American Voices

Address Before the General Assembly of the United Nations on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy, New York City - Eisenhower states that he must speak in the 'new language of atomic warfare.' He outlines the fears of the nuclear age before expressing the desire to make nuclear material available for peaceful purposes.

Address at Annual Dinner of the American Society of Newspaper Editors - President Eisenhower's speech before the American Society of Newspaper Editors focuses on the threat of communism. As in many other speeches, Eisenhower stresses the role of the United States in ensuring freedom's survival. He feels that economically-troubled nations may turn to communism because of a lack of hope, and that the US must assist them, sometimes on a long-term basis. He wonders whether the death of Joseph Stalin has had any effect on the Soviet state, or not.

Address at Eisenhower Day Dinner given by the Citizens for Eisenhower Congressional Committee for the District of Colombia - Eisenhower gives a speech in support of Republican candidates for Congress. He mentions the end of the Korean War and other aspects of foreign policy, but focuses on domestic issues and the need for a Republican-controlled Congress.

Address at Transylvania College, Lexington, Kentucky - President Eisenhower delivers a speech that, though it first seems to be about religion, is really about the fight against communism. He calls the American political system a 'translation...of a deeply-felt religious faith.' Besides communism in southeast Asia, Eisenhower goes on to discuss nuclear weapons.

Address at the Centennial Celebration Banquet of the National Education Association - In this speech, President Eisenhower speaks to the importance of education in American society. He describes Abraham Lincoln's boyhood experiences as well as his promotion of land grant colleges. Eisenhower also calls attention to the difficult job teachers must do and states that Federal money should be used to build new schools.

Address at the Colombia University National Bicentennial Dinner, New York City - President Eisenhower concludes his speech at the Columbia University National Bicentennial Dinner. Eisenhower was president of Columbia from 1948-1953. He continues his evaluation of problems between communist and capitalist countries. He touches on Korea, Germany, Austria, and nuclear weapons. The theme of Columbia's Bicentennial was 'Man's right to knowledge and the free use thereof.'

Address at the Columbia University National Bicentennial Dinner, New York City - President Eisenhower delivers a speech at the Columbia University National Bicentennial Dinner. Eisenhower was president of Columbia from 1948-1953. Eisenhower begins his speech by discussing the freedom of exchange of ideas, echoing the sentiments of Thomas Jefferson. By the end of this part of the recording, Eisenhower relates this concern for freedom to the fight against communism, 'the atheistic philosophy of materialism.' Eisenhower describes two tenants of American policy: building a cooperative peace and strengthening America. The theme of Columbia's Bicentennial was 'Man's right to knowledge and the free use thereof.'

Address to the Members of the Canadian Houses of Parliament - President Eisenhower delivers a speech focused on trade relations between the United States and Canada. He addresses many of the things that the two countries have in common or have done together. For example, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Distant Early Warning Line, and defense against communism. After that, Eisenhower tries to calm Canadian fears about United States trade policies. He is certain that the two countries 'will find acceptable solutions' to the problems arising from their differences. More specifically, Eisenhower discusses a wheat surplus, trade between the two nations and with the world at large, oil, quotas and tariffs, investment, and the Reciprocal Trade Agreements program.

Dwight D. Eisenhower Addresses the Nation Regarding the Progress of the Republican Administration - Address to the nation reviewing the progress of the Republican administration during the 1956 presidential campaign emanating from Washington D.C.

Dwight Eisenhower Reports on NATO and Possible Nuclear Disarmament Agreement - Dwight Eisenhower reports, with John Foster Dulles, on NATO, and the possibility of a nuclear disarmament agreement with the Soviets.

Eisenhower Addresses the American Society of Newspaper Editors in a Speech Concerning Peace - President Eisenhower speaks of peace in the world following World War II. He talks about the new leadership in the Soviet Union (this being shortly after the death of Stalin), and of possibilities for peace in Korea and for the nations of Eastern Europe to govern themselves in any way they see fit. He talks about the costs of improving military strength in terms of the money that is being taken away from other public projects such as schools and power plants, and he expresses a desire to enter into arms limitation treaties with the Soviet Union.

