Meaning: The quote is from John T. Flynn, a journalist and author known for his critiques of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies and the rise of centralized government power in the United States. In this quote, Flynn is referring to the role of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in supporting Roosevelt's 1936 presidential campaign.

The CIO was a federation of unions that organized workers in industrial sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and transportation. It was formed in the 1930s as a response to the conservative policies of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and sought to unionize industrial workers regardless of race, gender, or skill level.

In the context of the quote, Flynn is highlighting the significant financial and organizational support provided by the CIO to Roosevelt's campaign. The CIO's contribution of half a million dollars and the mobilization of active labor workers played a crucial role in securing a "sweeping victory" for Roosevelt in the 1936 election.

Roosevelt's presidency during the 1930s was marked by the Great Depression and his administration's response through the New Deal, a series of programs and reforms aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to the American economy and society. The CIO's support for Roosevelt can be understood in the context of the New Deal's policies, which included pro-labor measures such as the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The CIO's backing of Roosevelt reflected a broader alliance between organized labor and the Democratic Party during this period. The relationship between labor unions and political parties in the United States has been a significant force in shaping policy and electoral outcomes throughout the 20th century. The CIO's support for Roosevelt exemplifies the influence of organized labor in American politics and the alignment of its interests with the policies of the Democratic Party.

However, it's important to note that Flynn's perspective on this issue is critical of the CIO's involvement in politics and its support for Roosevelt. Flynn was a vocal opponent of the New Deal and believed that the expansion of government power and intervention in the economy were detrimental to individual liberty and free enterprise. His writings and speeches reflected a conservative, anti-interventionist viewpoint that resonated with some segments of American society during the 1930s and beyond.

In conclusion, John T. Flynn's quote sheds light on the significant role played by the CIO in supporting Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1936 campaign and the broader relationship between organized labor and political power in the United States. The quote also reflects Flynn's critical perspective on the New Deal and the influence of organized labor in shaping government policies during the 1930s. Understanding this historical context is essential for comprehending the dynamics of labor politics and the impact of the New Deal era on American society.