The civil rights struggle had hit a high water mark by the time Ernie was elected governor. Much of the campaign involved segregation, integration and the possibility of serious eruptions throughout the state. Governor Vandiver campaigned as a segregationist. His most remembered statement was "No not one"... referring to the integration of schools. I remember the quote well. He was elected overwhelmingly.

Once he was governor the entire atmosphere changed. Without a lot of public notice a group had been formed to address Georgia's participation in court rulings and methods to meet an impending crisis looming throughout the South which included rioting, death and injuries. I was part of that group, as were a number of unlikely Vandiver supporters such as Mayor William B. Hartsfield of Atlanta and some prominent blacks.

Together, we forged a program that not only saw Georgia through total integration of the schools, universities and public facilities, but did so with no major riots, civil disobedience or unfortunate disturbance. During this time Georgia's growth mushroomed and the per capita income for all citizens jumped many fold.

Part of this program and perhaps the least noted by historians was one of the greatest acts of courage by any politician in my memory. Ernest Vandiver asked the legislature to strike down the Jim Crow laws of Georgia. At first, key legislators suggested revoking only a few, to make an appearance. Governor Vandiver said "No." He insisted all be bundled and rescinded. He got his way and Georgia history was made. The door was opened for greater harmony and progress which has unquestionably put Georgia ahead of all Southern states in virtually every area of economic accounting and one of the leading states in the nation for growth. Georgia owes much to Ernest Vandiver.

As John Kennedy was preparing to run for president he sent his brother in law, Sargent Shriver to Georgia to meet with some of the key Democratic leaders. We went to Herman Talmadge's for brunch. I was seated between Ernie and General Homer Flynn, Ernie's top asssitant when Adjutant General. Homer turned to us and said, "Who the hell is that Sergeant eating up all the ham and biscuits?" We tried to explain who he was but that didn't phase Homer. "Tell that Sergeant to slow down and save some for the rest of us."

In 1960, I was placed in a tough position. I was not happy with the liberal turn of the national Democratic party. My old Jaycee friend, Richard Nixon, was regularly talking to me about a Southern strategy he had in mind to bring together conservative Southerners of all parties with the Republican Party. I was wary, since the best the Republicans had done statewide in Georgia to date was 28% and that was with a national hero, Dwight Eisenthower. Also, I didn't relish leaving all my old friends in the Georgia Democratic party: Talmadge, Griffin, Vandiver and hundreds more.

To make a long story short, I was offered the titular head of the Republican Party in Georgia. The titiular head of the Democratic party at that time was my friend, Ernie Vandiver.

I took the Republican offer and set about building the first competative two party race in Georgia history. Every day the public relations battle was on between two old friends. I remember one day Ernie held a press conference to discuss how Jefferson Davis was rolling over in his grave. We went at each other, hammer and tong. Ernie sent his top people to debate me, including Griffin Bell and George Smith, both wonderful people. Some thought the race wasn't between Nixon and Kennedy, but between Vandiver and Davis. Deep down, I never had a moment's animosity toward Ernie and I don't believe he ever forgot our real friendship. We did what politicians have to do which is to advocate for our cause.

We had too much in common to be less than sincere. We both loved that '56 flag, we were both SCV members and we shared thousands of hours working together. In all our political battles no one ever heard me express anything but respect for Governor Vandiver. In later years though he remained a Democrat, we ended up together supporting the same people, like old times.

And now, today, I'd like to leave it that way. Brother Ernest has crossed over the river. Rest in peace my friend, my compatriot. You've done your duty well. I'm proud to have shared some small part of your courageous life.

Jeff Davis is a retired radio-TV journalist living in Gainesville, GA. Active in civic and political affairs, he is past president of the Georgia Jaycees, former vice president of the US and the world Jaycees, former campaign chairman of the Georgia Republican party. He voluntarily serves as president of the International Association for the Restoration of Confederate History and the Georgia Heritage Council. He is a collateral descendant of President Jefferson Davis.

Related Links
Vandiver Papers at UGA

Vandiver Portait at SoS Office

Vandiver papers at Georgia State University

Vandiver in Our Georgia History

1956 Flag Date Question