Past Present Future What If… Wallace not Truman Had Become US President in 1945?
Aug 15, 2024
Historian Benn Steil dives into the compelling narrative of Henry Wallace, an ultraliberal who nearly became FDR's running mate in 1944. They discuss the chaotic Democratic National Convention and the political machinations that sidelined Wallace. What if he had succeeded instead of Truman? Steil reflects on how his presidency might have shifted U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War and nuclear arms race, sparking debate over whether Truman's win was a fortunate escape or a missed opportunity for progressive change.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Henry Wallace: The Surprising VP Choice
01:39 • 6min
The Intersection of Mysticism and Politics
07:10 • 3min
The Vice Presidential Controversy of 1944
10:20 • 25min
Examining the Hypothetical Presidency of Wallace
35:30 • 6min
Truman vs. Wallace: The Rift of 1946
41:16 • 16min
Contingencies of Choice: Impact on the 2024 Election
57:20 • 4min