The Pittsburgh Press (July 29, 1944)
Ferguson: Drafted candidates
By Mrs. Walter Ferguson
I’m sick of the use of the word “draft” when applied to politicians. Mr. Dewey, we hear, was drafted by the Republicans. Going them one better, the Democrats say Mr. Roosevelt was “drafted” by the people.
Neither statement is true. Everybody knows that both men planned their campaigns far ahead and through their party emissaries strengthened their political fences.
For years, our candidates have connived for voting supremacy, have taken full advantage of every mistake made by the opposition, and have never for a moment considered leaving undone anything that might get them into the White House.
Applied to their case, the word “draft” is misused. In its military connotation, the word means a person is selected to perform military service. When he is placed in a position for action, if he dodges that duty, he may be shot.
But nobody would have gone gunning for Mr. Roosevelt or Mr. Dewey if either gentleman had said firmly that he did not choose to serve. On the contrary, many people would have been relieved at the news. The parties would have found other candidates and no doubt would have gone to the same extravagant lengths in ballyhooing them.
Since it is generally conceded that the 1944 campaign will be a hard-fought battle, it is rather farfetched to say that President Roosevelt has been drafted for his fourth term. The people aren’t nitwits and so it’s time they raised their voices to repudiate all such ridiculous claims.
No matter who wins, his election will constitute neither a draft nor a unified will of the voters. It’s going to be the same old nip-and-tuck fight until November, which is our way of doing things – and a way that suits us. But in respect for the precise language, let’s use the right words.
Soldiers are drafted for military service. Candidates run for political office.