The Also-Rans
Mark A. Lempke explores what losing presidential candidates can tell us about United States history. There's a lot more than elections here; we'll explore U.S. culture, religion, politics, and society along the way. Intended for politics nerds, history buffs, and all those who have suffered some kind of humiliating defeat.
The Also-Rans
Episode 15: Eggheads of the World, Unite! (w/ Scott Farris)
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Mark A. Lempke/Scott Farris
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Season 1
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Episode 15
If you are a Baby Boomer, there's a good chance that Adlai Stevenson was the first Also-Ran of your lifetime. The Illinois governor ran against Eisenhower in 1952 and 1956, losing both times.
Stevenson's loss showed a growing problem within the electorate: eloquence, urbanity, and wit-- all of which he had in abundance-- were now seen as political liabilities in a Cold War era that required a different kind of leader.