressure or of improper business influence. It would lower tariffs when good for the economy of the country but not just for the sake of lowering them.


Judson Harmon Campaign Stop #2
Detroit, Michigan

Judson headed north from Columbus, taking advantage of the Progressive streak of Michigan and finding his way to Detroit. He first met With Congressman Frank Ellsworth Doremus who he promised to support for chair of the DCCC in 1913 in exchange for support. Then he met with Edwin F Sweet, another Congressman, whom Harmon promised to make Assistant Secretary of Commerce should he help sway the Michigan delegation.

In Detroit proper he met with mayor William Barlum Thompson who was popular in the city and serving in his second term. Harmon lobbied for his support, highlighting how his platform would help the city of Detroit and the state as a whole and promised to support Thompson in future political campaigns. Harmon also made a point of meeting prominent democrat Woodbridge Ferris who had run unsuccessfully for office multiple time in recent years and who would be a delegate in 1912, Hudson backed him for Governor of Michigan in exchange for helping to sway the delegation towards Harmon.

While in Detroit traveling from place to place, Harmon barnstormed giving a dozen small impromptu speeches and talking with everyday people about their challenges in everyday life. On the second day of being in Detroit he gave a respectable sized rally and a 45 minute speech outlining his platform.

[Dentali]

Judson Harmon Campaign Stop #3
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Judson got straight off the train and went to a meetings with the Wisconsin Congressional delegation. Thomas F Konop and Michael E Burke were both new members of Congress but experienced in local politics. Harmon lobbied for their support answering questions about his platform, highlighting his progressive values and pointing out that Champ Clark would be a disastrous nominee but Harmon actually had a chance of winning the general election.

Harmon publicly endorsed Gerard Adolph Bading for mayor on a fusion ticket of Republicans and Democrats, during a newspaper interview where he talked about Socialism as a failed economic system that would bring ruin on the country. He also met with Bading to give him personal support and offered to rally with him, afterwards he met with former mayor David Stuart Rose who still had some support in the city, and tried to solicit his support swaying the state delegation.

Furthermore Harmon paid a visit retired Fmr Governor and Newspaper columnist George Wilbur Peck, the last Democratic Governor of the State. Though he had been out of office for awhile, Peck still had influence and Harmon lobbied for the support of Peck highlighting the inability of Clark to win the general election. Harmon also held two small rallies in the city, rallying the support of the common people and organizing campaign infrastructure to leave behind in the state.



Judson Harmon Campaign Stop #4
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Harmon began his trip to Minnesota by meeting with Winfield Scott Hammond who he legitimately greatly admired for being a staunch Democrat in a Republican District who through hard work a perseverance won him victory. He asked for help swaying the Minnesota delegation and voiced his support for the public county option regarding prohibition. He connected with Hammond on his moderate stances and commitment to threading the needle on tough issues.

In Minneapolis proper he met with Mayor JC Haynes, Harmon pitched Hayes on being committed to cleaning out corruption in Washington and how as an outsider to DC he was in a position to do so. Champ Clark however was Speaker of the House and represented the current corruption in Washington, additionally he would be unable to win in a general election.

Judson spent 2 more days visiting small rural towns in the state and family farms, barnstorming and laying out the farming part of his platform. He also put in place campaign infrastructure to allow for activists and volunteers to continue after he had moved on from the state.

He also continued personal correspondence with William Jennings Bryan, attempting to make a personal connection with the former nominee of the party.

[Greater Arab State]

Champ Clark campaign Stop #1

Champ Clark kicked off his presidential campaign by speaking to members of the New Mexico delegation, Clark argue that he was a man of experience and therefore would be able to successfully lead the United States, furthermore, Clark spoke of the need to return back to the conservative values that had guided the United States since its founding, particularly in areas where progressives were seeking the federal government to interfere in the rights and maters of the constant states of the union. However, Clark also brought up that although he was opposed to such interference at a federal level, he believed that issues such as financial support for disabled workers should be given at a state level. Clark also concluded his first campaign stop by speaking to the Governor, William C. McDonald and promised him that should Clark be elected President that he would take a strong stance on the violence across the southern border but also promised that the would not send federal troops in unless requested by the governors of the border states.

