The 1952 Democratic National Convention was held in Chicago in the same coliseum the Republicans had gathered in several weeks earlier . Since the convention was being held in his home state , Governor Stevenson – who still proclaimed that he was not a presidential candidate – was asked to give the welcoming address to the delegates . He proceeded to give a witty and stirring address that led his supporters to begin a renewed round of efforts to nominate him , despite his protests . After meeting with Jacob Arvey , the " boss " of the Illinois delegation , Stevenson finally agreed to enter his name as a candidate for the nomination . The party bosses from other large Northern and Midwestern states quickly joined in support . Kefauver led on the first ballot , but had far fewer votes than necessary to win . Stevenson gradually gained strength until he was nominated on the third ballot
1952 Democratic National Convention
1952 Democratic National Convention
1952 United States presidential election