Unfortunately, Alfred (Al) Smith was Catholic, at a time when America was not yet as tolerant as it should have been. Despite a number of celebrities (including Babe Ruth) campaigning on Smith's behalf, there were too many people who made anti-Catholic comments about him; stereotypes and misconceptions (some people thought he would "worship the pope" or "let Rome determine American policies") doomed his effort to become president.
Alfred E. Smith endured a smear campaign during the 1928 presidential election primarily due to his Catholic faith, which was a source of prejudice in a predominantly Protestant America. Opponents spread false rumors that he would take orders from the Pope, undermining his candidacy. Additionally, his progressive policies and support for urban issues alienated conservative voters, further fueling the smear tactics against him. This campaign reflected broader societal tensions regarding religion, ethnicity, and political ideology at the time.
Because he was an Irish American from New Yorks Lower East Side and the 1st Roman Catholic ever nominated to run for president Gillian Wong
Herbert Hoover won the 1928 presidential election defeating Alfred Smith.
Herbert Hoover won the 1928 presidential election defeating Alfred Smith. In the 1928 presidential election Herbert Hoover received 444 electoral votes and Alfred Smith received 87 electoral votes. The popular vote totals were Hoover 21,437,277 and Smith 15,007,698.
Alfred E. Smith
Herbert Hoover won the 1928 presidential election defeating Alfred Smith.
Alfred Emanual Smith ran against Herbert Hoover in the 1928 presidential election.
Alfred Smith
Alfred Lucie-Smith was born in 1854.
Alfred Smith - cricketer - was born in 1847.
Alfred Smith - cricketer - died in 1915.
Alfred Smith - artist - died in 1932.