Exhibit title "Florida! Florida! Florida!: Presidential Elections and the Sunshine State"

Curated by Boyd Murphree
Designed by Katiana Bagué and Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler

On election night 2000, NBC News political reporter Tim Russert was asked on air about the key to winning the election. He wrote his response on a whiteboard:

FLORIDA!
FLORIDA!
FLORIDA!

Russert’s words could have applied to many past presidential elections as well. In 1876, Florida was one of three states that determined the winner. In 1920, the state went down in infamy with horrific racial violence in Ocoee. That Election Day, a white mob murdered dozens of Black residents for trying to vote. In 1932, Floridians voted in overwhelming numbers for Franklin Roosevelt. However, while in Miami before the inauguration, an assassin’s bullets almost ended Roosevelt’s life. Segregationist Alabama governor George Wallace shook up the presidential race in 1972 with his surprise win in Florida’s Democratic primary. Four years later, Jimmy Carter’s victory over Wallace was an important step on his path to the Democratic nomination. And in 2000, after Russert’s famous prediction, the nation focused on disputed votes in Florida. Today, Florida continues to shape the outcome of presidential elections.

A decorative graphic of a hand holding a voting ballot

This online exhibit is based on the exhibit of the same name that was on display at the Smathers Library Gallery from September 9, 2024, to December 16, 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all items are from the Special & Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida.

THE ELECTION OF 1876

Florida played a significant role in presidential elections beginning in 1876. That year, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes faced off against Democrat Samuel J. Tilden. Tilden won the popular vote, but the disputed electoral votes of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina were the keys to victory. While both sides engaged in fraud and corruption, the Democrats denounced the Republican’s electoral count and sent their own slate of electors to Congress. A divided Congress created a Federal Election Commission to decide the outcome of the election.

The commission voted to give all the contested electoral votes to Hayes. During the 2000 presidential election, the press rediscovered Florida’s role in the Election of 1876, which offered many parallels for the 2000 contest.

A newspaper section from a 1875 issue of the Tallahassee Sentinel accusing Democrats of fraud activity in Florida during the presidential election

Tallahassee Sentinel, November 11, 1876.
University of Florida Digital Collections.

David Yulee sent this letter (below) to Democratic elector R. B. Hilton. In it, he describes how the Democratic Party should proceed to certify the presidential election.

A 1876 letter sent by David Yulee to Democratic elector R. B. Hilton describing how the Democratic Party should proceed to certify the presidential election with the issue of the contested votes

David Levy Yulee (American, 1810–1886)
David Levy Yulee to R. B. Hilton, November 27, 1876. MS 119. David Levy Yulee Papers.

Letter Transcription:

My Dear Sir
If all efforts to secure a fair count fail, I advise that the Democratic Electors, if confident of a rightful majority, after filing protests against the issue of certificates to any other persons, assemble on the day & at the place designated by law, & cast their ballots for Tilden. Then let them send up in the manner directed by law the return of their votes, accompanied by certified transcripts of the county canvass & returns, to show they were the persons legally “appointed” on the day fixed by law for election of Electors.
If Gov Brown [former governor of Georgia] &

Page 2
Mr. Marble [Manton Marble, an ally of Samuel Tilden], concur in this suggestion they might advise the same to be done in Louisiana & South Carolina.
Yr obdt servant
D. L. Yulee

Hon. R. B. Hilton

1876 democratic elector tickets showing the names Samuel J. Tilden and Thomas A. Hendricks

James E. Yonge (American, 1851–1901)
Democratic Elector Tickets, 1876. MS 00,017.
Papers Concerning the Election of 1876.

James E. Yonge (brother of P. K. Yonge), was one of four Democratic electors supporting the party’s ticket of Tilden and Hendricks.

A 1876 document signed by Wilkinson Call, James E. Yonge, Robert Bullock, and Robert B. Hilton attesting to their status as Florida’s Democratic presidential electors

Attestation of Electors to the Electoral Vote, January 26, 1877. MS 00,017. Papers Concerning the Election of 1876.

