In February 1948, Truman delivered a formal message to Congress requesting adoption of his 10-point program to secure civil rights, including anti-lynching, voter rights, and elimination of segregation. "No political act since the Compromise of 1877," argued biographer Taylor Branch, "so profoundly influenced race relations; in a sense it was a repeal of 1877."[181]

1948 election
Main article: Harry S. Truman 1948 presidential campaign
Further information: 1948 United States presidential election
President Truman (left) with Governor Dewey (right) at dedication of the Idlewild Airport, meeting for the first time since nominated by their respective parties for the Presidency
The 1948 presidential election is remembered for Truman's stunning come-from-behind victory.[182] In the spring of 1948, Truman's public approval rating stood at 36 percent,[183] and the president was nearly universally regarded as incapable of winning the general election. At the 1948 Democratic National Convention, Truman attempted to unify the party with a vague civil rights plank in the party platform. His intention was to assuage the internal conflicts between the northern and southern wings of his party. Events overtook his efforts. 