"Out Stealing Third:" Roosevelt, Willkie, and 1940

Most presidents were satisfied with two terms and ready to get out of Washington, D.C. and the stress and pressures of the Presidency, but in 1940, Franklin D. Roosevelt felt that it was no time for America to switch leaders during the crisis of war that had broken out in Europe. The Democrats surprisingly agreed with Roosevelt, and re-nominated him, although this time the vice-presidential candidate was different, with the more liberal Henry Wallace chosen to serve. Breaking the precedent set by George Washington, Roosevelt was determined to win a third term to remain in charge during the war that appeared might breach America's neutrality. As for Republicans, many could not believe a president was going to seek a third term, using this against Roosevelt in the hopes many Americans would agree with them and not allow him this third term. Much of the campaign revolved around Roosevelt's try for a third term, and some of the differences between Roosevelt and the Republican nominee, Wendell Willkie. Heading into the election, it was believed widely that Roosevelt could win again, and sure enough, that's what happened. Roosevelt won fairly easy, carrying 38 states and winning 4 million more popular votes than Willkie. Roosevelt's third term would be much involved in the war in Europe, especially after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the remainder of Roosevelt's third term would be focused on the war effort. As for the economy, with the thousands of soldiers going off to war, the unemployment numbers declined drastically. Many women were also employed to make items for the war effort. For campaign items from 1940, they are readily available and easy to find. There are many example of Wendell Willkie buttons that have slogans on them like, "Out Stealing Third," "We don't want Eleanor Either," "No Third Term," "I want to be Captain, too" and so forth, all poking at Roosevelt's attempt at a third term. For Roosevelt, the most common item is the Roosevelt/Wallace jugate button that I have included in a picture. Most other Roosevelt items from this election are rare. Some Willkie jugates are quite pricey, but some paper items are affordable. I have included a Willkie poster, a group of Willkie buttons, a Will-key button, and a Roosevelt/Wallace button.