Willkie Ring It Again

Illustration of the Liberty Bell with a red, white, and blue background with blue text on top and white text on the bottom

This button was used around the time of the Republican National Convention of 1940. The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence is seen prominently on the button, endorsing Willkie as an advocate of American values. The convention took place from June 24 to June 28, 1940 and was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Wendell Willkie, an American lawyer and  corporate executive was officially nominated as the party's candidate for President alongside Senator Charles McNary from Oregon for Vice President. Willkie, who had never run for public office prior was viewed as an unlikely candidate. Having previously been pro-Roosevelt as well as an outspoken advocate for providing aid to the Allied forces during World War II, Willkie's nomination came as a surprise to many.