The first attack ads ever. against Upton Sinclair's socialist bid for Gov of Calif. 1934

[Ichingcarpenter]

The 1934 race for governor of California by muckraking Socialist author Upton Sinclair--and how it took the invention of modern media politics to defeat him and his mass movement after he swept the Democratic primary.


The campaign also marked Hollywood's first all-out entry into politics, including the first use of the screen to defeat a candidate--via faked newsreels (which I discovered 20 years ago) produced by MGM's legendary producer Irving Thalberg.

"Nothing is unfair in politics," he explained later. Studio bosses, led by Louis B. Mayer, threatened to move to Florida if Sinclair was elected. Most of them also docked all of their actors and workers a day's pay for contributions.

[MrMickeysMom]

1. "I like my movies without propaganda!"

Right-on, brother.

Very good history, which repeats itself until you have versions of this by the Koch Brothers enterprises.

[meegbear]

2. A couple years back I read "The Campaign of the Century" ...

It's a writeup on that election and tactics used by the wealthy, especially the Hollywood Studio owners, to smear an electoral candidate.

I really recommend the book ...

http://www.amazon.com/The-Campaign-Century-Sinclairs-California/dp/1468075721

[KansDem]

3. Not much has changed in 81 years

Substitute "Louis B. Mayer" with "Koch Brothers" and "bums & hobos" with "immigrants" and you've got the current situation.

[Hoppy]

4. Same bullshit was used against the Populist Party in the 1890's..but without the movies.