A real life Mr. Smith.

Idealism--the conviction that Mr. Smith really could go to Washington--motivated the outpouring of volunteers who tallied to Willkie's cause in 1940. Willkie, a charismatic businessman, had only recently become a Republican. But unlike the other Republican candidates, he was firmly committed to stopping Hitler. His volunteers packed the gallery at the Republican National Convention, chanting, "We want Willkie!" After five exciting ballots, during which Willkie rose from 105 to 429 of the 501 votes needed to nominate, they finally overwhelmed the conservative isolationists who had dominated the party and propelled Willkie to victory on the sixth ballot. This victory was not inconsequential. Had Willkie not won, Hitler might have.