Questions on the Future of the Presidency

March 18, 1960: Columnist James Reston explores President Eisenhower’s refusal to intervene in the dispute over segregated lunch counters in the South and what his philosophy signifies for the next president. Reston says, “President Eisenhower believes with great sincerity that the 'active, reformist' concept of the presidency has gone too far. As he told the reporters yesterday: 'I am one of those who believes there is too much interference (by the federal government) in our private affairs. I would like to diminish rather than increase it.' ”

LEFT

Comments

[Andy]

Mr. Eisenhower did not support the "constitutional right' of a Negro to eat in a privately owned establishment?

Amazing.

[MichaelRyerson]

For all his strengths and he had many, he was on the wrong side of history here. Of course he had plenty of company in the Republican Party.