The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World

by A.J. Baime

Roosevelt admitted: he was not overly familiar with the senator from Missouri. The president knew of Truman as the man “in charge of that war investigating committee.” “I hardly know Truman,” Roosevelt had said on another occasion. “He has been over here a few times, but he made no particular impression on me.” The more the conversation focused on Truman, the more clear it became: Truman was not a strong candidate—in fact, he was quite obscure in comparison with men such as Byrnes and Barkley. Also, there was concern about Truman’s age, that he was too old. But Truman had no enemies. He would not alienate any section of the electorate. Even with his Pendergast past, he seemed the least problematic choice. Roosevelt leaned forward in his wheelchair and placed his hand on Robert Hannegan’s leg. “Now, Bob,” the president said, “you want Truman.” “Yes,” came the answer. “I do.” Roosevelt turned to the committee treasurer, Edwin Pauley. “Ed, do you?” “Yes.” “Do all the rest of you?” asked Roosevelt. All said yes. Exactly what Roosevelt said at this point has been debated, but sources present at this meeting have him saying something very similar: “Boys, I guess it’s Truman.” “Truman just dropped into the slot,” recalled Ed Flynn, a powerful Democratic figure from the Bronx, who was there that night. “It was agreed that Truman was the man who would hurt [the ticket] least,” said Flynn.