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Editorial
August 4, 1940
Imperial Valley Press
El Centro, Imperial County, California
What is this article about?
Editorial defends California Senator Hiram Johnson against President Roosevelt's implied call for his defeat in re-election, praising Johnson's principles and past opposition to U.S. World War I entry, while criticizing Roosevelt's interference in state politics amid debates on European war involvement.
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ROOSEVELT'S BLAST AT HIRAM JOHNSON
President Roosevelt made a political mistake this week when he created an opportunity to deliver what amounted to a recommendation that the voters of California defeat Senator Hiram Johnson for re-election.
The president, in all likelihood, does not understand the attitude of California toward its senior senator. Even when they think he's wrong, most Californians trust Senator Johnson implicitly, and most of them think he is right often enough to have the balance heavily in his favor.
Most Californians recognize that Hiram Johnson, congress' most respected senator since Borah of Idaho died, is that rarity among politicians-a man who will say what he really thinks and vote according to deep-rooted principles even if what he says and the way he votes will subject him to great public displeasure. It is a tribute to his common sense that, more often than not, he is right instead of wrong.
California has not yet forgotten that Hiram Johnson was one of a persecuted, maligned band-tiny in number-who voted against Uncle Sam's entry into the World War. His action was unpopular then, in California and across the nation. Yet, to uphold his own self-esteem, he had to vote that way. Looking at the world today-wracked with the terrible effects of that World War, showing not one good thing that came out of it-who dares say he was wrong?
Perhaps President Roosevelt does not like Senator Johnson's present attitude toward involvement in the European war. Yet he should remember that history may again repeat itself-the senator may still be right.
But, whether he is right or wrong, California cannot help resenting the president's thinly veiled recommendation that Senator Johnson should be turned out of congress. There are few enough statesmen in that august body now, without getting rid of another one so that a politician can replace him.
If the people of California ever want to retire Senator Johnson, they will make up their own minds about it. Right now, it is a safe bet that their minds are made up the other way.
President Roosevelt made a political mistake this week when he created an opportunity to deliver what amounted to a recommendation that the voters of California defeat Senator Hiram Johnson for re-election.
The president, in all likelihood, does not understand the attitude of California toward its senior senator. Even when they think he's wrong, most Californians trust Senator Johnson implicitly, and most of them think he is right often enough to have the balance heavily in his favor.
Most Californians recognize that Hiram Johnson, congress' most respected senator since Borah of Idaho died, is that rarity among politicians-a man who will say what he really thinks and vote according to deep-rooted principles even if what he says and the way he votes will subject him to great public displeasure. It is a tribute to his common sense that, more often than not, he is right instead of wrong.
California has not yet forgotten that Hiram Johnson was one of a persecuted, maligned band-tiny in number-who voted against Uncle Sam's entry into the World War. His action was unpopular then, in California and across the nation. Yet, to uphold his own self-esteem, he had to vote that way. Looking at the world today-wracked with the terrible effects of that World War, showing not one good thing that came out of it-who dares say he was wrong?
Perhaps President Roosevelt does not like Senator Johnson's present attitude toward involvement in the European war. Yet he should remember that history may again repeat itself-the senator may still be right.
But, whether he is right or wrong, California cannot help resenting the president's thinly veiled recommendation that Senator Johnson should be turned out of congress. There are few enough statesmen in that august body now, without getting rid of another one so that a politician can replace him.
If the people of California ever want to retire Senator Johnson, they will make up their own minds about it. Right now, it is a safe bet that their minds are made up the other way.
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
War Or Peace
What keywords are associated?
Hiram Johnson
Roosevelt Criticism
California Politics
Senator Re Election
World War Opposition
European War Involvement
What entities or persons were involved?
President Roosevelt
Senator Hiram Johnson
Borah Of Idaho
California Voters
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Defense Of Senator Hiram Johnson Against President Roosevelt's Criticism
Stance / Tone
Supportive Of Hiram Johnson And Critical Of Roosevelt's Interference
Key Figures
President Roosevelt
Senator Hiram Johnson
Borah Of Idaho
California Voters
Key Arguments
Roosevelt Made A Political Mistake By Recommending Defeat Of Johnson
Californians Trust Johnson Implicitly Despite Disagreements
Johnson Is A Principled Politician Who Often Proves Right
Johnson's Vote Against U.S. Entry Into World War I Was Unpopular But May Be Vindicated By History
Johnson's Stance On European War Involvement May Again Be Correct
California Resents Roosevelt's Veiled Recommendation To Oust Johnson
California Will Decide Johnson's Re Election Independently