Willkie maintained his interest in politics , and was a delegate to the 1932 Democratic National Convention . Since the incumbent Republican president , Herbert Hoover , was widely blamed for the Depression that had followed the stock market crash , the nominee would have a good chance of becoming president . The major candidates were Smith ( the 1928 nominee ) , Smith 's successor as New York 's governor , Franklin D. Roosevelt , Speaker of the House John Nance Garner , and former Secretary of War Newton D. Baker sought the nomination . Willkie backed Baker , and was an assistant floor manager for his campaign . With a two-thirds majority needed to gain the Democratic presidential nomination , Willkie and others tried to deadlock the convention in the hope that it would turn to Baker . Roosevelt was willing to swing his votes to Baker in the event of a stalemate , but this did not occur , as Governor Roosevelt gained the nomination on the fourth ballot . Willkie , although disappointed , backed Roosevelt , and donated $ 150 to his successful campaign
1932 Democratic National Convention
1932 Democratic National Convention
Wendell Willkie