Watching the broadcast from a campaign stop in Cleveland, Eisenhower was furious. But although Nixon had disobeyed him by not offering to resign, Ike had to grant his running mate some respect for fighting. At the end of the speech Eisenhower strode out onto the stage of the Cleveland Public Hall, where 15,000 people had been waiting to hear his previously scheduled address. The audience had just heard Nixon’s broadcast through the loudspeaker, and the atmosphere in the hall was electric. Eisenhower knew he had little choice but to offer praise for Nixon. “I have been a warrior and I like
...more
