Cherington, Schlesinger Jr. Talk Presidential Politics

Two politically active profesors recently gave their views on the common primary campaigns, and also explained their own political faith.

General Dwight D. Elsenhower's chances for nomination by the Republican party are "no better than even," according to Charles R. Cherington '35, associate professor of Government. The party will have to make inroads on Democratic strength to win he impending presidential election.

"I don't think the Ike boom is catching on as we had hoped." he states. Taft appeals to party regulars, but "if Ike gets the nomination, he'll win."

Without Eisenhower the Republicans will have a lot of trouble winning. Cherington said, and they would be more likely to win with Earl Warren or "a person like Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr."

The Democrats are much stronger, he believes, than many think. They have a "reservoir of power" in the lower income groups. Instead of gaining influence among these groups, the Republicans have been "taking too much time shaking hands with themselves." Expanding this statement, Cherington says that the G.O.P. has been "mouthing the old cliches" and saying in effect, "Vote for us, because we're right."

Why is Cherington a Republican? "I was born one," he answers. In a more serious tone, he adds, "The Republican party is the guardian of our conservative tradition." Within its ranks is included a "considerable spectrum" of views.

Some are "tactical reactionaries," he said and mentioned Senator Capehart, Congressman Martin, and ex-president Herbert Hoover. "Taft is on the borderline of reaction." Liberals in the party include Senators Morse, Ailken, Lodge, and Tobey. "I am a liberal Republican," he affirms.

Cherington freely admits that he voted for Roosevelt in '32, '36, and '40, but for Dewey in '44. Now he says, "I don't plan to bolt the party this time. I'm going to get out and work for the ticket."

Governor Adlai Stevenson of Illinois will win the presidential election if he runs, feels Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. '38, associate professor of History. The Democratic party has advanced a policy safeguarding personal liberty while settling up social security benefits.

"Truman honestly wants to retire, and if he thinks Stevenson has enough strength, he will retire," Schlesinger states. Stevenson would bring "all the advantages of a change in administration and none of the risks."

"I think Stevenson could beat any Republican, including Elsenhower," he says emphatically. Stevenson has had experiences as an assistant secretary of state, in the U.N., and has done a remarkable job in Illinois, he explained.

"Truman could best Taft. As a matter of fact, any liberal Democrat could best Taft. A battle between Truman and Eisenhower would be close, but I think Ike would win," Schlesinger declares.

Why is he a Democrat? "It is the only party in my life-time that has put forth a sensible domestic and foreign policy". He explains that although the G.O.P. fought the New Deal, the Republicans now embrace many of its tenets. The Republican party is the "party of the business community," he volunteers.

The Democratic program has insured both freedom and a "tolerable amount of social security". It is far better than either socialism or Republican laissez faire, he thinks.