American politician and social activist (1884–1968) who was a six-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America. Original “Reportrait” of Thomas by artist George Haessler, comprising a stippled-ink portrait with extensive handwritten contributions from Thomas, on an off-white 13.75 x 16.75 sheet, signed three times in ballpoint “Norman Thomas.” Thomas comments on world survival, socialism, and Woodrow Wilson. Some excerpts: “Survival depends on avoidance of World War III. That requires a life line to peace the strands of which are disarmament down to the level of police force…. I think democratic Socialism as advocated by the Socialist Party … is in our time the logical requirement of genuine and efficient American democracy…. [Wilson was] a great man, a pioneer in internationalism who missed his chance for supreme greatness by ineffectiveness in keeping America out of World War I….” The sheet is also signed and dated 1959 by Haessler at lower left. Light folds, a hint of subtle wrinkling and soiling, and glue stains very faintly showing through margins from reverse (lightly touching a few words), otherwise fine condition. Striking for display! R&R COA.