[Dentali]

Judson Harmon Campaign Stop #5
De Mois, Iowa

Judson had corresponded with Irvin S Pepper, Congressman of Iowa’s 2nd district for a few weeks before meeting. He was currently the secretary of the Democratic National Congressional Committee but was out of commission for a bit recovering from typhoid fever. Unable to hold a formal meeting, Harmon instead visited Pepper’s wife paying respects and offering support in the difficult time for the family.

Most of the Iowa trip was focused on visiting small rural towns, emphasizing the farming platform of the campaign and the moderate progressivism of Harmon as well as his bipartisan record in Ohio. Privately meeting with potential delegates, he also made point of saying ‘its too close to Appomattox’ for Clark to win the nomination.


Judson Harmon Campaign Stop #6
Omaha, Nebraska

Keeping with his custom so far, Judson first met with the Congressional delegation of Nebraska, beginning with John A Maguire, Charles O. Lobeck, James P Latta, and Dan V Stephens He privately pitched his commitment to farmers in his platform and emphasized that Clark could not win a general election.

In a private, secret meeting Harmon met with Mayor of Omaha James Dahlman and gave him a firm promise that Prohibition would remain a state issue and in exchange for his support, Dahlman would have a friend in the white house.

Ashton C Shallenberger, the former Governor was endorsed by Harmon in running for Senate and was privately promised support in future political endeavors should he help sway the Nebraska delegation in favor of Harmon. Additionally Harmon endorse John H Morehead for Governor of Nebraska, heaping praises on the man emphasizing his support for farmers and workers compensation laws which Harmon also supported. Privately Harmon asked Morehead to support his presidential bid, emphasizing the Clark could not win a general election.

Harmon then went to meet with long time Nebraska politico, Gilbert Hitchcock who had just won election as Senator and controlled the Omaha World-Herald. Hitchcock was promised support from Harmon in Hitchcock taking Senate leadership positions especially in foreign policy. Harmon laid out the agricultural policies of his campaign to Hitchcock and asked for help developing them further.

The central reason Harmon was in Nebraska was because of William Jennings Bryan, leader of the Progressives in the Democratic party. He had been corresponding with Bryan for many weeks before the meeting. Harmon and Bryan spoke together for 3 hours about every topic and issue the country faced. Harmon emphasized his anti-imperialist stance, support of women’s suffrage, stronger prohibition laws, and pro labor policy, finally offering Bryan the role of Secretary of State or whichever other office he might want. Additionally Harmon emphasized the inability of Clark to win a general election, and how his conservative stances would send the party backwards. Harmon was the most Progressive Democrat running, and was a big fan of Bryan. Hopefully that would earn an endorsement.

[Helowi]

Thomas R. Marshall Campaign Announcement outside of the Indiana Statehouse
“Good evening, my fellow Hoosier men and women. As your Governor, I have made great and historic changes to this state that have made it thrive. I have successfully passed legislation to restrict child labor in our state, passed anti-corruption legislation, and have successfully had 0 executions take place during my governorship, the first governorship in Indiana history in which that has happened.

I have done a lot for this state, and I really wish I could do quite more to help this state. However, right now this great nation of ours has been tested under the reckless administration of William Taft. So while I would like to continue to lead this country, I believe that at this point, our country is in dire need of new leadership. So, as of this date, I announce my candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

As your president, I hope to pass an amendment that requires the popular election of senators by the people of that state, an amendment that i ratified as your governor. I also hope to end the practice of eugenics and sterilization nationwide. I also aim to break up more big businesses with antitrust laws that continue to benefit the consumer. And I hope that the Democratic Party as well as the people of America can help me get into that great office up there, and help this country get to great places. Thank you.

