Mulling it over in his diary on February 23, Eisenhower recorded prophetic views about MacArthur: “He is doing a good job where he is, but I’m doubtful that he’ll do so well in more complicated situations. Bataan is made to order for him. It’s in the public eye; it has made him a public hero; it has all the essentials of drama; and he is the acknowledged king on the spot. If brought out, public opinion will force him into a position where his love of the limelight may ruin him.”
