Hello and welcome back to another edition of the presidential election series. Today, we’ll be discussing the election of 1952. After 20 years of Democratic control, the Republicans were eager to reclaim the White House, and they had a decorated military hero in mind. But first, he had to get through the Governor of Illinois to secure the nomination.
Truman’s Time in Office
As noted in the 1948 election article, President Harry S. Truman achieved one of the greatest upsets in election history to retain his position as commander-in-chief. However, Truman’s second term was fraught with difficulties. His administration faced corruption scandals, and his approval ratings plummeted after the 1952 steel strike. Truman’s executive actions to handle the strike were deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer.
The Korean War was another significant challenge for Truman. North Korean forces invaded South Korea in 1950, and despite the UN’s approval for military intervention, the conflict reached a stalemate. Truman’s decision to fire General Douglas MacArthur over strategic disagreements further damaged his approval ratings, leading to a 66% disapproval rating. Despite his successes in implementing ‘Fair Deal’ policies, creating the CIA, supporting universal healthcare, and pushing for racial integration, Truman’s prospects for another term were bleak. The newly enacted 22nd Amendment, limiting presidents to two terms, did not apply to him, but he was still contemplating a run.
Governor Adlai Stevenson
With Truman’s declining approval and his decision not to seek another term, the search for the Democratic nominee for the 1952 election began. Numerous Democrats, including Hubert Humphrey, Richard Russell, Robert Kerr, Averell Harriman, and even Truman’s Vice President, Alben Barkley, vied for the nomination. Despite being 73 years old, many considered Barkley too old for the presidency.
The man Truman saw as the likely nominee was Adlai Stevenson II, Governor of Illinois and grandson of Adlai Stevenson I, Grover Cleveland’s running mate in 1892. Unfortunately for Truman, Stevenson declined the offer to run, choosing instead to focus on his re-election as governor.
Another notable candidate was Tennessee Senator Estes Kefauver, renowned for his investigation into organized crime with the ‘Kefauver Committee.’ Kefauver’s exposure of corruption in Truman’s administration made him a controversial figure among party leaders. Despite his success in the New Hampshire primary and his strong stance against corruption, Kefauver’s reputation as a traitor to the party made him a less favorable candidate.
As the Democratic National Convention approached, which was held in Illinois, Stevenson was persuaded to accept the nomination after a well-received speech. He won the nomination handily, with Alabama Senator John Sparkman as his running mate. Sparkman’s Southern roots were seen as a way to balance the ticket, though his support for racial segregation risked alienating Northern voters.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower
The Republican Party was divided between moderates and conservatives. The moderate wing, led by former New York Governor Thomas Dewey, sought to avoid a conservative takeover of the party. Dewey and other influential Republicans had tried to persuade General Dwight D. Eisenhower to run in the 1948 election, but Eisenhower declined. However, with the conservative wing gaining strength, a renewed push for Eisenhower to run in 1952 began.
The “Draft Eisenhower Movement” and “Citizens for Eisenhower” were grassroots efforts by liberal Republicans, independents, and celebrities to persuade Eisenhower to run. Ultimately, Eisenhower accepted, but not without facing opposition from the conservative wing led by Ohio Senator Robert Taft. The battle for the GOP nomination was intense, with accusations of delegate manipulation. Eisenhower narrowly secured the nomination.
Nixon and the Checkers Speech
The conservative wing of the GOP demanded a compromise, which came in the form of California Senator Richard Nixon as Eisenhower’s running mate. Nixon, known for his aggressive tactics and anti-communist stance, had gained a reputation as “Tricky Dick.” When allegations of a slush fund and gifts emerged, Eisenhower considered dropping Nixon from the ticket. In response, Nixon delivered the famous “Checkers Speech” on national TV, defending himself and vowing to keep a gift, a cocker spaniel named Checkers, for his children. The speech salvaged Nixon’s position on the ticket and garnered support from many Americans.
The Campaigns
Eisenhower’s popularity as a war hero and his promises to combat corruption, fight communism, and end the Korean War gave him significant momentum. Nixon’s aggressive campaign tactics, aimed at undermining Stevenson’s leadership, complemented Eisenhower’s message.
Stevenson campaigned on continuing New Deal policies and distancing himself from the unpopular Truman. He also criticized the GOP’s internal divisions. Republicans labeled Stevenson an “egghead” for being too intellectual, and Eisenhower faced controversy when he chose to shake hands with Senator Joseph McCarthy, known for his anti-communist hysteria.
Politics Moves to Television
The 1952 election was notable for its use of television ads. Eisenhower benefited from the expertise of advertising executive Rosser Reeves, whose commercials, including the famous “I Like Ike” cartoon, were highly effective. Stevenson’s ads, featuring cartoons and sing-alongs, did not resonate as well on TV, though his radio presence remained strong.
The Results
Dwight D. Eisenhower won a decisive victory, receiving 442 electoral votes and 55.2% of the popular vote. Adlai Stevenson secured 89 electoral votes and 44.3% of the popular vote. Eisenhower’s victory marked the first Republican presidency since 1928, winning 39 out of 48 states, including Southern states previously held by Democrats.
The 1952 election ended 20 years of Democratic control of the White House, with Eisenhower becoming the 34th President of the United States. For more articles like this, follow me on X @FullertonHakeem.
