America 1919-Chapter 376 - 161. The New York State Governor’s election_3

At this moment, young Theodore Roosevelt seemed to have already foreseen Marshall’s future. He believed that the relationship between Donnie and Marshall was definitely not just a friendship, but there also must be interests involved.

Therefore, even if it made up for Marshall’s shortcomings in his military career, with General Pan Xing’s appreciation, coupled with Donnie’s financial support, young Theodore Roosevelt believed that Marshall’s military career would certainly be brilliant!

"Marshall is very capable, it’s just some issues that delayed his promotion," Donnie said with a laugh.

Young Theodore Roosevelt understood what Donnie meant: "MacArthur does have the ability, he just tends to be a little too proud. I’ve also heard about the Sedan affair, and it’s not fair to put all the blame on Marshall!"

Donnie nodded and said, "That’s what I think too!"

Although Roosevelt took some interest in Marshall’s affairs, what he truly cared about was the matter of the New York State Governor’s election.

The race for Governor, although not yet officially started, had essentially confirmed the candidates.

"Donnie, have you heard about the New York State Governor’s election?" young Theodore Roosevelt asked softly.

Donnie nodded and said, "I’ve heard, the Democratic Party has decided. They will nominate Al Smith to compete with you for the position of Governor of New York State!"

Al Smith was no minor character; in history, it was no disgrace for young Theodore Roosevelt to lose to Al Smith.

The story of Al Smith’s rise is actually the American Dream that Americans love to espouse: orphaned at a young age, of average family status, compared to young Theodore Roosevelt, it was like comparing heaven and earth.

But Al Smith still relied on his strong personal will, got accepted into Columbia University, and after graduating, he directly entered the New York political scene. He was appointed by the Tammany Hall political machine of the New York Democratic Party as an investigator for the City’s Board of Jury Commissioners, followed by election to the State Assembly.

A few years later he was elected Speaker, and two years after that, Tammany Hall appointed him as Sheriff of New York County; by 1917 he was elected Chairman of the Greater New York Charter Revision Committee.

Until 1918, Smith surprisingly won the election for Governor of New York State by a narrow majority.

In other words, Al Smith had actually served as the Governor of New York before, and his performance was well-regarded by the citizens of New York.

The reason he did not seek reelection was that in 1920, Harding was elected as President of the United States representing the Republican Party. Pressured politically, Smith had no choice but to resign.

However, after his resignation, the Democratic Party continued to work on his behalf so that after only a year of rest, Al Smith decided to make a comeback and run again for Governor of New York State.

In fact, later in his political career, Al Smith even received the Democratic nomination to run for President of the United States against Herbert Hoover, but due to a lack of support from the West and the Southern agricultural areas, he was defeated!

In this election, Al Smith felt that the Democratic Party did not fully support him, which led him to start distancing himself from the party.

When Franklin Roosevelt began his campaign for President, Al Smith openly supported the Republican candidate, further souring his relationship with the Democratic Party.

By the way, the construction of the Empire State Building was actually a project jointly planned by Al Smith and John J. Raskob, the then-president of General Motors.

Competing with such a prominent figure for the position of Governor of New York State, it’s clear that young Theodore Roosevelt was indeed under significant pressure.

"What do you think about this?" young Theodore Roosevelt asked Donnie.

Donnie shook his head and said, "It’s going to be difficult. Al Smith is highly regarded in the hearts of New Yorkers, and people are willing to trust him. Competing against him is not going to be easy."

Young Theodore Roosevelt also felt somewhat helpless.

"However, we have our advantages too!" Donnie said, bringing the two of them closer, now talking about "us."

"What advantages?" young Theodore Roosevelt asked eagerly. Enjoy exclusive content from novelbuddy

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Donnie said, "Our advantage is that, although among ordinary citizens we can’t match Al Smith, we are better connected within New York’s elite, and you should know, it’s easiest to change the minds of the public. As long as we can keep propagating, I think we can shift some people’s opinions!"

Atlantic City Broadcast was given significant attention by many important people in the United States precisely because of a special attribute of the media: its ability to guide public thought.

Young Theodore Roosevelt immediately showed a smile and said, "That’s what I was thinking. So, about this matter?"

Donnie understood Theodore Roosevelt’s implication, confidently saying, "Don’t worry, Atlantic City Broadcast will fully support you!"

If all history unfolded without change, then Al Smith would definitely become Governor of New York State. However, in reality, the difference in the election wasn’t as great as imagined. In the early stages, the votes between young Theodore Roosevelt and Al Smith were actually very close. It wasn’t until the Teapot Dome scandal broke out that Al Smith seized the opportunity to fully attack the connection between young Theodore Roosevelt and the scandal, leading to Smith’s eventual smooth election as Governor of New York State.