Nixon drew praise in the press for being a good team player during Eisenhower’s illness, yet it also became clear that he had no serious role to play in the administration. Nixon was superfluous. Eisenhower, with his sixth sense for picking winners and losers, understood this. During his long recovery he spent many hours wondering if Nixon could fill his shoes. His conclusion: decidedly not. Nixon was able, loyal, hardworking, devoted, but he was not ready to be president.
