Harry S. Truman: The Presidency

This film, "Harry S. Truman: The Presidency" (1961) is one of the series of "Biography" TV shows created by David Wolper and hosted by Mike Wallace. This film centers on Harry Truman's unlikely victory in the 1948 presidential election. It recounts his campaign, the predictions of his defeat, and his ultimate triumph. The script also touches on other significant events during his presidency, including his foreign policy initiatives and the Korean War.

00:00 The film opens with a recollection of election night, where a broadcaster predicted Truman's defeat.1:18 - Introduction to Harry Truman's biography.2:06 - In 1948, despite predictions of defeat, Truman decides to run for president.2:26 - Truman begins a 30,000-mile whistle-stop tour.3:46 - Reporters view his speeches as uninspiring, and polls show him far behind.4:04 - In Detroit, Truman starts to criticize the Republican-controlled 80th Congress.4:41 - Truman leads a divided Democratic Party, facing opposition from Southern Democrats (Dixiecrats) and Henry Wallace's Progressive Party.5:17 - Republican candidate Thomas Dewey is favored to win.5:34 - Truman campaigns energetically.6:21 - Truman attacks Republicans during his campaign stops.6:38 - The contrast between Dewey's campaign train and Truman's is highlighted.6:54 - Dewey expresses confidence in his victory.7:32 - Truman campaigns in Dewey's home state of New York.8:12 - Election day arrives, with Dewey confident of winning.8:26 - Truman returns home to Independence, Missouri, to vote.8:43 - The nation awaits the election results.8:55 - Initial returns favor Truman, but Republicans remain unworried.9:21 - A Republican campaign manager declares Dewey the winner in New York.9:37 - The race remains close, with surprising Democratic Senate victories.10:06 - Dewey acknowledges the Democratic gains in Congress but still expects to win the presidency.10:15 - Democratic leaders are surprised by Truman's strong showing.10:38 - Truman wins Ohio, securing the election.10:51 - Dewey concedes the election to Truman.11:24 - Truman describes his reaction to winning the election.12:41 - Truman and Vice President Alben Barkley return to Washington.12:48 - Newspapers acknowledge their mistaken predictions.12:56 - Truman comments on his unexpected victory.14:02 - Truman relaxes after the campaign.14:16 - January 22, 1949: Truman is inaugurated.14:30 - Truman outlines his foreign policy program, including extending the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan, and establishing NATO.15:40 - Truman's daughter, Margaret, becomes a public figure.16:58 - A music critic gives Margaret a negative review, leading to a threat from Truman.17:51 - A congressional committee investigates Truman's military advisor, General Harry Vaughn.18:48 - Senator Joseph McCarthy accuses the Truman administration of being soft on communism.19:14 - In June 1950, North Korea invades South Korea.19:22 - Truman decides to intervene in Korea.19:52 - General Douglas MacArthur is appointed commander of UN forces.20:05 - Truman meets with MacArthur.20:35 - Chinese communist troops attack in Korea.20:46 - MacArthur advocates attacking communist bases in China, but Truman refuses.21:17 - Truman relieves MacArthur of his command, leading to controversy.22:46 - Truman nears the end of his term and announces he will not seek reelection.23:31 - In 1953, Truman escorts Dwight Eisenhower to his inauguration.23:56 - Truman returns to his hometown of Independence, Missouri.24:28 - Truman is described as an average man.24:58 - Truman reflects on his unexpected political career.