Suggested Draft Statement for Vice-President Harry S. Truman for Jefferson Day Dinner, Washington, D. C.

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loning = SERVICE Hasbons Suggested Statement for VICE PRESIDNET TRUMAN for Jefferson Day Dinner April 13, 1945 THR FATHER OF DENOCRACY Mr. Chairman, distinguished guests and fellow Demperate: Me are gathered here this evening for two primary purposes. First, to pay homage on his birthday to the Father of Depocracy -- the Thomas Jefferson. Second, we should renew and reaffirm our sincere faith in basic democratic ideals, such na those Jefferson represented. all By and large, the Democratic Party has been the champion of the 1 the people. In contrast, the Republican Farty usually represente the PRIDGLEDEED and the few Iven in times of prosperity, the Democratic Party finds itself financielly embarrassed Of has necessity, our Farty isst to depend primarily upon the palebérely donations of rank and file supporters. Iven during the last general election, for every dollar the Democrats raised, our Republican oprenents spent two. DIEMORRATIC VICTORIES ARE WON ON THE BASIS of Tortunately, aberations principles and performance, - 1 not merely money and wealth! The two party aystem is the very essence of American democracy. To permit our constitutional government to operate effectivoly, we must support the Farty of our choice, and in America, thank Ged. ve still have a free choice! In recent years certain political writers have glibly stated that there is little basic difference between the tivo great politicel varties in America. In my humble opinion, thery a Xways hee been E tremendous difference between the two parties. Their fundamental political philesophy is so distinet that the cryp between then dan never be briäged. It is a difference of principles, not merely procedure. It is a confliet of ideals, not merely methods.