Hand-corrected typed draft of a campaign speech prepared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in support of the Nixon-Lodge ticket in the 1960 presidential race, four pages, 8.5 x 14, no date but circa October 1960. Eisenhower's hand-corrected draft of a speech in favor of Richard Nixon and Henry Cabot Lodge, in part (with Eisenhower's corrections in brackets): "On November 8th the voters of America will choose the next President of the United States. [For] the years ahead, your President—and my President, too—must be a man capable of calm decision in the midst of [perplexity]. A man neither intimidated by selfish pressure groups at home nor tyrants abroad. Richard Nixon is such a man. For eight years I have worked closely with him. During these years, [he] has participated with me and [the] high officials in hundreds of important proceedings in the Cabinet, the National Security Council, and [Cabinet Committees]. He has proved himself to be a man with a comprehensive understanding of the problems of our age, and the demands upon the government. He [is highly experienced] in domestic affairs, foreign relations, person-to-person diplomacy, [and Executive functions]…Vice President Nixon's counsel has been [most] invaluable to me. He is dedicated, decisive, [and progressive]. He is a man with character, patience and sound judgment so essential for effective Presidential leadership in the troubled world of tomorrow."
Ike goes on to praise Lodge's service in World War II and as ambassador to the United Nations, before outlining the stakes of the election: "[For these coming years] we need leadership that [has been] forged by experience out of the sterling qualities of character, knowledge, understanding and dedication. We need men who have fought it out with [Communism] in the tough give and take of the forum and the conference room—men who from long experience have learned to recognize and [defeat] each threat, bluff, and blandishment. [In this election] there is far too much at stake to turn to any but the best we can find. I believe that Richard Nixon and Cabot Lodge—and this belief is based on years of close association and cooperation [with them]—have the broadest and deepest preparation for high Executive responsibility of any men I know. I'm going to vote for them on November 8th because I believe that they represent, [best], the kind of leadership we need and want." In fine condition. Accompanied by a carbon copy typescript of the completed speech, incorporating Eisenhower's revisions.
