OCTOBER 21, 1936

Full News Archive

• Headline: Roosevelt's 1936 Illinois Support. Impact: Roosevelt's favor in Illinois set off a chain reaction where every politician since has tried to harness the power of 'unity'—which really just means getting everyone to ignore their differences until after election day. Fact: Did you know that Roosevelt's charm was so potent, he could probably make even a cactus bloom at a crowded party?.
• Headline: Parkers Arrested in Wendel Inquiry. Impact: The Parkers' arrest under the Lindbergh Law led to a dramatic increase in public fear and paranoia, spawning a bizarre trend where people began to suspect their neighbors of being criminals—cue the neighborhood watch groups armed with nothing but gossip. Fact: Ironically, the Lindbergh Law had nothing to do with flying; it was more about making sure no one could sneak off with your baby without a hefty prison sentence.
• Headline: Text of Speech by John W. Davis, Opposing New Deal as Contrary to Democratic Party's Tenets. Impact: Davis's opposition to the New Deal sparked a wave of debates that eventually led to politicians realizing that arguing about taxes is a great way to distract from actual governance—who knew that shouting could be so effective?. Fact: Interestingly, Davis's speech was so riveting that it made even the most avid tax enthusiasts consider a career change to interpretive dance.
• Headline: Democrats Pay $130,000 at $100 a Plate At Campaign Fund Dinner in Philadelphia. Impact: The extravagant dinner raised funds, proving that in politics, you can buy friends and influence people—especially if you serve enough chicken and mashed potatoes. Fact: Did you know that for $100 a plate, you could also buy a small island in the Caribbean? Just kidding—though it might make your dinner guests feel a bit more special.
• Headline: FOREIGN EXCHANGES RALLY; Gradual Decline Ended With Sterling Leading Upward Movement.. Impact: The rally in foreign exchanges led to a minor existential crisis among economists, who suddenly had to reconcile their theories with the unpredictable nature of human emotion—cue the dramatic music. Fact: Did you know that currencies can be more fickle than a celebrity on social media? One tweet could send them soaring or crashing!.
• Headline: Lafayette Freshmen for Landon. Impact: Lafayette Freshmen's support for Landon was the start of a long tradition of young voters feeling like their voices matter—until they realize they can't even agree on where to go for pizza. Fact: Fun fact: Freshmen supporting candidates in polls is about as reliable as a weather forecast—everyone has an opinion, but good luck with accuracy!.
• Headline: WHITE PLAINS ADOPTS BUDGET OF $4,000,000; Tax Rate Will Be About $26 on Each $1,000 of Assessment, an Increase of $4 Over 1936.. Impact: The budget adoption in White Plains sent budgetary ripples that would lead future councils to believe that raising taxes was the only way to fix anything—like throwing money at a leaky faucet. Fact: Did you know that $4 million in 1937 would be worth approximately $75 million today? So, in a way, congratulations on your budget—just don't ask where the money went.
• Headline: M'CARL DEMANDS CURB ON PRESIDENT; He Tells Hardware Men 'Not to Stop With Election as Fight Will Just Have Begun.' DEALERS HAIL RECOVERY Industry Has Seldom Experienced Such Prosperity, Head of the Group Says in Jersey.. Impact: M'Carl's demand for a curb on the president ignited a series of political rivalries that ensured no president would ever feel completely comfortable again—welcome to the world of leadership paranoia!. Fact: Fun fact: The American hardware industry has thrived so much that they probably have enough tools to build a new country—if only they could agree on what color to paint it.