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The emergence of Adlai E. Stevenson as a new and vital force in American and world politics remains one of the most heartening phenomena of recent political history. Virtually unknown as a national figure before the Democratic Convention, the Governor of Illinois commanded the nation's attention and admiration by his integrity and humility, his liberalism and humor, his literacy and common sense. Even in defeat he has gained stature and now has become in the minds of his opponents as well as his partisans a great moral as well as political leader for the entire free world. His speeches during the campaign were unique in the annals of American political debate. They adhered to issues and abjured platitude; they were enlightened and humane; they were forthright and yet always had the saving grace of humor and the frank admission of his own fallibility. Above all, they went to the heart of the problems with which all Americans are deeply concerned. Major Campaign Speeches of Adlai. E. Stevenson brings together in one volume fifty of his addresses on as many themes. They range from his Welcoming Address at the Democratic Convention in Chicago to his gracious and profoundly moving concession of defeat on the night of the election. They include his unequivocal declarations on such issues as Communism, the United Nations, Korea, Foreign Affairs, Labor and Farm policies, Social Security, war and peace, freedom of opinion and conscience, our natural resources, inflation, the role of the South, economy in government, the Hiss case, business, big and small, and many other problems of pressing consequence to our people. But for an occasional aside, each speech is printed as it was delivered and no attempt has been made to take advantage of after-the-fact developments or facile hindsight. What Adlai E. Stevenson thought and believed and took the responsibility for is in these addresses, precisely as spoken in every part of the country. Since Governor Stevenson frequently revised his texts after they were released for the press and since he often departed from the final version of his own manuscripts, the reproduction of these speeches, as delivered, gives to the American public for
the first time the authentic texts of what Governor Stevenson actually said. Of intense and timely interest and importance, the Introduction for this volume, written by Adlai E. Stevenson after the turmoil, strain and pressures of the campaign, provides a new insight into his political philosophy and the principles by which he was guided. He reveals his personal appraisal of the campaign itself and tells of the circumstances under which the speeches were written and delivered. Major Campaign Speeches of Adlai E. Stevenson is a document of inestimable value for the advancement of political enlightenment for all our people. |
