Leadership Styles of John F. Kennedy and Dwight D. Eisenhower

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Leadership Styles of John F. Kennedy and Dwight D. Eisenhower Americans often view Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy as symbols of two radically different eras: the tranquil, prosperous '50s and the tumultuous '60s. Dwight D. Eisenhower, also known as “Ike” was the 34th President of the United States, in office 1953-1961. Throughout his presidency, Eisenhower adhered to a political philosophy of dynamic conservatism (McAuliffe, 1981). John F. "Jack" Kennedy, often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his death in 1963. Kennedy would describe himself as an “idealist without illusions.” Kennedy's idealism and realism, combined with his commitment to peace, helped him react in the turbulent 1960s (McElrath, 2008). Both Kennedy and Eisenhower were effective in their presidencies but differed in their leadership styles, especially during the mid-20th century world affairs. Early in 1953, the French asked Eisenhower for help in French Indochina against the Communists, supplied from China, who were fighting the First Indochina War. Eisenhower sent Lt. General John W O' Daniel to Vietnam to assess the French forces there. Chief of Staff Matthew Ridgway dissuaded the President from intervening by presenting a comprehensive estimate of the massive military deployment that would be necessary (McAullife, 1981). President Eisenhower was the first president to employ professional legislative liaison personnel, and he introduced the position of assistant to the president for national security affairs, now popularly known as the president's national security adviser. He relied a great deal on his cabinet and National Security Council. Although Eisenhower resented claims that he was a weak leader, his very approach to leadership furthered this impression. The impression upon Americans was that he reigned

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