Original subtitles

There's another

Heat. Heat.

[music]

[music]

[music]

>> [music]

>> 50 writers pulled by Newsweek. Not one

of them thinks the president will win.

50 for Dwey, zero for Truman. Dwey will

win by a landslide. Listen, Harry Truman

is a wild accident of history, entering

the White House only by the death of the

immortal Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

>> Morning, Mr. President. Have a nice

walk.

>> Good morning, Clark.

>> Morning, Charlie.

>> Morning, sir.

>> Well, another busy day, Ed.

>> Yes. What's it say, Clark?

>> What does what say?

>> That Newsweek magazine you just hid

under your jacket.

>> Well, um,

>> come on. Give it here.

>> Yes, sir.

>> When the press quits abusing me, I know

I'm in the wrong queue.

>> Sorry, sir.

>> Well, don't you be sorry. You leave that

to these so-called experts. I know all

50 of these fellas. Not one of them's

got sense enough to pound sand down a

rat hole.

>> What about the speech for today, Mr.

President?

[music]

>> [music]

[applause]

>> Thank you. Thank you all for coming. I

came to you because our country is in

dire trouble. I'm here on a serious

mission and because it is so serious, I

propose to speak to you as plainly as I

can. Instead of a recession after the

war, we have more jobs than ever before.

No riots, no bloodshed, NO WORKERS

CRYING FOR JOBS, NO FARMERS STARVING, no

veterans starving IN THE STREETS. WHY?

BECAUSE we took care of them. BUT THE

POLLS IN THE NEWSPAPER say you want to

change all that. Well, I tell you, I

JUST WONDER HOW MANY TIMES YOU HAVE to

be hit ON THE HEAD BEFORE YOU FIGURE OUT

WHO'S HITTING YOU. IT is your future

we're fighting for. I must have your

vote.

>> Dear Bess,

the general trend seems to be I'm a very

small man in a very large place.

All the smart boys seem anxious to get

rid of me, including my own party.

Sometimes I ask myself,

why would any man in his right mind want

to be president of the United States?

I know you never wanted to be the wife

of a politician,

but here you are, hitched onto a wild

ride through history,

and sometimes I wonder, will you ever

forgive me?

Mrs. Wallace. Thought I'd take best for

a drive. Is she here?

>> I'm back here in the kitchen.

If you're coming in, wipe your feet.

>> Yes, ma'am.

>> Where do you get the money

to buy an automobile?

You must have cost a fortune.

>> Couple of thousand. We're in the war,

Harry. A lot of money out there for the

smart boys.

>> Well, hello, Harry.

What are you doing off the farm? Can't

be Sunday.

Don't hear any bells. Ridiculous.

driving a car when they're missing

payments at the bank.

>> Look at you. You got some new scheme on

your mind. What is it this time?

>> Well, I just had the idea in my mind

that we could take a little drive out in

the country.

>> Don't try to lie, Harry. You don't have

the face for it.

>> It's hard for me to talk here.

>> She can't hear us.

I'm signing up

>> for what?

>> The army.

We're in the war. Didn't you read the

president's speech?

It is a fearful thing to lead this great

peaceful people into the most terrible

and disastrous of all wars.

>> You're 33, Harry. They don't even draft

men that age. Besides, you're blind as a

bat.

>> That man has courage. They're going to

need every man they can get.

>> You've never been in a fight in your

life. You don't even like guns.

>> Well, no matter how old,

blind, or untried I might be, I can't

stay home and be a slacker.

>> What about your sister and your mother?

Have you asked them? Have you told them?

>> They'll get along without me. And

besides, the war can't last that much

longer now that America is in the fight.

>> You're serious.

Yes, I am.

>> You are more stubborn than a Missouri

mule and you got just about as much

sense.

>> Reckon we ought to get married, don't

you?

>> What?

>> But don't try to talk. I know you're too

amazed.

>> Jesus Christ, I'm General Jackson.

All these years I have waited to hear

those words.

You think buying an engagement ring on

borrowed money might be bad luck?

>> I don't need an engagement ring. We're

going to get married. Let's do it now.

>> We can't miss.

>> I won't let mother stand in our way

anymore. No, no, no. I I don't mean

that.

You mustn't tie yourself to a man who

might not come back.

>> Don't say that.

>> I don't know. I I can't do that to you.

>> You're going to be all right, Harry.

And I'm going to be right here when you

get home.

Hire some good hands, Mary Jane. Make

them give you a day's work and no backs

assass.

>> We'll be all right. You'll be a good

boy, Harry.

>> Bye, mama.

D called Dizzy D. Irish Catholic from

Kansas City. You're the fourth commander

we've had this year. The last one lasted

90 days.

>> Irish Catholic, Captain.

>> Nope.

>> Makes two of us.

>> Lieutenant calling man to attention.

>> I NEED

[laughter]

DAYS.

90 days.

[laughter]

>> Put out that damn cigarette. O'Hare. You

know better than that. Get back to work.

>> Yes, sir.

Soldiers, you can sleep tomorrow. Let's

get these guns online.

>> STAY [screaming] DOWN.

>> HOLD YOUR POSITION.

>> Stay down.

Get down.

Move it.

>> HOLD YOUR POSITION.

>> COME ON. Come on.

Get back

down.

Stay up.

Down.

[laughter]

Come on. Already.

GET BACK TO YOUR POSITION, YOU SMILING.

I SON OF [ __ ]

[music]

>> We got to get this up in the line.

Dear Bess, battery D had their first

taste of battle. Nobody was killed or

hurt, so the men say I'm lucky, and

nothing can touch me. I was scared green

like everybody else, but I'm not letting

them in on that little secret. Another

fine day with news the war will be over

soon. Not soon enough for you and me.

German 105

purple following these coordinates.

Tell them to standby for a fire mission.

>> Grid

5 8 7 2 4 6.

>> What are we doing here? We're behind

their lines.

>> This is the 28th division sector. We're

at our sector. Oh, Jim. You think we

ought to let those boys in the 28 get

blown all the hell because it's not in

our sector.

>> He's standing order, Captain. It's the

colonel standing order.

>> It's a short court marshal. Captain,

they can see the German gun. They're

setting in.

>> Tell them to hold fire.

>> Hold your fire.

pity the farmers got to plow this field

after the war.

>> You going back to farming after the war,

Captain? [snorts]

>> I can think of better ways to make a

living than looking up a mule's ass.

>> Tell the gunners to fire at will.

>> You said you were going to hold fire.

>> I just had to wait for the Germans to

lead the horses away. All right, Will.

Fire.

>> Oh yeah.

>> ALL RIGHT.

>> [cheering]

[screaming]

>> DON'T CHEER, BOYS.

>> Poor bastards are dying.

>> [cheering]

>> Best Wallace is the only woman I ever

wanted to marry

ever since I first saw her in Sunday

school in the fourth grade.

Today

you all share my dream come true.

[applause]

>> Morning [clears throat] Harry. Ready to

face the bright new day. Sis still

sawing logs upstairs.

>> Morning Fred. Grandmother Gates. Vienna.

Mother Wallace.

>> Get Mr. Truman his breakfast. Vieta. He

must not be late to his place of trade.

>> Hey, Lieutenant Bendig.

>> Let's get back to Jim and Harry, Eddie.

>> Yeah, I like that.

>> Harry, you come in here asking for

Captain Truman. It's alone thereafter.

>> Right there.

>> It's Where's Harry? We saw a silk shirt.

>> Looks like Battery D's private clubhouse

in here.

>> Better gas.

>> The Corpo.

It's George.

>> Hey, Chuck. This is your last round

here. Now you get on home to your

family.

>> Don't let them sucker you in. You can go

home in a barrel.

>> How are you, Jim?

>> I'm good, Harry.

>> So tell me, having slogged through hell

to make the world safe for democracy,

>> are you happy being a habdasher?

>> Well, yes, I am. I'm very happy. Are you

happy being a hack for boss Tom

Pendergast?

>> He'd like to meet you, Harry.

Well, I don't think so.

>> What does he want with me?

>> Most people don't ask that question.

>> Yes, I know they don't. And if they're

not careful, Tom Pendergas becomes their

real good friend.

>> Well, that's one view. Listen, Harry's

got a good heart for the people.

>> I told them about you.

>> Well, Jim,

>> look, uh, neither I nor my daddy had any

luck at farming. And the farmer needs

luck like he needs uh

>> rain and a crazy banker.

>> I believe luck has finally come our way.

>> Thank you. That was delicious.

>> Hey sis, you hear about your husband's

veterans reunion? There was a brawl.

