Part 4 Chapter 13 Summary

Despite the general perception that Harry did not like being President and would not run for reelection in 1948, Truman decided early in 1947 that he would run again. He relished challenging the Republicans after recent Democrat humiliation, and compared himself to Jackson or Jefferson as a President "taking on the forces of reaction."

His State of the Union address delivered in January, 1948, called for national health insurance, raising the minimum wage from 40 cents an hour to 70 cents, creating more housing, and a new personal deduction of $40 on income taxes. That winter he took a strong stand on civil rights after his commission presented a landmark report entitled "To Secure These Rights." Southern Democrats warned him this stand may cost him votes.

A political consultant named James Rowe Jr. advised Truman to appear less with politicians, in particular, those from Missouri. He told...