The election of 1952 was one of the most pivotal contests in modern American politics. After two decades of Democratic control, the Republicans seized their chance to return to the White House. With the Korean War dragging on, corruption scandals tarnishing the Truman administration, and Cold War tensions rising, voters were eager for new leadership. Into this atmosphere stepped a decorated World War II hero, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who faced Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson in a race that would reshape the balance of power in Washington.
Truman’s Time in Office
As noted in the election of 1948, President Harry S. Truman achieved one of the greatest upsets in election history to retain his position as commander-in-chief. However, Truman’s second term was fraught with difficulties.
His administration faced corruption scandals, and his approval ratings plummeted after the 1952 steel strike. Truman’s executive actions to handle the strike were deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer.
The Korean War was another significant challenge. North Korean forces invaded South Korea in 1950, and despite UN approval for military intervention, the conflict reached a stalemate. Truman’s decision to fire General Douglas MacArthur over strategic disagreements further damaged his approval rating, which sank to 66% disapproval.
Despite successes such as his Fair Deal policies, the creation of the CIA, backing universal healthcare, and pushing for racial integration, Truman’s chances for re-election looked bleak. Though the newly enacted 22nd Amendment limiting presidents to two terms did not apply to him, he decided against running again.
Governor Adlai Stevenson
With Truman stepping aside, the Democratic Party scrambled to find a nominee. Several names circulated, including Hubert Humphrey, Richard Russell, Averell Harriman, Robert Kerr, and even Vice President Alben Barkley, though Barkley’s age (73) worked against him.
The man Truman quietly hoped for was Adlai Stevenson II, Governor of Illinois and grandson of Grover Cleveland’s 1892 running mate. Stevenson initially declined, wanting to focus on his governorship, but as the convention was hosted in Illinois, his rousing speech persuaded delegates. He accepted the nomination.
Stevenson’s running mate was Alabama Senator John Sparkman, chosen to balance the ticket geographically. However, Sparkman’s pro-segregation stance risked alienating Northern voters.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower
Meanwhile, the Republicans were divided between moderates and conservatives. The moderate wing, led by former New York Governor Thomas Dewey, sought to prevent conservatives from controlling the party.
Eisenhower, initially reluctant, was persuaded by the Draft Eisenhower Movement and finally entered the race. His main rival was conservative Ohio Senator Robert Taft. After a bruising convention battle, Eisenhower narrowly secured the nomination.
To appease conservatives, the GOP paired Eisenhower with California Senator Richard Nixon, known for his fierce anti-Communist stance.
Nixon and the Checkers Speech
Nixon nearly derailed the ticket when reports surfaced of a private fund allegedly used for personal expenses. Eisenhower considered dropping him, but Nixon fought back.
In a nationally broadcast address, Nixon defended himself, listing his modest finances and famously vowing to keep one gift—his dog, Checkers—for his children. The “Checkers Speech” saved Nixon’s spot and endeared him to many Americans.
Campaigns and Television Politics
Eisenhower’s campaign emphasized his role as a war hero, promises to end the Korean War, and commitments to fighting corruption and Communism. Nixon’s sharp attacks on Stevenson reinforced the Republican message.
Stevenson, though intelligent and witty, was painted as an aloof “egghead.” He criticized Republican infighting and positioned himself as Truman’s natural successor—but struggled to connect with ordinary voters.
The 1952 election also marked a turning point in campaign strategy with the rise of television. Eisenhower embraced modern advertising with catchy slogans like “I Like Ike,” while Stevenson relied more on traditional speeches and radio.
Results of the Election of 1952
Dwight D. Eisenhower won a landslide victory, capturing 442 electoral votes and 55.2% of the popular vote. Adlai Stevenson won only 89 electoral votes and 44.3% of the popular vote. Eisenhower flipped 39 of 48 states, including several Democratic strongholds in the South.
Outro: From Truman’s Upset to Ike’s Triumph
Just four years after Truman’s stunning upset in the election of 1948, the Democrats found themselves fractured and unpopular, paving the way for Eisenhower’s decisive 1952 victory. For the first time since 1928, the Republicans reclaimed the White House—and with Eisenhower’s popularity, the political landscape was set for a new era. Next up in the series: the election of 1956, where Eisenhower would test his popularity once more.