They called the cops. Harry paid the

bail and all the damages to the hall.

>> I'm delighted his business allows him

such extravagance. If things are going

so well, I suppose he could invest the

money in a house.

>> Well, anyway,

>> hold your tongue for it. Think you said

enough?

>> Hey, if you're doing so good, maybe you

need a good man down at the store.

>> He's not thinking of moving elsewhere,

is he?

>> No, not right now, mother. But what does

that mean? Not right now.

>> I wouldn't mind working with a Jew.

>> I would appreciate a little warning if

you make plans. Vieta, clear the table.

Boys were just having a good time.

>> Oh, I know.

>> Got a little a little out of hand,

that's all.

>> Mother has got to get used to me being

married. She depends on me.

But we're not going to live here

forever.

>> Banks fail as postwar boom times go bust

and financial panic spread. With

factories [music] closing, the

unemployed go hungry and ex-workers

lining up to trade their votes for food.

>> You have your voter registration in

hand.

>> Hey, you get back inside.

No more handles.

>> $35,000.

>> How do we get so much in debt?

You got to file for bankruptcy.

>> People trusted us enough to give us

credit. I'm not going to make them pay

for my failure. It

>> wasn't us that failed this whole damn

country.

>> I can't take bankruptcy.

Well, then how can I?

So much hope.

What are you going to do?

I don't know. Eddie shot.

Can I ask you something?

5 years we spent more time together than

without wives. And all that time

you never had Bloomman to dinner at your

house.

>> No, we didn't.

Is there a reason for that?

Best doesn't like Bloom.

Is it because we're Jewish?

No.

I don't think so. It

like Boomer.

Wow.

I'm sorry. Nobody except

family comes to the Wallace home

and not many of them.

He's out of You're well respected,

Harry. veteran, an honest businessman.

>> Never heard boss Tom had much use for

honesty.

>> Tom's got a use for everything.

>> You take this to Billy Fitter. He'll fix

you up.

>> He writes in black, it means do what you

can.

>> That damn bottle.

>> Writes in red, it means just do it.

>> Uncle TJ,

>> this is Captain Truman.

How come everybody likes you so damn

much?

>> 3,465

simoleons perom.

>> How can he be a judge? He has no

education in law.

>> Not a law judge, mother. More a county

commissioner. You'd be one of three,

right, Harry?

>> If I got elected,

>> one of boss times boys. Now

>> Pendergast is a common thief.

Well,

I don't intend to be a thief. I made it

clear that if I ran,

>> you know, my opinion,

politics cheapens a matter.

>> Mother, please don't.

>> Mr. Wallace had no trouble in his life

till he ran for public office.

Well, a man has to keep his head,

not breathe the hot air, and avoid the

graft.

You think you're special enough to

survive influences that have weakened

and destroyed others with far more

qualities than you?

>> What did I say? Excuse me.

>> Miss,

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to set her off.

I just got to make a decision. with the

star going under

and the baby coming.

>> They found it in the bathtub.

>> Yes.

>> The bullet when my father killed

himself.

It went through his head. They found it

in the bathtub.

>> Don't miss. Don't.

Bess. Listen to me.

I've got to pay off the star debts.

I've got mother and Mary Jane to take

care of as well as us here.

I think I can do this. I think I'm

strong enough to handle it.

>> I know you are.

>> I don't want you to have to worry.

And if you really don't want me to run,

I won't.

I KNEW THIS YOUNG MAN BEFORE HE WAS

BORN. FARMER, BUSINESSMAN, VETERAN, AND

THE NEXT EASTERN JUDGE OF JACKSON

COUNTY, CAPTAIN HARRY S. TRUMAN.

[cheering]

[applause]

>> Thank you.

Thank you. Uh

like to thank all the boys from Battery

D for coming out today.

[cheering]

[applause]

>> Beautiful day. Uh

I'm now going to tell you what I stand

for

and why you should vote for me.

>> Ain't much of a speaker, is it?

>> Men are for him.

>> He only needs one man for him.

Firstly, I am for good roads.

>> And the best part of it is no farmer

will be more than two miles from a good

road. Here's time. Let's tell him about.

Now, uh, believe me, I know firsthand

what being near a good road means to a

man who's trying to get his crop to

market.

Did a little work on the map here to

give you an idea of what I'm talking

about. I'm going to need the support of

both of you.

>> I think Judge Vroomman and I have the

same question.

Well, the answer is it'll cost $6.5

million. We'll take it to the people and

raise it with a bond issue. Well,

>> I don't think that's a question that

Judge Bar and I had in mind.

>> $6.5 million. They'll just say, "I want

to steal it."

>> Nobody's going to steal anything.

Contracts go only to legitimate low

bidders who can do the job.

Now, all three of us have to approve it

to get the bond issue on the ballot.

>> Can I count on your support?

Judge Bar, Judge Broomman, ride back to

town with me. Frank, you see if Judge

Crim will give you a lift. All right.

What's the matter, Judge?

Didn't you get what you wanted?

Too easy.

You're one of Tom's boys.

>> You tell me what happened here.

>> Nothing. Roads are good. They're made of

concrete. Good choice. Tom's got a

concrete company.

If

>> only I were John D. Rockefeller, I'd

make this county the world's paradise.

Maybe I can buy her own crib.

>> Margaret's not complaining.

>> Harry,

>> if you think bar and Brooklyn are

investing fun, why don't you go do that?

>> Well, I saw one. They said just what I

thought they'd say. there. Pass the

buck. They said, "Go see Tom."

>> You know what the cardinal says?

Disloyalty.

Politics is the business of friends.

>> Well, does that mean I'm supposed to let

your friend steal $10,000?

>> 10,000? Is that what this yelling is

about?

>> I don't care if it's$10,000 or 10

million. Tom, I told you when I agreed

to run, I wasn't going to stand for any

monkey business.

>> You will stand for what I tell you.

>> No, sir. I don't work for you. I work

for the people of this county.

>> You keep believing that, you'll be back

selling church going broke.

>> Don't you threaten me. I'll go to the

damn poor house if I have to.

>> You see what a stubborn son of a [ __ ]

you brought into this organization. He

don't even like money.

So, what are you going to do?

>> Well, it's the taxpayers's money. They

might like to read about who's getting

it.

>> You do that, the bond issue won't pass.

Your roads won't get built.

>> I'll take that chance.

>> No chance to it. It'll happen. Now, are

you going to be righteous and save the

county $10,000? Are you going to give it

$6.5 million worth of good roads, not

one of them more than 2 miles away from

a farm?

>> That's the choice you're giving me.

>> That's the choice you gave yourself.

>> Yes, sir. How old is that horse?

>> This horse is a six-year-old.

>> Oh, beauty. Is a beauty.

Harry, what's the matter?

>> Sons of [ __ ] brooming and bar are

thieves.

They're stealing money from the road

fund.

Bar is worse than that. He's an

adulterer. Man who can't be loyal to his

wife and family. Can't be trusted

anywhere.

>> Get Tom fire.

>> Oh, I told him what they're doing. He

knows. He doesn't care.

>> Listen to yourself, Harry. Getting

yourself all tied up in knots.

>> Hell, am I any better than them? Put my

own drunken brother-in-law on the public

payroll just to keep peace in the

family.

>> I didn't ask you to do that. You made

the choice to go into politics and I

said I'd support you. But if this is

what it's going to do to you, I won't

support you.

>> I dove into a cesspool. quit.

>> Can't farm. Failed at business. Can't

dance. Don't sing.

I have to let Noah account sons of

[ __ ] steal so that I can do something

that needs doing.

Does that make me just another crook

or just another politician?

And historic bond issue passes and an

ambitious new road program is born.

Judge HS Truman, whose baby this is,

seems like a proud papa as construction

begins.

Local contractor, my friends are very

angry.

>> I'm told that even Pender Gas Concrete,

had to submit a bid.

>> A you heard yet? As you heard, he's the

stubbornest contrary Missouri mule

decided to Mississippi. Hey, you heard

about my boy Truman.

>> You'll love her paw.

>> You'll even love

>> your mother-in-law

>> if you use

>> per shave.

Mama said they're not going to let you

be judge anymore.

>> Well, two terms is all they let you

have. I'm going to have to get another

job.

>> Didn't you plant trees along here?

>> The farmers cut them down for firewood.

>> No.

>> What kind of job?

>> Well, I don't know, Miss Skinny.

Tom, I've been thinking about something

and I want to talk to you about it. I

gave you this county sewers, a decent

cart house, and $6.5 million in new

roads. Not all pent of gas concrete, but

a hell of a lot of it when your people

made a fair bit. Now I am damn good at

what I do and you know it or you would

have got rid of me years ago.

