When delegates from Alabama and Mississippi walked out of the 1948 Democratic Convention in Philadelphia, Thurmond and the South Carolina delegates did not join them. Thurmond responded to the plan by calling it unsatisfactory. [150] After President-elect Carter nominated Theodore C. Sorensen as his choice to become Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Thurmond expressed reservations[151] and fellow Senator Jake Garn said he believed Thurmond would not vote for the nomination. [62] In February 1963, Thurmond stated that "the brush curtain around Cuba is a formidable Soviet strategic military base" and estimated between 30,000 and 40,000 Cuban troops were under the leadership of a Soviet general. [341], "Senator Thurmond" redirects here. Senate. [173] In July 1979, after the Carter administration unveiled a proposed governing charter for the FBI, Thurmond stated his support for its enactment, his backing being seen by The New York Times as an indication that the governing charter would face little conservative opposition. 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"[83] In his 1966 re-election campaign, the new Republican senator faced no opposition in the primary,[84] and competed against Bradley Morrah Jr. in the general election campaign. Strom Thurmond | Biography & Facts | Britannica [54] In the presidential election, he received 14 electoral votes for vice president (as Harry Byrd Sr.'s running mate). [43] He was part of the group of Southern senators who shared a commonality of being dispirited with Brown v. Board of Education. [226][227] The previous year, at a fundraising dinner for Thurmond's re-election campaign in Columbia, South Carolina, President Reagan delivered an address both praising Thurmond and noting the similarities in his views and that of the administration. Later, Thurmond would switch to the Republican Party. Thurmond had pretty much been the leader of the conservative "Dixiecrat" wing of the party certainly since 1948 when he ran for President against the Democratic incumbent (Truman) on the "Dixiecrat" party l. In 1948, he left the party temporarily to run as a Dixiecrat presidential candidate after the Democratic Party put a civil rights plank in its 1948 convention platform and President Tru. In March 1979, after the Carter administration made an appeal to Congress for new powers to aid with the enforcement of federal laws as it pertains to housing discrimination, Thurmond refused to back the administration as he charged it with "injecting itself in every facet of people's lives" and said housing disputes should be settled in court. [282] Thurmond left the Senate in January 2003 as the United States' longest-serving senator, a record later surpassed by Senator Robert Byrd. [250], In November 1987, Thurmond introduced legislation that if enacted would require "alcoholic beverages to carry health warning labels similar to those on cigarettes", saying the legislation would be effective if it prevented anyone from drinking while being in a compromising position of health. [139] In October, after President Nixon ordered the firing of independent special prosecutor Archibald Cox, Democrat Birch Bayh charged Thurmond with "browbeating" Cox during Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on the firing. [247], In September 1986, Thurmond sponsored a drug law package that included a provision imposing the death penalty for some drug offenses and federal crimes of "treason, espionage and killing American hostages in a terrorist attack". How the Electoral College Was Nearly Abolished in 1970 [172] Cabranes was confirmed for the position. Clinton stated that the bill being named after Thurmond was a "well-deserved and appropriate tribute" due to his thirty-six years in the U.S. Army Reserve and his primary focus in the Senate being on U.S. national defense. Thurmond had initially opposed the measure and changed his vote at the last minute. "[156] In the late 1970s, Thurmond advocated for forging a new relationship with Panama but against the U.S. giving up sovereignty to the Canal Zone. Strom Thurmond - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Edwards, Thurmond Back Connally", "Thurmond and ExGov. [219] Thurmond said the "ruling junta in Grenada" was directly threatening American lives. [75] Though Goldwater lost in a landslide, he won South Carolina with 59% of the vote compared to President Johnson's 41%. 