Al Smith

Download or read book Empire Statesman written by Robert A. Slayton and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2001 with total page 504 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Born to Irish immigrants on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Al Smith was the earliest champion of immigrant Americans. In 1928, Smith became the first Catholic to run for the presidency but his candidacy was fiercely opposed by the KKK, and his campaign was wiped out by a tidal wave of anti-Catholic hatred. After years of hardship, Smith reconciled his soured relationships with political bigwigs and once again became a generous, heroic figure. Photos.