Tom,

there is so much more to be done.

What I did for the county, I want a

chance to do for the state

as governor.

Harry, what happened with Tom?

>> Tom doesn't think I'm heavy enough for

the job.

I don't belong in the major leagues.

>> After all you've done for this county,

after all his talk about loyalty,

>> Tom's loyal to his pocketbook. Never

damn raceh harson in Missouri.

>> Can you run without him?

>> 50 years old. No money. I'll go out of

office parer than when I went in.

Don't even have my own house. There's no

way I can run without him.

>> Well,

I'm glad you'll be your own man. We

won't have to worry anymore about what

the boss thinks or wants or has in store

for you.

I don't care if you have to dig ditches.

Good girl.

Hey, Harry,

cut that damn motor off.

Listen,

Harry. I uh I think I might have come up

with something for you.

>> Well, that's damn decent of you, Tom.

>> What is it, dog catcher?

>> How'd you like to run for the US Senate?

I got these three other fellas I asked.

They couldn't do it for one reason or

another.

Got one more fell I can go to.

I need an answer, Harry.

Well, Jesus Christ and General Jackson.

The answer is yes.

Let's go.

Good race, M Truman.

Where are you going? This is for

senators only.

>> Well, I am a senator from Missouri.

>> Let him in, Jimmy. He's the real thing.

Sam Rayurn.

>> Vice President Garner here.

>> Well, of course, Harry Truman.

>> You look a little lost. Well, I guess I

am.

>> First 6 months, you wonder how you got

here. And after that, you wonder how the

hell the rest of these guys got here.

>> You and your wife find a place to live.

>> Best went home to take care of family.

>> Truth is, she didn't like it much in

Washington.

>> Well, she'll get used to it. They mostly

do.

>> Well, afternoon, gentlemen.

Well, Jimmy, there goes the honorable

senator from Pandagast.

>> President Roosevelt, please.

This is Senator Truman.

Truman. Senator from Missouri.

What is it regarding?

Tell the president that I'm not going to

be pushed around like an office boy. I

expect the consideration and courtesy

the office of a senator is entitled to.

Tell him if he wants to discuss my vote

to call me not Tom Pendergast.

Dear Bess, I've moved from the apartment

you hated into a men's hotel that's a

whole lot cheaper. So tell Miss Skinny I

can raise her allowance back up to 50.

The nation's business doesn't seem to

need much from the senator from

Pendergast, but there are a few good

friends of the working man at a regular

poker game in Speaker Raburn's office.

They help me get through the nights and

days when you are not here. The war in

Europe is on all our minds. I'm afraid

we're going to be in it. The only

question is how soon.

Yesterday,

December 7th,

1941,

a date which will live

in impammy. The United States of America

was suddenly and deliberately attacked

by naval and air forces of the Empire of

Japan.

Such times demand giants, and America

has them in abundance.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower, chosen to

lead our boys in Europe.

General Douglas MacArthur, hero of the

Pacific. And the General of Generals,

George Catllet Marshall, Army Chief of

Staff and Architect of Victory. With

titans such as these, how can we fail to

win?

>> I put over 30,000 miles on the family

Chrysler visiting factories, army bases,

anywhere we're supposed to be making

arms and ammunition for the war. What I

saw

scared the dickens out of me.

>> I saw waste. One of you boys check me to

the uh construction headquarters.

>> You're at it.

>> The little man being left entirely.

>> Well, when do you boys start working?

>> Hell, we've been here for 4 months now.

>> I am asking the Senate to investigate

the national defense program and the way

the government does business.

Will you agree, sir, that a cost overrun

of uh a thousand% is excessive?

>> Senator, there's a war on.

>> We thought speed and volume were more

important to the war effort than

pinching pennies.

>> Well, that must be why you quadrupled

your own salary. [laughter]

>> Now, your company knowingly sold

defective.

>> Excuse me, Senator. I never said.

>> Well, we will find out who knew what

knowingly before this committee is

finished. Now, Mr. Perry,

do you inspect your aircraft engines

before you ship them out?

>> Yes, sir. We try.

>> And who reads those uh inspection

reports?

>> They are reviewed by our executive

committee.

>> So, either your inspectors lied to you

or

you are lying to us here today. Is that

correct, sir?

Why would your inspectors lie to you,

>> Senator? This this word lying.

>> Do you know a better one? Well, I'll use

the word fib if you like. It doesn't

mean a damn to me. What does matter is

that your engines failed.

>> The airplanes they powered crashed and

the young men that flew them died.

Senator, we are conducting an internal

audit to find out the problem and be

certain it never happens again.

>> You know, Jesse James

had to get up early in the morning and

risk his life to rob the Rock Island

Railroad of $3,000.

Now, you can see what a per he was next

to some fine gentleman with their three

secretaries and endless lawyers stealing

millions. Now, I don't know anything

about your line of work, sir,

but I do know when there's a bunch of

crookedness

that's going on here that is plain

enough for me to see. Sir,

>> we'll take a shark recess at this time.

>> Good job. [clears throat] Got what you

want.

>> There it is. Everything you need. Just

>> sali suprema s translate inside.

>> The people's good is the highest law.

Cicero's rations. Miss Ardelia Harden's

high school Latin. Will you excuse me,

gentlemen? My old friend Charlie Ross.

>> Well, I heard you were here from the uh

post dispatch. We'll have our school

reunion in due time. Senator,

>> right now, I thought you ought to see

this.

Do you know anything about a project

called Manhattan?

>> No, I don't. All I know is every time

I've asked a question about it, I got a

blank wall. What's more, people seem

scared.

I've been threatened. It's all in here.

I want an exclusive story if it's real.

>> Okay, Charlie, I'll take a look. Now

you're off duty.

Bess is up from Independence. She'll

have a fit when she finds out you're

here and you haven't called.

>> Maybe she'll still have you for dinner.

I'd like that. Senator.

>> Okay, Charlie. I got to get back to

work.

>> Sir, Secretary Stimson will see you now.

>> Afternoon, Mr. Secretary.

I've asked General Marshall to join us,

Senator.

>> Senator,

>> General, I've never forgiven you for

turning me down.

>> Senator wanted to reinlist after Pearl

Harbor.

>> General uh pointed out that I was a

little long in the tooth for

>> I asked you to join us, General

Marshall, because the senator has some

report about Manhattan.

>> How did you get this information?

>> Well, that's privileged.

>> That is not

Sir, that envelope will be staying here

with me in the office of the Secretary

of War.

The word Manhattan is not to be spoken

anywhere.

This is a war secret. So important we

can't even investigate you to find out

how you learned of it. Now, if you

believe what you say in your Senate

speeches

and your service in the war,

you'll forget you ever heard the word

Manhattan.

Investigator Truman, it is remarkable,

says here, the transformation of Harry

Truman from Pendergast Aaron boy, watch

that [music] stuff, to able, energetic

committee chairman. Truman is

scrupulously honest. His only vices

being poker and the occasional glass of

bourbon.

>> What do they mean occasional?

>> Now you all just hush. I'm seriously

worried about that man's hat size.

[laughter]

>> How do you like Washington, Mr. Truman?

>> You mean except for the climate and the

people? Well, Mr. Hanigan, I think like

Harry. If you want a friend in

Washington, get a dog.

So, Harry, what about Manhattan? There a

story in it?

>> It's just an island in in New York,

Charlie. No story at all. Ready?

>> You sang real pretty tonight.

>> Thank you.

>> Not Miss Guinea.

>> Not Dad.

Why was Bob Hanigan here?

>> He's Democratic Party chairman.

>> I know that. What does he want?

>> They're looking for someone to uh run

for vice president with Roosevelt. They

want a vote getter on the ticket.

>> Why? They can't possibly think Roosevelt

could lose an election.

>> Well, he's already been president 12

years. There's a lot that believe that's

too long. Vice President Wallace scares

the hell out of people that think he's a

communist.

>> Have they asked you?

>> Other possibilities are too liberal,

too conservative, too Catholic, too old,

too racist.

>> That's not what I asked you.

>> And I told him, I'm happy where we are.

I have no desire to be vice president. I

mean it, and that's all there is to it.

>> [music]

>> Hey [music]

hey

>> Senator, did you accept a vice

presidential nomination?

>> No, I do not want to be vice president.

I'm perfectly happy in the Senate.

>> Mrs. Truman, wouldn't you like to see

the senator help out the ticket?

>> He said no, and I believe it.

>> He said, too.

