Wendell Willkie was an American lawyer and politician born on February 18, 1892. He was the Republican Party's nominee for president in the 1940 election, challenging incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt. Although he lost the election, Willkie's campaign brought attention to his progressive views and his support for internationalism. After the election, he served as an informal adviser to President Roosevelt and advocated for American involvement in World War II. Willkie's legacy includes his contributions to the Republican Party and his efforts to promote international cooperation.

"It is from weakness that people reach for dictators and concentrated government power. Only the strong can be free. And only the productive can be strong."



"It is, therefore, essential that we guard our own thinking and not be among those who cry out against prejudices applicable to themselves, while busy spawning intolerances for others."



"In addition, as citizens, we must fight in their incipient stages all movements by government or party or pressure groups that seek to limit the legitimate liberties of any of our fellow citizens."



"No man has the right to use the great powers of the Presidency to lead the people, indirectly, into war."



"The constitution does not provide for first and second class citizens."



"When we talk of freedom and opportunity for all nations, the mocking paradoxes in our own society become so clear they can no longer be ignored."



"We cannot, with good conscience, expect the British to set up an orderly schedule for the liberation of India before we have decided for ourselves to make all who live in America free."



"And political parties, overanxious for vote catching, become tolerant to intolerant groups."