[Aureumterra]

Robert La Follette Campaign

The mega-popular governor and rising progressive hero Robert “Bob” La Follette had announced his presidential bid, although he realized his primary opponent, Teddy Roosevelt, was going to be a tough one to beat. As a former President, Roosevelt already had nationwide attention, especially following Taft’s failed presidency. Bob La Follette was a different politician, he grew up from limited means and wasn’t a millionaire like the stereotypical politicians of this time. La Follette campaign would go on speaking tours across the midwest, where he would be having the greatest competition with Roosevelt. Him, the underdog against this former president, in what looked to be one of the most one sided primaries in the history of American elections.

Excerpt from Bob La Follete’s Rally in Detroit, Michigan
“As the governor of Wisconsin, I have brought great improvements to the state. I look to bringing this progress to the entire nations as a whole. Unlike Roosevelt, who has a facade of being one with the people, I am truly one with the people. For years the senate was a refuge for the elite, but I showed that the common American could make it into the highest chamber of legislation in our country. This country is a struggle between the people and the “selfish interests”, I am the voice of the people and no one but the people! Roosevelt tries to make himself seem as one of us, but he isn’t. He has sold himself to the monopolies of the likes of J.P. Morgan and Standard Oil, these companies swallow up any American who tries to make a living, and Roosevelt did absolutely nothing to stop them. You, the people of the midwest were the worst to be affected by these companies, which came and swallowed your job, your work, your life, and left many of you wondering what to do back in 1907. I have also lead the passing of Railway Hours Act, which stops your employers from making you work forever on railroads! When you vote, vote for the man of the people, not the man of selfish interests!

This political cartoon was distributed across the Midwest by the La Follete campaign

[Arlenton]

La Follette makes some progress with state delegations, but Roosevelt maintains a lead.

Alabama: Leans Roosevelt
Arizona: Leans Roosevelt
Arkansas: Leans Roosevelt
California: Leans Roosevelt
Colorado: Leans Roosevelt
Connecticut: Certain Roosevelt
Delaware: Certain Roosevelt
Florida: Leans Roosevelt
Georgia: Leans Roosevelt
Idaho: Leans Roosevelt
Illinois: Leans Roosevelt
Indiana: Leans Roosevelt
Iowa: Undecided
Kansas: Leans Roosevelt
Kentucky: Leans Roosevelt
Louisiana: Leans Roosevelt
Maine: Certain Roosevelt
Maryland: Certain Roosevelt
Massachusetts: Certain Roosevelt
Michigan: Leans La Follette
Minnesota: Leans La Follette
Mississippi: Leans Roosevelt
Missouri: Leans Roosevelt
Montana: Leans Roosevelt
Nebraska: Undecided
Nevada: Leans Rooselevt
New Hampshire: Certain Roosevelt
New Jersey: Certain Roosevelt
New Mexico: Leans Roosevelt
New York: Certain Roosevelt
North Carolina: Leans Roosevelt
North Dakota: Leans La Follette
Ohio: Leans Roosevelt
Oklahoma: Leans Roosevelt
Oregon: Leans Roosevelt
Pennsylvania: Leans Roosevelt
Rhode Island: Certain Roosevelt
South Carolina: Leans Roosevelt
South Dakota: Leans La Follette
Tennessee: Leans Roosevelt
Texas: Leans Roosevelt
Utah: Leans Roosevelt
Vermont: Certain Roosevelt
Virginia: Leans Roosevelt
Washington: Leans Roosevelt
West Virginia: Leans Roosevelt
Wisconsin: Certain La Follette
Wyoming: Leans Roosevelt

[Arlenton]

Harmon makes progress with state delegations though vigorous campaigning in Midwestern states. Clark maintains an edge however in less progressive parts of the country.

