Willkie Spurns Support of Coughlin, All Who Stand for Prejudice

Wendell Willkie, Republican presidential nominee, today flatly repudiated the support of Charles E. Coughlin and of all other persons “who stand for any form of prejudice as to anyone’s race or religion.”

Replying to a question concerning Coughlin’s stand, as expressed in the latest issue of the “radio priest’s” organ Social Justice, Willkie told his press conference this morning.

“I am not interested in the support of anybody who stands for any form of prejudice as to anyone s race or religion, or is for the support of any foreign economic or political philosophy in this country. I don’t want Father Coughlin’s support. As a matter of fact. I repudiate his support. If his philosophy includes opposition to any race or religion I cannot replace my own philosophy merely to gain his support.

“I don’t have to be President of the United States, but I have to keep my beliefs clear in order to live with myself. I am not enough interested in being President to compromise with my fundamental beliefs.”

Willkie’s attention was then called to an attack made on him last night by Joseph E. McWilliams anti-Semitic candidate for Congress in Yorkville who had been publicly repudiated by Willkie at a press conference last week. McWilliams is trying to obtain the Republican nomination in his district.

“I’m grateful for Mr. McWilliams denunciation of me,” Willkie said. “I never wanted his support and he hasn’t mine. His philosophy is un-American, and against my own personal philosophy. I have no sympathy with him, or anyone else who garners following by pitting one race against another race.”

Asked whether his statement also applied to Father Brophy, head of the Catholic Truth Society and an active supporter of the Christian Front, who has also been supporting him, Willkie said that it did.