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In 1936, congressman with fascist ties runs for U.S. president to 'save democracy'
William Lemke was chosen by Father Charles Coughlin to run on the Union Party ticket in 1936, combining populist goals with pro-fascist rhetoric and attracting millions of followers.
- In 1936, U.S. Rep. William Lemke of North Dakota was handpicked by Father Charles E. Coughlin, the so-called "Radio Priest", to lead the Union Party's presidential ticket, announced at a turbulent Detroit rally.
- Coughlin picked Lemke because he co-authored the $3 billion Frazier-Lemke Farm Mortgage Act and pushed policies to protect farmers, create old-age security, decentralize monopolies, and restore power to Congress.
- At Union Party events, Lemke was joined by Gerald L.K. Smith, preacher and white supremacist, and Francis Townsend, activist, while telegrams and the Lemke Papers show close coordination with Coughlin's National Union for Social Justice.
- Following the loss, Lemke finished third in 1936, prompting Coughlin and Smith to escalate political activity after the campaign.
- By 1940, authorities had linked Coughlin's movement to the Christian Front, which spread to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Boston, Minneapolis, St. Louis and Detroit, leading to 17 arrests and the Great Sedition Trial.
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In 1936, congressman with fascist ties runs for U.S. president to 'save democracy'
BISMARCK, ND — Droning organ music filled the airwaves on Sunday, Feb. 4, 1940, the night 30 million Americans usually tuned their radios to Charles Coughlin, the Catholic “Radio Priest,” and his weekly show. “Coughlin silence Sunday mystifies air listeners,” a headline in The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reported. “Radio station charges Coughlin broke faith on inciting passages in speech, charging that Father Charles E. Coughlin had broken a promise…
·Cherokee County, United States
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Total News Sources21
Leaning Left0Leaning Right11Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution69% Right
Bias Distribution
- 69% of the sources lean Right
69% Right
C 31%
R 69%
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