What Happened To Mitchell Palmer? The Forgotten Red Scare Architect

Palmer ran for president in 1920, but he didn’t win. He lost to James Cox, who was the Democratic nominee. He then went back to practicing law and continued to be involved in politics until he passed away in 1936.

His presidential campaign was marked by his strong stance against radicalism and communism, a major issue in the aftermath of World War I. Palmer’s aggressive approach to “Red Scare” investigations, where he targeted suspected “radicals” and “subversives”, had made him a controversial figure. He became known as the “Fighting Quaker” for his relentless pursuit of those he believed posed a threat to national security.

Despite his reputation, Palmer’s political ambitions were ultimately unsuccessful. The “Red Scare” gradually subsided, and the public’s fear of “radicalism” diminished. His efforts to further his political career were thwarted by the opposition he faced from labor groups, who saw him as a threat to their interests. Ultimately, Palmer’s political career was cut short, but his legacy as a key figure in the “Red Scare” continues to be debated and studied today.