“I've seen it happen time after time. When the Democratic candidate allows himself to be put on the defensive and starts apologizing for the New Deal and the fair Deal, and says he really doesn't believe in them, he is sure to lose. The people don't want a phony Democrat. If it's a choice between a genuine Republican, and a Republican in Democratic clothing, the people will choose the genuine article, every time; that is, they will take a Republican before they will a phony Democrat, and I don't want any phony Democratic candidates in this campaign.”
About This Quote
Address at the National Convention Banquet of the Americans for Democratic Action (17 May 1952)
More from Harry S Truman
“Nothing is more essential to the future peace of the world than continued cooperation of…”
“It is hereby declared to be the policy of the President that there shall be equality of…”
“If wars in the future are to be prevented the nations must be united in their…”
“In bitter despair, some people have come to believe that wars are inevitable. With tragic…”