Eisenhower Addresses the Little Rock Situation - From the executive office of the White House, Dwight D. Eisenhower speaks about the situation in Little Rock, in which disorderly mobs had deliberately prevented the carrying out of lawful orders from a federal court by barring the entrance of nine African American students to Central High School. Eisenhower speaks of how he issued orders for the mobs to be dispersed. He explains federal intervention as necessary in light of the inability of local authorities to enforce the judicial decree.

Eisenhower Appeals to the Soviet Union for a Commitment to Peace - President Eisenhower, shortly after the death of Joseph Stalin, delivers an appeal to the new leadership of the Soviet Union to commit themselves to peace. Cold war rhetoric dominates the speech. For example, Eisenhower states that 'the United States and our valued friends, the other free nations, chose one road. The leaders of the Soviet Union chose another.' Among other things, Eisenhower calls on the Soviet Union to agree to disarmament.

Eisenhower Discusses the Explorer III and Space Exploration in General - Eisenhower discusses with scientists the Explorer III imperfect orbit and space exploration in general.

Eisenhower Expresses Confidence in the U.S. During Recession - Excerpt from news conference by Dwight Eisenhower. Eisenhower expresses confidence in the country during the recession.

Eisenhower Speaks Against New Government Work Projects - Excerpts of Eisenhower's speech against new government work projects to aid fighting the recession.

Eisenhower Speaks Upon His Return from Geneva - Eisenhower's statement made upon his return from a summit conference in Geneva.

Eisenhower Talks about Secretary Benson and the Farm Problem - Excerpt from a news conference by President Eisenhower. Eisenhower talks about Secretary Benson and the farm problem.

Eisenhower's - The "clean bomb" press conference.

Eisenhower's Farewell Address to the Nation - Eisenhower's farewell address to the nation reviewing his eight years as president.

Eisenhower's Inaugural Address - This is a recording of President Eisenhower's first inaugural address. The recording begins with the swearing in of Vice President Richard Nixon and a prayer read by the Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver. Then, Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson swears in Eisenhower and Eisenhower reads his speech, which begins with a short prayer for God's aid. The speech touches on the threat of nuclear war and of communism, as well as America's leadership role. After the speech, the Most Reverend Henry K. Sherrill reads the benediction.

Eisenhower's Inaugural Address - Eisenhower's inaugural address.

Eisenhower's Second Inaugural Address - Eisenhower's second inaugural address.

Eisenhower's Speech at SHAPE Headquarters - Eisenhower's speech while revisiting SHAPE Headquarters.

Inauguration ceremonies of President Eisenhower and Vice-President Richard Nixon - Inauguration ceremonies of President Eisenhower and Vice-President Richard Nixon

News conference by Dwight Eisenhower on the re-nomination of Richard M. Nixon - News conference held in San Francisco by Dwight Eisenhower on the occasion of the re-nomination of Richard M. Nixon.

President Eisenhower Addresses New Soviet Leadership - President Eisenhower, shortly after the death of Joseph Stalin, delivers an appeal to the new leadership of the Soviet Union to commit themselves to peace. Cold war rhetoric dominates the speech. For example, Eisenhower states that 'the United States and our valued friends, the other free nations, chose one road. The leaders of the Soviet Union chose another.' Among other things, Eisenhower calls on the Soviet Union to agree to disarmament.

President Eisenhower Speaks on Amending Section 407 of the Civil Rights Bill - Eisenhower's remarks on amending Section 407 of the Civil Rights Bill.