Alabama: Leaning Clark
Arizona: Undecided
Arkansas: Leaning Clark
California: Undecided
Colorado: Undecided
Connecticut: Leaning Clark
Delaware: Leaning Clark
Florida: Leaning Clark
Georgia: Leaning Clark
Idaho: Undecided
Illinois: Undecided
Indiana: Certain Marshall
Iowa: Leaning Harmon
Kansas: Leaning Clark
Kentucky: Leaning Clark
Louisiana: Leaning Clark
Maine: Leaning Clark
Maryland: Leaning Clark
Massachusetts: Leaning Clark
Michigan: Leaning Harmon
Minnesota: Leaning Harmon
Mississippi: Leaning Clark
Missouri: Certain Clark
Montana: Undecided
Nebraska: Undecided
Nevada: Undecided
New Hampshire: Leaning Clark
New Jersey: Leaning Clark
New Mexico: Leaning Clark
New York: Leaning Clark
North Carolina: Leaning Clark
North Dakota: Undecided
Ohio: Certain Harmon
Oklahoma: Leaning Clark
Oregon: Undecided
Pennsylvania: Leaning Clark
Rhode Island: Leaning Clark
South Carolina: Leaning Clark
South Dakota: Undecided
Tennessee: Leaning Clark
Texas: Leaning Clark
Utah: Undecided
Vermont: Leaning Clark
Virginia: Leaning Clark
Washington: Undecided
West Virginia: Leaning Clark
Wisconsin: Leaning Harmon
Wyoming: Undecided

[Greater Arab State]

Champ Clark Campaign Stop #2

Champ Clark after visiting the New Mexico delegation, proceeded to go back east and to the state of Alabama, although the state, and the south as a whole was polling in favour of Clark, he wanted to reinforce the current support there. Upon arrival, Clark spoke to the House Majority Leader, Oscar Underwood, Clark argued that he was in favour of moderate progressive reforms such as disability compensation for injured workers on a state level, where those more knowledgeable in the local area would legislate more effectively as well as moderate prohibition legislation on a federal level such as the outlawing of public drunkenness and Sunday drinking. As the conversation neared its end Clark promised to Underwood that if he were to publicly back Clark in the convention, then a potential Clark administration would seek to curb the influence of the KKK in the south and furthermore Clark would if elected to the presidency endorse Underwood as his successor to the speakership.

After his conversation with Underwood, Clark spoke to some farmers in a visit to them, Clark emphasised his support for farmers as well as stating his overall support for free trade, but that a amount of economic protection would be implemented to protect new developing industries such as the automobile industry. Clark also talked about his stance on moderate prohibition measures something which would benefit American farmers through the sobriety of their labourers.

[Dentali]

Judson Harmon Campaign Stop #7
Cheyenne, Wyoming

Following the marathon meeting with William Jennings Bryan, they had agreed to continue corresponding and Harmon would seek his advice frequently throughout his travels. Harmon’s train raced west, and he would make stops in towns along the way to hold small rally’s from the back of his train but did not have any major events till he reached Wyoming.

While Wyoming was by no means a large or vital state to the campaign it did have one man of note that Harmon wanted to get in his corner, Governor Joseph Maull Carey. He had represented the state and territory of Wyoming in the state supreme court, the House of Representatives, the Senate and now as Governor. Harmon believed that courting his support could deliver the entire state delegation.

He was also a Republican before running for governor, only changing because his rivalry with Francis E Warren kept his from running as a republican. Harmon held a modest rally in Cheyenne focusing on his Moderate Progressivism and bi-partisan record. Then spoke to Carey privately using many of the same themes, additionally he spoke at length about his struggles with the party machine in Ohio and his desire to institute reforms to break the machine politics in the nation.



Judson Harmon Campaign Stop #8
Seattle, Washington

Making his way to the West coast Judson hoped to make headway with states that were undecided. He first met with William Hickman Moore, former mayor of Seattle, asking for his support in swaying the delegation of Washington in Harmon’s favor, additionally Moore was asked to direct pro-Harmon efforts in the state. In exchange, Harmon would commit more DNC resources to Washington State and Harmon would support Moore explicitly in future elections.

Harmon then met with another mayor, George F Cotterill who was a progressive and follower of William Jennings Bryan. Harmon relayed the details of his meeting with Bryan and showed Harmon their correspondence over the past weeks before talking about his commitment to progressive values, especially Women's Suffrage, increased prohibition, and worker’s compensation.

Next Harmon held a meeting with George Turner in the early morning, a former Senator and Gubernatorial Candidate. Turner was promised an endorsement by Harmon for the next office he ran for and should he want it the next ambassadorship to Canada in exchange for assistance swaying the delegation of Washington to support Harmon. Following these meetings Harmon organized his followers and organized a rally in Seattle followed by a newspaper interview regarding his platform.



Judson Harmon Campaign Stop #9
Portland, Oregon

Heading south along the coast Harmon held a half dozen small rallies at various towns near the railway. Eventually making his way to Portland, Oregon where his followers had set up a parade and large rally ahead of time, relying on massive promotion and the novelty of Presidential Candidates not often visiting the West coast. Harmon gave an hour long speech, detailing his moderate progressivism and speaking in pro American rhetoric that was fairly apolitical and more focused on being uniting and inspirational.

Following the rally Harmon met with the vital George Earle Chamberlain, Senator from Oregon. Chamberlain was the former Attorney General of the state, former governor and now a senator, one of the most popular politicians on the West Coast. In a 2 hour long meeting Harmon made personal connections with Chamberlain and impressed on him the vision for an increased DNC presence on the west coast of the country. Additionally he impressed upon Chamberlain the inability of Clark to win a general election and the importance of expanding the party outside the solid south. Finally Harmon offered Chamberlain the position of Attorney General in exchange for his support should he want it, or support for Senate leadership.

Harmon then had a meeting with former Mayor of Portland Harry Lane. Lane was a progressive, especially regarding Women’s Suffrage, Harmon gave his concrete promise of pursuing a constitutional amendment allowing women to vote as well as other progressive topics. Harmon also promised Lane support in his effort to be elected Senator, in exchange for swaying the Oregon delegation.

Next was former Senator John M Herarin, who was a former Senator. Herarin did not have much influence but it might be enough. Harmon met with him personally and told him in exchange for his influence in Oregon, Harmon would make him White House Counsel or another legal position.

The final meeting was with recently elected Governor Oswald West. To West he made clear their similar positions on women’s suffrage, workers rights and prohibition. He also highlighted the conservative positions of Clark and his inability to win a general election.



Judson Harmon Campaign Stop #10
Sacramento, California

Due to time constraints Harmon could only visit Northern California but still managed to hold a sizable rally in Sacramento on his ‘Coastal Highway’ tour. After the rally he met with former mayor of San Francisco James D. Phelan who Harmon agreed to support for Senator in exchange for helping swaying the California delegation, additionally he agreed to limit immigration from Asia as President.

During his time in California he gave multiple rallies and spoke with a number of activists, he made sure to highlight is progressivism and announced his intention to expand the navy and by extension naval bases on both coasts, especially in San Francisco. Finally he met with John E Raker, the only democratic congressman from California. In exchange for support Harmon promised to help Raker establish the Redwood national and state parks.

[Helowi]

Thomas R. Marshall Campaign Stop #1 in Des Moines, Iowa.
“As the Governor of my state, i successfully passed anti-corruption legislation, I restricted child labor, and I fought big businesses by splitting up corporations using anti-trust laws. Throughout my time in politics, I have prided myself in working for the everyday man, and I want to take that up to the white house where I will fight corporations, and make my progressive agenda a great priority. Thank you, Iowa.”

Thomas R. Marshall Campaign Stop #2 in St. Paul, Minnesota
“When our fathers created this nation, they based it on the ideals that the average man should have a decision in who runs their country. We do this in electing our Presidents, and Congressman. So can someone tell me why average Americans are still not allowed to elect their senators directly? That’s like if instead of us electing a president, they were just appointed by the house, that’s just ridiculous. As your president, I want to make sure that you can directly elect a senator, not the state house, put the people in your house. Thank you, Minnesota.”

