Eisenhower Reconsidered

Jean Edward Smith, senior scholar at Columbia University's history department, discusses his new book, Eisenhower in War and Peace.
SPEAKER:
Jean Edward Smith
PRESIDER:
Alan Brinkley
www.cfr.org/foreign-policy-his...

[@gpugh100]

The best online video on history I have seen in two years of looking. Guy knows his stuff, puts his content as the star, and talks conversationally about it. Really good

[@Johnnycdrums]

IKE considered using the "bomb" in Korea, but not for long. When he ruled something out, he ruled it out. I say President Eisenhower was an excellent President. We should all be thankful to have had, Dwight David Eisenhower as our President. I sat in IKE's helicopter in 1959, thanks to my uncle Bill, who became a lifer after getting it in the back at Guadal in late 1942.

[@jimhanold9026]

Wow! What a fascinating historical perspective! Thank you for sharing!

[@JRobbySh]

I would also think that Nixon would not have embroiled us in Vietnam the way that Kennedy did.

[@billolsen4360]

@@JRobbySh Agreed!

[@johnnotrealname8168]

@@JRobbySh Johnson more than Kennedy.

[@SandfordSmythe]

@@JRobbySh He would not have to worry about the Republicans accusing him of losing Vietnam.

[@sherrybrooks8610]

Very interesting commentary. And God bless our alustrious Gen-Pres Eisenhower!******

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

"Alustrous"?? I.e. dark?

[@sherrybrooks8610]

@@TheDavidlloydjones He had morals to lead and defended us against communism or Gulags; rather, who likes a Concentration Camp?

[@jimhanold9026]

My mother remembers watching President Eisenhower's farewell address-from January, 1961-in which he warned of an "industrial military complex"!

[@billolsen4360]

We must have seen that at my house, but at the time I was primarily interested in Rocky/Bullwinkle and of course 3 Stooges reruns.

[@solgato5186]

Some of those people he warned about were in his own administration, so he realised where they were heading from seeing it up close. He then saw us do nothing to reign them in. I wish I knew why he did not name them; he doesn't seem like the type to not do that out of fear so I assume he wanted us to understand what to look for rather than think it would go away if only a few of them were stopped.

[@christopherheadrick8410]

I was b born in Jan 26 19 hundred in 61

[@Johnnycdrums]

I loved that IKE used Dulles, especially in 1956, dealing with London during "The Suez Crisis."

[@LanceWinslow]

Excellent talk, I very much enjoyed this, thank you.

[@BradWatsonMiami]

The Soviets had great respect and gratitude to General Eisenhower. After Ike left the White House, Khrushchev tested JFK with missiles in Cuba. The Cold War's been over for years and now Donald Trump 666 and the RepubliCONs are in bed with Putin and the Russians. Ike wouldn't approve of our unholy leadership.

[@johnnotrealname8168]

@@BradWatsonMiami I am pretty sure Congress exonerated the Administration of that collusion.

[@DByers-ci5kr]

Brinkley, the presider or moderator (not interviewer) was a retired professor of history & later provost of Columbia University. He died last year of complications related to dementia. Smith, the speaker & also a retired professor, died last year of complications of Parkinson's disease. Perhaps we are seeing some early signs of their respective afflictions at this seminar seven years earlier. Both highly educated intellectuals displayed some mild communications foibles. But I think the best clue is the statement by Brinkley in his opening remarks that "He's on the record." No one published wants to flub it "on the record."

[@JRobbySh]

I agree.

[@kmaassociates7999]

Why is there never any mention of the fact that the first choice for Ike's job was Lt. Gen. Frank Andrews of the 8th USAAF ? (Killed when the B-24 'Hot Stuff', 1st heavy bomber to complete 25 missions and headed home, crashed in bad weather in Iceland. Half of the ships crew was bumped to accommodate his staff and guests. Only the tail gunner survived.)

[@desmondorsinelli8850]

Wow, I didn't know that

[@GH-oi2jf]

KMA Associates - Andrews was commander all forces in the ETO at the time he was killed, according to Andy Rooney in his war memoir.

[@deborahj.dirk-halley1850]

Your point is what. Eisenhower proved to be a great President. It is like saying if John Wilkes Booth had not killed Lincoln the Vice President would not have replaced him.

[@clydecessna737]

In the back of a C-54 coming back from Tehran FDR said that he just did not feel comfortable with Marshall out of the country. Marshall said "..if that is your decision Mr President." and then they talked of other matters.

[@johnwatson3948]

Regarding troops sent as a show of force (Lebanon crisis) - the Kennedy and Johnson Vietnam interventions were originally intended as a show of force - with the prediction that there would be no war as North Vietnam would be sufficiently intimidated to agree to an armistice. Eisenhower chose his actions more smartly.

[@jimhanold9026]

Exactly!

