Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Edward R Murrow 52-06-30 (x) Truman Signs Wage And Price Control Bill
Original Air Date (Content): June 30, 1952
Released: November 6, 2025
Host: Edward R. Murrow, with reports from Ed Morgan and commentary by Bob Dixon
Episode Overview
This episode revisits a classic Edward R. Murrow news broadcast from June 30, 1952, focusing on the immediate extension of wage and price controls by President Truman, the political maneuvering leading up to the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, significant developments in U.S. foreign policy, and tensions in Europe during the early Cold War. The program weaves hard news with on-the-scene political analysis, offering listeners an immersive snapshot of the era’s political climate and global affairs.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Truman Signs Wage and Price Control Bill
- [01:16] Edward R. Murrow: Announces President Truman’s reluctant signing of a bill extending wage and price controls for 10 months; the extension was shorter than Truman requested (he sought two years).
- Notable Insight: All controls, including rent, would have ended at midnight if not for the signature.
- Quote (Murrow): “The President was not happy about the legislation presented to him. But he signed it because it was the only thing he could do.”
- Political Implications: The signing happens as Congress eyes adjournment before the Republican Convention.
2. Republican National Convention Preview
- [01:55] Murrow: Reports on Senator Taft’s willingness to compromise on Texas delegates, but General Eisenhower remains firm.
- [02:30] Murrow: Notes prohibition of TV cameras in the hearing room, despite major figures having no objection, highlighting party control dynamics.
- Quote: "As of this hour, television cameras and recording equipment will not be permitted in the hearing room despite the fact that Senator Taft and Senator Lodge, speaking for Eisenhower, have indicated they have no objections."
- [02:48] Chicago Update: General MacArthur’s keynote is written but it’s undecided if he’ll deliver it in uniform.
3. Democratic Governors’ Conference and Election Speculation
- [03:33] Ed Morgan (from Houston): Offers a vivid, colorful account of political gossip at the Democratic Governors’ Conference.
- Quote (Ed Morgan): “Ed, like Texas oil, the gossip is coming in gushers. We might try to bottle up a little of the Democratic brand first, though its value as a lubricant can't be guaranteed.”
- Governors discuss a Stevenson-Russell ticket as a compromise for party unity, aiming to avoid a Dixiecrat split over civil rights.
- Notable Moment: Adlai Stevenson's ambiguous resistance to presidential candidacy, leaving "his foot in the door."
- Republican governors enthusiastically back Eisenhower, with rumors of vote switching from Taft to Ike.
- Quote (Morgan): "Governor Dewey... said… as many as 40 Taft votes would switch to the general on the second ballot."
- Colorful Details: Conference gifts include everything from cowboy boots to brochures bound in "unborn calf skin."
4. Campaign Skirmishes
- [06:28] Murrow: Reports on Texas Senator Dick Russell defending himself against campaign manager accusations—illustrating the bitterness of nomination battles.
5. International Affairs
- Korean War: Combat reduced due to rain; truce talks to resume.
- South Korea: President Syngman Rhee threatens to dissolve Assembly over constitutional amendments.
- China: Chiang Kai-shek advocates bombing Communist war industries, doubting their resilience to internal revolt.
- Egypt: Experiences its third cabinet change in five months, with press censorship suppressing details.
6. US Domestic and Foreign Policy Moves
- St. Lawrence Seaway Project: Despite Congressional pushback, State Department tells New York to proceed in talks with Canada.
- US Air Force: Funding ramps up for a buildup to 143 wings (currently at 90).
- Steel Strike: Production at only 12% of normal.
- [08:30] Notable New York Event: First 13-alarm fire in five years; major property damage, hundreds displaced.
7. Cold War Tensions in Europe
- [09:50-12:00] Murrow:
- Secretary of State Dean Acheson visits Berlin and Vienna amid a tense European atmosphere.
- Quote: "American troops will remain in Austria until its independence is assured."
- Austrians anxious about increased US presence; Communists claim it’s prelude to militarization.
- Quote: “The Communists are charging that the Acheson visit means that Austria will soon be rearmed and developed as an American military base.”
- Key Development: Communist East Germany completes a canal bypassing West Berlin, eliminating a strategic Western bargaining chip.
- Quote: “This means that thousand ton barges are now able to go around West Berlin without the possibility of interference or stoppage by the Western authorities.”
- Strategic Assessment: The canal tightens the Communist grip—potentially fatal if another Berlin blockade is attempted.
- Secretary of State Dean Acheson visits Berlin and Vienna amid a tense European atmosphere.
8. Closing Reflections
- [13:41] Murrow: Offers philosophical commentary on fear and danger, referencing Lord Chesterfield and Livy.
- Quote: “Fear, instead of avoiding danger, only invites it. ...the less there is a fear, the less there is of danger.”
- Signature Sign-Off: “Good night and good luck.”
9. Bonus Segment
- Bob Dixon's “Word for Today” [12:32]:
- Bemoans the end of the Pittstown, NJ Anti Horse Thief Association, humorously comparing it to the “thief” of engine horsepower when using cheap gasoline.
- Advocates Amaco gasoline—framed with the cheerful optimism of 1950s commercials.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |-----------|---------|----------------| | 01:18 | Murrow | “The President was not happy about the legislation... but he signed it because it was the only thing he could do.” | | 03:33 | Ed Morgan | “Ed, like Texas oil, the gossip is coming in gushers…” | | 05:12 | Ed Morgan | “This, as one Houston paper puts it, leaves Stevenson with his foot in the door.” | | 09:50 | Murrow | “American troops will remain in Austria until its independence is assured.” | | 11:28 | Murrow | “This means that thousand ton barges are now able to go around West Berlin without the possibility of interference or stoppage by the Western authorities.” | | 13:41 | Murrow | “Fear, instead of avoiding danger, only invites it…” | | 12:32 | Bob Dixon | “The Pittstown, New Jersey Anti Horse Thief association has been disbanded. That’s a pity, for there’s a lot of horse stealing happening every day. Not exactly horses, but horsepower.” |
Important Segments & Timestamps
- Truman Signs Control Bill: [01:16–02:00]
- GOP Convention Maneuvering: [02:00–03:00]
- DNC Gossip from Houston: [03:33–06:28]
- International Affairs (Korea, China, Egypt): [06:28–08:30]
- Cold War Tensions & Berlin Canal: [09:50–12:32]
- Word for Today (Bob Dixon): [12:32–13:41]
- Murrow’s Closing Reflections: [13:41–14:07]
Tone & Language
The episode maintains Murrow’s authoritative, measured clarity, with periodic injection of humor and color by reporters like Ed Morgan. The language is distinctly formal and period-appropriate but remains accessible and engaging, filled with memorable turns of phrase and sharp political insight.
Summary
This episode offers a richly-layered portrait of a nation and a world in flux: domestic anxieties over inflation and labor, cutthroat political maneuvering ahead of the 1952 election, and the ever-present shadow of Cold War strategy and propaganda. The reporting is thorough, nuanced, and often witty—making timeless listening for history buffs, political junkies, and fans of classic journalism alike.