Election of 1948: The Underdog

The video discusses the 1948 presidential election, highlighting the role of news coverage and polling errors. After Roosevelt's death, Truman became president, implementing significant policies. The Dixiecrats, opposing some of Truman's policies, nominated Strom Thurmond. Truman and Dewey's campaigns were influenced by polling predictions, with Truman's underdog campaign leading to a surprising victory. This prompted pollsters to reassess their methods.

What significant actions did Harry S. Truman take during his presidency?

• He initiated the New Deal.

• He ended World War II and desegregated the military.

• He started the Vietnam War.

• He abolished the income tax.

Who were the Dixiecrats, and who was their candidate in the 1948 election?

• A new political party, led by Franklin D. Roosevelt.

• A coalition of independent voters, led by Harry S. Truman.

• A group of Southern Democrats, led by Strom Thurmond.

• A faction of the Republican Party, led by Thomas Dewey.

What was the initial prediction by pollsters regarding the 1948 election?

• The election was expected to be a tie.

• Thurmond was predicted to win the majority of votes.

• Dewey was projected to be far ahead of the pack.

• Truman was expected to win by a large margin.

How did Truman's campaign strategy differ from his opponents'?

• He focused on radio advertisements.

• He delivered speeches across 30 states in 33 days.

• He relied solely on television appearances.

• He avoided public appearances.

What was the impact of Truman's unexpected victory on polling methods?

• Pollsters focused only on local elections.

• Pollsters were prompted to reexamine and improve their methods.

• Pollsters ignored the results and continued as before.

• Pollsters decided to stop predicting elections.