bedeviled us since we found ourselves in this unfortunate conflict, would it not be better if he had been?
January 3, 1942— Los Angeles Times
FDR’S POLL NUMBERS PLUMMET
Since the outbreak of war last month, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s personal popularity with American voters has dramatically faded. So has public confidence in his ability to lead the United States to victory. Newest figures from the George Gallup organization make the slide unmistakably clear.
Last December 15, 63% of Americans polled had a favorable impression of FDR, while 59% thought he was an effective war leader. In a survey conducted on December 29, only 49% of respondents had a favorable impression of the President. Faith in his leadership fell even more steeply. Only 38% of those responding believed him “effective” or “very effective” as commander-in-chief.
These figures are based on a survey of 1,127 Americans of voting age who described themselves as “likely” or “very likely” to cast ballots in the next election. The margin for error is ±3%.
January 5, 1942— Chicago Tribune
CAN’T FIGHT WAR WITH POLLS, WHITE HOUSE ALLEGES
A White House spokesman called the latest Gallup Poll figures “irrelevant” and “unimportant.” In a heated exchange with reporters, the press secretary said, “It’s ridiculous to think you can run a war by Gallup Poll.”
This is only the latest in a series of evasions from an administration longer on excuses than results. If Roosevelt and his clique keep ignoring public opinion, they will be punished in a poll that matters even to them: the upcoming November elections.
Reporters also asked why Roosevelt is so sensitive about being photographed in a wheelchair. “Everybody knows he uses one,” a scribe said.
“Is he afraid of being perceived as weak?” another added.
The press secretary, a former advertising copywriter, termed these queries “shameless” and “impertinent.” He offered no explanation for his remarks. Since the war began, the administration has had few explanations to offer, and fewer that can be believed. . . .
January 8, 1942— Philadelphia Inquirer
DEMONSTRATORS CLASH—COPS WADE IN
Accusations of Police Brutality
Pro- and antiwar demonstrators threw rocks and bottles at one another in an incident in front of city hall yesterday. Shouting “Nazis!” and “Fascists!” and “Jap-lovers!” the prowar demonstrators attacked people peacefully protesting Roosevelt’s ill-advised foreign adventures.
Police were supposed to keep the two groups separate. The antiwar demonstrators, who carried placards reading SEND JAPAN OIL, NOT BLOOD and U.S. TROOPS OUT OF AUSTRALIA and FDR LIED, did not respond to the provocation for some time. When they began to defend themselves, the cops weighed in—on their opponents’ side.
“They were swinging their nightsticks, beating on people—it was terrible,” said Mildred Andersen, 27. She had come down from Scranton to take part in the protest. “Is this what America’s supposed to be about?”
“The cops rioted—nothing else but,” agreed Dennis Pulaski, 22, of Philadelphia. He had a gash above his left eyebrow inflicted by a police billy club. “They’re supposed to keep the peace, aren’t they? They only made things worse.”
Police officials declined comment.
January 15, 1942— Variety
ANTIWAR PICS PLANNED
MGM, Fox Race to Hit Theaters First
Major Hollywood talent is getting behind the building antiwar buzz. Two big stars and a gorgeous gal will crank out The Road to Nowhere —shooting begins tomorrow. Expect it in theaters this spring.
A new radio program, Boy, Do You Bet Your Life , airs Wednesday at 8 on the Mutual Network. Its shlemiel of a hero soon discovers Army life ain’t what it’s cracked up to be. Yeah, so you didn’t know that already.
And a New Jersey heartthrob crooner is putting out a platter called “Ain’t Gonna Study War No More.” The B side will be “Swing for Peace.”
January 3, 1942— Los Angeles Times
FDR’S POLL NUMBERS PLUMMET
Since the outbreak of war last month, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s personal popularity with American voters has dramatically faded. So has public confidence in his ability to lead the United States to victory. Newest figures from the George Gallup organization make the slide unmistakably clear.
Last December 15, 63% of Americans polled had a favorable impression of FDR, while 59% thought he was an effective war leader. In a survey conducted on December 29, only 49% of respondents had a favorable impression of the President. Faith in his leadership fell even more steeply. Only 38% of those responding believed him “effective” or “very effective” as commander-in-chief.
These figures are based on a survey of 1,127 Americans of voting age who described themselves as “likely” or “very likely” to cast ballots in the next election. The margin for error is ±3%.
January 5, 1942— Chicago Tribune
CAN’T FIGHT WAR WITH POLLS, WHITE HOUSE ALLEGES
A White House spokesman called the latest Gallup Poll figures “irrelevant” and “unimportant.” In a heated exchange with reporters, the press secretary said, “It’s ridiculous to think you can run a war by Gallup Poll.”
This is only the latest in a series of evasions from an administration longer on excuses than results. If Roosevelt and his clique keep ignoring public opinion, they will be punished in a poll that matters even to them: the upcoming November elections.
Reporters also asked why Roosevelt is so sensitive about being photographed in a wheelchair. “Everybody knows he uses one,” a scribe said.
“Is he afraid of being perceived as weak?” another added.
The press secretary, a former advertising copywriter, termed these queries “shameless” and “impertinent.” He offered no explanation for his remarks. Since the war began, the administration has had few explanations to offer, and fewer that can be believed. . . .
January 8, 1942— Philadelphia Inquirer
DEMONSTRATORS CLASH—COPS WADE IN
Accusations of Police Brutality
Pro- and antiwar demonstrators threw rocks and bottles at one another in an incident in front of city hall yesterday. Shouting “Nazis!” and “Fascists!” and “Jap-lovers!” the prowar demonstrators attacked people peacefully protesting Roosevelt’s ill-advised foreign adventures.
Police were supposed to keep the two groups separate. The antiwar demonstrators, who carried placards reading SEND JAPAN OIL, NOT BLOOD and U.S. TROOPS OUT OF AUSTRALIA and FDR LIED, did not respond to the provocation for some time. When they began to defend themselves, the cops weighed in—on their opponents’ side.
“They were swinging their nightsticks, beating on people—it was terrible,” said Mildred Andersen, 27. She had come down from Scranton to take part in the protest. “Is this what America’s supposed to be about?”
“The cops rioted—nothing else but,” agreed Dennis Pulaski, 22, of Philadelphia. He had a gash above his left eyebrow inflicted by a police billy club. “They’re supposed to keep the peace, aren’t they? They only made things worse.”
Police officials declined comment.
January 15, 1942— Variety
ANTIWAR PICS PLANNED
MGM, Fox Race to Hit Theaters First
Major Hollywood talent is getting behind the building antiwar buzz. Two big stars and a gorgeous gal will crank out The Road to Nowhere —shooting begins tomorrow. Expect it in theaters this spring.
A new radio program, Boy, Do You Bet Your Life , airs Wednesday at 8 on the Mutual Network. Its shlemiel of a hero soon discovers Army life ain’t what it’s cracked up to be. Yeah, so you didn’t know that already.
And a New Jersey heartthrob crooner is putting out a platter called “Ain’t Gonna Study War No More.” The B side will be “Swing for Peace.”
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