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 . A sharp address given by Mayor Hubert Humphrey of Minneapolis — as well as the local political interests of a number of urban bosses — convinced the convention to adopt a stronger civil rights plank , which Truman approved wholeheartedly . All of Alabama 's delegates , and a portion of Mississippi 's , walked out of the convention in protest . Unfazed , Truman delivered an aggressive acceptance speech attacking the 80th Congress , which Truman called the " Do Nothing Congress , " and promising to win the election and " make these Republicans like it . " Within two weeks of the 1948 convention Truman issued Executive Order 9981 , racially integrating the U.S. Armed Services and Executive Order 9980 to integrate federal agencies . Truman took a considerable political risk in backing civil rights , and many seasoned Democrats were concerned the loss of Dixiecrat support might destroy the Democratic Party . South Carolina Governor Strom Thurmond , a segregationist , declared his candidacy for the presidency on a Dixiecrat ticket and led a full-scale revolt of Southern " states ' rights " proponents . This rebellion on the right was matched by one on the left , led by Wallace on the Progressive Party ticket . Immediately after its first post-FDR convention , the Democratic Party seemed to be disintegrating . Victory in November seemed unlikely as the party was not simply split but divided three ways . For his running mate , Truman accepted Kentucky Senator Alben W. Barkley , though he really wanted Justice William O. Douglas , who turned down the nomination
1948 Democratic National Convention
1948 Democratic National Convention
Harry S. Truman