The Pittsburgh Press (August 30, 1944)
President to open campaign at Teamsters Union dinner
Rules out nationwide tour, but leaves door open for visits to key states
Washington (UP) –
President Roosevelt has chosen a dinner here Sept. 23 given by labor leaders for the first outright political speech in his fourth-term campaign, but he ruled out a nationwide tour because he has too much to do.
The dinner is being given by Daniel Tobin, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (AFL), for officers of state, district and local affiliates of the union.
David D. Beck, vice president of the union, said no other distinguished officials would be invited. He pointed out that Mr. Roosevelt addressed the union’s convention here in September 1940 and that the invitation was renewed this year as a matter of courtesy.
May visit some states
“Nothing about politics was said in the invitation to the President,” Mr. Beck said. When advised that the President had stated that the speech could be labeled political, Mr. Beck replied: “That’s up to him.”
Asked whether the speech might be intended to cement the labor vote behind Mr. Roosevelt in November, Mr. Beck answered: “He’s already got it.”
He said he had not yet decided whether he would make other political speeches. Observers pointed out that the decision against a nationwide tour would not preclude Mr. Roosevelt from campaigning personally in Pennsylvania and New York, or in other states where the presidential decision may be close in November.
Attempt to woo AFL?
The fact that radio time for the President’s speech to the Teamsters will be paid for by the Democratic National Committee interested observers here in light of the confusion resulting from the address he delivered at Bremerton, Washington.
Some political experts sought to interpret the President’s acceptance of the Teamsters’ invitation as an attempt to swing AFL unions into the fourth-term camp. Unlike the CIO which is openly and vigorously supporting a fourth term, the AFL is not officially backing either party candidate.