Al Smith

To me, Al Smith is one of the most interesting political figures in our history. I own a book of his speeches, and I find him oddly attractive to my vote. The religious angle of the opposition to him in 1928 fascinates me, and reminds me that stupidity knows no boundaries.

Alfred E. Smith, born on December 30, 1873, in New York City, rose from humble Lower East Side origins to become a significant figure in American politics. His life and career were marked by a dedication to public service, reform, and the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing American society.

Smith was born to a working-class Irish-American family. The tragic death of his father thrust him into the workforce at a young age, leading him to work at the Fulton Fish Market. Despite his limited formal education, Smith was known for his quick wit, street smarts, and a deep understanding of the needs and struggles of the common man.

Smith’s political career began in the New York State Assembly, where he served from 1904 to 1915. His tenure was marked by his fight against corruption, efforts to improve labor laws, and commitment to public service. He became known for his in-depth knowledge of the state government and a pragmatic approach to legislation.

Alfred E. Smith served four terms as Governor of New York (1919-1920, 1923-1928), becoming known as the “Happy Warrior” for his cheerful demeanor and reformist zeal. He implemented numerous progressive changes, including reorganization of state government, improvements in social welfare and public health, and strong support for public education.

In 1924, Smith sought the Democratic nomination for president. The convention was one of the longest and most contentious in American history, marked by a deep divide between urban and rural interests, as well as religious and ethnic tensions. Smith, a Catholic, faced significant anti-Catholic sentiment. After 103 ballots and facing insurmountable opposition from the rural and conservative wings of the party, he withdrew, allowing John W. Davis to be nominated.

Smith secured the Democratic nomination in 1928, facing Republican Herbert Hoover. His campaign was groundbreaking for several reasons: he was the first Catholic nominee of a major party for president, and he confronted significant religious and cultural prejudice. Smith advocated for progressive policies, including labor rights and repeal of Prohibition. However, his opposition to Prohibition alienated him from rural and conservative voters, and his religion was a source of widespread suspicion. Ultimately, he was defeated, as the country was not yet ready to overcome the sectarian and cultural divides Smith represented.

Despite initially supporting Franklin D. Roosevelt, his one-time ally, Smith grew increasingly critical of the New Deal, seeing it as a dangerous expansion of federal power and a threat to individual liberties and the principles of limited government. His break with Roosevelt became public and bitter, as he allied with other conservative Democrats and Republicans in opposition.

In his later years, Smith remained active in business and continued to comment on public affairs, though his political influence waned. He passed away on October 4, 1944, leaving behind a complex legacy as a champion of the urban poor and a symbol of the challenges America faced in the early 20th century.

Alfred E. Smith’s legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered as a trailblazer for Catholics and urban Americans, a progressive reformer who sought to improve the lives of working-class people, and a poignant symbol of the cultural and political shifts of the 1920s. His 1928 campaign laid the groundwork for the future success of the Democratic Party in urban America, and his emphasis on civil liberties and skepticism of centralized power continue to influence political discourse. His life, marked by personal tragedy, relentless work, and an enduring commitment to public service, reflects the complexities and contradictions of American democracy in the early 20th century.