Truman’s Whistle-Stop Campaign

Harry Truman rallies a crowd from his campaign train in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, in October 1948. As he campaigned across the country, supporters often shouted, “Give ’em hell, Harry.” Truman’s support for civil rights cost him four southern states but helped him win votes from liberals and blacks. Truman Library.

> VISUAL ACTIVITY

READING THE IMAGE: This photo was taken one month before the election. Why might his opponent’s campaign have dismissed the importance of these large crowds in support of Truman?

CONNECTIONS: President Truman was under attack by the Republicans and could not enact the Fair Deal. Almost everyone thought he would lose the election. Why do you think the American people responded so well to his campaign? In what ways have presidential campaigns changed since Harry Truman’s time?