PresidentialPositionsIssuesReceptionTimelineDocuments

Work in progress — cycles are added one at a time. Every quote is machine-verified against an archived source; follow the links to read it.

1932

Albert C. Ritchie vs Newton D. Baker

IssueAlbert C. RitchieNewton D. Baker
Federal responsibility for relief
States' rights and business-led recovery — no federal intervention in relief directional_stancenot_applicable
Keep relief a state, local and private responsibility; urge programs sponsored by the business community; refuse RFC loans (Maryland took none until mid-1933).
—
League of Nations and international organizations —
Do not make the League of Nations a party issue; no entry until a majority of Americans approve specific_pledgenot_applicable
Having long advocated American membership in the League, Baker declared (January 26, 1932) that he would not favor a League plank and would not put the United States in the League until convinced a majority approved.
National Prohibition
Repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment as a matter of states' rights specific_pledgenot_applicable
Repeal national Prohibition and return liquor control to the states; Maryland had refused to enact a state enforcement act.
—
European war debts and reparations —
Entry into the World Court and cancellation of the war debts (the record that made him 'politically unpopular') directional_stancenot_applicable
American adherence to the League Court and cancellation of the European war debts, positions Baker had advocated publicly before 1932.