Forecast That Dewey Will Gain Majority In Six Key States

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 November 1948, Page 5

Forecast That Dewey Will Gain Majority In Six Key States

Democratic Leaders Express Confidence In U.S. Elections NEW YORK, Oct. 31 (Rec. 9.20 pm).—Democratic campaign managers believe the Wallace vote has shrunk and it is reported that this forecast has heartened Mr. Truman, who feared the Democratic vote would be split to Mr. Dewey’s advantage. Democratic leaders also reported to Mr. Truman tonight that his spirited campaign had given him an excellent opportunity to carry the key States of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana, which control 167 electoral votes. All reliable opinion polls, however, indicate that Mr. Dewey will earrv these States.

The speech-making and campaigning for the United States elections have ended, and the Democrat and Republican candidates relaxed today in their rural retreats. Apart, from the traditional eve-of-eleetion non-par-tisan and non-political appeals to citizens to exercise their patriotic duty by voting, there will be no more speeches.

The American people are now granted two clear days of freedom from political oratory, in which to make up their minds before registering their votes on Tuesday. Holding 47 votes in the electoral college, New York State was the scene last week of high-pressure campaigns by both the major candidates. There are over 7,000.000 enrolled voters, and it is predicted that Mr. Dewey will take the State with a majority of half a million. No candidate has lost New York and won the Presidency since Woodrow Wilson was re-elected in 1916. Mr. Truman is at a disadvantage through losses to Mr. Wallace. It Is recalled that Mr. Roosevelt would have lost New York in 1944 if he had not had the support of the American Labour Party, which is now supporting Mr.

Wallace It is expected that many Jewish Democrats will refrain from voting, through dissatisfaction with Mr. Truman’s Palestine policy. , One State is already lost to Mr. Truman, whose name does not appear on the ballot paper. In Alabama it will almost certainly go to Mr Thurmond. the State's Rights candidate. Mr. Dewey’s lavishly-financed campaign has contrasted with the humbler efforts of the divided democratic Party.

There is considerably-more newspaper support for Mr. Dewey than in 1944. A count shows that 771 dailies, representing 78.55 per cent, of the national circulation, are for the Republicans, against 182, representing 10.03 per cent, of circulation, for Mr. Truman. Mr Thurmond is backed by 45 dailies, and Mr. Wallace by tijree. Despite his 64 years, Mr. Truman has shown amazing physical endurance in his campaign, in which he has travelled 33,000 miles, and delivered 250 speeches. His apparent enjoyment of the campaign, despite predictions of a crushing defeat, has prompted a “New York Times” correspondent to contrast “the obviously sincere man who hoarsely asked reporters to pray for him the day Mr. Roosevelt died,” with the brisk campaigner who ended by confidently scolding everybody in sight—Republicans, newspapers, opinion polls, and even non-voting Democrats.