1951 George White Political Cartoon of Political Storms in Florida and D.C.

This is a 1951 George White political cartoon highlighting the political scandals surrounding Florida Governor Fuller Warren, as well as President Harry Truman. Truman's scandal revolved around Truman relieving General Douglas MacArthur of all his duties for ignoring direct orders. Governor Warren was trying to 'weather the storm' caused by the Miami Crime Commission's discoveries.

A Closer Look

Florida Governor Fuller Warren (identified here as 'Fooler' Warren) attempts to ride out the 'Miami Crime Commission Hurricane' in a hollowed-out tree stump. Racing forms and a book entitled How to Win an Election blow away from his stump. Warren looks north toward President Harry Truman in Washington, who is riding out the 'MacArthur Cyclone' in 'Harry's Storm Cellar'. Truman yells at Warren, 'How's th' weather down there Fooler?' to which Warren responds 'Rough, brother, rough!'

The Miami Crime Commission

In 1951, the Miami Crime Commission was investigating gambling and bookmaking in Dade County, as well as corruption among law enforcement. Dade County's sheriff was implicated in the scandal and was suspended, only to be reinstated by Governor Warren. These investigations proved that gambling and other illegal activities could be traced to Al Capone's crime network and the New York mob. Warren also had ties to these groups and some of his campaign donations were connected to organized crime. Other commissions investigated corruption and gambling in other parts of Florida, unveiling broad corruption throughout the state.

Publication History and Census

This cartoon was drawn by George White and printed on the front page of the April 26, 1951, edition of the Tampa Morning Tribune. As this is a manuscript drawing, this is a one-of-a-kind piece.