Truman and the Presidency—Records and Oral Recollections

Abstract

in 1944 about Franklin Roosevelt's choice SPECULATION for vice-presidential nomination was probably as widespread as was speculation in 1964 before Lyndon Johnson chose Hubert Humphrey. Harry S. Truman of Missouri was one of several people considered for nomination in 1944, and shortly before Democratic convention of that year he granted an interview to John Gunther, well-known journalist. Gunther was pleased with interview and hastily scribbled a note to himself: Senator Truman on other Senators most valuable this right away. Unfortunately he didn't do this right away. Several years later, long after Truman had left Presidency, he came across this reminder in his notes and tried to recall what Truman had told him. From his memory he could dredge up nothing; he admitted he didn't have the faintest idea of what Truman had said.1