Denver Convention 1908: When Candidates' Families Called It As They Saw It

John W. Kern, a well-liked Democratic politician from Indiana, became his party's choice for vice president in 1908: On July 11, 1908, The Rocky Mountain News ran this story about what happened when the reporter called the candidate's wife in Indianapolis for her reaction:

"I had hoped," said she, "You would give me the news that Mr. Kern had not been nominated. I, of course, appreciate the honor conferred upon Mr. Kern, but I cannot understand what conditions at Denver have arisen that would cause him to have accepted the nomination. Mr. Kern has injured his health in past campaigns by his activity, and as he means vastly more to me than any political honors, I am sincerely sorry, although I suppose I should not say so."

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