National Trends

It looks as though the Republican Party’s right wing will muff its big chance. Mr. Eisenhower’s tragic illness has had a number of consequences, one of which was to give a new lease to Republican conservatives. Last summer this group was finished as an important political force—and knew it. But now trepidation and misguided notions about what constitutes “good taste,” keep them from exploiting their advantage.

The momentary immobilization of Republican Liberals furthers the advantage of the conservatives. Until Mr. Eisenhower definitely pulls himself out of the race, the Liberals cannot declare for and promote a candidate. And since the President, apparently, will not announce his intentions until after the first of the year, potential challengers have two months, probably more, to get their campaigns on the road.

LB

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L. Brent Bozell Jr.

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Presidential Election

It looks as though the Republican Party’s right wing will muff its big chance. Mr. Eisenhower’s tragic illness has had a number of consequences, one of which was to give a new lease to Republican conservatives. Last summer this group was finished as an important political force—and knew it. But now trepidation and misguided notions about what constitutes “good taste,” keep them from exploiting their advantage.

The momentary immobilization of Republican Liberals furthers the advantage of the conservatives. Until Mr. Eisenhower definitely pulls himself out of the race, the Liberals cannot declare for and promote a candidate. And since the President, apparently, will not announce his intentions until after the first of the year, potential challengers have two months, probably more, to get their campaigns on the road.