Claude Pepper Campaign Speech

Originally recorded on a studio reference disc, the speech was later re-recorded on reel to reel. The reel-to-reel tape was reformatted to digital audio in May 2004

Studio recording made by Senator Claude Pepper during his unsuccessful 1950 re-election campaign. Pepper talks about his voting record and accusations that he was soft on communism.

00:00:01-00:04:07 Claude Pepper talks about having an old age pension within the SOcial Security structure which would provide for adequate coverage for retired people.

00:04:14-00:08:22 Pepper recounts his assistance to working people (through his work to obtain a decent minimum wage) and refers to himself as a friend of labor.

00:08:28-00:12:34 More is stated about the minimum wage and how it will benefit workers and prosperity in general.

00:12:35-00:16:31 The smear campaign (using the word communism) of Pepper's political opponents. Pepper suggests that his opponents are the ones aiding the communist effort.

00:16:40-00:20:24 Pepper defends and gives his reasons for his vote against the FEPC and also mentions the duplicitous act of his opponent.

00:20:26-00:24:32 Aid to agriculture (as REA, cheaper freight rates, better prices for commodities, school lunch programs) are mentioned. Pepper also suggests that these programs will be cut if his opponent wins the election.

00:24:40-00:28.26 Health legislation. Pepper mentions the role he has played in getting legislation passed which would provide aid to train more health care personnel. He also mentions National Health Insurance and states that it is the opposite of socialized medicine.

00:28:33-00:32:07 Aid to veterans. Claude Pepper says that he was one of the authors of the GI Bill of Rights passed years ago. He expresses his concern about those who want to cut the benefits to veterans especially the construction of hospitals for veterans.

00:32:60-00:36:09 Pepper asks people to choose whether they are for the great democratic program of President Roosevelt or against it. He expresses the need for the programs to continue so that prosperity such as seen in Florida may continue.

00:36:15-00:49:67 Pepper speaks of his friendship with President Roosevelt and the evidence of the good his programs have done. He cites statistics demonstrating this as the rise in retail sales, bank profits, wages, and the growth of rural electrification. Even those against these programs have benefitted from them.

00:49:67-00:53:02 Political Ad. An unidentified man commends Claude Pepper.