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.
Frank Knox vs Norman Thomas
| Issue | Frank Knox | Norman Thomas |
|---|---|---|
| Amending the Constitution to enlarge (or restrain) federal power | New federal activities only when legalized by constitutional amendment -- 'the horse and buggy method' specific_pledgenot_applicable Accept that changing conditions call for increased federal activity, but insist every new activity be authorized by amendment, not by laws that 'flout the Constitution.' |
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| Balancing the federal budget | A budget balanced immediately and a currency based on and convertible into gold specific_pledgenot_applicable Balance the budget at once; return to a gold-based, convertible currency 'as swiftly as possible'; no coercion in business or agriculture. |
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| Overall role and scale of the federal government | Fair, honest, economical and efficient government; preserve free enterprise against 'amateur economic planners' vague_gesturenot_applicable No 'patent nostrums': promise honest administration, economy, and sensible measures; the election decides between regimentation by federal bureaucrats and free enterprise under constitutional powers. |
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| Communism, radicalism and "alien isms" as a political issue | — | Keep the Socialist vote independent; chide the La Follettes for handing Roosevelt 'everything on a silver platter' directional_stancenot_applicable Refuse the Popular Front logic of backing Roosevelt; hold Wisconsin's Socialist vote in the national column. |
| How to finance old-age and unemployment insurance (contributory reserve vs. pay-as-you-go) | The Social Security Act is 'unworkable and unsound' -- 'lip service to security'; a Republican administration would offer its own legislation directional_stancenot_applicable Replace the Act; warn workers the taxes will rise and that 'the people are going to retire Santa Claus.' |
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| Public ownership of major industries | — | The New Deal 'has not worked'; build the cooperative commonwealth vague_gesturenot_applicable Oppose both parties with 'a logical analysis of the diseases of our time and a sure philosophy for building the co-operative commonwealth.' |