Eisenhower Years

Who was Ike’s Opponent in the 1952 presidential election? Adlai E. Stevenson of Illinois A liberal intellectual “Egghead” From what we learned yesterday, what was another significant factor going against Stevenson?

Ike’s Campaign. Organized and efficient Speeches full of platitudes –We’re going to “clean up the mess in Washington” Promised to end Korean War “We Like Ike”

Describe Eisenhower’s style of management. Consensus decision making –Based on group (cabinet) decisions, not just his own Delegated –Ike only focused on big picture issues –Left the details and execution to others Admired Business Principles –Corporate execs appointed to key posts –Somewhat laissez-faire Privatization –Tried to turn government control of TVA to private business –Atomic Energy Act of 1954 Allowed private companies to operate nuclear power plants

Describe Ike’s Second Term.

Still well-liked Democrats regained control of Congress (’56) Launched Explorer I (1/31/58) –4 months after Sputnik Created National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) National Highway Act (’56) –Supported by oil, automobile, rubber manufacturers & other common people –Costs $80 billion Extended Social Security and Unemployment insurance Increased minimum wage (.75 to $1) Suffered heart attack and stroke

The “Checkers” Speech Richard M. Nixon React to his delivery

span.org/PresidentialSurvey/presiden tial-leadership-survey.aspx