He served in various government posts and in 1948 he was elected governor of Illinois with the largest majority in the state’s history. Chosen as the Democratic candidate for the Presidency in the elections of 1952 and 1956, he was badly beaten on both occasions by Dwight D. Eisenhower. A liberal reformer and internationalist, he was known for his brilliant and witty speeches. President Kennedy appointed him US ambassador to the United Nations (1961–65) with cabinet rank.