OCTOBER 23, 1936

Full News Archive

• Headline: Mrs. Rohde Commends Roosevelt's Leadership. Impact: If Mrs. Rohde had not praised Roosevelt's leadership, perhaps he would have just become a local librarian instead of a national legend. Who knew that a simple radio broadcast would help shape the future of American politics? One can only imagine the alternate timeline where he spends his days recommending books on how to win friends and influence people.. Fact: Fun fact: Ruth Bryan Owen was the first woman to serve as a U.S. ambassador. But sure, let’s focus on her radio skills instead..
• Headline: Soviet Retreat on Spanish Aid Demands. Impact: This moment of Soviet retreat may very well have set off a chain reaction that led to the Cold War. Had they stuck to their guns, perhaps we’d all be speaking Russian and discussing the merits of borscht instead of engaging in endless debates about capitalism over brunch.. Fact: Did you know that the Spanish Civil War was like the world's first reality show? Everyone was watching, but no one really knew how it would end!.
• Headline: LANDON WILL VISIT JERSEY NEXT WEEK; He Will Make 2 Short Talks on Way to This City -- Roosevelt Also Is Expected.. Impact: If Landon had never made that visit to Jersey, maybe he'd have avoided the embarrassment of being overshadowed by Roosevelt. Imagine a world where Landon became the trendsetter of political tours instead!. Fact: Jersey is famous for its cows, but Landon seemed more interested in the politics of milk production than actual cows. Moo-ving on!.
• Headline: Brewers 'Draft' Ruppert. Impact: Ruppert's re-election as president might have seemed mundane, but imagine if he had lost! The entire beer industry could have spiraled into chaos, leading to a dystopian future where people barter with hops instead of cash.. Fact: In case you were wondering, 'draft' has nothing to do with military service in this context—just good ol’ beer appreciation..
• Headline: Thugs Cow 2, Flee With $998. Impact: That fateful robbery could have changed the course of countless lives. If only those thugs had decided to pursue a legitimate career in accounting instead, the world might have been spared their infamous legacy of crime.. Fact: Did you know that $998 in 1930 would be equivalent to about $15,000 today? So, technically, they were just shy of being classified as 'professional thieves' instead of 'amateurs.'.
• Headline: ROOSEVELT TRIUMPH PREDICTED BY THOMAS; Back From Tour of 20 States, Socialist Says Re-election Campaign Is Won.. Impact: If Thomas's predictions had turned out to be true, the entire political landscape could have shifted dramatically. We might have been discussing the merits of socialism over dinner instead of capitalism. Aren't you glad we avoided that awkwardness?. Fact: Roosevelt's re-election was so predictable that it made watching paint dry seem like an Olympic sport..
• Headline: U.S. WOMEN MEET AUSTRALIA TODAY; Miss Richey to Start at Left Wing in Field Hockey Play at Philadelphia.. Impact: Who knew that a simple field hockey game could impact international relations? Had they lost, we could have been looking at a world where the U.S. and Australia were rivals in everything, from sports to who makes better meat pies.. Fact: Field hockey: the sport where you can score goals while also showcasing your ability to trip over your own feet..
• Headline: BROWDER CHARGES THOMAS HAS QUIT; Socialist Leader Is Conceding Victory to Reactionaries, Communist Foe Says.. Impact: If Browder's accusations had led to a split in the Socialist Party, we might have seen a real-life political soap opera unfold—complete with plot twists, betrayals, and a dramatic season finale that would have left viewers gasping.. Fact: Political infighting: the original reality show, long before it was cool..