Describe and evaluate President Eisenhower’s policy regarding Joseph McCarthy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_McCarthy#McCarthy_and_Eisenhower
President Dwight D. Eisenhower's policy regarding Senator Joseph McCarthy can be described as cautious and strategic. Eisenhower was elected in 1952, during the height of the McCarthy era, characterized by McCarthy's relentless pursuit of alleged communists within the U.S. government. To evaluate Eisenhower's policy, we can look at three key aspects: his public statements, his behind-the-scenes actions, and the ultimate outcome.
1. Public Statements: Eisenhower was careful in his public criticism of McCarthy, as he did not want to be seen as aligning with communists or undermining the anticommunist cause. Instead, he tried to maintain a balancing act by highlighting the importance of investigating subversion while cautioning against excesses. For example, in a speech in 1953, Eisenhower emphasized the need for "loyalty and courage" but warned against "any conduct or reputation or association which is stamped... by unfairness or intolerance."
2. Behind-the-Scenes Actions: While Eisenhower did not directly confront McCarthy publicly, he took steps behind the scenes to undermine his influence. For instance, Eisenhower appointed moderate Republicans to key positions, such as Attorney General Herbert Brownell Jr., who actively worked to limit McCarthy's reach. Eisenhower also made efforts to distance himself from McCarthy by avoiding one-on-one meetings with him and not attending his public hearings.
3. Outcome: Eisenhower's strategy ultimately proved successful in diminishing McCarthy's influence. The Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954, which exposed McCarthy's bullying tactics, led to a decline in public support for him. Soon after, the Senate passed a resolution to censure McCarthy, effectively ending his witch hunt.
Overall, Eisenhower's policy towards McCarthy can be seen as calculated, aiming to strike a balance between acknowledging the threat of communism and ensuring that McCarthy's methods did not exceed acceptable limits. While some criticized Eisenhower for not taking more decisive action against McCarthy, his cautious approach ultimately helped bring an end to the McCarthy era and contributed to a restoration of public confidence.