Campaign poster being hung up throughout the midwest and northeast.
WORKING FOR AMERICA

MARSHALL FOR PRESIDENT

[Arlenton]

Railroad Workers Strike in Chicago

Railroad workers in Chicago, Illinois have gone on strike to protest low wages. The Illinois National Guard has been sent in to maintain order, but there has not yet been any reports of violence or rioting. The public is curious as to what the presidential candidates of each party have to say about this.

[Greater Arab State]

Montgomery, Alabama

Upon hearing of the Chicago rail workers strike, Champ Clark immediately set about preparing a speech to address the event. Soon after, Champ Clark arrived at the location of his speech and began.

"The ongoing strike by railroad workers in Chicago, whilst understandable in their demand for improved wages, does not bode well for the American people nor these United States. This nation depends on the railroads that cross over its soil for economic success and health and the citizens of this great country depend on the railroad systems in their own lives, whether it be to send goods across the country for them to be sold and therefore encouraging the independence of the individual, a integral part of the American identity or if it is to ensure that the lights of the poor continue to be lit due to the financial success achieved by enterprising individuals as a result of the railways. I call upon the strikers to return peacefully to their work."

"However, that is not to say that I oppose the actions of the railroad workers, I feel that it is a injustice for our fellow Americans to be paid such poor wages. This is why I am campaigning in favour of policies such as higher wages, but in order to ensure that the American people continue to hold their independence I believe that this issue should be given to the states where's those with the power and authority will be able to competently legislate and solve these issues. Thank you and god bless these United States."

[Dentali]

Railroad Workers Strike in Chicago

Railroad workers in Chicago, Illinois have gone on strike to protest low wages. The Illinois National Guard has been sent in to maintain order. The public is curious as to what the presidential candidates of each party have to say about this.

“I am immediately canceling my campaign events and heading to Illinois to offer my support and in whatever form I can in the state of Illinois. I stand with workers in the fight for a minimum wage and acceptable safety standards but we must remember the importance of peaceful protests. All to often tensions boil over and protests turn violent which is unacceptable, I have every faith that conflicts like this one can be solved with communication and compromise and without resorting to violent actions.”

[Finland SSR]

Resignation of Theodore Roosevelt

In a surprise turn of events in a speech in New York, Theodore Roosevelt has declared his choice to withdraw from the competition for the Republican presidential nomination, and has instead declared his intention to back the fellow Progressive Republican Robert La Follette in his campaign for the President of the United States. It, after all, does not make sense for fellow Progressives to fight against each other, and Roosevelt has already served two terms before, which, to some people, makes his campaign all the more illegitimate.

Former President Roosevelt wishes luck for La Follette in his race to the White House and offers his support to his cabinet should he be elected.

[Dentali]

Judson Harmon in Illinois #1
Chicago, Illinois

Forced to skip campaign event in Kansas and Colorado Judson had his train head full speed it Illinois to meet Mayor of Chicago Edward Fitzsimmons Dunne who he had planned to meet regardless. Harmon compared the plight of the railway workers to the plight of the Irish during the potato famine, unable to fend for themselves due to economic poverty. He also highlighted the many things he had done while mayor of Chicago to improve the quality of the meatpacking industry. Harmon also committed to women’s suffrage during the meeting and promised that as President he would do more to assist the Irish in America and abroad. He asked for the mayors backing as the strike was ongoing, to give his intervention more legitimacy.

Judson Harmon in Illinois #2
Springfield, Illinois

Harmon then met with Charles D Deneen the Governor of Illinois. First he made a statement to the press lauding Deneen on his commitment to law and order, as well as justice specifically speaking of the Anti Lynching law he supported, and that Harmon would want similar laws around the country.

When meeting with Deneen, Harmon stated he would not use this moment for political gain and that resolving crisis like this were vital to the fabric of the nation and both parties. He hoped that this could be an example for the nation as a whole and urged Deneen not to send in troops unless the protests became violent, at which point he would have Judson’s full backing. If he did this he could bring in the democratic machine and the political union connections to help end the protest with a compromise.


