Liberal Republicans Look to ’64

The “All-Republican Conference” at Gettysburg June 30th undoubtedly produced one thing—a prize political blunder on General Eisenhower’s part. It was at this “unity” session that the General gave his unwitting endorsement to Advance, a slick mouthpiece of modern Republicanism.

There under the blue and white tent Ike praised the little known publication (“I have read at least one of its copies containing a piece ‘Advice and Dissent.’… I would commend it to each of you….”), calling attention specifically to its March issue which had thoroughly blasted the Republican leadership in Congress. And there under the same blue and white tent sat Senator Everett Dirksen and Representative Charles Halleck whom Advance had pelted as “comic relief… intellectual paupers… humorous… fat and choleric… leaders [who] are not leading.” Eisenhower has since reversed himself on Advance, but the story behind his endorsement of the magazine bears telling.

GH

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George F. Hobart

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Presidential Election

The “All-Republican Conference” at Gettysburg June 30th undoubtedly produced one thing—a prize political blunder on General Eisenhower’s part. It was at this “unity” session that the General gave his unwitting endorsement to Advance, a slick mouthpiece of modern Republicanism.

There under the blue and white tent Ike praised the little known publication (“I have read at least one of its copies containing a piece ‘Advice and Dissent.’… I would commend it to each of you….”), calling attention specifically to its March issue which had thoroughly blasted the Republican leadership in Congress. And there under the same blue and white tent sat Senator Everett Dirksen and Representative Charles Halleck whom Advance had pelted as “comic relief… intellectual paupers… humorous… fat and choleric… leaders [who] are not leading.” Eisenhower has since reversed himself on Advance, but the story behind his endorsement of the magazine bears telling.