Voting Station

William Borah

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U.S. Senator

The Resume

    (June 29, 1865-January 19, 1940)
    Born in Fairfield, Illinois
    US Senator from Idaho (1907-40)
    Chaired the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (1924-33)
    Known for his isolationism, particularly his opposition to the Treaty of Versailles and League of Nations after World War I
    Republican

Why he might be annoying:

    He had an affair with Alice Roosevelt Longworth and was rumored to be the actual father of her daughter Paulina.
    He opposed federal anti-lynching bills (1922-23).
    He made an unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination for President (1936).
    He opposed allowing Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany into the US, calling it 'impractical with millions of Americans unemployed.'
    When Germany invaded Poland triggering World War II, he said, 'Lord, if I could have only talked to Hitler, all of this might have been averted.'

Why he might not be annoying:

    He protested against US imperialism in Latin America.
    During the Depression, he encouraged Senators to return their salaries to the Treasury.
    He said about opponents of government relief during the Depression, 'They argue that for the government to feed this woman and her sick children would destroy her self-respect and make a bad citizen of her. Does anyone believe it?'
    Idaho's highest point was named Borah Peak after him.
    He was considered one of the best orators of his day.
    He said, 'I would sooner lose in a right cause than win in a wrong cause.'

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying