David and Julie Nixon Eisenhower: "Going Home to Glory"
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2010-12-14/david-and-julie-nixon-eisenhower-going-home-glory
He was the legendary commander of the allied forces of World War II and a two-term president during a time of peace and prosperity. Millions around the world knew him simply as Ike. Now, his only grandson offers a unique perspective on Dwight Eisenhower’s life after he left the white house in 1961 until his death at Walter Reed Hospital in 1969. Historian David Eisenhower reflects on the kind of person his grandfather was. With his wife, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, he has written a new book shedding light on the relationship between Ike and his successors, his influence on politics during his retirement and their personal reflections on one of the 20th century's great leaders.
Guests
David Eisenhower
Director of the Institute for Public Service at the Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "Eisenhower at War."
Julie Nixon Eisenhower
author of "Special People" and "Pat Nixon"
Comments
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David's comment that the Eisenhower administration had similar ideas to Ronald Reagen has an apparent inconsistency. What would David think about Reagen's often quoted comment: "Its not that government has a problem. The Government IS the problem"
My father Scott McLeod served as an ambassador in Ikes second term and as an under secretary of state in his first term.
I have been saying for years that I am an Eisenhower Republican - I can't wait to read this book
This was such an amazing show. Thank you! I listened while mopping my floors today. I wish everyone in my generation (I'm a 37 year old mother of 4) would listen to it. I grew up disillusioned with government and to this day hate how cynical we all remain. What you all described in this interview is what drew me so strongly during the Obama campaign, the idea that we could come together and have a positive country again, that we could believe in something and not be so snarky all the time. It saddens me where we are now. Can we ever go back? Personally I blame news organizations that pump dissatisfaction and mistrust and ugliness like an IV into our veins (and everyone who sits there and allows themselves to be "pumped" with it). We turned them off long ago, from both "wings". I wish everyone would, all at the same time! Well, my point was to thank you for the show. For an hour I felt great about our country and the possibilities.
In contrasting the booming US economy of the Eisenhower period to our current faltering national financial state, Mr. Eisenhower and Ms. Nixon-Eisenhower pointed out that jobs in the '50's were plentiful, despite a marginal top tax rate of 91%, and that employers (and politicians) possessed an exuberant sense of "duty" to the country and its citizens that isn't seen today.
One contributing factor to 1950's US prosperity that perhaps should be discussed is the nearly complete absence of global economic competition in that era.
The economies and means of production of essentially all major global competitors had been decimated by the Second World War.
The United States was the sole major exporting nation of the world at that time, which isn't the case today.
Diane, thank you for sharing the words of sincerity, wisdom, and concern from Bob in Indianapolis. Few words could express appreciation to David and Julie any better.
"I like Ike"
David and Julie, I was born in 1947. I am typing this email through tears of respect for Ike. After listening to you guys analyze the past and present with so much insight and knowledge. I'm inspired by my memories of the balance and wisdom of Ike. He lives on through you. More importantly you were willing to help us remember. Hopefully your efforts will throw more balance into the current political discussion.
Complications watches into the darkness A new documentary is shedding light,