Simms: Parties look to Roosevelt and Churchill
U.S., British political situations likened
By William Philip Simms, Scripps-Howard staff writer
London, England –
A very interesting parallel is developing between the political fortunes of Prime Minister Churchill and those of President Roosevelt.
Some of Britain’s shrewdest observers tell me that the Prime Minister may not be able to retire in the full flush of victory as he would like.
Immediately after the European War, Great Britain will have a national election. With Mr. Churchill as leader, many are saying the Conservative Party will remain in power. With anyone else in his place, the chances are it would be defeated.
The Prime Minister would like to retire from public life as soon as possible after victory. As a student and a maker of history, he knows that would be the moment to step down. But he has yet to reckon with his party.
Today in America, scores of Democratic candidates are plugging for a fourth term for President Roosevelt.
Without Mr. Roosevelt at the head of the ticket, they are afraid the Democratic Party will be defeated. And as their best, if not their only, chance of election is by riding on the President’s coattails they are doing everything in their power to keep him in the race.
Just as the Democrats want President Roosevelt to run, the Conservatives here want the Prime Minister to run.
The big question is whether Mr. Churchill will let himself be persuaded.
Like others in his position, I am told, he is not without a strong feeling of party responsibility. Whether President or Prime Minister, a political leader doesn’t like to “let his party down” at a critical moment and certainly Britain’s post-war election will come at such a time.
Should Mr. Churchill listen to his party’s call however, I am told, he would almost certainly seek an early opportunity to withdraw after the elections.