President Eisenhower's News Conference of July 3, 1957 - After an announcement stating that more U-235 will be made available for peaceful purposes, President Eisenhower takes questions from reporters. Topics include civil rights legislation, the presidential campaign of 1960, wage and price increases, disarmament, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), an alleged murder committed by American Army specialist William McOsler, a single supply agency for the armed forces, basic physical training for servicemen, building a clean bomb, integration, voting rights, the Supreme Court, US policy toward France and Algeria, the budget, cost of living increases, and the Middle East.

President Eisenhower's News Conference of August 7, 1957 - President Eisenhower takes questions from reporters. Many are concerned with a pending civil rights bill. Eisenhower says that the won't comment on whether he will veto the bill until the bill is before him; he refers reporters to a statement that he made on August 2. Other topics include possible staff changes, unions, the behavior of the Congress, Walter Jodok Kohler, Jr.'s campaign for governor, Eisenhower's acceptance of gifts, an equal rights amendment, the Girard Case, immigration law, disarmament, Mamie Eisenhower's health, a clean bomb, and Eisenhower's relationship with Marshal Georgi Konstantinovich Zhukov.

President Eisenhower's News Conference of August 7, 1957 - President Eisenhower takes questions from reporters. Many are concerned with a pending civil rights bill. Eisenhower says that he won't comment on whether he will veto the bill until the bill is before him; he refers reporters to a statement that he made on August 2. Other topics include possible staff changes, unions, the behavior of the Congress, Walter Jodok Kohler, Jr.'s campaign for governor, Eisenhower's acceptance of gifts, an equal rights amendment, the Girard Case, immigration law, disarmament, Mamie Eisenhower's health, a clean bomb, and Eisenhower's relationship with Marshal Georgi Konstantinovich Zhukov.

President Eisenhower's News Conference of February 8, 1956 - President Eisenhower takes questions from reporters. Topics include Eisenhower's soon-to-be-announced decision to run for a second term, concerns about Eisenhower's health, Chief Justice Earl Warren's possible candidacy, campaign contributions, installment credit, Eisenhower's continuing correspondence with Premier Bulganin of the Soviet Union, import quotas, integration, voting rights for District of Columbia residents, the arms race (particularly, guided missiles), a possible insurance contract scandal, a postal rate increase, conflict in the Middle East, and natural gas.

President Eisenhower's News Conference of January 23, 1957 - Shortly after his second inauguration, President Eisenhower takes questions from reporters. Topics include the budget, H-bomb tests, possible meetings with world leaders, possible changes to the Cabinet, the political climate of the Soviet Union, a shift toward 'Modern Republicanism,' the administrations actions and attitude toward the press, spending on domestic programs, dealing with drought, nuclear weapons, labor racketeering, segregation, Hungarian refugees, farm legislation, and deficit spending.

President Eisenhower's News Conference of July 17, 1957 - President Eisenhower takes questions from reporters. Topics include the implications of the civil rights bill, leadership changes in the Soviet Union, the Girard Case, a nuclear stockpile for NATO, adding a scientist to the Cabinet or White House Staff, a possible exchange of visits between Marshal Zhukov and Defense Secretary Wilson, democracy's materialism vs. communism's idealism, the status of the military, and allowing reporters in China.

President Eisenhower's News Conference of July 3, 1957 - After an announcement stating that more U-235 will be made available for peaceful purposes, President Eisenhower takes questions from reporters. Topics include civil rights legislation, the presidential campaign of 1960, wage and price increases, disarmament, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), an alleged murder committed by American Army specialist William McOsler, a single supply agency for the armed forces, basic physical training for servicemen, building a clean bomb, integration, voting rights, the Supreme Court, US policy toward France and Algeria, the budget, cost of living increases, and the Middle East.

