The Selection of Alf Landon and the Republican Field Guest: David Pietrusza Book Title: Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal The Republican Party in 1936 struggled to find a viable candidate to face Roosevelt'

The Selection of Alf Landon and the Republican Field Guest: David Pietrusza Book Title: Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal The Republican Party in 1936 struggled to find a viable candidate to face Roosevelt's juggernaut. They rejected a return to Herbert Hoover, whose 1928 style was deemed too slow and associated with the initial collapse. Other potential nominees included William Borah, the "Lion of Idaho," a progressive maverick and isolationist whom the Republican Old Guard suspected of being a secret Roosevelt shill. Frank Knox, a former Rough Rider and newspaper man, was also considered, though he was seen as a political amateur. Arthur Vandenberg of Michigan was a more mainstream choice, credited with pushing the FDIC to stabilize banks, but he lacked national appeal. Ultimately, the party settled on Alf Landon, the Governor of Kansas, often called the "Kansas Coolidge." Landon was an unremarkable millionaire who had balanced the budget in Kansas, making him a "rock star" by depressed Republican standards. His path to the nomination was paved by Hearst's endorsement and the fact that he was "none of the above" in a limited talent pool. However, Landon was a terrible radio performer in an era dominated by charismatic speakers. Father Coughlin even advised the Republican chairman to get Landon off the campaign trail, suggesting they "say that he broke a leg" to explain his absence. This lack of charisma, combined with Landon's status as a "progressive Republican" who didn't plan to dismantle the New Deal, left him with a weak and uncompelling message. (6)