Judson Harmon in Illinois #3
Chicago, Illinois

After meeting with Deneen, Harmon traveled to meet with strike leaders, relying on his progressive credentials to get in. Harmon told them he met with Deneen and that he was prepared to force the railway to open negotiations, but they had to make a public statement of pacifism and expel any elements that might induce violence.

This Harmon hoped would keep the crisis from escalating.

[Dentali]

Judson Harmon in Illinois #4
Chicago, Illinois

Harmon next contacted Margaret Dreier Robins, leader of the Women's Trade Union League asking for assistance in negotiating a compromise. He arrived personally at her residence in Chicago, speaking at length about the importance of Women's Suffrage, the minimum wage, restrictions on work hours and child labor. Harmon highlighted his progressive record as governor and progressive platform and heavy emphasis on Women's Suffrage.

After making the connection, Harmon asked for assistance bridging the gap between labor and business, arguing that the political connections of Harmon and the labor connections of Robins would help move the country forward and help peacefully defuse the conflict with compromise, providing a model for the country to follow.

He also added that as President he intended to form the Department of Labor specifically to handle labor issues and protect the rights of workers.

[Dentali]

Judson Harmon in Illinois #5
Chicago, Illinois

Judson finally contacted the Ohio branch of the American Federation of Labor. They were not directly associated with the Chicago strike, but Judson had dealing with the branch and leveraged those connections to get him in with the Illinois branch. Meeting with AFL leadership he spoke of his friendship with labor and commitment to a minimum wage, reasonable working hours and workers safety, both in his record as governor and in his platform for the presidency. Harmon also announced his intention to create the Department of Labor and pass laws as president to be more favorable to labor. After establishing progressive and pro-labor credentials he ask for the AFLs assistance negotiating a compromise settlement to the strike.

[Dentali]

Judson Harmon in Illinois #6
Springfield, Illinois

While waiting to hear back from the AFL and as negotiations dragged on Harmon to time to host a dinner for the Democratic Congressional delegation from Illinois. Invite were James Thomas McDermott, Adolph J Sabath, Edmund J Stack, Frank Buchanan, Thomas Gallagher, Lynden Evans, Clauder U Stone, Henry Thomas Rainey, James McMahon Graham, Martin David Foster and H Robert Fowler.

The dinner was primarily social and Harmon did not discuss politics unless asked about it. In which case he politely and directly answered all questions, he did however ask for their support in seeing a 'quick and peaceful' settlement to the strike. The dinner was more about making social connections and building trust than working for delegates overtly.

Privately after the party he gifted a well aged bottle of Scotch to Adolph J Sabath, who was ardently anti-prohibition and made a passing comment about enjoying a good drink now and again.


Judson Harmon in Illinois #7
Chicago, Illinois

Harmon invited the former Vice President Adlai Stevenson and his family to the home he was staying for dinner. Harmon spoke with admiration for Stevenson's early work fighting monopolies and his regret that the mantle of union buster had been taken by Republicans.

They also spoke about the blacks in the South, Harmon agreeing with Stevenson about enfranchisement of the African American's being a state issue, though Harmon left out his opposition to the KKK and lynching. Generally Harmon treated Adlai as a wise sage and trusted advisor, seeking his advice on a number of matters and generally sucking up to the man.

After dinner Harmon spoke with privately with Lewis Stevenson, son of Adlai and promised to publicly support him for Secretary of State of Illinois in 1914 and for further office in exchange for helping get his father's endorsement for president.

[Arlenton]

With Roosevelt surprisingly dropping out of the race, La Follete becomes the presumptive nominee for the Republican Party. This signals a sharp turn towards the progressive movement by the GOP.

[Aureumterra]

Bob La Follette Campaign
After the shocking news of Roosevelt dropping out, things went much easier on La Follette. While he did finish his speaking tour across the midwest and address the railroad workers strike, he decided to go easy on primaries, and save energy until the general elections. While he did continue to occasionally campaign across the North, he would largely be staying put until the general elections came about.