1924 Mock Convention Cover Letter
March 2023
The Mock Convention at W&L has an amazing history. Dating back to 1908, Mock Con has established itself as an impressively accurate predictor of the presidential nominee from the out-of-power party.
Now in its second century, the student-run convention has welcomed many historic figures, from William Jennings Bryan and Harry Truman to Bill Clinton and Newt Gingrich. You may be surprised to learn that one of its greatest moments came in 1924. Thanks to Garland Tucker (W&L ’69) for telling the incredible story below about the unlikely and unexpected 1924 selection of John W. Davis as the Democrat presidential nominee.
The Generals Redoubt is excited to support the 2024 Mock Convention. It will be a great opportunity for W&L to shine in the national spotlight. And it promises to enhance the political discourse and the overall student experience by bringing conservative voices to campus for a change.
(Spoiler alert) Perhaps the only thing more surprising than Davis’s nomination was the fact that he had been picked as the nominee at the W&L Mock Convention six weeks before the actual Democratic Party Convention in New York in June of 1924.
And who knows? It might make history again. See link to 1924 Mock Convention below.
http://www.wluspectator.com/home/2023/2/15/the-1924-mock-convention
Sincerely,
Gib Kerr
Gib Kerr ‘85, Director
The Generals Redoubt
Preserving Our History, Assuring the Future
Please donate to The Generals Redoubt to pay for professional research related to defending Lee Chapel as a National Historic Landmark, for future funding to educate students about the rich history and legacy of Robert E. Lee, and to help bring back diversity of thought. As of January 1, 2023, confidential contributors have given a new matching gift that is currently at $250,000.00. We need your help if we are to save Lee Chapel as a campus and national treasure. Thank you in advance for your support. Information on how to contribute is found at https://www.thegeneralsredoubt.us/support.