Roger Sermon

Roger Sermon was the mayor of Independence and an old friend of Harry S. Truman. The book presents him chiefly through his role in Truman’s 1940 Senate reelection campaign, where his practical candor stood out amid a small and uncertain group of supporters.

Political Role

At the first campaign strategy meeting, held at the Statler Hotel in St. Louis in January 1940, fewer than half of those invited appeared. Sermon was among the few who showed serious interest in the campaign. He was known as “a plodder” and “all business,” qualities reflected in his blunt assessment of Truman’s chances.

Assessment of the Campaign

Sermon warned Truman that victory seemed unlikely, explaining that he had made inquiries and that the discouraging judgment was not merely his personal opinion. Truman did not argue with the forecast; he replied that he would appreciate a little talk about electing Senator Truman. Sermon’s appearance thus captures both the campaign’s bleak early outlook and the directness of an old friend willing to state it plainly.