In the 19th century, Victoria Woodhull was many things: a clairvoyant, a businesswoman, an advocate for women’s rights and sexual freedom, and a presidential candidate.
Contenders
Portraits of some of America’s most original presidential candidates.
![Graphic](https://www.radiodiaries.org/wp-content/uploads/William-Jennings-Bryan_001_T.jpg)
FromContenders
William Jennings Bryan: The Speech That Changed Politics
William Jenning Bryan’s “Cross of Gold” speech is known today as one of the most important oratorical performances in American history.
![Graphic](https://www.radiodiaries.org/wp-content/uploads/Adlai-Stevenson_001_T.jpg)
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Adlai Stevenson: A Candidate in the Age of Television
The 1952 presidential campaign pitted the popular General Dwight D. Eisenhower against the intensely private Adlai Stevenson. It was an election fought on a new battleground: television.
![Graphic](https://www.radiodiaries.org/wp-content/uploads/Margaret-Smith_001_T.jpg)
FromContenders
Margaret Chase Smith: Cold War Warrior in Pearls
In 1964, Margaret Chase Smith became the first woman from a major party to run for President.
![Graphic](https://www.radiodiaries.org/wp-content/uploads/Shirley-Chisholm_001_T.jpg)
FromContenders
Shirley Chisholm: The Politics of Principle
In 1972, Shirley Chisholm launched a spirited campaign for the Democratic nomination. She was the first woman and first African American to run.
![Graphic](https://www.radiodiaries.org/wp-content/uploads/Gracie-Allen_001_T.jpg)
FromContenders
Gracie Allen: The Joke That Became a Campaign
In 1940 the United States was just emerging from the shadow of the Great Depression and war loomed in Europe. Into these serious times stepped Gracie Allen.
![Graphic](https://www.radiodiaries.org/wp-content/uploads/Barkley_001_T.jpg)
FromContenders
The “Veep”
Alben Barkley served in Congress for close to 40 years and was Harry Truman’s vice president. But he never made it to the pinnacle of power.