>> Look out, boys. He's the boss. What

about the draft, sir? Would you support

the draft?

>> Harry,

>> there's a d Senator Harry, I've been

waiting for you. Bob's got to talk to

you.

>> I have already told Bob Hanigan all I've

got to say, which is no and to stop

asking.

>> Please, Harry. He's on my back.

>> He's waiting for you at the hotel.

>> All right, Frank. You take Beth and

Margie inside. I'll meet you in there

later. All right. And Jimmy here to take

you out.

>> Sir, WHERE ARE YOU GOING NOW?

>> SIR,

>> help yourself to a Drake. Carrie,

>> I don't want a drink. Bob, what's this

all about? Tell him he's here.

>> Bob, how was Chicago, Bob?

>> Well, it's very hot here, Mr. President.

>> Are all the fellows there?

>> Yes, Mr. President. We're all here and

we're all unanimous.

>> Marvelous. And that fellow Truman has

agreed to be on the ticket.

>> Uh, no, sir. He's being stubborn as a

Missouri mule. Would you like to talk to

him, sir?

>> I most certainly would not. You tell him

for me that if he wants to break up the

Democratic party in the middle of a

world war, if he is so selfish as to put

his own concerns ahead of his country,

that it is all on his head.

Who talked to you

just

happened?

here.

>> I had no choice.

I

>> mean, I didn't again.

>> [music]

>> Broadway goes wild. A roaring sea of

frenzied humanity greets the news.

>> Commentator HV Kelenborn makes the

dramatic announcement.

>> The results are now conclusive.

Roosevelt wins.

>> The Roosevelt smiles of victory are

clouded as fierce German counterattacks

stall American troops and the war grinds

on in Europe.

>> Yes.

>> Oh, yes.

>> And the scientists. Yes, General.

>> Just a moment, Senator. Mr.

>> Vice President,

>> uh, Mr. Vice President,

>> sorry,

>> these fellows are filling me in on a

couple of things, but I've warned them

they're not to interfere with our

lunchon together.

>> Mr. Vice President,

>> General,

>> that committee of yours is worth two

divisions to me.

>> Well, thank you, General.

Harry, take off your jacket. It's

stifling today.

Yes, it is.

Thank you.

Well, there are many things that I want

to uh discuss.

>> Your wife, is she enjoying Washington?

talked about nothing.

His hands

couldn't stop shaking. Couldn't even bar

his coffee.

>> Anyone can see he's dying.

>> Don't say that.

>> No, no one will say it.

>> Dad, mother,

Charlie's here.

>> Tom Pendergast has passed away.

If you like, I'll quietly slip your

respects to the family.

When and where is the funeral, Harry?

The vice president of the United States

does not pay respects to a convicted

criminal.

>> You don't know him, do you?

>> The press will crucify you. Damn it.

You're not some county judge anymore.

You're vice president.

>> Well, I wouldn't be vice president if it

wasn't for Tom.

In gratitude, Charlie, it's a cardinal

sin.

An era passes as Tom Pendagast, ruler of

Missouri [music] politics until federal

charges of corruption sent him to jail,

is laid to rest in private [music]

graveside ceremonies attended only by

family and Vice President Harry Truman.

>> Don't know,

the board of education in session.

>> Take a few, brother Truman. Been to any

funerals lately, Harry?

Well, the VP's only got two duties,

Senator. Getting you no accounts prayed

over every morning in the Senate, and

God knows you need it. And going to

funerals just the same. It was a damn

fool thing to do.

>> When Tom got out of prison, he was

broke.

Even his wife wouldn't speak to him. He

never asked me for anything. He could

have, but he didn't. So, I paid him my

respects as my friend. I'll drink to

him. You don't have to. The game is five

card st.

>> Mr. Vice President, we're all looking

for you, sir.

>> Call 4545.

>> That's the White House.

What's up?

Harry,

>> the president is dead.

>> Mrs. Roosevelt,

is there anything I can do for you?

>> Is there anything we can do for you? You

are the one in trouble now.

Do we have a Bible? Uh, there's one here

someplace.

>> Oh, find it. Damn it. Oh, this

administered. This country is without a

president.

>> Yes, sir.

I found one.

All [clears throat] right.

Excuse me.

Raise your right hand and repeat after

me, please.

I,

Harry ship Truman

>> I, Harry S. Truman

>> do solemnly swear

>> do solemnly swear

>> that I will faithfully execute the

office of President of the United States

>> that I will faithfully execute the

office of President of the United States

>> and will to the best of my ability

>> and will to the best of my ability

>> preserve, protect and defend the

Constitution of the United States.

preserve, protect, and defend

the Constitution of the United States.

>> So help you God.

>> So help me God.

I don't know if any of you

ever had a load of hay fall on you, but

right now I

feel like the moon, the stars, and all

the planets have fallen on me.

Don't expect too much of me.

[music]

[music]

With great humility,

I call upon all Americans to help me

keep our nation united in defense of

those ideals. so eloquently proclaimed

by Franklin Roosevelt.

I want in turn to assure my fellow

Americans and all those who love peace

and liberty throughout the world that I

will support and defend those ideals

with all my strength and with all my

heart.

[applause]

At this moment, I have in my heart a

prayer.

As I have assumed my duties, I humbly

pray, Almighty God, in the words of King

Solomon.

Give therefore thy servant an

understanding heart to judge thy people,

that I may discern between good and bad.

I ask only to be a good and faithful

servant of my Lord

and of my people.

Mrs. Roosevelt says it's haunted.

>> Hello.

It's all It's all right,

Lord.

>> Kick it.

>> [sighs]

>> Listen

what? There's Andy Jackson and Teddy

Roosevelt

arguing over Teddy's cousin Franklin.

Jefferson and

Lincoln

talking about the new occupant.

I can't hear myself, Bess.

>> You will,

but it's going to take a lot of barn to

make this place liveable. Well, let

that trick in the floor. That's just the

flower bars need to be nailed down tight

to the joist. That's all.

>> What this place needs is a good

carpenter.

>> After all this time,

our first Harry,

our own house.

>> Charlie, Bess thinks you'd make a hell

of a press secretary.

>> Oh, Jesus. No, Harry.

>> Well, you can't say no to Bess. I'm

appointing prank your secretary.

Secretary of what?

>> Just secretary. Franklin staff all look

at me like a skunk at a wedding. I need

some Missouri around me real quick.

Mr. President, I hope you understand why

it was necessary for me to

>> You did your duty as you understood it

to be. You had no reason to trust me.

Now, we don't have to like each other to

work together. I'd prefer it if we did,

but uh what will be necessary is that we

trust each other.

Now, I saw how you guarded the nation's

interest and uh I trust that.

>> Yes, I agree with that.

>> So, let's stop all the [ __ ] and get

down to business.

>> Dismissed.

Within 4 months, the Manhattan project

will have completed the most terrible

weapon in human history.

Now, uh, how does it work? What's it

made of?

>> It's an atomic bomb. It's made from

uranium.

By bringing together a few pounds of

refined uranium in the right conditions,

it spontaneously

transforms itself into pure energy. It's

the same process that powers the sun.

It could vaporize an entire city

instantly.

>> Do the Germans know about this?

>> We believe they tried to make one and

failed. The Russians have no idea this

exists. Well, for God's sakes, let's

keep him in the dark.

>> Mrs. Truman, what qualities do you think

would be the greatest asset to the wife

of the president?

>> Good health and sense of humor.

[laughter]

>> Do you think there'll ever be a woman

president of the United States?

>> No.

>> Would you want to be president?

>> No.

>> Would you ever want Margaret to be first

lady?

>> No. If you had a son, would you try to

raise him to be president?

>> No.

>> Mrs. Roosevelt like to meet with us once

a week. How often will you be holding

your press conferences, Mrs. Truman?

>> This will be my last one.

>> Well, how will we ever get to know you?

>> You don't need to know me.

>> Anybody know what day this is?

>> Well, I knew there was some plot going

on. Well, I better start blowing before

this old fire trap bursts into flames.

[laughter]

>> That's right.

Surprise.

>> Oh my god, it's Republican.

[laughter]

>> Well, I'll take care of that rascal.

I'll call in the Marines.

Gone. Gone. There he There he goes. He's

gone. [laughter]

>> Your Marines ought to be elsewhere.

>> Make a wish, Dad.

>> [applause]

>> Many, many more.

>> Were you surprised?

>> Well, yes, I was. [laughter]

[snorts] You got me.

Sweetheart, I think Margaret and I are

going to go home for the summer.

That's not really good for her to be

here in this goldfish bowl. And I'm

going to earth leaves to you.

