The Campaign: Truman Gets Award As Ike Speaks In West.
The Campaign: Truman Gets Award As Ike Speaks In West.
The Campaign: Truman Gets Award As Ike Speaks In West. President Truman receives civil rights medal, urges hearers to vote for Stevenson, and pledges all-out support on civil rights issue. Crowd outdoors in NYC, some holding "Columbia Students for Stevenson" signs. African American men hand some sort of award to Harry Truman, and the mostly Black audience applauds. Truman speaks at podium, reminds everyone why voting for Stevenson would be a good idea - for protection against depression (economic) and full civil rights for all Americans. General Eisenhower criticizes the administration record on civil rights, tells cheering onlookers he's against 'second-class citizenship.' Eisenhower rides down street in tickertape parade. Interior of arena (Pan-Pacific Auditorium), large crowds of supporters waving signs saying "I Like Ike" (this has the feel of a convention floor but it's not the convention). Ike waves from podium, then speaks, criticizing the Democrats' lack of progress with racial discrimination.