The Campaign

The GOP at San Francisco

Republicans are usually less spectacular than Democrats in their intramural disagreements. It seems likely that the convention in San Francisco will be well-controlled. Barring acts of God, the Eisenhower-Nixon ticket should be nominated in the most polite steamroller manner. It will be an “open” convention in the sense that a reasonable amount of free speech will be permitted, but Joe Martin, a robust man with the gavel, will preserve decorum, and run the show the way the President wants it. This does not mean that Mr. Stassen will be deprived of his big moment. Although he is not a delegate, and therefore not entitled to speak (or to anything except a seat in the gallery), the management will waive the technicalities so that he may sing the praises of Governor Herter and place his name in nomination for the Vice Presidency. Mr. Nixon’s friends will also be articulate. The gallery can be depended upon for the incidental music of cheers and boos. After the convention, after the tumult and the shouting, some delegates may wonder whether it was worth the travel to ratify a fait accompli.

SJ

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Sam M. Jones

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San Francisco

The GOP at San Francisco

Republicans are usually less spectacular than Democrats in their intramural disagreements. It seems likely that the convention in San Francisco will be well-controlled. Barring acts of God, the Eisenhower-Nixon ticket should be nominated in the most polite steamroller manner. It will be an “open” convention in the sense that a reasonable amount of free speech will be permitted, but Joe Martin, a robust man with the gavel, will preserve decorum, and run the show the way the President wants it. This does not mean that Mr. Stassen will be deprived of his big moment. Although he is not a delegate, and therefore not entitled to speak (or to anything except a seat in the gallery), the management will waive the technicalities so that he may sing the praises of Governor Herter and place his name in nomination for the Vice Presidency. Mr. Nixon’s friends will also be articulate. The gallery can be depended upon for the incidental music of cheers and boos. After the convention, after the tumult and the shouting, some delegates may wonder whether it was worth the travel to ratify a fait accompli.