>> Well, that is just not true.

>> Well, yeah. We'll be out of your way and

you can get more work done. Nina mother,

she's already started her spring

cleaning and those storm windows, they

got to come down and I got to talk to

that Walter Johnson man about painting

the house and spring planting.

>> Well, I need you here,

>> Harry.

You're in that office or in meetings

seven days a week kissing and weedling

and kicking people to get them to do

what they ought to do anyway. You don't

need me for that. I wouldn't be good at

any of it.

even if anybody here ever listened to

what a woman had to say. Anyway, I'm

going to get some napkins

and

I need to see the dog wood bloom.

Not this dogwood.

My dogwood.

It's all happened so fast. She needs

time. She'll come around.

>> Yes.

Thank God. That's wonderful news. Thank

you.

I just uh wanted to say thanks for

the delicious cake.

I got plenty left here if anybody wants

a piece.

>> Oh, well, uh, I didn't mean to interrupt

your work here. I I'll just leave it

here for you.

I've cooked for every president since

Mr. Kurage. You're the first one since

him ever came down here. He just came to

make sure we weren't giving any food

away.

>> [laughter]

>> Uh,

I uh got a message a few minutes ago

that uh

well, it was the best birthday present

that I could ever have

gotten. I think it uh might be on this

uh radio here right now. Do you mind?

>> Official. The war in Europe is ended.

Victory belongs to the Allies.

This is Piccadilli's circle. You

remember this place when it was

completely empty?

>> You may hear an occasional bang.

>> My grandson is still in the Pacific.

>> Well, we're going to get him home, too.

>> Europe,

>> just as fast as I'm able.

>> Thank you, sir. has come to pass.

>> Good night.

>> Peace in your

>> arrives in Berlin to plan the postwar

peace

>> with Premier Stalin and Prime Minister

Churchill.

>> There is not one piece of territory or

one thing of a monetary nature that we

want out of this war.

The German

British must share it with the Soviet

Union.

>> That issue will be discussed by our

foreign minister.

left to our

what will we discuss?

>> Romania, Bulgaria, you agree Hungary

that these nations would have democratic

government

>> then it is democratic.

>> Dear Bess,

we are three old men walking in a

graveyard planning a brave new world and

we're haggling like a bunch of old

women.

This head of mine should have been

bigger and better proportioned.

There ought to have been more brain and

a larger bump of ego or something to

give me an idea that can be a number one

man in the world.

>> Mr. President,

>> Manhattan,

the baby is born.

>> We're in the Russian zone. The Russians

prepared this house. I suggest to speak

outside.

>> The first

press secretary Ross.

>> Yeah. The president would like to see

you, sir.

>> It's pronounced.

If you're going to remove it from the

face of the earth, you ought to know how

to say it.

>> I didn't call on you for cheap sarcasm,

Charlie. I was hoping for common sense.

They're telling you how many dead?

>> Oppenheimer, the uh chief scientist for

the bomb, says it might kill as many as

30,000 people.

How could I look them in the face and

tell them that?

Harry, you didn't come to me for common

sense. You came to me for forgiveness.

Do what you have to do.

I'll still be your friend, but this is

changing the course of history.

You clench the victory in the Pacific,

but you sow the whirlwind.

16 hours ago, an American airplane

dropped an atomic bomb, letting loose

the basic power of the universe on

Hiroshima, an important Japanese army

base, and it was totally destroyed.

There has been no word from Japan, no

sign of surrender.

We have more of these bombs and we will

keep on dropping them. We will

obliterate completely every productive

enterprise the Japanese have above

ground. We will destroy their docks,

their factories, and their

communications.

We will completely destroy them. If they

do not now accept our terms for

surrender, they will get a rain of ruin

from the air the like of which has never

before been seen on this earth.

We are gathered here representatives of

the major waring powers to conclude a

solemn agreement whereby peace may be

restored.

It is my earnest hope and indeed the

hope of all mankind that from this

solemn occasion a better world shall

emerge out of the blood and carnage of

the past.

A what a wonderful day. Well, that's a

great hat,

>> Miss Skinny. Hi,

>> Dad.

>> Everybody, everybody, uh, the boss is up

from independence to make it official.

[laughter]

Here's your oldfashioned ma'am. I had

Lonzo fixed it for you just the way you

like it.

>> Well, thank you, Frank. The president

and I don't like fruit punch. [laughter]

>> That's right. Ah, that's good. It's got

a kick to it like a Missouri mule.

[laughter]

>> Bourbon, a little ice, and a little more

bourbon.

>> Ladies and gentlemen, a toast.

Uh, maybe

once every thousand years, the human

race gets a chance to start over.

I believe

we have been given that chance.

I'm going to take the atomic power out

of the hands of the military

and talk to the scientists about how to

use it for peaceful pursuits. Now, just

think of it

if we don't make a mistake.

What a paradise we could make of this

world.

With the world [music] at peace and our

armies back home, weapons and ammunition

no longer needed for war are dumped at

sea or burned, [music] Detroit turns out

the first new automobile in 5 years on

assembly lines that once produced tanks.

With victory behind him, President

Truman wastes no time bringing his

programs to Congress. [applause]

>> Hello, how are you?

>> Good to see you, Mr. President.

>> John, good to see you.

>> Good to see you.

Welcome gentlemen and madam.

The president has announcement of

special importance because of recent

events in the south and elsewhere.

Thank you.

We believe that all men are created

equal and have the right to equal

treatment under the law.

Therefore,

I have written an executive order to

correct a great injustice

and lay the foundation for civil rights

laws that secure those rights to men of

all colors and creed in all places and

at all times.

>> Damn it. Why in God's name do they have

to put negres with white boys in the

army

>> and into federal employment?

Don't president has come down here to

explain his views.

>> My family had southern leanings and

southern feelings. I damn near joined

the Ku Klux Clan. Tom Pendergast talked

me out of it because the clan was

anti-atholic. But when I hear the negro

soldiers we're sending out to fight and

die for their country, get dumped out of

armored trucks and beaten in Mississippi

and mob gangs in Georgia shoot [ __ ]

and the law knows about it and does

nothing. My stomach turns over.

Whatever my inclinations as a native of

Missouri might have been, as president,

I know this is bad. It is an evil of the

worst kind.

I'm going to try to stop it. And that's

all there is to it. What beats me is how

a man as smart as Franklin Roosevelt can

make a damn failed habitasher his vice

president.

[cheering]

If we must grind up human flesh and bone

in the industrial machine that they call

modern America, we owe protection to

those men first. And we owe the security

for their families if they die. I say

it, I voice it. I proclaim it. And I

care not who in heaven or hell opposes

it.

>> I am the representative of 140 million

people.

I cannot stand idly by, for they are

caused to suffer by reason of the coal

miners and the railroad men going on

strike. I request Congress to authorize

the president to draft into the army all

workers who are on strike against their

government.

>> In Europe, one-time allies fall to

communist aggression.

From Statine in the Baltic to Trieste in

the Adriatic, an iron curtain has

descended across the continent.

We're closer to war in Europe than at

any time since 1939.

If we recognize the Jewish state, the

Arabs will attack. Jews don't have an

army. We'll have to protect them with

what? We don't have the men. We don't

have the weapons. And we can't take what

we do have out of Europe.

>> And Stalin would view the creation of a

Jewish state as a perfect opportunity to

try and drive a wedge between Iran and

the West.

>> Clark,

>> this is a uh

this is a foreign policy briefing. Mr.

President, what is Clifford doing here?

>> He's the White House counsel. I asked

him to be here, General. Well, if you'll

excuse me, sir, I I believe Mr.

Clifford's interest is in the Jewish

vote.

>> Well, now wait a minute. Let's just see

what he has to say here. Clark,

>> no matter what the State Department or

anybody else thinks,

we are faced with the actual fact that

there is to be a Jewish state,

recognition of that state would embody

everything that this country represents.

Not only the establishment of a friendly

democracy in an unstable part of the

world with no democratic tradition,

but the creation of a safe haven for

people whose suffering is so vast as to

stupify the human mind.

>> Well, George, he's right.

And you're right,

>> and Dean's right.

Well, sir, I must tell you that uh

that if you allow politics to determine

foreign policy, then uh were I to vote,

I would vote against you, November.

And I have nothing more to add to this.

Excuse me.

Well, that was rough as a cub.

>> Let him resign.

It's hard enough dealing with your

friends. Why put up with open rebellion?

Dear Bessar,

>> your sister called.

Mama was alive when there were still

slaves in the United States.

sent her son off to the war that was

supposed to end all wars. She's on the

birth of the atomic age.

