Robinson

Black and white photograph of a man with white text underneath

Joseph Taylor Robinson was the running mate of Alfred E. Smith in the 1928 United States presidential campaign. His pairing with Smith became the first time since the Civil War to feature a southern representative for national office, and the first time in history that a Catholic won a presidential nomination. The 1928 presidential race encouraged future Catholic and southern candidates such as John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. 

Robinson is known for the impassioned speeches about the country on behalf of Smith and the Democratic platform. In 1933, he became the first Democratic Senate majority leader. He is dubbed the “fightingest” man in the U.S. Senate because he defeated all challengers during his time in the Senate.