[@JRobbySh]

The ground troops were for show.. The real force was the concentration of air power in the region. All planned by Eisenhower himself in the Oval Office. A successful; application of TR’s slogan “speak softly and carry a big stick” He was able to keep Iran from becoming a tool of The Soviets in the Middle East.

[@kingmiura8138]

I have read that General Marshal was considered by Roosevelt to be indispensable in Washington. I also read that MacArthur was displeased that Eisenhower had chosen to take a 2 week vacation back home from the Philippines and when Eisenhower returned he found the lock changed on his office door....he simply returned to Washington and reported for duty to the Pentagon.

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

Outstanding

[@BradWatsonMiami]

The Soviets had great respect and gratitude to General Eisenhower. After Ike left the White House, Khrushchev tested JFK with missiles in Cuba. The Cold War's been over for years and now Donald Trump 666 and the RepubliCONs are in bed with Putin and the Russians. Ike wouldn't approve of our unholy leadership.

[@jimhanold9026]

Indeed!

[@bouffant-girl]

The communist soviets and Chinese, were afraid of Eisenhower!"

[@diankreczmer6595]

I was a child st the time, but why no mention of president Truman firing mac srthur?

[@Johnnycdrums]

The Philippine Congress had it right when they wanted to get rid of McArthur's post and just keep the Eisenhower.

[@bjames9101]

England got first choice

[@bjames9101]

Nine hours and no support does you no good. My father--in-law fought throughout the occupation. Large groups of Japanese could find nothing. Small groups disappeared. At night the Filipinos would paddle out to a US Submarine and pick up supplies..

[@Johnnycdrums]

@@bjames9101 ; England had/has nothing to do with the Philippines.

[@bjames9101]

@@Johnnycdrums England got immediate attention and supplies. Americans got a death sentence.

[@johnnotrealname8168]

@@Johnnycdrums British Colonies were very close to The Philippines.

[@augurcybernaut4785]

Fascinating Truman relationship

[@robertfeinberg748]

What about Operation Keelhaul?

[@9thebear]

I used to live in America a decade ago and visited some old friends recently. The whole mood of the country has changed

[@billolsen4360]

You're right.

[@BradWatsonMiami]

The Soviets had great respect and gratitude to General Eisenhower. After Ike left the White House, Khrushchev tested JFK with missiles in Cuba. The Cold War's been over for years and now Donald Trump 666 and the RepubliCONs are in bed with Putin and the Russians. Ike wouldn't approve of our unholy leadership.

[@deborahj.dirk-halley1850]

@@BradWatsonMiami And Biden and Hunter Biden are not. Please. That Biden Family clearly made millions off of Urkaine and Russia. Not to mention riding on Air Force Two to China on taxpayer money.

[@billolsen4360]

@@deborahj.dirk-halley1850 Since CNN refuses to cover the story, for many people it just doesn't exist.

[@jimhanold9026]

As my mother-who was young during Eisenhower's presidency-has said (and I am paraphrasing): "Eisenhower left the country alone for eight years".

[@williamheyman5439]

Maybe why the TV show was called "Happy Days." I was a teen-ager, and thought the old folks were very happy to not have a war. And even though the Korean War happened (in 1950) during the Truman administration, Eisenhower was responsible for ending it, in 1954. And people were very happy to not have anything happen. It was a good time. And I became a lieutenant in the army. Then Kennedy was elected and he caused a number of things that meant there was not to be any happy days for lifetimes.

[@JRobbySh]

Eisenhower was not flashy. He did not have to prove anything. Plus his health was not good. He needed all that golfing. I think its was Johnson Eisenhower who said that during the war Ike had lived on a diet of Coffee and cigarettes. and that burnt up a lot of energy. He looked a lot older than his age even though he still moved like a younger man.

[@billolsen4360]

@@JRobbySh Yes, Ike didn't have to have the press follow him around every time he & the First Lady went to their farm in Gettysburg or took a fishing trip.

[@whattowatchrightnow]

The author is incorrect about the Truman and Eisenhower relationship. There's evidence that during the USMA class reunion of '65 Eisenhower made several disparaging comments about Truman but later made sure that the comments were redacted from the official record.

[@joshuabeaumont1219]

Jody Robert Ford that’s like exactly what Smith said; that the relationship was complex, strained but professional, at least on Eisenhower’s part.

[@jeffreydrhodes]

Wasn't Al Haig the only general that came close to the fast promotion that Ike had?

[@billolsen4360]

Are you referring to March 30, 1981 when Al Haig was promoted to being "In Charge" at the White House? :-)

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

@@billolsen4360 I'm not sure the promotions you award yourself are included in your service record...

[@billolsen4360]

@@TheDavidlloydjones Indeed!

[@BradWatsonMiami]

@@billolsen4360: Haig's reputation rightfully never recovered from his coup attempt.

