Wendell L. Wilkie Quotes

A collection of quotes by Wendell L. Wilkie.

Wendell L. Wilkie (1892-1944) was an American lawyer, business executive, and politician known for his run as the Republican Party presidential nominee in 1940. Born in Indiana, Wilkie grew up in a humble background and worked his way through college. He graduated from Indiana University Law School in 1916 and embarked on a successful legal career.

In the 1920s, Wilkie emerged as an influential business leader, serving as a top executive in several utility companies. However, it was his foray into politics in the late 1930s that brought him into the national spotlight. Wilkie rose to prominence as a critic of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's policies, particularly regarding the New Deal and his pursuit of a third term.

In 1940, Wilkie secured the Republican Party's nomination for president, running against Roosevelt in a heated campaign. Though he lost the election, he gained significant popularity as a dynamic and charismatic candidate, displaying a moderate and internationalist stance, advocating for America's involvement in World War II.

After the election, Wilkie remained a prominent figure in American politics and continued to champion internationalism and cooperation. He even embarked on diplomatic missions during the war years, working towards global unity and post-war reconstruction. Unfortunately, he fell ill in 1944 and passed away at the age of 52.

Wendell L. Wilkie's influence on American politics cannot be underestimated, as he represented a shift towards internationalism and a revitalization of the Republican Party during a pivotal time in history.