Florida’s four Democratic presidential electors Wilkinson Call, James E. Yonge, Robert Bullock, and Robert B. Hilton signed this document (above) attesting to their status as electors.

Title page of the 1879 "Presidential Election Investigation, Testimony Taken in by the Select Committee on Alleged Frauds in the Presidential Election of 1876, Volume II, Testimony Relating to Florida"

Presidential Election Investigation. Testimony Taken in by the Select Committee on Alleged Frauds in the Presidential Election of 1876. Volume II, Testimony Relating to Florida, 1879. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1; F.082 U58p. P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History.

1920s

In 1920s Florida, race and religion determined two of the three presidential elections. Dozens of Black residents in Ocoee were murdered in November 1920 for trying to vote. It was the worst case of Election Day racial violence in U.S. history. In 1928, although Florida had not elected a Republican for president since 1876, Republican nominee Herbert Hoover won the state. Most Florida Democrats refused to vote for their party’s candidate, Al Smith, because he was Catholic and opposed Prohibition: the legal ban on the sale, production, and transportation of alcohol.

A decorative graphic of a megaphone
A section from a 1920 issue of the Tampa Morning Tribune newspaper discussing the Ocoee Massacre

Tampa Morning Tribune, November 4, 1920.
Image courtesy of Newspapers.com.

In 1924, however, a far less serious matter brought national attention when former Democratic nominee William Jennings Bryan pledged to nominate UF president Albert A. Murphree for the U.S. presidential election. Murphree declined.

Front page of a 1920s issue of the Florida Alligator discussing how William Jennings Bryan wanted to nominate UF president Albert A. Murphree for the U.S. presidential election

Florida Alligator, January 18, 1924.
University of Florida Digital Collections.

Newspaper section showing an image of UF president Albert A. Murphree holding a baby alligator

Cincinnati Enquirer, January 17, 1924.
Image courtesy of Newspapers.com.

The delegate from Florida to the Democratic National Convention at New York in 1924 wearing a suit, hat, and a sash with the text "Florida"

The Delegate from Florida to the Democratic National Convention at New York in 1924, 1924. Underwood & Underwood. University Archives Photographic Collection, University of Florida Digital Collections.

President Herbert C. Hoover Pinback Button

For President Herbert C. Hoover Pinback Button, 1968. Kleenex. Jim Liversidge Collection.

An Alfred E. Smith Pinback Button

For President Alfred E. Smith Pinback Button, 1968. Kleenex. Jim Liversidge Collection.

A letter from Albert A. Murphree to William Jennings Bryan expressing gratitude that Bryan considered nominating Murphree for the U.S. presidential election

Albert A. Murphree (American, 1870–1927)
Albert A. Murphree to William Jennings Bryan, January 22, 1924. President’s Collections, President Albert A. Murphree, Administrative Policy Records, 1909-1927,
University of Florida Archives.

A letter from Hal P. Philipps to James B. Hodges expressing how Philipps cannot support Al Smith, the Democratic nominee for president

Hal P. Phillips (American, 1903–1954)
Hal P. Phillips to J. B. Hodges, July 11, 1928. MS 53. James B. Hodges Collection.

Hal P. Philipps tells James B. Hodges that he cannot support Al Smith, the Democratic nominee for president. Like many Florida Democrats, Phillips disliked Smith’s Catholicism and opposition to Prohibition. He calls Smith “a henchman of the Pope” and a “self-confessed wet.” (“Wets” wanted to repeal the national prohibition of alcoholic beverages. “Drys” supported prohibition.)

1930s

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) and the Democratic party dominated national and Florida politics during the 1930s. The Democrats swamped the Republican Party in 1932 with a landslide victory for FDR over Republican president Herbert Hoover. Hoover was blamed for the deepening economic crisis that was the Great Depression. FDR’s election almost ended in tragedy, however, when an assassin tried to kill President-elect Roosevelt in Miami on February 15, 1933. Roosevelt won by another huge margin in 1936 when he faced Republican candidate Alf Landon.