[@billolsen4360]

@@BradWatsonMiami So Haig arranged for Hinkley to shoot Reagan?

[@douglassauvageau7262]

In President Eisenhower's farewell-address, equal concern was expressed toward the predominance of 'organized-science'. We must assume that Ike's tenure as President of Columbia University predisposed him to be cynical of the emergence of 'capital' as preeminent vis-à-vis our Nation's legacy of individual-innovation. Clearly, eight years as our Nation's Chief Executive did not disabuse him of this concern.

[@sbkidde]

The title of the book is provocative. The FRC had shown favor to the reconsideration of Eisenhower in terms of support for the global war on terrorism. The author expresses support for Eisenhower's opposition to the push for global domination with miliitary power. The title is an appeal to return to the "I like Ike" position.

[@mschwaller3371]

Somebody sync the audio with the video please!

[@bouffant-girl]

You are obviously spoiled, with zero respect for good ole analog Video recording! Gotta love those out of sync moments in video, and the bacon sizzling in the sudio!

[@ronwilsontringue6574]

Don't forget to include a long "explanation" ? about his "friend" Kay Sommeresby - very CLOSE "friends"!

[@Johnnycdrums]

Maybe if IKE stayed on in Manila, McArthur wouldn't have twiddled this thumbs for nine hours following the attack at (Pearl) Oahu, Hawaii.

[@billolsen4360]

Could very well be. Mac was probably practicing his speech-giving voice becuz of, course, Roosevelt was going to make him chief of staff now that Pearl had been attacked.

[@blueelectricsmoke]

Smith was very informative. The interviewer isn't properly miked or speaks too softly though.

[@nates9029]

Yeah, the interviewer did not do a good job. Not only did he not speak loudly enough he also seemed to not be very organized or simply kept having trouble getting his thoughts together and to articulate them clearly. It was good hearing from Prof. Smith but the interviewer was not good.

[@lt.hurwitz270]

Nate S he was diagnosed with dementia several years later.

[@nates9029]

@@lt.hurwitz270 - That is sad to hear. Thanks for the information.

[@JRobbySh]

ONE gets the tone of the Foreign Policy Establishment. I think General Clay saw things quite differently. If I recall correctly, he was very anti-Communist.. He would; himself have been qualified for the job, but that of course was impossible.

[@BL-no7jp]

After the Republicans lost a generation between 1933-1953, Eisenhower became president. He became a very popular strong president and served 2 terms. In fact, he was the best president the Republican Party had since the 1950’s. I’m afraid today’s Republicans are as lost as they were under Hoover’s leadership.

[@TexasMan77]

Yes it’s said that had the Republicans lost in 1952, the GOP likely would’ve faded away into oblivion.

[@ms.sherlock]

I disagree - I believe and no disrespect intended to this fine author, that FDR wanted Marshall in Washington because he felt he couldn't do without him. Marshall wanted the command but was mute about it as the fine soldier he was.

[@JRobbySh]

I agree that Only Marshall was fully engaged in managing a Two front way. Those who continually harp on the decisive role of the Russians in defeating the Wehrmacht and disparage our contribution. Forget how essential to Soviet success was Lend lead lease and Japanese neutrality. Without the divisions from the Far East, Stalin would probably have been forced to vacate Moscow in 1941. To be sure, I think that General Clay, one of our most undersung generals was one who could have stepped into that role. Given, however, FDR’s declining health think Marshall’s political savy was essential.

[@billolsen4360]

FDR made the right decision there. From what his subordinates said, Marshall was unflappable when others were losing their heads or, more importantly, put his hand in to put the brakes on interservice rivalries in the War Department.

[@michaelhurlburt7906]

Eisenhower broadcasted a message into space saying that America "rules" the universe. America paid the price.

[@deborahj.dirk-halley1850]

If it was not for our fine military and foreign aid to other countries America would be a shit hole country right.

[@janjantimalsina1465]

A

[@BradWatsonMiami]

General Eisenhower dealt with codes all the time. The BIGGEST code there is is GOD=7_4 whereas G is the 7th letter, a circle O is either 15 or zero or ---, D=4. GOD=7_4, 7/4=July 4th was a BIG Masonic(7,74) Code(4). Jesus(74=J10+E5+S19+U21+S19) was actually born on 4/17/6 BC - you can remember that by July 4, 1776 where the 7 is doubled. The Par 4 17th at St. Andrews is its signature hole - the Road Hole. The Par 4 17th at Augusta was marked by the Eisenhower Tree. It was destroyed by lightning a few years ago, but the club is growing other ones taken from its seedlings and once one is tall enough, they'll replace it with the next-generation Eisenhower Tree. Ike had a practice golf facility built at Camp David that has been used by Kennedy, Nixon, Ford, Bush Sr., Clinton, Bush Jr., Obama, and Trump. George Washington was reincarnated as Robert E. Lee who returned as Dwight D. Eisenhower whose farm borders the Gettysburg Battlefield and is near Lee's Headquarters. Ike's first command was at Camp Colt on the grounds of Picket's charge in 1917.

