The WOW Report

  • WOW Report
  • About
  • RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!
  • WOW Presents Plus
  • What to Watch
  • Store
You are here: Home / Entertainment / Celebs / #40sFlashback: Gracie Allen Runs For President as a Member of the “Surprise Party”

#40sFlashback: Gracie Allen Runs For President as a Member of the “Surprise Party”

By Trey Speegle on July 23, 2016 6:53 am

others8f-4-web

cdcover
Comedienne Gracie Allen told her husband, George Burns one day,

“I’m tired of knitting this sweater. I think I’ll run for president this year.“

So, began the spoof campaign of a big radio star who injected some fun into American politics at the end of the Great Depression and the dawn of World War II.

Allen was the co-star of The Burns and Allen Show, on which Allen’s persona was an innocent, bubble-headed dame. With quips like,

“When I was born, I was so surprised I didn’t talk for a year and a half.“

In 1940, war loomed in Europe and into these serious times stepped Gracie Allen who created a new party called the “Surprise Party” and Allen’s campaign took off. Soon she got an endorsement from Harvard University and the duo embarked on a nationwide train campaign, promoting their party with a new mascot (the kangaroo) and optimistic slogan,

“It’s in the bag.“

Her first announced platform was titled “Unemployment and where to get it,” and she also suggested putting members of Congress on a commission basis. What started as a publicity stunt had became a national phenomenon, and by Election Day, beloved candidate Allen actually received an estimated 42,000 votes, but failed to beat out Franklin D. Roosevelt who snagged an unprecedented third term in office.

Here’s the two on their radio show and Gracie singing her theme song. Say goodnight, Gracie.

Show the love:

  • Tweet
  • Share on Tumblr

Filed Under: Celebs, Comedy, Culture, Entertainment, Music, Politics

More

Harry Styles! Margaret Atwood! Amanda Lepore! Anna Wintour! The WOW Report for Radio Andy!

Harry Styles! Margaret Atwood! Amanda Lepore! Anna Wintour! The WOW Report for Radio Andy!

by Blake Jacobs on May 27, 2022 12:27 pm

Snout Chasers Descend on RuPaul’s DragCon 2022 for First “Where’s MX Qwerrrk???” IRL Wild Gameplay (pics)

Snout Chasers Descend on RuPaul’s DragCon 2022 for First “Where’s MX Qwerrrk???” IRL Wild Gameplay (pics)

by Paisley Dalton on May 26, 2022 9:59 am

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Trending


#SNL: Public Service Announcement – “I’m Stupid…” Watch

#ArtDept: The Male Nudes of English Painter, Brian Hatton

#RealEstatePorn: Amy Schumer Is Selling Her NYC “Fancy Rich Person’s Apartment” (For $15 Million!)

Husband of Slain Uvalde Teacher “Passed Away Due to Grief” After Visiting School Memorial 

Those Health Nut Salads The Kardashians Are Always Eating Are Now Part of the Family Biz, Thanks to Momager Kris

About

From the creators of The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Party Monster, Million Dollar Listing, RuPaul's Drag Race, I Am Britney Jean, Big Freedia, and more.

Beanie Feldstein! Jean Smart! Hannah Einbinder! Richard Ayoade! The WOW Report for Radio Andy!
Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick! Regine! Jennifer Grey! The WOW Report for Radio Andy!
Nicolas Cage! Elon Musk! Paris Hilton! Margaret Mitchell! Charo Joins for the WOW Report for Radio Andy!
Michelle Obama! Devo! Betty Ford! Kardashians! Drag Race Finale! The WOW Report for Radio Andy!
Kim K! Billie Eilish! Molly Shannon! Laurie Anderson! The WOW Report for Radio Andy!

© 2021 World of Wonder Productions, Inc | World of Wonder is a trademark of World of Wonder Productions, Inc | Privacy

Copyright © 2022 · News Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in