President Eisenhower's News Conference of March 7, 1956 - President Eisenhower makes a brief statement about legislation before the Congress and then takes questions from reporters. Topics include whether or not Eisenhower wants Richard Nixon as vice-president for his second term, the way in which Eisenhower's health might affect his campaign for president and his subsequent presidency, the Bricker amendment, arms sales to Saudi Arabia, written exchanges with Premier Nikolay Aleksandrovich Bulganin of the Soviet Union and the Soviet political climate, the dismissal of British Lieutenant General John Bagot Glubb from his post, a possible halt to the production of fissionable materials for war, a future meeting with Mexican and Canadian leaders, and guided missiles.

President Eisenhower's News Conference of May 19, 1954 - Many of the questions of this news conference focus on investigations into alleged communist ties of government officials and the Army/McCarthy hearings. Other topics include civil rights legislation, arms sales to Guatemala 'from behind the Iron Curtain,' the Tennessee Valley Authority, Indochina, adding milk vending machines to government buildings, the 'Buy American Act,' the Southeast Asia Pact, and atomic energy law.

President Eisenhower's News Conference of October 3, 1957 - President Eisenhower takes questions from reporters. Most of the questions are about the integration situation in Little Rock, AR. Eisenhower states that Federal troops will be removed when either Governor Faubus assures him that the orders of the Federal court will not be obstructed, or if peace develops on its own. Eisenhower goes on to emphasize that the troops are there to uphold a Federal court order; the fact that segregation is the issue at hand is 'incidental.' Other topics include corruption in unions, the Middle East, the relationship between religion and government, and the budget.

President Eisenhower's News Conference of October 9, 1957 - President Eisenhower takes questions from reporters. After a reporter asks about the Soviet Union's successful launching of a satellite, Eisenhower describes the timetable for putting a US satellite in orbit. He emphasizes the nonmilitary purpose of the satellite. Most of the questions focus on the US space program and US development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Other topics include: integration in Little Rock and a possible meeting with Marshal Zhukov of the Soviet Union.

President Eisenhower's News Conference of September 30, 1953 - Before questions begin, Eisenhower announces the nomimation of Earl Warren as Chief Justice of the United States. He also expresses resentment at Cardinal Wyszynski of Poland's forced retirement and describes his opposition to a Federal retail sales tax. Eisenhower also speaks at length when asked about the Soviet Union's ability to make a thermonuclear bomb. Other topics from this press conference include leaks to friendly newspapers, the general manufacturer's sales tax and other taxes, an appointment for the Secretary of Labor, an agreement signed with Spain, Eisenhower's possible use of Taft-Hartley injunction powers to stop a strike, relations with Latin America, and integration.

President Eisenhower's Second Inaugural Address - Chief Justice Earl Warren swears in President Eisenhower for his second term in office. In his speech, Eisenhower describes the state of the world and the United States' role in it. He calls international communism 'the divisive force' in the world. He touches on World War II, Germany, Hungary, and citizens of Russia.

Radio and Television Address to the American People Announcing the Signing of the Korean Armistice - President Eisenhower announces the signing of the Korean Armistice. He says, 'we have won an armistice on a single battleground--not peace in the world. We may not now relax our guard nor cease our quest.'

Radio and Television Address to the American People on the State of the Nation - President Eisenhower delivers a speech focusing on certain concerns of the American government and people. He focuses on communism, nuclear weapons, and unemployment.

Radio and Television Report to the American People Regarding the Situation in the Formosa Straits - President Eisenhower delivers an address detailing recent developments in the Formosa Straits, where China had attacked the island of Matsu and was continuing to bombard the island of Quemoy. He places the current Chinese action within a pattern of wider aggression and alludes to the folly of Munich to promote the firm stance he says the United States must take. He also states that the Chinese Communists are working together with the Soviet Union and that diplomatic means of resolving the issues at hand will still be employed.

Radio and television address to the American people on the situation in the Middle East - President Eisenhower outlines the current situation in the Middle East and describes the policy of the United States, in light of recent events. At the time of this speech Israel, which had invaded the Sinai Peninsula, had not yet withdrawn to the armistice line established by the United Nations. Eisenhower calls on Israel to accept United Nations resolutions and tries to assure Israel of their security.

