Presidents Day, in case you hadn't noticed. So today I thought I would put up a few Presidential address past, starting with this one delivered by President Truman during the annual Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in 1952. He gives an interesting rundown on why the Republicans hadn't taken the White House in over twenty years.

Pres. Truman: “ The Republicans are all set to try this White-is-Black technique. And this is the way it’ll work; first of all they try to make people believe that everything the government has done for the country is socialism. They will go to the people and say ‘did you see that Social Security check you received the other day? You thought that was good for you, didn’t you? Well that’s just too bad, that’s nothing in the world but Socialism. Did you see that new flood control dam the government is building over there for the protection of your property? Sorry. That’s awful Socialism too. They new hospital they’re building, that’s socialism. Price supports; more socialism for the farmers. Minimum wage laws – socialism for labor. Socialism is bad for you my friend, everybody knows that. And here you are, with your new car and your home and better opportunities for the kids and the television set. You’re just surrounded by Socialism.”

This was also the address where Truman announces his decision not to run again for President in 1952, ending months of speculation.

Still, Truman was known for his plain outspoken manner and telling it like it was. Politics has come a long way . . .not.