In 1932, Hoover was nominated by the Republicans for a second term. The election took place as the effects of the Great Depression were being felt intensely. The President had taken action to combat the country’s problems but had done so within the context of Republican philosophy at the time, which was that government should have limited power and thus a limited role to play. The Democrats were led by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who promised a New Deal and more government involvement. The theme of Hoover’s campaign was that his opponent’s policies smacked of socialism and that no good would flow from them, and he used these points to motivate his supporters.
Typed Letter Signed on White House letterhead, Washington, September 29, 1932, to John E. Sloane, Thomas Edison’s son-in-law and publicity director who was also president of the Essex for Hoover Club. “I shall be grateful if you will extend my warm appreciation to the members of the Essex for Hoover Club for their fine cooperation in carrying forward the high ideals of the Republican Party. Your and their loyal support is a heartening promise of victory for the cause in this campaign.”
The American people wanted something done to alleviate the Depression’s effects, and Hoover’s popularity waned as voters felt he was unable to reverse the economic collapse. They turned to Roosevelt who won in a landslide. This letter remained in the possession of the Edison descendants until 2007 when we acquired it.