Although many Black Floridians supported FDR, the Florida Democratic Party enforced a “white primary” that excluded Black citizens from registering as Democrats.

The front page of a 1933 issue of the Fort Lauderdale Daily News newspaper discussing the assassination attempt of President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt

Fort Lauderdale Daily News, February 16, 1933.
Gore Publishing Company. Image courtesy of Newspapers.com.

A flyer from 1932 expressing that despite Franklin D. Roosevelt's disability, Roosevelt is healthy and able to perform the duties of the presidency

Half a Million in Life Insurance, 1932. Democratic National Campaign Committee. MS 53. James B. Hodges Collection.

Due to polio, FDR was unable to walk. This campaign flyer (above) argues that despite his disability, Roosevelt is healthy and able to perform the duties of the presidency.

A 1935 telegram from James B. Hodges to Franklin D. Roosevelt expressing relief that Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt

James B. Hodges (American, 1877–1938)
James B. Hodges to Franklin Roosevelt, February 16, 1933. Western Union. MS 53. James B. Hodges Collection.

In 1932, the Democratic National Committee hired cartoonist F. B. Opper to create this anti-Hoover comic book (below) for the presidential campaign. The comic book pokes fun at Hoover’s stance on Prohibition, the Great Depression, and other issues.

A 1932 comic book that pokes fun at Herbert Hoover’s stance on Prohibition, the Great Depression, and other issues

Frederick Burr Opper (American, 1857–1937)
`Erbie and `Is Playmates, 1932. Democratic National Committee. MS 53. James B. Hodges Collection.

A 1930s pamphlet for the Florida Democratic Special to attend the Second Inauguration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt with an image of President Roosevelt and an image of Florida Governor Fred P. Cone

Florida Democratic SPECIAL to Second Inauguration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1936–1937. Seaboard Air Line Railway.
MS 53. James B. Hodges Collection.

Front page of a 1936 issue of Florida Welfare News discussing the re-election of Franklin D. Roosevelt for president and Mark Wilcox for congress

Florida Welfare News, October 31, 1936. A. B. Willis. MS 53. James B. Hodges Collection.

Two individuals looking at a wooden casket containing a fake body with a sign that states "Here lies Wendell Willkie."

Elmer Harvey Bone (American, 1885–1976)
Political Effigy, 1940. MS 38.
Elmer Harvey Bone Photographic Collection,
University of Florida Digital Collections.

Franklin D. Roosevelt won a third term as president in 1940 by beating Republican nominee Wendell Willkie.

Pinback button in the shape of a sunflower with an image of an elephant and the text "LANDON KNOX GOP"

Landon GOP Knox Pinback Button, 1936.
Jim Liversidge Collection.

A 1938 letter from J. B. Hodges to the Alachua County Supervisor of Registration expressing that Black people cannot register to vote in the Democratic primary

James B. Hodges (American, 1877–1938)
J. B. Hodges to County Supervisor of Registration, February 18, 1938. MS 53. James B. Hodges Collection.

Hodges, chair of the Florida Democratic Executive Committee, tells the Alachua County Supervisor of Registration that Black people cannot register to vote in the Democratic primary.

A 1938 letter from Sue Simpson, the Alachua County Supervisor of Registration, to J. B. Hodges expressing that she has never registered a Black person to vote as a Democrat, only as a Republican

Sue Simpson (American, 1889–1965)
Sue Simpson to J. B. Hodges, February 19, 1938. MS 53. James B. Hodges Collection.

In reply to Hodges, the Alachua County Supervisor of Registration says she has never registered a Black person to vote as a Democrat, only as a Republican.

