By: E&P Staff A deceased syndicated columnist for commander-in-chief?
Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry has proclaimed "Will Rogers for President Day" on Aug. 25, which is during the Democratic National Convention.
Henry's proclamation follows the recent formation of the "Will Rogers Caucus" by Democratic Party delegates pledged to Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Co-chairs of the caucus, which will introduce the "Will Rogers Platform for America," are delegates Tim Mauldin (who teaches at Oklahoma City University) and Joe Carter (an Oklahoma veterinarian).
The proclamation comes 80 years after Life Magazine launched an editorial campaign supporting Rogers for president. And in 1932, the commentator was nominated for president at the Democratic convention.
Rogers (1879-1935) wrote more than 4,000 political-humor columns during his career, appeared in 71 movies, authored six books, and did radio broadcasts. He was born in Native-American territory near present-day Oologah, Okla.
The National Society of Newspaper Columnists has an annual prize called the Will Rogers Humanitarian Award.
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