“More to Induce Than Demand”: Eisenhower and Congress

Abstract

This article offers a fresh interpretation of Dwight Eisenhower's legislative presidency. Often viewed as passive or naïve in his dealings with Congress, and as a patsy for Democratic Senate leader Lyndon B. Johnson, Eisenhower was in reality shrewd and effective, as his high level of success on the legislative front attests. Eisenhower used various tools in his leadership kit to accomplish his ends, including regular meetings with legislators of both parties to discuss his program; a willingness to meet the political opposition at least part way toward his objectives; readiness to explain his priorities through regular press conferences and also in private meetings with political barons in the Congress; and a determination to play hardball if necessary, with those who were sought to block his initiatives in whole or part. Far from being an “auto-pilot” president when it came to dealings with Congress, Eisenhower was active along various tracks; the results of his efforts speak for themselves.