Fiorello LaGuardia used to run for Congress on the Republican ticket. He was originally elected mayor of New York City on a Fusion ticket, was re-elected with the additional aid of the American Labor Party, and in philosophy is strictly New Deal Democrat. Last week the mayor of New York City was touring the Midwest talking about the Farm Problem. Since this has nothing to do with running New York City, he was questioned in Chicago about Presidential ambitions for 1940. Said the fast-witted little Mayor:
“It is a bad thing for a man holding one office to think about obtaining another office. It impairs his usefulness. It is like necking in a closed car on a moonlight night, after a good dinner and champagne. Don’t start it.”
Could he be drafted? “Don’t be silly. Nobody was ever drafted for any office any time, anywhere.”
More Must-Reads from TIME
- The New Face of Doctor Who
- Putin’s Enemies Are Struggling to Unite
- Women Say They Were Pressured Into Long-Term Birth Control
- Scientists Are Finding Out Just How Toxic Your Stuff Is
- Boredom Makes Us Human
- John Mulaney Has What Late Night Needs
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com