Dean's World
 Defending the liberal tradition in history, science, and philosophy.

.:: Dean's World: Presidential Trivia ::.

August 19, 2002

Presidential Trivia

A 20th century Presidential candidate, who later went on to become President, campaigned saying that the income tax code was a "disgrace to the human race." He also proposed that there ought to be work incentives for welfare, and declared, "We should decentralize power. When there is a choice between government responsibilitiy and private responsibility, we should always go with private responsibility."

For 500 points, name that President.

Bonus 500 Point Question
Name the first--the first!--major-party Presidential candidate to propose a so-called "flat tax," namely, a single income tax rate with limited deductions, in order to spur economic growth, eliminate loopholes, and cut down on cheating. For an extra 100 points each, name the year he ran, and who defeated him in the general election.

We have a winner! Puckish non-Warblogger Robin Goodfellow, who correctly named the President in question: Jimmy Carter.

Update Number 2 Super-Genius Rosemary Esmay finally came in with the winning answer to the bonus-followup question. Barry Goldwater, defeated by Lyndon Johnson in 1964, was the first major Presidential candidate to advocate the so-called "flat tax." She'll be getting her prize soon. :-)

Posted by esmay | PermaLink

Discuss This Article!

 

So, Dean, you are saying that this candidate did in fact get elected to the presidency?

Posted by Casey Tompkins on August 19, 2002 at 1:36 AM


Yes. We are talking about a former President of the United States who campaigned on these themes in order to win the office.

Given the silence so far, I'll also give a hint: he served only one term.

Posted by Dean Esmay on August 19, 2002 at 3:00 AM


I'll take a stab at it and say Jimmy Carter.

Posted by Robin Goodfellow on August 20, 2002 at 6:29 AM


I'm with Robin. Carter said that back in '76, I believe.

Posted by Scott Koenig on August 20, 2002 at 12:25 PM


OK, this is a guess:

James M. Cox, Democrat, 1920 vs. Warren G. Harding.

But I could be wrong.

Posted by Scott Koenig on August 20, 2002 at 1:08 PM


Woot! Though it wasn't too hard to narrow it down. There were only 2 one term presidents since LBJ (i.e. since the "Great Society" and the "welfare state"). Plus, it sounded like the sorta thing Carter would say. Especially the facile rhyme "disgrace to the human race".

The flat tax question is more of a stumper. Hmmmm. .... After some narrowing down I'm going to say Thomas Dewey in 1948, defeated by Truman.

Posted by Robin Goodfellow on August 21, 2002 at 3:07 AM


Good guesses, but no so far.

I'll post the answer on Friday if no one else guesses it!

Posted by Dean Esmay on August 21, 2002 at 10:15 AM


Ford was a one-term President too.

Posted by Anonymous on August 22, 2002 at 9:53 AM


Ford was a partial term president. And he was never elected to either executive office (prez or veep). Ergo, Ford never had a successful presidential campaign.

Posted by Robin Goodfellow on August 23, 2002 at 2:56 AM


Barry Goldwater in 1964. Johnson defeated him.

Do I win?

Posted by Rosemary Esmay on August 24, 2002 at 1:34 AM


Oh yeah, he was a Republican.

Posted by Rosemary Esmay on August 24, 2002 at 1:34 AM


See that! I ain't just a pretty face!!!

Posted by Rosemary Esmay on August 24, 2002 at 1:38 AM


No dear. Believe it or not, it was George McGovern, defeated by Richard Nixon in 1972.

At least, I think it was. I was just reading that section of a book on the history of that campaign, but now I can't find the section of the book that talks about that. Hope I didn't hallucinate it.

Posted by Dean Esmay on August 24, 2002 at 1:49 AM


You my love are wrong. I can prove it - I'm sure.

Posted by Rosemary Esmay on August 24, 2002 at 2:27 AM


Cato Policy Report.

July 18: Lee Edwards spoke about "Barry Goldwater: The Once and Future Libertarian" at a Book Forum honoring publication of his new book, Goldwater: The Man Who Made a Revolution. Edwards pointed out that Goldwater's 1964 presidential platform, which included a call for a flat tax, privatization, elimination of farm subsidies, and voluntary Social Security, is today at the center of the public policy debate.

Posted by Rosemary Esmay on August 24, 2002 at 2:31 AM


You may check out what I have just found on a google search.

http://www.cato.org/pubs/policy_report/pr-so-ev.html

Posted by Rosemary Esmay on August 24, 2002 at 2:39 AM


You are, of course, completely correct, my dear. :-)

Dean

Posted by Dean Esmay on August 25, 2002 at 3:39 AM


Who was accused of "manhandling the president" when he helped President Ford as he stumbled?

Posted by Dena on March 27, 2003 at 11:01 AM


Can you answer a question for me?
What US Presidential candidate didn't bother to buy a new suit for 30 years even after becoming a millionaire?

Thanks for your help!

Posted by Michael Becerra on April 29, 2003 at 8:45 PM


Hey Dean, hope ya can help me. I was wondering which state produced the most presidents. (both born, and the ones that lived at the time of their election.)
Thanks Dean, Matt

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