>> Come on,

Bess. I'm not going to run for another

turn.

Going to do what I think needs doing and

finish it out and then we'll come home

for good like you always wanted.

When are you going to stop making

promises you can't keep?

You'll run it. You'll have to.

>> According to who?

Not the Democratic Party.

>> I thought this would please you.

>> Well, you can please me by stopping

thinking you can read my mind.

You'll run cuz you have to be president

in your own right. You know that.

They quit now just like it's been all

an accident.

[sighs] Roosevelt dying before his time.

And I'm not going to live out my days

watching some old man sit around

thinking he was nothing but an accident.

Harry,

what are you doing here on Saturday for

your desk?

Got it from a fell in Texas.

>> The buck stops here. How about that?

>> That's right. And I got another surprise

for you.

>> Eddie Jacobson.

>> How are you, Harry?

>> Good. How's you looking? Well,

>> you too. Sit down. Sit down.

How's the family?

>> Well, paid off the last claim for my

share of the store last year. We're

fine, Harry.

>> Good. Good.

>> Mr. President,

some people have asked me to talk to

you. Great people, great Jews. We're

building a a homeland in Palestine.

>> Yes. Well, uh,

I've already spoken out on that.

>> We know you're under great pressure from

some powerful interests.

>> Well, the Zionists have been in here

making their case, and the more I say

I'm for them, the more pressure I get.

They They can't take yes for an answer.

>> It's not a thing to joke about.

>> Well, of course, it's no joke. You don't

have to tell me that.

I'm about to lose the support to the one

man in government the world needs most

over this single issue.

>> The issue is Arab oil and Jewish blood.

>> Oil?

You think that's what I care about?

>> Big business, low gas prices, Jewish

blood. Now, where's the right and wrong

in that?

>> Eddie, you know me.

I will make a decision when I'm ready,

and it'll be my best bet.

But not everybody's going to like it.

>> And what happens if you're wrong?

>> Then I'll make another decision.

>> Uh, doesn't it have a name?

>> Supposed to be penciled in.

>> Yes. Well, it's not here. Uh, do I have

to uh can I just write it in here or

does it have to be typewritten?

>> Just write it in

>> with my pen, Mr. President.

state

of

Israel.

>> Eddie,

God put you in your mother's womb for

this moment.

>> General Marshall,

>> I'm sorry. We disagreed, General.

>> I would hope that we uh still have a

future together where we won't disagree

again.

>> Sir, one does not resign because a

president whose job is to make decisions

makes one.

>> [music]

>> How are you? Good to see you.

How are you? Good to see you.

>> You did the advance work, Basser.

Where's the crowd?

>> What crowd? It's reunion. Family only.

Look at Harry. He's like a kid. This is

the president of the United States. He's

making an important speech. It's an

election year. You don't like the way I

do things, take it up to the boss.

>> All right. All right.

>> Say hello to the boss.

[applause]

>> And the boss is boss. [cheering]

[applause]

Sit down.

>> Take your seats.

>> The children of Europe

will die in greater numbers than in the

war.

Unless

we immediately undertake her economic

recovery. With the Marshall Plan, we

will be the first great nation in all

the history of the world to feed and

support our farmer enemies as well as

our friends.

>> And on next January 20, there will begin

in Washington the biggest unraveling,

unsnaraling, untangling operation in our

nation's history.

>> Election year gathers momentum with

Republicans solidly behind Governor

Buick. President Truman's popularity

plummets and party leaders look to

heroes of the war to replace him.

>> My politics can be summed up in one

phrase.

God bless America.

>> I am a soldier. I belong to the army and

the army is truly national. It lives to

serve the nation and nobody else, no

party.

>> The convention begins in chaos and

infighting.

Listen

to me. Listen to me. Listen to me.

People

will not be crucified on a cross to

civil rights. This is a naked effort to

reduce a white MAN TO A MONG RACE. WE'LL

NOT WE'LL NOMINATE OUR OWN CANDIDATE AND

bid hairy ass. Truman and the Democrat

party.

Ballot after ballot, the search for a

new leader of the demortalized Democrats

goes far into the night.

>> Television,

>> coast to coast.

>> First time ever.

Not anyone's going to see you at 2:00 in

the morning.

>> Damn parties on some kind of suicidal

jag.

>> It's crazy. Max

1 half vote

947

and 12.

>> Maybe I can wake him up.

>> Declare him the Democratic nominee for

president of the United States

to a new and a greater destiny.

President of the United States, Harry P.

>> [music]

>> I just want to say that for the next

four years they're going to be a

Democrat in the White House.

>> You're looking at him.

>> We will win because we are right and

they are wrong. The do nothing

Republican Congress, the worst in

history, say they are for education,

civil rights, health insurance for

everybody who's sick, housing for the

working man, low taxes, all the things

that I stand up to and which they refuse

to pass. Well, if they are for these

things, I'm going to give them a chance

to prove it. I am therefore calling this

Congress back into session on the 26th

of July. And if the Republicans really

mean what they say, they can prove it by

passing the legislation we gave them.

[applause]

This is HD Caltonborn speaking from the

New York studios of the National

Broadcasting Company. While Governor

Dwey barely bothers to campaign,

President Truman is on a whistle stop

crusade, begging for votes wherever he

can find them. This is your fight. I'm

just waking you up to the fact that it

is your fight. You better get out there

and help me win THIS FIGHT OR YOU'RE

going to BE THE LOSER, NOT I.

This Republican Congress has already

stuck a pitchfork in the farmer's back.

IT'S A SAD TALE OF THE SELLOUT OF THE

PEOPLE TO THESE GLUTTON OF PRIVILEGE.

THESE COLD MEN WHO SKIM THE CREAM from

our natural resources to satisfy their

OWN GREED. YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO WASTE

YOUR VOTE THIS YEAR. I MUST HAVE YOUR

HELP. THE COUNTRY CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER

REPUBLICAN CONGRESS.

>> The Gallup poll show very little hope.

The president so authoritative sources

say the Democratic Party is short of

money.

>> Yes. Why are we stopping?

Hey, this train is not moving till we

get paid up in cash. You'll get paid. We

got people waiting for the president up

ahead. What's the matter with you

anyway? You ought to be honored to be

driving this man's train. [ __ ] This

is the same guy was going to draft

railroad men into the army to break our

strike. Now he wants us to work for

nothing all over again. I already sent

my absentee ballot.

Could

I uh could I have your attention,

please?

>> Thank you.

The leaders of the Democratic Party have

read the polls

and they have told me that they do not

want to throw good money away on a

hopeless quest. So, they have stopped

paying for the train. Now, I don't care

whether you vote for Harry Truman or

not. That's not the issue here. What is

important is that the president can take

his case to the people and let the

people make a choice. So, with your

help, I'm going to pass a hat and let's

see if we can keep this train running.

All right. All right.

I told my fellow party members that if

Moses had waited on the polls, he'd

still be waiting in Egypt.

>> Give them hell, Harry.

>> Well, I'm doing it.

[applause]

Okay. Well, thank you for coming. I

appreciate it.

>> Thank you.

>> Yeah. Roosevelt never had to beg like

this. Roosevelt was a great man.

>> I'm here on a serious mission. And

because it is so serious, I propose to

speak to you as cleanly as I can. You

don't get any double talk from me. I'm

either for something or against it. And

you know it. You know what I stand for?

I stand for a government of the people

and not the special interest. I'm

calling this trip a crusade. It's a

crusade of the people against the

special interest. And if you vote the

Democratic TICKET AND BACK ME UP, WE ARE

GOING TO WIN IN NOVEMBER.

[applause]

Get a load of this crap. They love it.

Are you kidding? These rooms will come

out to see a two-headed cat. [applause]

Doesn't mean they'll vote for it.

>> Give them hell, hurry. [applause]

>> Well, I don't give them hell. I just

tell the truth on them and they think

it's hell. That's right.

You want to meet the boss? And the boss

is boss.

[applause]

>> You call me boss one more time. And I'm

getting off this train no matter how

fast it's going. Yeah. [applause]

Truman seem to have some strength in the

cities, the countryside, and suburbs

where Governor Dwey has his strongest

support are certain to go to the

Republicans. And the latest blow to the

president's hopes, Dr. Gallup has

announced he will cancel further polling

as he believes the outcome is already

certain.

>> Truman goes down.

>> Mrs. Truman.

>> Am I disturbing you?

>> No, not at all. Is anything the matter?

>> Well,

do you really think Harry believes he's

going to win?

>> Well, he certainly gives every

appearance under every condition. I

>> think he's beaten.

