The Incorruptible Mr. Gore

Thomas Pryor Gore in 1929

The blind senator from Oklahoma, Thomas Pryor Gore, opposed America’s entry into World War I. He wasn’t blind to what the war would cost, finding no reason why young American blood should fertilize the soil of undemocratic, corrupt European states.

An Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce sent him a telegram threatening to defeat him in the next election if he didn’t support a declaration of war.

The senator wired back a question: “How many members of the Chamber of Commerce are of draft age?”

His principles cost him reelection, but inspired his grandson, Gore Vidal.

— source: “Gore Vidal” by Fred Kaplan