[@diankreczmer6595]

Interesting that president Eisenhower had a print of general Robert e lee in his office along with George washington Abraham Lincoln and FDR

[@deborahj.dirk-halley1850]

@@diankreczmer6595 Gee, if Eisenhower had a pot plant growing in his office someone would have something to talk about.

[@Baczkowa78]

Who is this guy interviewing the author? Seriously, be a bit more professional and look like you have a purpose.

[@ms.sherlock]

This accusation that Eisenhower wrote this letter is absolute nonsense. Eisenhower would have never written such a letter to to Truman! Marshal was his superior in the military chain of command and he would have written it to Marshall. Look at Marshal's demeanor and character. On her death bed, Kay Summersby admitted he had never asked to sleep with her. She said she did the book"Past Forgettiiing" book to get money to pay her medical bills. She had cancer and died of it. This information is from her best friend who she said it to. Eisenhower absolutely adored Mamie and would never have cheated on her. Every single member of his war time staff debunked that rumor. Eisenhower was a very honorable man. The fact that there no hint of womanizing all his time back from the war until his death is good evidence of his character. Truman hated Eisenhower for becoming a Republican. They didn't even speak in the limousine on the way to the inauguration. Truman started that letter rumor to endanger Eisenhower's nomination. If such a letter existed he would have used it against Eisenhower. Plus, that letter would have gone to General Marshal and he would have NEVER passed such a letter to Truman! He would have destroyed it. People who portraythemselves as oracles of truth as this author does need to get their facts straight and do their research, for God's sake!

[@em-qk4go]

What the hell was wrong with the presider? His fidgeting is more distracting than a vibrating phone!

[@therearenoshortcuts9868]

these 2 guys even look like Eisenhower... LOL

[@deborahj.dirk-halley1850]

Not funny. Eisenhower deeply cared about his country. He may not have been a handsome President but he was a good man.

[@kirkbowyer3249]

GOD BLESS PRESIDENT TRUMAN

[@bjames9101]

Better than Henry Wallace. By election time 1944 FDR was dead man ( with help standing ). . The party substituted Truman for Wallace.

[@bjames9101]

Eisenhower earned his rank under the table servicing FDR.

[@Johnnycdrums]

No.

[@bjames9101]

Johnnyc drums : Stalin had Khrushchev as his political officer. FDR had Marshell and Eisenhower as his political officers. Eisenhower never saw combat in WWI and avoitded it in WWII. It's all politics. That is how you make rank.

[@leoamery]

@@bjames9101 How, then, did MacArthur, a hugely experienced combat commander in both World Wars, "make rank?"

[@bjames9101]

@@leoamery Fought in WW I and long time in Servivice. Got him the Phillipines. Japan attacked US and Roosevelt declared war on Germany. Japan was not low on his list. He saved Mac arthur because it would look bad in the newspapers, but even generals were sacrificed. If you were on his bad side, you got Burma or China. No support at all.

[@leoamery]

@@bjames9101 So you can "make rank" by fighting---MacArthur---or by not fighting---Eisenhower. I bet your "system" of horse racing is to bet on every horse running. That way you always "win" What do you think of MacArthur's a) taking $500,000 cash from Philippine Presdent Quezon on 1 January 42 then b) went along with Quezon's proposal to "neutralize" the Philippines on 10 February, i.e. kicking American forces out of the Philippines. Baksheesh? It's escaped your notice but Hitler declared war on America on 11 December. Congress reciprocated on the same day, three days after declaring war on Japan. The most terrifying thing about your 200 proof idiotic posts is that you have the right to vote. Unless you live in China. That would explain your pidgin English "Servivice." Much else as well.

[@rickpaton7538]

This was an enjoyable interview but the interviewer seems to be barely able to complete a sentence. Seems like a fine fellow, hopefully it wasn't a sign of mental deterioration.

[@jimlaguardia8185]

It requires a singular insipidity to render a subject as fascinating as Eisenhower this boring.

[@GH-oi2jf]

Jim LaGuardia - Too intellectual for you, I guess.

[@BradWatsonMiami]

The Soviets had great respect and gratitude to General Eisenhower. After Ike left the White House, Khrushchev tested JFK with missiles in Cuba. The Cold War's been over for years and now Donald Trump 666 and the RepubliCONs are in bed with Putin and the Russians. Ike wouldn't approve of our unholy leadership.

[@bouffant-girl]

General and President Eisenhower gave the communists nightmares, and stomach ulcers!

[@raybarry4307]

The presenter is terrible in asking questions