How does he keep going?

>> Where does that come from?

>> What'll he do if he loses?

>> What will you both do?

>> What? Clark, we'll go home.

>> The electorate goes to the polls in the

widespread conviction that a Republican

sweep is a certainty.

The point I've been predicting all along

as regarded the country is the very

strong lead.

>> Want to hear the returns?

>> The beginning.

>> I'm going to have a ham sandwich and go

to bed. A very close race.

>> You wake me up. Understand

the winner. The counting of the vote has

been very slow.

Quiet jubilation is the mood at Duey

headquarters.

This is definitely a Republican year.

>> My father is not here. I promise he does

not know where he is.

>> Mr. Truman. Has he heard the early

returns?

>> Does he know?

Late returns show Democrats alienated by

Truman's policies returning to the fold

in surprising numbers. The president is

a million votes ahead in the popular

vote. Could it be the tide is turning?

Unbelievable if true. For the first time

since 1916,

the United States faces a country so

evenly divided in a national election

that no one knows. Hours and hours after

the polls have closed, who is to be the

next president of the United States,

Harry Truman has accomplished one of the

political miracles of our times. In the

face of national polls that were

universal in predicting his defeat, he

has come through triumphantly in his bid

for the presidency of the United States

in his own

>> the car, Frank.

We got a mate.

[applause]

>> Seen the morning paper. Mr. President,

>> congratulations.

[laughter]

I, Harry,

>> do solemnly affirm

>> do solemnly affirm

>> that I will faithfully [music] execute

the office of President of the United

States

>> that I will faithfully execute the

office of President of the United

States. So help me God.

[music]

>> [music]

[cheering]

[applause]

[music]

>> Thank you.

It appears the American people have

spoken.

>> [applause]

>> Uh on election night, I had my sandwich

and uh glass of buttermilk and went to

bed about 6:30.

And along about uh 12:00, I

woke up for some reason and the uh radio

was turned on the National Broadcasting

Company

and Mr. Caltonborn,

[laughter]

Mr. Calenborn was saying,

"While the president is a million votes

ahead in the popular vote,

we are very sure that when the country

vote comes in, Mr. Truman will be

defeated by an overwhelming majority."

>> Well, I'm sorry it didn't go that way.

[laughter]

You're going to have to put up with me

for another four years.

>> [applause and cheering]

>> A woman to do cooking and housework in

exchange for lessons in ventilator. You

[laughter]

>> I'm going to sing on television and you

won't even see me because you don't have

a TV set.

>> Well, Mother Wallace believes what uh

Fred Allen says about the television.

>> And don't hold with furniture that looks

back at you. [laughter]

Television's a future. Better get used

to it.

>> Mr. President,

>> Secretary of State Aerson is on the

line.

>> Hang up. It's too late for the

telephone.

>> I want you to go a day ahead to your

concerts

>> so you can check into your hotel.

>> And you get a good night's sleep before

you have to sing, too.

>> Yes, D.

>> Yes.

>> I gave him part of my supper last night

and he growled at me.

>> Oh, no. No. [laughter]

>> Are you trying to insinuate that my

cooking isn't fit for adult? Well,

that's Einstein's theory.

>> How the hell did we let this happen?

>> There was absolutely no advanced

warning. The North Korean communists

just swarmed over the border and the

South Korean army ran away. We cannot

let the communists take Korea the same

way they took Czechoslovakia.

>> Well, by God, I'm going to draw the

line. They're not going to get Korea by

default because they think we're afraid

to fight.

>> When's MacArthur land in Korea?

>> It's on the move, sir.

This is page one, sir,

general. Thank you.

>> All right, my fellow Americans, I want

to talk to you tonight about what our

country is up against.

>> Uh, Mr. President, might it be better to

say with than to? If you say talk to, it

sounds like you're laying down the law a

little bit.

>> Well, Dean, somebody's got to lay down

the law around here some of the time.

Some people confuse liberty and license.

They think the country owes them nothing

but privileges and nobody's supposed to

lay down the law about their

responsibilities.

I want to talk to MacArthur face to

face. After the communists initial sneak

attack that pushed our forces almost

into the sea, our landing at Inchan, a

military feat that will go down in

history with Alexanders and Napoleons,

cut off the communists, forcing him into

a disorganized retreat that ends with

the body of his army outside the borders

of his own country in China.

>> Mr. President, is there any possibility

the Chinese will come into the war?

>> None. Our boys will be home by

Christmas.

>> General, our country is very fortunate

that we had the right man at the right

place and at the right time.

>> Boss don't like the son of a [ __ ]

>> You believe what you said back there?

The Chinese will not attack. We have

beaten them for now.

>> Well, I want to be sure that Korea does

not develop into World War II.

>> We are already in a worldwide war

against the communists, sir. I am

surprised you don't see it that way.

Korea is the opening round.

>> I want Korea to be the closing round.

>> In the last war, I stood alone in the

Pacific.

The same men who saw that all our

resources went to Europe then and left

me to fight in the Pacific virtually

unsupported

surround you now. These same men now

occupy the State Department and fill the

highest posts in the Pentagon. I will

not fail my duty here, sir, but I must

know that I will not again be left to

fight alone.

>> General, you have all the spark you need

now.

Yeah, my work fart.

>> Well, fine.

May I smoke, sir?

>> Go right ahead.

I expect I've had more smoke blown my

way than any man alive.

Dear Bess,

had dinner by myself tonight. Barnett

pulls out my chair.

John brings me a tenderloin.

Barnett brings me asparagus and beets.

My ring.

Barnett ticks the plates.

John comes in with a silver crumb tray.

There are no crumbs, but he has to brush

them anyway.

I take a hand bath in the finger bowl.

What a life.

Mr. President, the Chinese have invaded

Korea.

They've crossed the border. The 10th

Corps is destroyed. The Eighth Army is

in retreat. It's the worst military

disaster in our history.

>> General MacArthur is giving press

conferences saying that we've tied his

hands, that he could win if we would

only let him.

>> He is out of line.

We should think about replacing him.

>> I don't think men running for their

lives

will be encouraged by firing their

commander now in the middle of the

battle.

Give him all the help you can.

>> Judge Advocate General who gave out the

story must be telling the truth. It's a

disturbing thing. I think we should

remember that those guilty of the

atrocities are Aches agrarian reformers.

This information might endanger

>> one less nail in your coffin, Charlie.

>> Thanks.

>> Are you singing the Mozart?

>> Good. Good. What else?

>> And Margaret says, "You better be at

that concert tonight."

>> I'll be a little late. Got NBC coming

press room.

>> But I assume that many

sons will now.

>> Where's Harry going to do something

about that so and so?

>> Ask Harry.

>> Don't you be scared.

>> No. No. You just hit back.

>> Just hang up the phone. Arrest your

voice. Miss Guinea

>> Senator,

>> we might face the Chinese communist man.

>> Now, why we should worry about making

someone mad

>> who is blowing the heads of our boys, I

don't know. One hope which the free half

of the world has is a Staline doesn't

turn that damn thing off in the United

States. He said why he doesn't even

trust Dean.

>> You don't stop McCarthy now. Be like it

was with Tom Pendergast.

>> What's that drunken liar got to do with

Tom? Nobody could make a move without

asking, "What'll Tom think?" The day is

coming when you won't be able to spit

without somebody saying, "What about Joe

McCarthy? What'll Senator McCarthy

think?" Well, nobody with a lick of

common sense believe a word he says.

>> Common sense got blown to hell when you

dropped that bomb.

Harry,

I'm late.

Save me a seat at the concert.

>> Hurry it up, will you? I'm going to miss

the whole concert. I think we're ready

now, Mr. Ross.

>> Nice and slow. Okay, don't mumble.

I always speak very distinctly.

[laughter]

Charlie Ross,

friend of my youth,

who became a tower of strength when the

responsibilities of high office so

unexpectedly fell to

is gone.

Honesty and nobility of intent

ordered his life from boyhood on.

He saw that.

He

help I I can't read this.

You fellas know how I feel. Anyway,

Margaret Truman, soprano, sang in

Constitution Hall last night. She is

extremely attractive on stage, yet Miss

Truman cannot sing very well. She is

flat a good deal of the time, more last

night than at any time we have heard her

in past years. There are a few moments

in the recital when one can relax and

feel confident that she'll make her

goal, which is the end of the song.

Dear sir,

I just read your lousy review of

Margaret's concert.

You sound like a frustrated old man. An

eight ulcer man on a four ulcer job and

all four ulcers working. [laughter]

>> I'm taking away his stamps.

