Eisenhower vs. Stevenson

Go to the 1952 presidential election link and read about the contest between Dwight Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson. Then watch two Eisenhower ads and two Stevenson ads: "I like Ike" and "War/Prices/Crooks," (Eisenhower); "I Love the Gov" and "Old McDonald" (Stevenson).

Pay attention to the claims made in these ads and the techniques used to present the candidates' messages. Do the ads highlight policy issues or personal character? What is the role of music in these ads? How interesting are the visual images?

Another interesting feature of the 1952 election campaign was the successful use of television by Republican vice-presidential nominee Richard Nixon to reply to attacks on his character. Rumors had begun to circulate that Nixon had misappropriated funds for personal use while serving as a U.S. senator from California. Despite lacking a personality well suited for television, Nixon went before a national audience and made a speech that saved his political life. He provided a full accounting of his financial status and admitted that his family had benefited from one particular political gift -- a puppy named Checkers. The speech portrayed Nixon as a warm, honest, family man, someone who would be a perfect compliment to the genial Eisenhower.