Lum and Abner 35-02-06 (0038): "Election for President"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: January 28, 2026 (originally aired February 6, 1935)
Setting: Small-town America, Jot Em Down Store, Pine Ridge
Main Characters: Lum Edwards, Abner Peabody
Sponsor: Horlick's Malted Milk

Overview

This classic episode of Lum and Abner centers on a humorous rivalry between the two title characters—Lum and Abner—over who should be president of the soon-to-reopen Jot em Down Store. As they recover from a recent ruse (Abner faking a car accident for sympathy), their escalating debate about store leadership leads to a mock election involving their listeners. Friendship, small-town politics, and comic misunderstandings shine in this slice of old-time radio.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Aftermath of Abner's "Accident" ([02:54] – [04:28])

• Abner is still pretending to have both arms in a sling, unable to help at the store.

• Lum grows frustrated shouldering all the work and regrets suggesting the fake accident.

• Both agree they can't let Abner's wife, Elizabeth, find out the accident was faked—she'd be furious.

  Lum Edwards: "If I'd a knowed I was going to have to wait on you hand and foot, I never would have thought of it neither." [03:17]

2. Store Reopening and Presidential Ambitions ([04:28] – [06:17])

• Lum expects Abner to help once the store reopens.

• Abner suggests, “since my arms might not heal in time,” he could simply be president and “boss” things.

• A lighthearted debate ensues over qualifications and who has always traditionally been president.

  Lum Edwards: "I've always been president of the Jot em Down Store, and I aim to keep on being." [05:17]

3. The Seed of Democratic Election ([06:18] – [07:35])

• The rivalry heats up as both claim they deserve to be president (often in circular arguments).

• Abner accuses Lum of backing out of a previous bet about reading flashlights order letters.

• Friendly jabs are exchanged about whose announcements generated more customer engagement.

  Abner Peabody: "If you're gonna ask the questions and give the answers both. Well, I ain't got a chance. That ain't no way to have an argument." [05:34]

4. The Democratic Solution—Let the Listeners Decide! ([07:36] – [09:16])

• They agree to resolve the issue fairly: listeners who mail in for a Horlick’s flashlight can vote for Lum or Abner as president.

• Each wrapper sent in will count as a vote; whoever gets the most is elected.

• Both are determined to campaign but agree (after Lum’s insistence) to keep it a friendly, mudslinging-free contest.

  Lum Edwards: "We ain't going to have none of that going on at night. And we'll just fling it to them and let them decide themselves which one of us they want to vote for. Ain't gonna have no mud slinging in this campaign." [08:38]

5. On-Air Announcements and Comedic Campaigning ([09:17] – [10:18])

• Lum and Abner announce their contest over the party line for all listeners—each promoting themselves (and, comically, competing to get the last word in).

• Abner appeals to sympathy by mentioning his (fake) broken arms.

  Abner Peabody: "And don't forget that I got both arms broke. I'm pitiful. Goodbye." [10:00]

• Lum warns Abner not to play on listeners' sympathies again or he’ll escalate his campaign.

6. Escalating Consequences—Elizabeth's Discovery ([10:19] – [11:48])

• A phone call from Elizabeth reveals she has found Abner's accident policy and put in a claim for his (fake) injuries.

• Lum and the narrator warn that this could backfire dangerously—Elizabeth's wrath will be worse than any insurance fraud consequences.

  Abner Peabody: "Elizabeth has found that accident policy of mine over at the house, Lum, and she's put in a claim for me having both my arms broke." [11:27]

  Lum Edwards: "Tell her that your arms ain't broke... They can get you for obtaining money under false pretenses." [11:34]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Leadership Claims:
  Lum: "What do you know about being president? Nothing. How much experience have you had? None." [05:26]
• On Campaigning:
  Abner (sympathy plea): "I got both arms broke. I'm pitiful." [10:00]
  Lum: "If I catch you pulling a stunt like that again, I'll pitch you to where you can call them up and tell them you got your neck broke, too." [10:05]
• On Insurance Trouble:
  Lum: "Tell her that your arms ain't broke... They can get you for obtaining money under false pretenses." [11:34]
  Abner: "Yeah, but Elizabeth will get me for something a whole lot worse than that if she finds out that my arms show nothing broke." [11:40]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:54] – Show’s comedic plot launches: Lum and Abner at the empty store, Abner “incapacitated.”
• [04:28] – The "presidency" debate begins.
• [06:18] – Decisions on who truly contributes to the store.
• [07:36] – Listeners get involved: the “election” is announced.
• [09:34] – Fun, in-character on-air pitches to listeners to “vote.”
• [11:12] – Elizabeth’s call and Abner’s panic about insurance fraud.

Tone and Entertainment Value

The episode brims with the warm, good-natured banter characteristic of Lum and Abner. Their competitive yet affectionate ribbing highlights small-town sensibilities: friendship, gentle one-upmanship, and comic misunderstandings. The interaction with listeners and the satirical take on elections bring a relatable, all-ages charm, while the looming threat of Elizabeth’s wrath keeps the stakes light but engaging.

Summary

This episode combines an ongoing running gag (Abner’s fake injuries) with a mock-serious election plot, allowing listeners not only to enjoy the duo’s comedic chemistry but to influence the story through product tie-in voting. Their campaign is full of slapstick appeals, sincere claims, and comic threats. The episode ends on a cliffhanger—as Elizabeth threatens to expose it all—setting the stage for further shenanigans in Pine Ridge.