As president, Dwight Eisenhower nationalized a tepid Christianity, not only meeting with preachers regularly (Billy Graham in particular), but also becoming the first president to be baptized in office—two weeks after being sworn in. In another presidential first, at his 1953 inauguration, Eisenhower wrote and read his own prayer for his inaugural speech.17 The lead float in his inaugural parade was dubbed “God’s Float.” It featured churches and the slogans “In God We Trust” and “Freedom of Worship.”18 This inaugural piety set the tone for Eisenhower’s entire administration. He opened each
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