I've often wondered about the relationships between former
Presidents; of either party; with one another after they have left office. Next
to retired Five Star generals; like Eisenhower; ex-Presidents are one of the
more unusual occupations leading to retirement. How do they keep in touch with
one another? Have they always done so? And what do they talk about? This book
is a wonderful insight into just that question.
Beginning with President Truman, who wanted to do a proper “turnover”
of command with Eisenhower; who was snubbed by the General; the authors have
done a very credible and organized job in presenting the story of the few men
who have led our nation; in war and peace; and how their relationships have
often helped to shape foreign policy and world opinion.
I have to confess that I originally picked this book up with
an interest in only the Truman-Eisenhower feud. I wasn't expecting to read the
entire thing, but found myself drawn in deeper with each chapter. I was
fascinated by the whole Truman-Eisenhower affair; as I knew I would be; but I
was also pleasantly surprised at the author’s ability to maintain my interest
beyond that.
Briefly put, the Truman-Eisenhower feud began when General
Eisenhower criticized; for political reasons; his ex- Commander General
Marshall, who was a friend of President Truman’s and ex-President Hoover.
Although the plan to feed Europe was known as the “Marshall Plan”, it was
really the brainchild of former President Hoover, who had done this very thing
once before, after the First World War, when he was Secretary of Commerce. His humility
drove his desire to not have his name associated with the plan, so the honor
went to General Marshall, who implemented it. Remember that Hoover; like Ike;
was a Republican. But he was also friends with Truman, and together the two
formed the President’s Club on the very day of Eisenhower’s inauguration in
1953. It wouldn't be long until Eisenhower joined the club, his ongoing feud
with Truman notwithstanding.
As I've said, this was the most interesting part of the book
for me, as I have wondered about the relationship between the two for many
years; and through many books; without ever having read such a complete and
informative account as I have in this book. The feud between the two men came
to an abrupt end on the day John Kennedy was buried. Eisenhower had learned
that Truman was staying at Blair House, across from the White House, and in the
confusion no one had bothered to provide him with transportation to the funeral
of the slain President. It was Eisenhower who phoned Blair House and made
arrangements for Truman to ride with him to the funeral. The last time they had
ridden together was in 1953, on the way to Ike’s inauguration. During that
entire ride they had not spoken to one another at all. But by the end of this
day, in 1963, the two would be friends again for the rest of their lives.
It would be easy for the sitting President’s to blame many
of their current troubles on their predecessors, and to some extent, that is
what the club is there to prevent. All of the former Presidents agree that a
show of national unity; rather than an adherence to party loyalty; is the most
important role which they each play after leaving office. Even Presidents Ford
and Carter found common ground, after their terms were over, by dealing with
the Middle East. President Carter even delivered Ford’s eulogy in 2007.
From foreign affairs to politics at home, there are very few
men the sitting President can turn to for advice or counsel. Only a few men
have held the position and know the pitfalls which await each and every move
they might make. At times like these, the Presidents club springs into action,
with telephone calls made in the middle of the night. I can’t help but wonder
at how these conversations begin. In my mind, it goes something like this, “Hello,
Mr. President? This is the President. I hope I didn't wake you. But I need some
advice.”
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