Kenneth (kensmind) wrote in potus_geeks,
Kenneth
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Harry and Ike Make Nice

Throughout their political career, Presidents Harry Truman abnd Dwight Eisenhower maintained a somewhat adversarial relationship. At first Truman admired Eisenhower and was even willing to step aside to let Ike run for President, provided that he ran as a Democrat. But when Eisenhower ran as a Republican in 1952, Truman had nothing good to say about him. Eisenhower too was critical of Truman, especially of Truman's decision to drop the atom bomb on Japan.



However, according to author Matthew Algeo in his book Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip, the two men made their peace. They did so following the funeral of President John F. Kennedy. Algeo writes, at page 222:



Harry flew to Washington to attend President Kennedy's funeral. Eisenhower was there too, and the two old adversaries ended up sharing the same limousine to the graveside services at Arlington National Cemetery. Margaret Truman, Daniel and Mamie Eisenhower rode with them. (Bess wasn't feeling well, so she stayed home.) They discussed whether Kennedy's assassination was the work of a conspiracy or a lone gunman. They agreed it was most likely the latter.

After the service, Margaret invited the Eisenhowers to join her and her father for lunch at the Blair House where they were staying. Ike and Mamie accepted the invitation. Sandwiches were served, along with coffee and perhaps something stronger. For an hour, Harry and Ike chatted amiably, reminiscing about old battles, political and otherwise.

"I thought it would never end," recalled Admiral Ronald Dennison, a White House aide who was also there, "but it was really heart-warming. You'd think there had never been any differences between them. It was really wonderful."

When it was time for Eisenhower to go, Harry and Margaret walked them to their car. The two former presidents chatted some more. Then they shook hands, "a long lingering silen handshake" according to one account. Margaret kissed Ike on the cheek, Mamie kissed Harry.

Harry and Ike made peace, though they would never see each other again.


Tags: dwight d. eisenhower, harry s. truman, presidential bios
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