Herbert Hoover was nominated on the first ballot at the Republican convention in Kansas City. He stated in his acceptance speech that: "We in America today are nearer to the final triumph over poverty than ever before in the history of this land... We shall soon with the help of God be in sight of the day when poverty will be banished from this land." Alfred Smith was nominated by the Democrats at their convention in Houston on the second ballot. Smith was the first Roman Catholic to run for the presidency.
The major issues in the campaign were religion and prohibition. Attacks were made against Smith, claiming that if elected he would make Catholicism the national religion. Smith campaigned against prohibition while Hoover supported its continuation. One of the slogans used by Hoover campaigners was "A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage."
This was the first campaign in which radio took an important part. While Smith was a better campaigner in person Hoover came over better on radio. The combination of a continued prosperity and a country that was not yet ready to have a Catholic President insured that Hoover, went on to an overwhelming victory.
Participation By Eligible Voters: 56.9%
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