51 senators assembled, allowing for the Senate to adjourn in spite of Thurmond's calls for another quorum call. James Strom Thurmond was born December 5, 1902 in Edgefield, South Carolina. She was born on October 12, 1925, to Carrie "Tunch" Butler (1909 or 1910 1948), who had worked for Thurmond's parents and was 15 or 16 years old when she gave birth. [73], On September 16, 1964, Thurmond confirmed he was leaving the Democratic Party to work on the presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater, charging the Democrats with having "abandoned the people" and having repudiated the U.S. Toward the end of Thurmond's Senate career, critics suggested his mental abilities had declined. Some remarks made by Mississippi Senator Trent Lott during the event were considered racially insensitive: "I want to say this about my state: When Strom Thurmond ran for president, we [Mississippi] voted for him. At age 68 in 1971, Thurmond fathered the first of four children with Nancy, who was then 25. Running for President as a Dixiecrat in 1948, Strom Thurmond declared that "all the laws of Washington and all the bayonets of the Army cannot force the Negro into our homes, our schools, our churches and our places of recreation." By 1964, with civil rights marching onward, it was clear that his fellow Democrats disagreed. [55], Thurmond predicted the 87th Congress would begin with a move to remove him from the Senate Democratic Caucus. [74] During the campaign, Thurmond told reporters that he believed Barry Goldwater could carry South Carolina and other southern states. [53] In the 1960 United States presidential election, Thurmond refused to back the Democratic nominee, his senate colleague John F. Kennedy, due to the latter's support for civil rights. [51], In January 1959, the Senate held a debate over changing the rules to curb filibusters, Thurmond expressed the view that the Senate return to the rule prior to 1917, when there were no regulations on the time for debate. James Strom Thurmond Sr. (December 5, 1902 - June 26, 2003) was an American politician who represented South Carolina in the United States Senate from 1954 to 2003. Peterson stressed, however, that Thurmond's popularity was "being put to a severe test" in his efforts to help John Connolly win the South Carolina primary. "[157] In late August 1977, The New York Times wrote "President Carter can be grateful that the opposition to his compromise Panama treaty is now being led by Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina and Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina. [137] The document claimed Lennon's influence on young people could affect Nixon's chances of re-election, and suggested that terminating Lennon's visa might be "a strategy counter-measure". He was 66 years old and she was 22. [230] Thurmond addressed the issue of age during the primary, the 81-year-old senator stating that he exercised each day for an hour and a half and that he was in the same shape as a person in their 30s or 40s. As of 2022, 1960 remains the last time a Democrat won South Carolina's Class 2 Senate seat. 10 Senators Who Switched Parties - J. Strom Thurmond - RealClearPolitics The young woman had been granted a degree of access to Thurmond more typical of a family member than to a member of the public. "It was called the solid Democrat South for a reason," Barton added. Thurmond was noted for joining Edward J. Gurney in questioning Cox "at length in an attempt to show that he was biased against" Nixon and his administration, as Thurmond asked Cox if eleven members of his staff had worked for Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. In January 2001, Thurmond endorsed his son Strom Thurmond Jr. for federal prosecutor in South Carolina in a recommendation to the Senate. The author then states these Dixiecrats eventually converted to Republicanism-along with Thurmond-in 1964. "I want you to find me . Carter noted Thurmond as one of the members of Congress who had shown leadership on the measure, without whose efforts it would have never passed. Strom Thurmond: South Carolina: September 16, 1964 88th: Democratic: Republican Harry F. Byrd Jr. Virginia: 1970 91st: Democratic: Independent Kept seniority, but did not caucus with the Democrats James L. Buckley: New York: 1976 94th: . The new party collapsed after Truman still won the election, and Thurmond became a Republican in the 1960s. Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina after his 24+ hour filibuster in 1957. Beginning in 1948 . [152] Sorensen withdrew from consideration days later, before a vote could be had. Thurmond was noted as one of five Senate members to have been a World War II veteran and back the measure and called Kimmel and Short "the last victims" of Pearl Harbor. [131] In January 1975, Thurmond and William Scott toured South Vietnam, Thurmond receiving a medal from President of South Vietnam Nguyn Vn Thiu. [42] Thurmond co-wrote the first version of the Southern Manifesto, stating disagreement with the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, that desegregated public schools. [76] Senate Republicans were lukewarm to Thurmond due to their "super minority" of only 32 seats in the Senate prior to Thurmond's switch,[77] and voted for committee assignments granting Thurmond the ability "to keep at least some of the seniority power he had gained as a Democrat. "[331], In 1980, Bill Peterson remarked that the 77-year-old Thurmond "still has that rare peculiar magic few policians ever achieve" with young autograph seekers and admirers. [200] He indicated his backing would only be in favor of passing measures to restrict criminals accessing guns[201] and his announcement was seen as possibly indicating a change in the debate of regulations relating to firearms in the U.S.[202] Thurmond also announced plans to hold hearings on the seven-point proposal intended to address the questions surrounding the Reagan assassination attempt. The appearance prompted the cancellation of another public appearance in Fort Jackson, as Thurmond favored marking his proposal with his presence, and his request for a $75,000 committee study was slated for consideration. [279] In January 2001, Thurmond endorsed his son Strom Thurmond Jr. for federal prosecutor in South Carolina in a recommendation to the Senate. After a successful military career in World War II, he was elected governor. The Foundation was established in 1974 by Thurmond with honoraria received from speeches and donations from friends and family. The race would later be assessed as the last serious challenge to Thurmond during his career.[167]. "[165] By May 1978, Thurmond held a 30-point lead over Ravenel among double digits of undecided voters. [57] In August 1961, Thurmond formally requested the Senate Armed Services Committee to vote on whether to vote for "a conspiracy to muzzle military anti-Communist drives." [101] In September, Vice President Hubert Humphrey spoke of a deal made between Thurmond and Nixon over Thurmond's opposition to the Fortas nomination. Thurmond then defeated Melvin Purvis III in the general election, the latter receiving half of the votes cast for Thurmond. He was a lawyer.. Thurmond spent more than 70 years of his life on public career. In June 1974, Senator Henry M. Jackson informed Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee John C. Stennis that he had arranged for Thurmond to cosponsor an amendment revising the present export control system and restricting trade with the Soviet Union while granting the Defense Secretary power to veto any export that might "significantly increase the military capability" of either the Soviet Union or other Communist countries. [331] NAACP Chairman Julian Bond said Thurmond's sole legacy was of "durability and opposition to civil rights" and called Thurmond "a relic of Americas shameful past, who had long overstayed his welcome. [60] After the Supreme Court ruled state composed prayer in public schools was unconstitutional, Thurmond urged Congress to take steps to prevent the Court from making similar decisions. [209][210] Thurmond granted Alabama Senator Jeremiah Denton an hour of questioning of O'Connor, twice the time allotted for other members of the chamber. In September 1964, South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond switched from the Democratic Party to the GOP. Thurmond responded to the claim by calling the tale a liberal smear intended to damage his political influence,[120] later calling the magazine "anti-South". 1948 Democratic Convention | History| Smithsonian Magazine In 1952, Thurmond endorsed Republican Dwight Eisenhower for the presidency, rather than the Democratic nominee Adlai Stevenson, but Stevenson still narrowly carried South Carolina in the general election. Gibson, Campbell; Jung, Kay (September 2002). He was 100 years old. [88], At the start of the 89th United States Congress, Thurmond was appointed to the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on Constitutional Rights. Cunningham said that Thurmond had a "bad track record" and noted his past comments on race, saying that he would not be crushed like Thurmond's past opponents and was getting much encouragement in his bid to unseat him. "[252], On February 23, 1988, Thurmond endorsed fellow senator Bob Dole in the Republican presidential primary, acknowledging his previous intent to remain neutral during the nominating process. [287] On the morning of October 2, 2001, Thurmond was admitted to Walter Reed after fainting at his Senate desk. These laws ended segregation and committed the federal government to enforce voting rights of citizens by the supervision of elections in states in which the pattern of voting showed black people had been disenfranchised. [257] In September, Thurmond was one of nine Republican senators appointed by Senate Republican leader Robert Dole to negotiate a dispute with Democrats over financing of President Bush's anti-drug plan. he did not ever formally join that political party. [297], Washington-Williams died on February 4, 2013, in Columbia, South Carolina, at age 87.