Word: stevensonism
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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...decision was his own. It was the result of several listless weeks in Washington, weeks which Stevenson spent preparing memoranda and submitting them to departments actually uninterested in what he had to say. Official Washington's tone was set by Sherman Adams's incredible remark that Adlai Stevenson was brought to the capital not because of his intelligence, but because the people seemed to want it. He was window-dressing...
...Eisenhower's Washington there appears to be a lack of immediacy, a thick-skinned obliviousness to time and urgent demands for leadership. Stevenson was unsure, after a conference with the President, whether he had been invited to Paris or not. Press Secretary Hagerty had to confirm the fact. The President seemed unaware of any partisan pressure on Stevenson, or, for that matter, any real necessity for decision...
...Stevenson in Europe for the NATO meeting would have given some prestige to the American delegation; he is remembered there as a wise and temperate man. Stevenson in Europe would have reassured those Americans who have serious doubts about the Eisenhower-Dulles foreign policy. And most important, Stevenson in Europe might have introduced some political and economic dimensions for what promises to be a strictly military conference...
...didn't he go? The question can best be answered by the man himself. At Paris, Stevenson could not have spoken for himself without appearing to stab the American delegation in the back. He could not have kept silent without implying tacit assent and wordless blessing to policies he did not conceive and did not believe in. At the present time, Stevenson is a political dead man. While more ambitious Democrats pursue more prudent courses, he may speak his mind on American foreign policy. To have gone to Europe would have compromised this new role as a responsible critic...
These are the things which Adlai Stevenson can say to the American nation, to those who voted for him and to the many more who are now ready to listen. Indeed, these are the things which he has an obligation to say. His words this time will have an audience...