Radio Reelection Extravaganza for FDR
Radio had become an essential campaign tool well before the 1940 presidential race. The national political parties spent more that year to purchase network airtime for rallies and other programs than on any other single budget item. The Democratic Party sponsored this election eve broadcast from Hollywood and New York City. It starred Walter Houston, Humphrey Bogart and Lucille Ball. FDR made a final pitch from his home at Hyde Park, NY.
November 4, 1940
Radio had become an essential campaign tool well before the 1940 presidential race. The national political parties spent more that year to purchase network airtime for rallies and other programs than on any other single budget item. The Democratic Party sponsored this election eve broadcast from Hollywood and New York City. It starred Walter Houston, Humphrey Bogart and Lucille Ball. FDR made a final pitch from his home at Hyde Park, NY. The first hour of the program is provided here. -Stephen Smith