1956 Democratic National Convention, 13-18 August 1956

Scope and content:

Contains recordings of a series of news broadcasts from Jack Clements and Walter R. Bishop of WRVA radio at the 1956 Democratic National Convention. Intended for the listeners back home in Virginia, these broadcasts, direct from Chicago, primarily cover the activities of the Virginia delegation during the convention. Of note is John Battle's work on the platform committee and its adoption of a civil rights plank. Southern delegations were adamant in their refusal to support any platform that endorsed the Supreme Court decision regarding school desegregation. The news broadcasts contain news from each candidates' camp and the prospects of a floor fight over the civil rights plank of the platform. Also includes the Virginia delegation's response to Tennessee Governor Frank G. Clement's keynote speech, its feelings on the various candidates, and its decision to support John S. Battle for president.

Physical description:

3 compact discs. Duration: 2 hr., 35 min., 30 sec.

Access and use