ABSTRACT
Democrats selected House Speaker John Nance Garner of Texas as Roosevelt's running mate. In a dramatic gesture, Roosevelt broke precedent by personally appearing at the convention to accept his nomination. (Until this time, nominees gave their acceptance speeches after the convention, usually at a celebration in their hometown.)
Despite-or perhaps because of-his handicap, Roosevelt proved a peerless campaigner. Polio had made Roosevelt understand human suffering, and he emerged from this chapter of his life with his sunny disposition intact. The ebullient "Happy Days Are Here Again" was Roosevelt's campaign song, and his cheer lifted the spirits of many people who regarded him a welcome relief from Hoover's solemnity. This campaign featured the first widespread broadcasts over radio, and here again Roosevelt had an advantage over Hoover, his mellifluous voice contrasting favorably with Hoover's somber tones. Roosevelt also took a railroad tour to the Pacific coast and back, during which crowds saw a healthy and vigorous candidate.
