Susan Eisenhower

“other presidential strategy that might have worked as effectively, noted Fred Greenstein. Ike was bitterly criticized for failing to take McCarthy on directly, but Eisenhower’s refusal to do so in this case was based on his belief that it would have produced counterproductive results.40 The president knew he had been the one holding the cards. He had the power over the thing McCarthy had most deeply desired—to engage Eisenhower in this circus, thus legitimizing his own status as an important leader while raising himself and his shameful shenanigans to the level of a coequal branch of government. Eisenhower’s approach eventually ended McCarthy’s power, and in that process, avoided the senator tarnishing and belittling the very office of the presidency itself.”
― Susan Eisenhower, How Ike Led: The Principles Behind Eisenhower's Biggest Decisions