1952 Truman's VP Alben Barkley Presidential Hopeful Campaign Pinback and Ribbon

Description: Kentucky U.S. Senator Alben Barkley, both a Majority and a Minority leader, gave a stirring speech for Harry Truman at the 1948 Democrat National Convention, and so was invited to run with him. They had a surprising win in that fall's election when all signs had pointed to republican Thomas Dewey's victory and a defeat of sitting President Truman after four terms of democrat party White House rule. After Inauguration, Barkley was the man who coined his position that as being "The Veep". Because things really went south for the Truman presidency after the Korean War began, Harry declared in March 1952 that he wouldn't run again. So, Barkley as his VP became a logical choice for the nomination, to which this 7/8" litho button on a 1 5/8" x 5.5" fabric ribbon can attest. But Barkley was seen as too old, especially in those times, at 74 and had poor eyesight, so party bigwigs supported a younger man and Adlai Stevenson got the presidential nod after Barkley withdrew. Barkley left his second banana position in January 1953, and then actually ran for the U.S. Senate seat from Kentucky in 1954 against GOP incumbent John Sherman Cooper. And, despite his age and health, he became the "junior" Senator from that state. Ironically, after a Washington and Lee Mock Convention speech in April 1956, in which he quoted the Bible about being a back bencher, he collapsed onstage and died of a heart attack at age 78. These are in nice condition but please look at our images to judge condition for yourself so you can be happy with your purchase since it does have some wear. S & H on this will be $5.50 sent well-protected first class with tracking. We are members of APIC and sell only authentic presidential (and other collectible) material so buy with confidence, and we'll be happy to combine S & H costs on multiple purchases even though eBay says we won't. We do so by issuing a refund for any overpayment. 7389

Price: 32 USD

Location: Beverly Hills, Florida

End Time: 2024-11-06T20:44:20.000Z

Shipping Cost: 5.5 USD