Dewey Defeats Truman

The 1948 Election and the Battle for America's Soul

By: A. J. Baime

Narrated by: Scott Aiello

Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

From the New York Times best-selling author of The Accidental President comes the thrilling story of the 1948 presidential election, one of the greatest election stories of all time, as Truman mounted a history-making comeback and staked a claim for a new course for America.

On the eve of the 1948 election, America was a fractured country. Racism was rampant, foreign relations were fraught, and political parties were more divided than ever. Americans were certain that President Harry S. Truman’s political career was over. “The ballots haven’t been counted,” noted political columnist Fred Othman, “but there seems to be no further need for holding up an affectional farewell to Harry Truman.” Truman’s own staff did not believe he could win. Nor did his wife, Bess. The only man in the world confident that Truman would win was Mr. Truman himself. And win he did.

The year 1948 was a fight for the soul of a nation. In Dewey Defeats Truman, A. J. Baime sheds light on one of the most action-packed six months in American history, as Truman not only triumphs, but oversees watershed events - the passing of the Marshall plan, the acknowledgement of Israel as a new state, the careful attention to the origins of the Cold War, and the first desegregation of the military.

Not only did Truman win the election, he succeeded in guiding his country forward at a critical time with high stakes and haunting parallels to the modern day.

©2020 Albert Baime (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Excellent and Timely

To think about the parallels between the election issues of 1948 and the America of today is powerful and a must read. On the one hand you realize the press had 48 even more wrong than 2016. That similarity is crazy, as is the states won, and the campaign tactics used by Trump and Truman. Descriptions of rally’s and speeches could be easily used to describe Trump in 2016.

More importantly though this book highlights the racial issues that dominated 1948 and shows we may have made progress but it is crazy that 2020 will be as much about race, civil rights, and police brutality as the 1948 election was.

The book is well written, easy to follow, unbiased in its reporting of the events and a must read for anyone looking to understand how history certainly repeats itself.

Way to Go, Harry!

This comprehensive look at Truman's 1948 election victory proves the adage that the more things change, the more they stay the same. While Truman was criss-crossing the country on his campaign train, newspapers of the day were reporting that two white men charged with murdering a Black man were freed by an all-white jury; China's government, which was falling inexorably into Communist hands, was stirring up unease in Eastern Europe and Asia; Russia was sabre rattling and flexing its military muscle on the international stage; the Republican party was gerrymandering voting districts in an attempt to block the Black vote while also offering physical threats to Black citizens who attempted to register to vote. And oh yes, Truman won the tightly contested election but could have lost by as few as 16,000 votes if matters had gone only slightly in Dewey's favour in the usual swing states. Aielio's narration is good.

Excellent history

A great follow up to An Accidental President. An exciting story about interesting time’s following all aspects.

The Most Amazing Come Back in Presidential History

No one thought he could do it in 1948--not the press, not his allies, not his staff, not even his wife. He may have been the only one on the train he rode on his 21,000 mile, two month long Whistle Stop Campaign who thought he could do it. He fought like a boxer, like a bulldog, believed in his vision for American and won.

Truman is the kind of politician we need today. Someone who looked out for the common man, who told it like it was, and did not pass the buck when things fell flat.

If you are interested in mid-century era, read McCullock's "Truman," then Drummond's "The Watchdog," and then this book. McCullock gives the overview. The other two books provide deep dives into the details of the two most significant aspects of Truman's political life. All three books are well read. And worth listening to more than once.

Fabulous

Excellent read. All the facts were woven into an exciting narrative. I learned a lot about Truman and the time period.

Great history

I was eight years old during this time and I am amazed how little politics have changed over the years.

Good read for history buffs

An era of USA history I knew little about. Well written book. Nicely narrated book.

It was like I was there.

Fascinating. Though I knew much about the period, I learned much I didn't know. But it was the gripping description of election night 1948 that made me feel like I was actually there. I screamed to my wife, "Truman pulled it out!" Narration was excellent.

Awesome part of history. Explains our politics

The more things change they never do. Harry to current day. This piece of history tells volumes.

Excellent storytelling

Excellent storytelling. Some of the best material was on the progressive Henry Wallace and the Dixiecrat Storm Thurmond. Scott’s narration was excellent as well. He is way to listen to.