POLITICAL NOTES: Who’s for Whom, Oct. 29, 1956

¶The New York Times, which endorsed Eisenhower in 1952, supported his reelection because1) “there is much in the record of the Eisenhower Administration that is of real and lasting value,” and 2) “it is a matter of major importance that the modernization of the Republican Party … be carried forward another stage under the leadership of Mr. Eisenhower.”

¶The Toledo Blade, pro-Ike in 1952, switched to Stevenson in its first endorsement of a Democratic presidential candidate in its 121-year history. The Arizona Daily Star made a similar switch. The Chicago Defender, leading Midwest Negro daily, declared for Stevenson, as it did in 1952.

¶Mrs. Walter White, widow of the late executive secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and a 1952 Stevenson backer, declared for Ike. So did W. Lee (“Pappy”) O’Daniel. 66, onetime (1939-41) Texas governor, U.S. Senator (1941-49), and lifetime states’-righter.

¶Christianity Today, new interdenominational fortnightly, polled representative Protestant clergymen in all sections of the U.S. on their presidential preference. Results: Eisenhower 85%, Stevenson 11%, undecided 4%. Key reason given by ministers for Ike: “Personal stature.”