Radio and television address to the American people on the situation in the Middle East - President Eisenhower addresses the nation to explain his reasons for ordering the National Guard to take control of the situation in Little Rock, AR. He states that 'under the leadership of demagogic extremists, disorderly mobs have deliberately prevented the carrying out of proper orders from a Federal Court.' He says that the troops will be removed if resistance to the court order ceases.

Radio and television address to the American people on the situation in the Middle East - President Eisenhower outlines the current situation in the Middle East and describes the policy of the United States, in light of recent events. At the time of this speech Israel, which had invaded the Sinai Peninsula, had not yet withdrawn to the armistice line established by the United Nations. Eisenhower calls on Israel to accept United Nations resolutions and tries to assure Israel of their security.

Radio and television address to the American people on the situation in the Middle East - President Eisenhower addresses the nation to explain his reasons for ordering the National Guard to take control of the situation in Little Rock, AR. He states that 'under the leadership of demagogic extremists, disorderly mobs have deliberately prevented the carrying out of proper orders from a Federal Court.' He says that the troops will be removed if resistance to the court order ceases.

Remarks Recorded for the American Legion 'Back to God' Program, Remarks Recorded for the Opening of the Red Cross Campaign - This recording contains two short speeches of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In the first speech, 'Remarks Recorded for the American Legion 'Back to God' Program,' Eisenhower thanks people for their prayers and states that 'the lowliest amongst us as well as...the mightiest and the highest' possess God-given rights. He goes on to mention the four chaplains who sacrificed themselves on the Dorchester February 3, 1943 as well as those now serving in the Korean War. In the second speech, 'Remarks Recorded for the Opening of the Red Cross Campaign,' Eisenhower calls on Americans to donate money as well as blood.

Remarks at Ceremonies Opening the Islamic Center, Remarks at Presentation Ceremony on Receiving New Army Flag, Remarks to the American Field Service Students, Remarks to Delegates of Boys Nation, Remarks at Ceremony Following Ratification of the Statute o - This file contains a variety of President Eisenhower's short speeches. In 'Remarks at Ceremonies Opening the Islamic Center,' Eisenhower emphasizes U.S. friendship with Islamic nations and the freedom of Muslims to worship in the US. In 'Remarks at Presentation Ceremony on Receiving New Army Flag,' Eisenhower praises the Army. In 'Remarks to the American Field Service Students,' Eisenhower expresses the sentiment that one can learn a lot by visiting a foreign country. In 'Remarks to Delegates of Boys Nation,' Eisenhower hopes that the boys are getting a real-life lesson in government. In 'Remarks at Ceremony Following Ratification of the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency,' Eisenhower states that he hopes the Agency will help unify the world. In 'Remarks to the Delegates of Girls Nation,' Eisenhower says that he feels the girls' visit to Washington will have a lasting impact on their lives. In 'Citation and Remarks at Presentation of the Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Arthur W. Radford,' Eisenhower praises Radford and expresses his appreciation for Radford's service to the United States. In 'Remarks Marking the Opening of National Civil Defense Week,' Eisenhower promotes 'total readiness' as a deterrent to aggression.

Remarks at a Luncheon Meeting of the General Board of the National Council of Churches - Eisenhower delivers a brief speech in which he states that the US government is founded on 'a translation in the political field of a deeply-felt religious faith.' He also praises the Council's emphasis on cooperation.

Remarks at the Dartmouth College Commencement Exercises, Hanover, New Hampshire - Eisenhower calls on students to have the courage to view themselves and the world honestly.

Special message to the Congress on the situation in the Middle East - In this speech before the Congress, President Eisenhower lays out what would come to be known as the 'Eisenhower Doctrine' for the Middle East. The Doctrine is a commitment by the United States to defend Arab states against Communist aggression. He stresses the role of the United Nations in mediating conflict, both in the region and throughout the world. The Doctrine was signed into law on March 9.