[298]. [295], Washington-Williams later said she intended to join the Daughters of the American Revolution, and did apply to join the United Daughters of the Confederacy, as she was eligible through her Thurmond ancestry. The White House responded that Ford was too busy to meet with Solzhenitsyn, while later sources indicate Ford declined the meeting at the counsel of his advisors. In 1971, he was the first member of the Southern congressional delegation to hire a black legislative assistant. Strom Thurmond | Encyclopedia.com [87] Thurmond won election with 62.2 percent of the vote (271,297 votes) to Morrah's 37.8 percent (164,955 votes). He left the Democrat Party because of their positions, so when they point to Strom Thurmond, you've also got to look at the fact that he changed his policy positions and he was no longer comfortable with their party. [56] This did not happen, and an aide for Senator Joseph S. Clark Jr. said there was never an intention to pursue recourse against Thurmond, though in his opinion Thurmond should no longer be a member of the party. [313], Political reporter Cokie Roberts said in 2017 that Thurmond kissed her on the mouth, while she was live on the air at a political convention. [111] This had followed continued Southern resistance for more than a decade to desegregation following the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education that segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. Once in the Senate, he became an outspoken segregationist. 36 W Liberty St, Sumter, SC 29150 "[241], In September 1985, Thurmond was one of eight members of a delegation that met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev. In September, he was admitted to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center for tests. "[318] Former Slate senior writer Timothy Noah wrote that Thurmond's most significant political contribution was his backing of segregation and myths had been construed on the part of his contemporaries to explain his continued wielding of national influence. [217] Thurmond voted against the Senate resolution declaring that American troops in Grenada would be "withdrawn no more than 60 days later unless Congress authorized their continued presence there". Thurmond publicly stated his belief that any measures introduced would be defeated in his committee. But Thurmond . He became less racist.". [161], In his general election campaign, Thurmond faced Charles Ravenel, a local banker and former gubernatorial candidate. [132], In February 1971, Senate Republicans voted unanimously to bestow Thurmond full seniority, the vote being seen as "little more than a gesture since committee assignments are the major item settled by seniority and Senator Thurmond has his. As governor, Thurmond oversaw several progressive reforms. When cabdrivers lynched black murder suspect Willie Earle, Thurmond called it a "disgrace to the state," and national media praised him. Thurmond also predicted that Nixon would carry Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Texas and Tennessee. govtrack.us. Jesse Helms of North Carolina and Strom", "Reagan is the Real King Of Special Interest Groups", "Reagan Decides to Tighten Controls on Textile Imports", "Message to the House of Representatives Returning Without Approval the Textile and Apparel Industries Bill", "President Reagan, in a blow to the import-battered textile,", "News, Photos, Audio | Archives - UPI.com", "Congress Begins Fight Over Extension of Voting Rights Act", "Required Reading; Sampling of Opinions on Invasion of Grenada", "O'Neill Criticizes President; War Powers Act Is Invoked", "Reagan gives Congress war powers notice", "Congress gave cautious support to the invasion of Grenada", "Israel and U.S. [41] In July, Thurmond supported the Republican Eisenhower Administration's bill for an expanded military reserve law over the alternate plan proposed by fellow Democratic Senator Richard Russell. Were Republicans really the party of civil rights in the 1960s? [65] In spite of Thurmond voting against him, the nomination was approved. His supporters argued that, while he lacked physical stamina due to his age, mentally he remained aware and attentive, and maintained a very active work schedule, showing up for every floor vote. In his 1996 re-election campaign, Thurmond received primary opposition from Harold G. Worley and Charlie Thompson, and