November 3, 1948
In the early morning hours of November 3, with the figures still coming across the wires, radio commentator H.V. Kaltenborn continued to announce a likely Dewey victory at 4:00 a.m., even though Truman was leading in the popular vote by 2 million. The Secret Service agents staying at the Elms Hotel awakened the President at 4:00, gave him the latest figures and they all headed back to Kansas City to the Muehlbach Hotel where his campaign staff had spent the evening.
By 8:30 a.m., Ohio entered the win column for Truman and the fate of the election was sealed. Despite what the Chicago Tribune printed, Truman carried the 1948 election and was reelected president, with a greater margin of victory over Dewey than Franklin Roosevelt claimed in 1944. Among the factors that account for the Truman victory was his popularity with common people who knew they were better off financially than they had been for a long time. Truman also captured the support of labor, farmers, and minorities.
People in Independence, Missouri, celebrated the victory of their favorite son. Students were given a holiday from school and most of the community gathered at the town square to listen to Truman deliver a victory address. This impromptu celebration was repeated along the route of the "Victory Special" when Truman traveled backed to Washington on the Ferdinand Magellan.
Cliff, grade 11
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