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Frances PerkinsFrances Perkins
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background. Wilson was a man of the best background in America, of old American stock, and so forth. He was not raised in a slum. He was very well-educated and very socially secure.

Al talked about all that kind of thing. It sort of shattered him about his own understanding of life in the USA and of politics in the USA. Knowing only New York State, he had assumed that the whole of America was like New York State and that a man would be accepted and elevated on his work.

Al Smith was surprised at Roosevelt's winning, as Roosevelt was. Everybody was surprised that Roosevelt would win. But Smith was glad because he wanted the Democrats to keep control of New York State. He had a great affection for New York State. He had a kind of patriotism that was directed at New York State in a most intimate way. He loved the USA because he loved New York State. Very few people, outside the people who were raised in New England, have that feeling about their state. Nearly all New Englanders get patriotic about their state - really patriotic. Most people don't get patriotic about New York State, even though they live there, work there, take part in its politics and its life.

Al Smith really was patriotic about the state. It





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