1960s

By the 1950s, Democrats dominated Florida politics. However, the post-World War II population boom brought northern transplants to the Sunshine State. Many of these new residents were Republicans, and the state Republican party grew. The increased numbers and popularity of Dwight Eisenhower, the 1952/1956 Republican presidential nominee, led to Republican presidential victories in Florida. The Republican winning streak continued in 1960. That year, Vice President Richard Nixon beat Democratic nominee John F. Kennedy in Florida.

After a series of televised debates, Kennedy won the national election. It was one of the closest elections in U.S. presidential history.

A sticker with an illustration of the U.S. Capitol and a donkey with the text "VOTE DEMOCRATIC FOR SECURITY"

Vote Democratic from the Courthouse to the White House, 1960. MS 91. George A. Smathers Papers.

A decorative graphic of a hand holding a voting ballot
John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon standing on podiums during a televised debate
The back of a card with the text "Presidential candidates Richard Nixon and John Kennedy debate before a vast television audience in 1960" with an illustration of the United States Capitol

Kennedy-Nixon Debate, 1964. Topps Company, Inc. Loan courtesy of Boyd Murphree.

A 1960 telegram from Roger Tubby to George Smathers where Tubby tells Smathers to praise John F. Kennedy’s upcoming debate performance against Richard Nixon

Roger Tubby (American, 1910-1991)
Roger Tubby to George Smathers, October 7, 1960. MS 91. George A. Smathers Papers.

This telegram (above) is a modern example of political spin. In it, the Director of Press Relations for the Democratic National Committee (Tubby) tells Smathers to praise Kennedy’s upcoming debate performance against Nixon.

1960 yearbook spread showing images of Richard Nixon's visit to the University of Florida
1960 yearbook spread showing images of Richard Nixon's visit to the University of Florida

The Seminole, 1960. University of Florida.
University of Florida Archives,
University of Florida Digital Collections.

A pinback button with images of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson with the text "Kennedy-Johnson America’s Men for the ‘60s"

Kennedy-Johnson America’s Men for the ‘60s Pinback Button, 1960. Jim Liversidge Collection.

A pinback button with images of Richard Nixon and Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. with the text "THE WINNING TEAM, NIXON AND LODGE"

Nixon-Lodge Pinback Button, 1960. Jim Liversidge Collection.

A 1960 letter from H. C. “Hod” Lewis to George Smathers

H. C. “Hod” Lewis (American)
H. C. “Hod” Lewis to George Smathers, September 27, 1960. MS 91. George A. Smathers Papers.

1970s

Across the U.S., there was social upheaval in the late 1960s and 1970s. Promising a return to stability, Republican nominee Richard Nixon carried Florida in 1968 and 1972. However, his presidential resignation in 1974 returned Florida to the Democrats in 1976. That year, Democrat Jimmy Carter beat Republican President Gerald Ford. Carter’s victory came after Alabama Governor George Wallace won the 1972 Florida Democratic presidential primary. Wallace won by opposing the desegregation of public schools. When Wallace ran for president again in 1976, he lost Florida to Jimmy Carter. 

The book cover of Clay Ouzts' "Showdown in the South: Jimmy Carter and the 1976 Florida Democratic Primary"

Clay Ouzts (American, 1961 –)
Showdown in the South: Jimmy Carter and the 1976 Florida Democratic Primary, 2018. Sentry Press. Loan courtesy of Boyd Murphree.

A pinback button with an image of Jimmy Carter and the text "Jimmy Carter for President"

Jimmy Carter for President Pinback Button, 1976. Jim Liversidge Collection.

A harmonica shaped like a peanut and a grin on the mouthpiece

Jimmy Peanut Harmonica, 1977. Jim Liversidge Collection.

Merchandisers profited from items that played off Jimmy Carter’s famous grin and his background as a Georgia peanut farmer.

Jimmy Carter Presidential Campaign Fundraising Pamphlet with an image of Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter Presidential
Campaign Fundraising Pamphlet, 1976.
MS 0621. Jane Hiers Papers.