Charlie would have never have let this

happen. If I ever meet you, you'll need

a new nose, a lot of beef steak for

black eyes, and perhaps a supporter

below.

>> A prominent medical authority told me

that Truman is afflicted by malignant

hypertension, bewilderment, and

confusion. I could see that at Wake

Island when I looked him in the eye.

>> It's Christmas and our boys are still in

Korea fighting bitter sub-zero cold, as

well as the Chinese

>> war today. war in Korea. But the Korean

War is merely a small phase

of the Great World War with atheistic

communism. Why has this administration

deliberately built up Russia? It was

because of a combination,

a combination of abysmal stupidity and

treason.

>> From his headquarters in Korea, General

MacArthur issues his own personal

ultimatum to the Chinese Communists.

>> He wants to drop 50 atomic bombs Chinese

cities. has laid down a belt of

radioactive waste along the North Korean

border.

>> The man has gone mad.

>> He should be relieved.

>> I agree.

>> Yeah, maybe. But he doesn't have an

atomic bomb, does he? I believe I still

have those in my control. Just order him

to keep his mouth shut.

>> Someone must take a stand. I personally

am ready to meet with the red Chinese at

any time. The choice is theirs.

Surrender or face extinction.

>> Does he think he's the president?

He has crossed the line. I warned him.

If he wants to show contempt for Harry

Truman, he'll have plenty of company,

but he will not show contempt for the

president of the United States.

>> Let me do it, sir. I'll force him to

resign.

>> No, he's not going to be allowed to

quit. This is more than just a general

falling in love with his press releases.

This is a matter of who's the boss, the

military or the people.

telephone.

>> Good evening, Mr. President.

>> Evening.

>> Senator McCarthy has called for an

emergency meeting of Congress,

>> and Senate Republicans invited General

MacArthur to address a joint session of

Congress.

>> What right has your husband to fire the

greatest general this country's ever

had?

>> He is president of the United States.

Mother,

>> and if he wants to fire a general,

>> he will.

>> In California,

>> General Primadana brass hat.

>> General MacArthur returns to a hero's

welcome. While Truman, Aterson, and

Marshall suffer a firestorm of criticism

in the Senate led by Senator McCarthy.

>> Mr. Truman says there's nothing wrong.

He said, "Oh, everything is just fine."

Truman actually said, he said, "If

anyone hears of anything wrong," he

said, "get the telephone." He said,

"Call me. Collect."

>> We do not know where we're going in

Korea. We do not know where we're going

in China. The Arthur knows and he's been

fired. Tragic mistake

>> that the American people cannot fire

President Truman. Let Mr. Aerson and Mr.

Truman go and retain the services of our

fine General MacArthur.

>> Answer your telephone, Mr. Truman.

Answer your telephone.

>> McCarthy's bullying, his lies, his

slandering of innocent men is making it

impossible to govern.

Now, I've asked everyone to

So, the attorney general has talked to

Hoover.

>> His FBI file, names, dates, phone

records, hotel rooms, drinking habits,

every piece of tail. There's a letter in

here from a young soldier the senator

picked up in a men's room.

>> The president doesn't want to hear this.

>> You don't have to know anything about

it. We'll just hand it off to some uh

report.

You should have complete deniability.

>> What the hell kind of word is

deniability?

I'm just the man holding this office.

If I dirty it, the dirt doesn't leave

with me. When I go, it stays here to rub

off on whoever comes after me from now

on.

I don't know, sir.

It's a new world with new rules.

I don't know if the old ways work.

We believed in the truth.

>> Well, Dean, sooner or later, the truth

will take care of McCarthy.

>> It's real high minded, Mr. President.

Fact is, he's tearing the Senate all to

hell.

You protect your office. That's all

fine.

But who's going to protect the Congress?

Who is going to protect the country?

This is not going to stop by itself.

This man will go on and on and on

until you make the hard choice.

>> I made it, Clark.

Can you live with it?

>> We'll all have to, Mr. President.

>> Including you.

Especially you.

>> This meeting is over, gentlemen.

Mr. President,

>> goodbye, Mr. President.

>> President. Thank you, Mr. President.

Now Harry, I remember a long time ago

you built some good roads for some

people by letting Tom Pendergas boys

steal.

Harry, why don't you let me take these

files?

>> Right.

>> You forget who you're talking to.

I'm sorry,

Mr. President.

Well, [ __ ]

Mr. President,

may I uh Dean,

sir,

I am McCarthy's main target. Because I

would not turn my back on my friend

Alger. I think I ought to resign for

your sake and for the good of the

administration because you were loyal to

a friend.

>> No, sir. You stay by me and I will stay

by you.

Dear Bess,

I will not be a candidate for reelection

in 1952.

I could I've only had one term in my own

right,

but I've been in this whited sephiler of

man's hopes for eight years, more than

any man deserves or should endure.

[music] including the great Franklin

Roosevelt.

When this term is over, I am coming home

for good.

This time you can believe me.

We have all had enough, I believe, of

those whose thinking is still haunted by

past illusions. Those who are prisoners

of their own fuzzy thinking and their

own

>> I have to explain and I'm not a traitor.

>> What did this hardly seems worth the

effort?

It meant contamination in some degree of

virtually every department, every

agency, every bureau, every section of

our government. It meant a government by

men whose very brains were confused by

the opiates of this deceased.

>> It's January 19th, 1953,

8:32 Eastern Standard Time. The

president's farewell address.

Next Tuesday, General Eisenhower will be

inaugurated as President of the United

States. I will be on a train going home

to Independence, Missouri to become a

plain citizen. Inauguration Day will be

a great demonstration of the democratic

process. I'm glad to be part of the

peaceful transfer of the vast power of

the presidency from my hands to his.

There is no job like it on the face of

the earth. And I want you all to realize

how hard it is and to give Ike all the

help he will need. The Cold War and the

hot war in Korea will be great tests of

his strength.

How will the Cold War end?

It will end someday because of the great

weakness of the communist system. I have

not a doubt in the world that a great

change will occur. I have a deep and

abiding faith in the destiny of free

men. With patience and courage, we shall

someday move on into a new era.

When Franklin Roosevelt died, I thought

there must be a million men better

qualified than I to take up the

presidential task. But the work was mine

to do, and I had to do it. I did

everything within my power and always I

knew I was not alone. You were working

with me. And now the time has come for

me to say good night.

And God bless you all.

Excuse

me.

President-elect and Mrs. Eisenhower are

in the car. If you'll follow me, please.

>> But they've been invited in for coffee

before the ceremony.

>> Ma'am, the uh the president-elect does

not want to enter the White House until

he is president.

>> You'll follow me, please?

>> Yeah. Wait a minute there. Don't they

know that this is the tradition?

>> Don't get on your high horse, Harry.

Take it easy.

>> Please, if you'll come with me.

>> Mrs. Truman has laid out a special

spread here.

>> Oh, it doesn't matter, Harry.

>> Well, it does to me.

I don't give a damn if he doesn't want

to sit down with me. But to insult the

first lady this way,

>> let it go, Harry.

Eisenhower didn't defend Marshall

against McCarthy and he knows he did

wrong

to one of the truly great men of this

century.

I don't want to ride in a car with him.

You tell him that. Could you give us a

minute?

Can't see your lips

now. You are not going to do anything

that keeps us here one more minute

longer than we have to be

now. Come on.

>> What's funny?

for 40 years. Every time I reach for

this hand,

it's always been there.

Let's go.

>> You,

Dwight D. Eisenhower, do solemnly swear

I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, do solemnly

swear

>> that you will faithfully execute the

office of President of the United

States. that I will faithfully execute

the office of [music] the President of

the United States.

[music] While I got the roar of the

crowd, Harry and Bess went down to Union

Station.

Later, the president was going to have a

big problem running red lights. He

didn't have to stop for one for eight

years, and he got out of the habit.

They were going back to independence to

live once again in Grandmother Wallace's

house.

No Secret Service protection was

provided.

No reporters came.

His only income was his army pension,

$112.56

a month.

>> When Harry Truman left the White House,

the polls showed an approval rating of

only 32%.

Everything came late to him. A soldier

at 33, my father at 40, a senator at 50,

president at 60.

[cheering]

Heat.

[cheering]

[applause]

[cheering]

[applause]

Heat.

[cheering]

>> [cheering]

>> Heat. Heat.

[cheering]

>> [cheering and applause]

>> If we don't make a mistake,

[applause and cheering]

what a paradise we could make of this

world.

[music]

>> [music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

>> Heat. Heat.

[music]

>> [music]

>> Christmas. [music]

[music]

[music]