General Eisenhower Says—?
General Eisenhower's studiously non-committal statement on his availability for the Republican nomination for the Presidency of the United States recalls both Calvin Coolidge's classic "I do not choose to stand" and the New Yorker's "Yes is the word you're groping for, brother." For yes it undoubtedly is if the demand is strong enough by July, when the nominating convention takes place. Even then Mr. Taft may be the choice of the rank-and-file Republicans, who very much prefer safety to the unknown. And even if General Eisenhower is nominated it is still possible, though unlikely, that he will fail to be elected. Nothing is possible at present in that sphere but empty speculation. What is more to the point is to ask whether his election would be for
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cl-Srfily of e world. That his abandonment of the v which he has been entrusted in Europe would be a grave matter no one will doubt, and it is hard to see who there is who could fill his place with any adequacy. On the other hand to have a man of Eisenhower's ability, integrity and conviction at the White House might more than compensate for his absence from Europe. That would depend on how success- fully a great military leader could acclimatise himself to a political atmosphere very different from any to which he has accustomed himself yet. Life among professional politicians might be a new and perplexing experience.
