[1956 Democratic Convention Nominating Speeches for James C. Davis and W. Averell Harriman]

Transcript (Download)

The death knell, the death knell of constitutional government in Georgia will ultimately mean the death knell of constitutional government throughout the United States and you may be the people of Georgia believe that over the years and with much suffering we have involved in this now the only way of life under which our two great races can live together in a state of harmony and goodwill substitute for that way of life the planned social order now emanating from an overpowering central government and racial tension hatred bitterness and violence is sure to follow the people of Georgia believe that the people of every state have a right to operate their own schools without interference from the federal government the people of Georgia believe that the people of Illinois and all other states know best how manage their own schools and their internal affairs we do not attempt to dictate to you or to the people of any other state as one as one of the signers of the compact we have insisted on conformity likewise the people of Georgia believe that they know best how to run their own schools and to manage their own internal affairs and resent dictation from other states of the Union to nominate and to vote for a candidate for the office of president of the United States one who subscribes to these principles so I nominate here today a man who for these principles a great American a great Democrat a veteran legislator the honorable James C.

Davis congressman from the fifth congressional district of Georgia I'm a rambling right from Georgia we have one hearing convention today that I believe is the best qualified man in the nation today because of his wealth of experience and background training he's idealist fitted for this the world's toughest and most important job last Saturday a great American and a great Democrat gave us some good advice he took he told us to choose the very best man the very best qualified man to lead the Democrat Party in November this great leader knows what he's talking about because he has held his office himself he's been through the mill I speak of none other than I agree and beloved farmer president and the last Democrat president this is had Harry Truman hey Truman was right in the minds of many people of this nation when he said that in his opinion a man I represent was the best qualified man in the nation today to be president this man's background of experience cannot be matched he's a grandson resources my candidate says something is terribly wrong when the farmers the little business people of this nation are going broke and big giant business corporations are showing the greatest profit they have ever known in the history of this nation something's wrong it's not good for our nation's economy my candidate proposes to do whatever is necessary as president and leading the way to bring about a better balance so that our little business people our farmers and our may be able to prosper along with the giant business corporations of this nation ladies and gentlemen I give you a by far the best equipped man for the presidency and the strongest leader for our Democratic Party I give you a fighting liberal of new vision who looks to the future instead of the past I give you a man who will again plant in the grassroots of America the true democratic ideals of that great president Roosevelt and our great and beloved president Harry Truman geared to the needs and great opportunities of our present day I give you a world respected citizen a world respected statesman a man who will restore again the respect and confidence of the people of this world to the United States of America a man that will chart a course that will lead charges in the way of peace and security I give you the problem that can't be solved and who solves them above all fellow Democrats I give you a winner ladies and gentlemen I am greatly honored to place a nomination for the presidency of the

Identifier

F.2012-03-1268

Date Of Production

1956

Abstract

Nominating speeches given by Marvin Griffin and James C. Healey for presidential candidates James C. Davis and W. Averell Harriman, respectively, at the 1956 Democratic National Convention, held in the International Amphitheatre on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois August 13–August 17, 1956. Includes brief footage of Harry S. Truman.

Description

Georgia Governor Marvin Griffin nominates Georgia Congressman James C. Davis for the Democratic presidential candidate. The speech is heavily focused on states' rights to pursue policies of racial segregation. A man walks around with a sign that says "Lord Save Us with James Davis of Georgia." After the speech a band plays "(I'm a) Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech" (the Georgia Tech fight song) and Griffin starts to sing along. The music then switches to "Dixie" and the Georgia section of the crowd cheers. A few people in the crowd wave small confederate flags.

Next, New York Congressman James C. Healey gives a speech nominating New York Governor W. Averell Harriman. After the speech there is footage of a woman and two men in feathered headdresses. The woman is wearing a large, pro-Harriman campaign button and carrying a pro-Harriman sign.

Afterwards there is brief footage of former President Harry S. Truman walking onto the stage as the crowd applauds and cheers.

Run Time

0:09:51

Format

16mm

Extent

354 feet

Color

B&W

Sound

Optical

Reel/Tape Number

1/1

Has Been Digitized?

Yes

Language Of Materials

English

Element

Internegs

Genre

Journalism
Political

Form

Speeches

Subject

Political campaigns
Political elections
Politics and government
Political conventions
Politicians
Presidents
Racism

Related Collections

SUBSERIES I: Politics & Government

Related Places

North America ➜ United States ➜ Illinois ➜ Chicago

Main Credits

Koza, Frank (is filmmaker)

Participants And Performers

Truman, Harry S. (is participant)

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