Assassination Attempt May Help Elect Democrats

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 November 1950, Page 5

Assassination Attempt May Help Elect Democrats

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (Recd. 6; p.m.) The attempt, to assassinate; Pre. l ’dent Truman is seen in Washing- ■ ton hy political observers as consider- ■ ably strengthening the political for- ■ tunes of tlie Democratic Part;, now i lighting to retain control of Congress in election. Some Republicans privately admit that, the emotions aroused h v the Put ."torican Nationalists’ attempt to shoot the President, and the calm manner in which ho mot the experience are likely to swing many undecided voters to the Democrat banner. Eveii the President's most bitter political opponents were impressed with his unruffled courage in carrying on Kie schedule of his official appointments as though the gun-battle in front of his residence had never happened.

I However, even before the assassination attempt, the Republican Party ; appeared to be losing some of its conI lidence in the outcome of the elecpions. Both parties have boon making ;a major effort to “get out the vote.” 'They have been lighting against the '■ traditional apathy of voters in an offyear election such as this one, in which the Presidency itself is not involved. It is recognised that the at- , tempt, to assassinate the President will ensure him a much greater television J and radio audience when he delivers his single election .speech on behalf of his party on Saturday night. Deli moc rat Party leaders expect Ihe . speech to exert a powerful influence ’ : on undecided and apathetic voters. | It is estimated about 40,000,000 . Americans will go Io the polls Io I elect all 435 members of the House of