the question of age appeared again, given that he was 93 years old at the time. US Senate career of Strom Thurmond - Wikipedia As a Republican senator, Thurmond served consecutive terms from 1964 through 2003. The unusual tactic takes advantage of a U.S. Senate . [138] Thurmond's memo and attachment, received by the White House on February 7, 1972, initiated the Nixon administration's persecution of John Lennon that threatened the former Beatle with deportation for nearly five years from 1972 to 1976. [249] President Reagan signed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 on October 27, 1986, noting Thurmond as one of the "real champions in the battle to get this legislation through Congress". [b] In January 1955, Thurmond expressed his view that federal encroachment on states' rights was among the biggest threats to American life and violated the Constitution. [110], Thurmond decried the Supreme Court opinion in Alexander v. Holmes County Board of Education (1969), which ordered the immediate desegregation of schools in the American South. "[307] She returned to South Carolina, where her children were living. In July 1973, Thurmond was one of ten Republican senators in a group headed by Carl T. Curtis invited to the White House to reaffirm their support for President Nixon in light of recent scandals and criticism of the president within his own party. [144] In June 1975, as the Senate weighed a reduction in a $25 billion weapons procurement measure and to delete research funds to improve the accuracy and power of intercontinental ballistic missiles and warheads, Thurmond and Harry F. Byrd Jr. warned that the Soviet Union was attempting an increase on its missile accuracy and advocated for the United States to follow suit with its own missiles. Thurmond stated that the rhetoric delivered by Secretary of State Henry Kissinger suggested that the "Canal Zone is already Panamanian territory and the only question involved is the transfer of jurisdiction. May, Gary (April 9, 2013). "The Faith We Have Not Kept", by Strom Thurmond: Viewpoint Books, 1968. ", "Thurmond most popular statewide figure in South Carolina", "Appendix 11: Research Reports on Building Names: Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center", "Sharpton Learns His Forebears Were Thurmonds' Slaves", "Spirit of Strom Thurmond' honors senator's 100 years", "Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Citizens Medal", "Strom Thurmond and the Politics of Southern Change", "Bush presents Thurmond with Medal of Freedom", Presentation by Jack Bass and Marilyn W. Thompson on, Strom Thurmond Collection at Clemson University, U.S. Senate historical page on Strom Thurmond, National Governors Association biography of Strom Thurmond, Oral History Interview with Strom Thurmond, Complete transcript and audio and video of Sen. Joe Biden's Eulogy for Strom Thurmond, Strom Thurmond's family confirms paternity claim, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, U.S. Thurmond also defended the Vietnam policy of the Nixon administration, saying that the president was making the best of the situation that he had inherited from Kennedy and Johnson while admitting he personally favored a total victory in the war. [168] In July, as the Senate weighed voting on the nomination of Assistant Attorney General Patricia M. Wald to the United States Court of Appeals in Washington, Thurmond joined Paul Laxalt and Alan Simpson recorded their opposition. Truman was attacked by the left wing of his party because of his policy towards the Soviets, which they regarded as aggressive and provocative. Strom Thurmond (D-SC) and a faction of Southern Democrats, consequently, bolted from Democrats to create the "States Rights" (Dixiecrat) party. [278] On May 26, 1999, the Senate voted on an amendment to a spending bill exonerating Husband E. Kimmel and Walter C. Short of charges of failing to anticipate the attack on Pearl Harbor that led to American involvement in World War II. Prior to his 48 years as a senator, he served as the 103rd governor of South Carolina from 1947 to 1951. [134] Nevertheless, days later, President Nixon ordered an end to the embargo.