Truman’s 1948 Election: From the Ballot Box to the White House

Harry and Bess Truman wave from the rear platform of the presidential train at Washington’s Union Station on October 2. Margaret Truman stands with them, alongside two men the archival record does not identify. The family had returned from a campaign trip; the exhausting autumn schedule still had another month to run.

Young supporters wave from a car during an election-day parade in Truman’s hometown. A large campaign portrait rides on the side of the vehicle. Vernon Galloway’s photograph records the public enthusiasm of November 2, while the polling places were still producing the result that would overturn the national forecasts.

Truman and Vice President-elect Alben Barkley wave their hats after reaching Washington on November 5. Rowe caught them perched at the back of an open vehicle inside the station. The election had given Truman 303 electoral votes and returned Congress to Democratic control; the arrival was a celebration of the whole ticket’s survival.

Truman stands before microphones on the White House porch on November 5, with Vice President-elect Alben Barkley and other members of the returning party around him. After the train journey and station reception, the celebration reached the president’s official home. He had won the right to stay there through another term.