Special message to the Congress on the situation in the Middle East - In this speech before the Congress, President Eisenhower lays out what would come to be known as the 'Eisenhower Doctrine' for the Middle East. The Doctrine is a commitment by the United States to defend Arab states agains Communist aggression. He stresses the role of the United Nations in mediating conflict, both in the region and throughout the world. The Doctrine was signed into law on March 9.

The President's News Conference of April 29, 1954 - President Eisenhower takes questions from reporters. The two most common topics are the situation in Indochina and the investigation of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Regarding Indochina, Eisenhower says he hopes to achieve a modus vivendi in the region. As far as Oppenheimer is concerned, Eisenhower emphasizes the 'great sensitivity' of the allegations. Other topics of this news conference include the sufficiency of the United States military and the defense budget, agriculture, inquiries into corruption, the McCarran-Walter Immigration Act, the forced resignation of Federal Housing Commissioner Hollyday, communism and McCarthyism, and military assistance to Iraq.

The President's News Conference of April 7, 1954 - This press conference includes the famous 'domino theory' justification of fighting communism in southeast Asia. President Eisenhower takes questions from reporters. Topics include building a bigger hydrogen bomb, possible subversion in Government, 'the loyalty and patriotism of Edward R. Murrow,' Indochina and its strategic importance, the 12th anniversary of the fall of Bataan, statehood for Hawaii and Alaska, administrative policies toward housing agencies, and unemployment.

The President's News Conference of April 7, 1954 - This press conference includes the famous 'domino theory' justification of fighting communism in Southeast Asia. President Eisenhower takes questions from reporters. Topics include building a bigger hydrogen bomb, possible subversion in Government, 'the loyalty and patriotism of Edward R. Murrow,' Indochina and its strategic importance, the 12th anniversary of the fall of Bataan, statehood for Hawaii and Alaska, administrative policies toward housing agencies, and unemployment.

The President's News Conference of February 17, 1953 - President Eisenhower opens his first press conference with announcements relating to farm prices and agriculture, Eisenhower's administration's policy toward secret agreements, price controls, the fact that the Soviet Union has the atomic bomb, and the possibility of a tax reduction. Other topics from the question-and-answer period include the Yalta agreement, the situation in Korea, a possible embargo on shipments to Red China, the budget, and Eisenhower's appointment of businessmen to government posts.

The President's News Conference of February 25, 1953 - President Eisenhower opens this press conference with two announcements. The first concerns a meeting to evaluate the division of taxes between the State and Federal government. The second concerns the number of doctors required to continue the war in Korea. Topics from the question-and-answer period include soil conservation, the St. Lawrence Seaway, a balanced budget, whether or not the United States will stick to agreements made during World War II, whether or not the Soviet Union can be trusted to adhere to its agreements, communists in schools, statehood for Alaska and Hawaii, the possibility of a second term for Eisenhower, the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act, congressional investigations into possible subversion, Eisenhower's attitude toward Universal Military Training, national security, the possibility of meeting Joseph Stalin face-to-face, and the introduction of a new loyalty program.

The President's News Conference of February 25, 1953 - President Eisenhower opens this press conference with two announcements. The first concerns a meeting to evaluate the division of taxes between the State and Federal government. The second concerns the number of doctors required to continue the war in Korea. Topics from the question-and-answer period include soil conservation, the St. Lawrence Seaway, a balanced budget, whether or not the United States will stick to agreements made during World War II, whether or not the Soviet Union can be trusted to adhere to its agreements, communists in schools, statehood for Alaska and Hawaii, the possibility of a second term for Eisenhower, the reciprocal trade agreements act, congressional investigations into possible subversion, Eisenhower's attitude toward Universal Military Training, national security, the possibility of meeting Joseph Stalin face-to-face, and the introduction of a new loyalty program.

