Truman's Unpopularity.

Truman did not run for reelection in 1952, his approval ratings in the Gallup poll having dropped to a dismal 30 percent. To test his voter appeal, Truman had placed his name on the New Hampshire ballot during the Democratic primaries, but he was defeated by Sen. Estes Kefauver of Tennessee. The defeat was a particularly humiliating one for an incumbent president. Americans were tired of the Korean War, continued inflation, and the kind of pork-barrel government spending that many associated with twenty years of Democratic leadership. Truman's political clout had been further undermined by Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his cronies, whose sensational charges that the Defense Department was harboring Communists were grabbing headlines and politicizing a fearful population.

Rough Politicking and Brave Campaigns.

The Republicans successfully drafted Eisenhower to head up their presidential ticket. Ike's promises to clean up government, balance the...