"The possibility that I will ever be drawn into political activity is so remote as to be negligible."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1890-1969
Letter to Harry S Truman, January 1, 1952
[A week later Eisenhower announced that he would accept the Republican nomination for President.]
Truman Desired to see Eisenhower's name next to his on the ballot in 1953 on the Democratic Ticket, but Eisenhower objected to being drawn into politics. Eisenhower Easily won the GOP Nomination against Senator Robert Taft as many Republicans favored him.
"Republican candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower strongly criticized President Harry S. Truman’s handling of the war. After his victory, Eisenhower adhered to his promise to “go to Korea.” -War, Armistice. 'Armistice Ends The Korean War - Jul 27, 1953 - HISTORY.Com'. HISTORY.com. N.p., 2015. Web. 20 May 2015.
Campaign Strategies
(Right) A series of still images from the, "I like Ike," campaign ad. "Dwight Eisenhower was a lucky man. For the 1952 Presidential campaign, Irving Berlin wrote his campaign song and Walt Disney Studios made one of his television ads — which were the first campaign ads aired on TV. The minute-long spot is upbeat and cute and it features a cartoon elephant. What more could a candidate ask for?" (http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1842516_1842514_1842527,00.html)
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Eisenhower's Commercials, Eloquence, Charm and War Hero image, without a doubt helped him win the presidency. Eisenhower's campaign was positive, but when it did go negative it focused on attacking the Truman Administration, rather than Adlai Stevenson.
Eisenhower Addresses the Korean War
“In this anxious autumn for America, one fact loons all others in our people’s mind. One tragedy challenges all men dedicated to the work of peace. One word shouts denial to those who foolishly pretend that ours is not a nation at ear.
This fact, this tragedy, this word is: Korea. A small country – Korea has been for more than two years, the battle ground for the costliest foreign war our nation has fought, excepting the two World Wars. It has been the burial ground for 20,000 American dead. It has been another historic field of honor for the skill and tenacity of American soldiers.” -Republican Nominee Dwight D. Eisenhower addressing the Korean War on October 21, 1952
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The Election
Election day came November 4, 1952. 55% of Americans voted for Dwight D. Eisenhower, while 44% voted for Stevenson. Eisenhower won 41 of 48 states, and 442 electoral votes to Stevenson's 8 states, and 89 electoral votes. It was the first Republican Victory since 1928 and one of the largest electoral landslides in history.