The President's News Conference of January 12, 1955 - After a brief announcement about 'trouble in Costa Rica,' President Eisenhower takes questions from reporters. He is most often asked about Wolf Ladejinski, who was deemed a security risk by the Agriculture Department because of his alleged involvement with communist groups. Other topics include Vice President Nixon's behavior during the 1954 congressional campaign, changes in the makeup of the military, the use of tactical atomic weapons, changes in the date of the presidential convention, a new Chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the right of journalists to protect their sources, the Niagara power, and the practices of the Atomic Energy Commission.

The President's News Conference of January 25, 1956 - President Eisenhower makes a brief announcement about Vice President Nixon's trip to Brazil and then takes questions from reporters. Topics include whether or not Nixon will be Eisenhower's running mate again, whether certain issues, particularly the Israeli-Arab situation, should be above the presidential campaign, Congress' role in the allocation of foreign aid, court nominations, the budget and taxes, anti-segregation legislation, Eisenhower's health, the farm program and its alleged shortcomings, disarmament, and Eisenhower's home in Gettysburg,

The President's News Conference of June 17, 1953 - Eisenhower opens this press conference with some announcements. He describes a new executive order detailing what can and cannot be deemed 'classified' and says that any armistice in Korea will be within the United States' 'general framework of objective and purpose.' Topics from the question-and-answer period include Eisenhower's feelings about Joseph McCarthy, whether or not there are any books that should be banned from domestic libraries or from the libraries of foreign missions, possible revisions of the Taft-Harley Act, what the administration will do when the Soviet Union explodes an atomic bomb, social security, a possible tax reduction, and knowledge about Communism.

The President's News Conference of June 17, 1953 - President Eisenhower continues his comments about what can be appropriately taught about communism. Other topics from this part of the press conference include banning books, relations between the United States and Britain, a butter surplus, and an uprising in East Germany.

The President's News Conference of June 17, 1953 - Eisenhower opens this press conference with some announcements. He describes a new executive order detailing what can and cannot be deemed 'classified' and says that any armistice in Korea will be within the United States' 'general framework of objective and purpose.' Topics from the question-and-answer period include Eisenhower's feelings about Joseph McCarthy, whether or not there are any books that should be banned from domestic libraries or from the libraries of foreign missions, possible revisions of the Taft-Harley Act, what the administration will do when the Soviet Union explodes an atomic bomb, social security, a possible tax reduction, and knowledge about Communism.

The President's News Conference of June 17, 1953 - President Eisenhower continues his comments about what can be appropriately taught about communism. Other topics from this part of the press conference include banning books, relations between the United States and Britain, a butter surplus, and an uprising in East Germany.

The President's News Conference of March 3, 1954 - Eisenhower opens this news conference with a brief comment about a shooting by Puerto Rican extremists that occurred in the House of Representatives on March 1. He then makes a statement about the investigation of Army dentist Irving Peress, stating that 'the Department of the Army made serious errors in handling' it. He then affirms his anti-communist position. Most of the questions relate to investigations, communism, and security risks, but other topics include a vacancy in the Interstate Commerce Commission, an equal employment opportunity bill, limits on excise taxes, the duties of the Red Cross in Korea (now that a truce has been reached), and the Bricker amendment.

The President's News Conference of May 4, 1955 - President Eisenhower makes a statement describing the mechanism for distributing Jonas Salk's new polio vaccine. Many of the questions following his statement are about the polio vaccine and include the possibility of racketeering, the vaccine's commercial sale, who will receive the vaccine, and the vaccine's safety. Other topics include settling telephone and railroad strikes, Eisenhower's proposed highway program, agriculture, the Air Force, extending the Fair Labor Standards Act, a pay raise for postal employees, Mamie Eisenhower's health, the Yalta Agreement, China, the possibility of a military base on Formosa, and West Germany's reemergence as a free nation.