[135][136]. "[221], In 1984, as the Senate voted on a bill granting federal prosecution to weapon-carrying career robbers and giving 15 years of incarceration to those convicted, Thurmond and Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy sponsored an amendment limiting the bill to third-time federal offenders, which passed 77 to 12. After President Bush nominated Clarence Thomas for Associate Justice, Thomas visited Thurmond and stated that he had been fortunate as a result of the Civil Rights Movement assisting him in getting out of poverty, a departure from his previous position of African-Americans achieving success through hard work and individual initiative. [3] The alleged incident prompted a statement from Thurmond's office, saying that he had not engaged in any inappropriate behavior, and that he was showing gentlemanly courtesy by assisting Murray into the elevator. Thurmond organised a write-in campaign for the vacant Senate seat. Several senators who voted against you have told me they would vote for you if they had it to do again. [216] In October 1983, Thurmond announced his support for the United States invasion of Grenada, saying American efforts with other countries were "providing an opportunity for Grenadan citizens to regain control over their lives" and the U.S. would be forced to watch centuries of progress crumble if the country was unwilling to make sacrifices. [175] In October, President Carter signed the Federal Magistrate Act of 1979, an expansion of the jurisdiction of American magistrates in regards to civil and criminal cases. [283] Thurmond was succeeded by then-Representative and fellow Republican Lindsey Graham. He died in Edgefield the following June. [309] In 2001, they were still reported to be estranged when Nancy refused an offer to succeed Strom in the U.S. In 1994, at age 92, Thurmond became chairman of the Armed Services Committee and president pro tempore of the Senate. Thurmond was 44 when he married his first wife, Jean Crouch (19261960),[299] in the South Carolina Governor's mansion[300] on November 7, 1947. Senator (Class 2) from South Carolina, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Strom_Thurmond&oldid=1167783956. [162] Ravenel charged Thurmond with not standing up for South Carolina's educational needs and having been behind the lack of funding. In 1938 he was sworn in as an elected state judge, but he voluntarily gave up his judgeship in 1942 to enlist in the army during World War II (1939 - 1945). Thurmond and Nancy's children are: Nancy Moore Thurmond (19711993), a beauty pageant contestant who was killed by a drunk driver;[303] James Strom Thurmond Jr. (born 1972), a former U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina and Solicitor for the 2nd Judicial District of South Carolina. [40] In the one-party state of the time, the Democratic primary was the only competitive contest. [192][193] In January 1981, after the Justice Department revealed it was carrying out a suit against Charleston County for school officials declining to propose a desegregation method for its public schools, Thurmond theorized the Justice Department's decision may have been due to South Carolina not supporting President Carter in the general election,[194] and stated his intent to have the incoming Reagan administration to look into the facts of the case before proceeding. [64] Along with Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater, Thurmond delayed the Nitze nomination. "[324], Both Thurmond and his 1948 presidential campaign have been described as racist,[325][326] and he has been called "one of the most notorious segregationists in history". South Carolina Republican Strom Thurmond is the first sitting senator ever to become a centenarian; and he does so one month before the end of his eighth and final term in the Senate. On September 13, 1947, Thurmond proposed marriage by calling Crouch to his office to take a dictated letter. Thurmond was married twice and fathered five children. [211] Thurmond stated that O'Connor was "one of the choice nominees" for the Supreme Court that he had seen in all of his Senate career,[212] and she was confirmed by the Senate. [67] Thurmond expressed the view that a conspiracy would be found by investigators to have been responsible for JFK's death. [304][305] Juliana Whitmer (born 1974),[306] and Paul Reynolds Thurmond (born 1976), a South Carolina State Senator. "[330] Jim Naughton of The Washington Post found Thurmond to have "transformed his own image from radical to pragmatist, from The Whitest Man in America to Uncle Strom, Our Friend in Washington. AP. Dixie's Long Journey From Democratic Stronghold To Republican Redoubt - NPR In 1980, Thurmond became chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and eventually supported renewal of the Voting Rights Act. [89] In March, Thurmond won unanimous approval to have Clark's remarks removed from the record following an argument the senators had after Clark mentioned that Charleston, South Carolina would be included in the Pentagon's list of twenty-five American cities that would get priority in their antimissile protection and attributed this to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rivers' influence.
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