A 1976 Jimmy Carter presidential campaign letter

Jimmy Carter Presidential Campaign
Letter, 1976. MS 0621. Jane Hiers Papers.

An alarm clock with an image of George Wallace on it

George Wallace for President “Wake Up America!” Alarm Clock, 1968. MS 91. Jim Liversidge Collection.

A pinback button with an image of George Wallace and the text "Wallace for President"

Wallace for President 1976 Pinback Button, 1976. Jim Liversidge Collection

Pinback button with the text "President Nixon. Now more than ever."

President Nixon Now More Than Ever Pinback Button, 1972. Jim Liversidge Collection.

The book cover of Gerald C. Gardner's "Everything you Always Wanted to know about Richard Nixon but were Afraid to Ask"

Gerald C. Gardner (American, 1929-2020)
Everything you Always Wanted to know about Richard Nixon but were Afraid to Ask, 1971. Fawcett Publications. Jim Liversidge Collection.

A pinback button with the text "Betty's husband for president in '76"

Betty’s Husband for President (Gerald Ford) Pinback Button, 1976. Jim Liversidge Collection.

Pinback button with the text "McGovern"

McGovern Pinback Button, 1972.
Jim Liversidge Collection.

2000s

In 1980 and 1984, Republican Ronald Reagan won Florida and the presidency. The following decade, Democrats secured victory with Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996. Yet Florida was turning Red as opposed to Democratic Blue. In the 2000 presidential election, Florida’s political divide was the nation’s political divide. The winner of Florida’s electoral votes would be the next president: Democrat Al Gore or Republican George W. Bush. During a contested recount of Florida votes, the Supreme Court issued a controversial decision. Florida’s electoral votes would go to Republican George W. Bush. Millions of Democratic voters opposed the outcome.

A decorative graphic of a hand holding a megaphone
Front page of the St. Petersburg Times newspaper from 2000 showing an image of George W. Bush with the heading "DECISION: BUSH"

St. Petersburg Times, December 13, 2000.
Jim Liversidge Collection.

A 2000 hole punch ballot from Pasco County

Pasco County Hole Punch Ballot, 2000. MSS 0504.
Bill Nelson Political Papers.

Hole punch and butterfly ballots became controversial symbols of the 2000 election. The ballot layout confused many voters, making their choices unclear to readers.

A spread from a 2000 issue of Time magazine detailing the controversy behind the contested votes in Florida during the 2000 presidential election

Special Report: Standoff! The Wildest Election in History, November 20, 2000. Time, Inc. MS 148.
D. Robert “Bob” Graham Political Papers

A photograph of Katherine Harris with her signature

Photo of Katherine Harris Inscribed to Jim Liversidge, August 2001. Jim Liversidge Collection.

Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris rose to international fame during the 2000 presidential election. Harris, a Republican, ordered to stop the ongoing Florida recount and moved to certify the result in favor of Bush/Cheney. As a result, she became the target of Democratic anger.

A political cartoon from 2009 showing the president of Iran on a podium stating that Katherine Harris, who is situated next to them, will be counting the votes of Iran's presidential election

Jeff Parker
Editorial Cartoon, June 17, 2009. Caglecartoons.com.
Jim Liversidge Collection.

Years after the 2000 election, Katherine Harris was still plagued by her controversial role. This cartoon (above) from 2009 shows the Iranian president announcing that Harris will supervise the recount in Iran’s presidential election.

A pinback button with images of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney with the text "Bush and Cheney won. Get over it!"

Bush and Cheney Won Get Over It! Pinback Button, 2000. Bobby May Ad Specialist. Jim Liversidge Collection.

A pinback button with the text "Vote Nader & LaDuke"

Vote Nader & LaDuke Pinback Button, 2000. VoteNader.org. Jim Liversidge Collection.

A pinback button with images of Al Gore and Joe Lieberman with the text "Vote for the best, November 7th 2000"

Vote for the Best – Gore/Lieberman – November 7th, 2000 Pinback Button, 2000. 2000 Market Vision. Jim Liversidge Collection.

