21. The Election Campaign of 1932
Herbert Hoover had no problem dominating the Republican Convention in 1932, emerging as the party’s nominee, though with tepid support from most of the party nationally. The protective tariffs (which he opposed other than for agriculture) and the creation of federally funded agencies to fight the depression (which created deficit spending) isolated him from much of the party. Worst was his raising of taxes during the height of the depression. Long considered aloof and callous by the general public, the Bonus Army incident reinforced the belief that he cared little for the common man, and much for big business.
Hoover campaigned vigorously, proclaiming his actions against the depression successful, and predicting the return of prosperity in the near future. He argued that businesses and the banking system were fundamentally sound. Meanwhile, the worst months of the depression unfolded. FDR, who pointed to the measurable success of the programs he instituted in New York, announced similar national programs to end the depression. FDR won just under 58% of the popular vote, and the Democrats retained control of the House, extending their majority. They also seized control of the Senate. In the Electoral College Hoover received just 59 votes, to FDR’s 472.