Strange Candidates #2: Homer Tomlinson

Continuing the exploration of strange presidential candidates:

"Mighty Man of God" Homer Tomlinson (1892-1969)

Tomlinson was the founder of the Church of God (World Headquarters). His plan was to bring about the kingdom of God on earth by getting the members of his church elected to public office. Therefore, he ran for President in 1952, 1960, 1964, and 1968 as the candidate for the "Theocratic Party" (which he also founded).

His campaign promises included: substituting tithing for taxes, creating cabinet posts for "Secretary of Righteousness" and "Secretary of the Holy Bible," unifying church and state, and establishing Bible reading and prayer in all schools.

Tomlinson never won an election, though he did receive 24 votes in 1964. But that didn't matter, because in 1965 he declared himself "King of the World." He ruled the world from a hotel room in Jerusalem, wearing a gold-painted crown and sitting on a folding chair. From a 1966 New Yorker profile of him:

He founded the Theocratic Party and has been its candidate for U.S. President since 1952, has written many books and songs, speaks in some 20 or 30 languages. One of many wonders he has effected by being in the right place at the right time was a downpour in the desert, during a 1000 mile walk from Iran to Bethlehem in 1955.

More info at Ron's Parlour Tricks. Also, Legacy America is selling a leaflet from his 1964 campaign.

Who We Are
Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over forty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. Contact Us

Posted By: Alex - Tue Sep 23, 2008
Category: Politics | Strange Candidates

Comments

Tithing, at least, is a better idea than the mess we've got now but a "theocratic party" in, and of, itself runs afoul of our constitution with the separation of church and state.

Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 09/24/08 at 12:44 AM

AnUnSi in 3... 2...

Posted by kingmonkey in Athens, Ontario on 09/24/08 at 11:40 AM

I'd rather tithe -- 10% sure beats 40%!!! I was so hoping for a picture of him with his crown.

Posted by BikerPuppy on 09/24/08 at 12:25 PM

I was hoping for a picture of him with his crown, squatting on his lawn chair in the middle of his apartment, clutching some feces and preparing to fling.

Posted by kingmonkey in Athens, Ontario on 09/24/08 at 03:36 PM

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