Through the Looking Glass

Democratic politicos began to look at themselves in a new perspective. Until a few1 weeks ago, Navy Secretary James Forrestal had turned a deaf ear to proposals that he should be Harry Truman's running mate in 1948. Despite his obvious qualifications (residence in New York, businessman's background, distinguished Government service), he did not want to ally himself with what might be a losing ticket. But by last week he felt good enough about Democratic chances in 1948 to tell friends he would be glad to make the vice-presidential race if the party would have him. Just in case, he began writing to relatives for old snapshots and clippings to bring the family album up to date.

Then Florida's left-wing Senator Claude Pepper spoke up. Leaving a White House conference, he told reporters that "the President should be and will be nominated and should be and will bo elected." He had given up all ideas of a third party headed by Henry Wallace. Said Pepper: "I think Mr. Wallace can render his best service by continuing to be a private citizen who speaks his mind freely."

Senator Pepper then described the man Harry Truman should pick as his running mate: "Somebody who subscribes as completely as possible to the views of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He ought to be someone who can command not only the strong but the enthusiastic support of organized labor and the working people in general." No one doubted that Claude Pepper, friend of Russia and darling of the left wing, was looking in the mirror as he was speaking.

That night, the Senator went on the air over Mutual Broadcasting's Meet the Press, again gave Harry Truman a warm pat on the back. After the program there was a telephone call for Senator Pepper. From the other end of the wire a familiar Missouri voice spoke. The President wanted to thank Pepper for the nice things he had said. The program had come in very clearly, he added, and was very animated.

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