Dear Editor,
As we enter this presidential election year, I find myself recollecting memories from my 3-year-old self of the 1952 presidential campaign of Dwight D. Eisenhower, who became our 34th president.
General Eisenhower’s acumen, in conjunction with some good fortune, resulted in his 1943 promotion to Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Western Europe during World War II. In addition to his military success, Eisenhower’s personal qualities of friendliness, humility, and optimism, along with an ability to persuade and mediate, contributed to the broad population trusting him. I remember proudly wearing a campaign button with the words, “I like Ike.” It gave me a feeling of connection with him.
This year, we likely will be choosing between two presidents – the current and a former – with notably contrasting personalities.
Current President Joe Biden seems driven to gain approval from others. In order to be liked, he represents an image of goodwill. Mr. Biden appears averse to conflict and has seemed, at times, risk-avoidant to the point of making concessions and becoming conciliatory, which, in turn, makes the U.S. vulnerable. One example that comes to mind is the China spy balloon incident.
We all got to better know now-presidential-candidate Donald J. Trump during his first term in office.
Trump’s agenda was both ambitious and bold. He presents as self-assured, even to the point of appearing self-serving. He is both gregarious and dominating of others when seeking compliance, with non-compliance likely interpreted as disrespect.
With the presidential choice seemingly between Biden and Trump, I wish I could vote for the “good ol’ days.” Following WWII, faith, patriotism, and traditional roles were being reaffirmed. The 1950s was an era called the Golden Age of Capitalism, a period of unprecedented economic growth and prosperity.
It was a period of upward mobility. Families were leaving the cities for the suburbs. Television and auto sales were skyrocketing. It was the time when rock ‘n’ roll was born, as well as family sitcoms like Father Knows Best and I Love Lucy. It was when the “separate but equal” doctrine died in the Supreme Court. Yet the ‘50s were not perfect. There were significant social and economic inequalities, especially along racial lines. And today, 70 years later, discrimination still lives.
This year, it seems likely that our votes may be fundamentally cast against someone and his policies, rather than for someone and a promise of positivity. By comparison, 1952 looks pretty good. And I (still) like Ike.
Peter Wibell Rutledge