A white yarmulke with the text "2000 Lieberman"

Lieberman 2000 Yarmulke, 2000. Zipple.com.
Jim Liversidge Collection.

Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut was the Democratic running mate of Al Gore. Lieberman was the first Jewish Vice President nominee of a major American political party.

A pinback button mimicking a 2000 voting ballot with the names Bush, Gore and Buchanan with the text "If you can read this, you must be a Republican"

If You Can Read This You Must Be a Republican Pinback Button,
2000. Galt Press. Jim Liversidge Collection.

The word “chad” became infamous during the 2000 presidential election recount. A “chad” is a paper fragment from a punch-card ballot. During the recount, officials had to examine ballots and determine the voter’s intent. Many contested ballots included “hanging chads,” or paper fragments still partly attached to the punch-card.

THE ELECTION OF 2008

Democrats regained control in 2008 with Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black president. His overwhelming popularity defeated the Republican nominees John McCain and Sarah Palin. Obama and Vice President Joe Biden won reelection in 2012, again winning Florida. The Republicans had their revenge in 2016, however, when Donald Trump won Florida and the presidency over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump won Florida again in 2020 but lost the presidency to Democrat Joe Biden.

A sticker from Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign showing a portrait of Obama and the the word "VOTE" in large bold lettering

VOTE Decal for Florida Voters, 2008. Obama for America. Jim Liversidge Collection.

A map of the United States during the 2008 presidential election showing the battleground states highlighted in blue

2008 Election Year Battleground States, 2008.
Democratic National Committee. Jim Liversidge Collection.

Front page of the St. Petersburg Times newspaper from 2008 showing an image of John McCain and Sarah Palin with the heading "NEW REPUBLICAN"

St. Petersburg Times, September 5, 2008.
Jim Liversidge Collection.

The cover of the book "Deciding the Next Decider" by Calvin Trillin showing a cartoon of Barack Obama and John McCain wearing boxing gloves and fighting in a ring with Sarah Palin and Joe Biden at ringside

Calvin Trillin (American, 1935–)
Deciding the Next Decider: The 2008 Presidential Race in Rhyme, November 25, 2008. Random House.
Jim Liversidge Collection.

A 2008 pinback button with the text "Gators for McCain and Palin"

Gators for McCain/Palin Pinback Button, 2008.
Jim Liversidge Collection.

A 2008 pinback button with an image of Hillary Clinton and the text "Hillary President 2008"

Hillary Clinton President 2008 Pinback Button, 2008. Loan courtesy of Boyd Murphree.

A Barack Obama action figure inside its box

Barack Obama Action Figure, 2008. Jailbreak Toys, Inc. Jim Liversidge Collection.

A John McCain action figure inside its box

John McCain Action Figure, 2008. Jailbreak Toys, Inc. Jim Liversidge Collection.

FLORIDIANS FOR PRESIDENT

A decorative graphic of a hand holding a voting ballot

Several Floridians have run for president. In 1984, former Democratic Florida governors sought the nomination and lost: Reubin Askew and Claude Kirk. Senator Bob Graham ran for the 2004 Democratic nomination before health issues forced him to drop out. In 2016, two Floridians sought the Republican nomination: Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio. Jeb Bush was a former governor, while Marco Rubio was a sitting U.S. senator. His family name and impressive fundraising made Bush the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Yet unconventional populist candidate Donald Trump captured the enthusiasm of Republican voters.

Bush lost early primaries and dropped out. Rubio survived longer but also withdrew. Trump eventually won the nomination and the presidency. Will we see another Floridian president soon? In 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis challenged Trump for the Republican nomination. He lost to the former president.

A decorative graphic of a megaphone

This online exhibit is based on the exhibit of the same name that was on display at the Smathers Library Gallery from September 9, 2024, to December 16, 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all items are from the Special & Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida.

University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries Exhibition Program, 2024
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