Yes, You Can Run for President from Prison (1920)
Fun fact: Debs was in jail for violating the same Espionage Act
Debs is saying: "Anyhow, there are worse places than a front porch!" (a reference to Warren G. Harding's "front porch campaign")
A sign reads: Yours for The Presidency Eugene V. Debs ("Yours for the Presidency" echoes "Yours for the Revolution," a popular sign-off within Socialist circles of the period
Eugene V. Debs, a prominent American labor leader and socialist, made history in 1920 when he ran for president of the United States from his prison cell (his fourth campaign). He received nearly a million votes (3.4% of total vote).
Debs had been convicted under the Espionage Act for his anti-war speeches during WW I.
Though Debs was Trump’s political opposite - but he offers a template for what Trump could try
Despite his imprisonment, Debs maintained a strong political following and decided to use his presidential campaign as a platform to advocate for the rights of workers and the oppressed. His bold and unconventional approach garnered significant attention and sparked a national debate on free speech and the treatment of political dissidents.
Debs' campaign from jail was marked by his eloquent speeches and passionate defense of workers' rights. He argued that his imprisonment was an example of the government suppressing dissent and curtailing the democratic process.
His popularity among labor unions and socialist organizations allowed him to run a formidable campaign, even though he could not physically travel or hold public rallies. Instead, Debs relied on his supporters to spread his message and organize campaign events on his behalf.
His campaign headquarters became a hub of activity, with volunteers working tirelessly to distribute campaign materials and communicate with voters.
From the Records of the U.S. Senate.
Signed: "Berryman" (by Clifford K. Berryman)
Date: October 11, 1920
National Archives Identifier: 6011637
I can't see the ineloquent orange oaf connecting to people the same way that Debs did. However, I can see how he and his lunatic followers would emulate Lydon Larouche's various presidential runs from prison. It was always humorous to encounter these followers and listen to their obvious scam.
2024 is certainly going to be a spectacle as we watch the GOP piranhas eat each other, especially as they use fake AI imagery and video in an ever growing crescendo of misinformation.
How very timely.