A personal message from Bret Baier -- Introduction: The Final Mission -- Part I. The setting. The first visit ; Becoming Ike ; Ike in command ; A non-politician runs for President ; Gentle but strong -- Part II. The speech. Good evening, my fellow Americans ; Working together ; Dealing with the Soviet Union ; Confronting the nuclear threat ; The military-industrial complex -- Part III. The final mission. Getting to know President-Elect Kennedy ; The day before ; The passage ; A spring day at Camp David -- Appendix: Eisenhower's farewell address to the nation -- Acknowledgments -- Glossary -- Source notes -- Index.
Summary:
"In January 1961, President Dwight D. Eisenhower passed the torch to newly elected John F. Kennedy. Even though both men were great leaders, they couldn't have been more different. Eisenhower was a five-star army general during World War II and, at age seventy, had become a beloved, experienced figure in the Republican party. Kennedy was one of the youngest presidents ever elected, a Democrat who represented the hopes and dreams of a new generation. In this young readers' adaptation of his New York Times bestseller, Bret Baier uncovers the fascinating history behind this transition of power. It is an intriguing account of Eisenhower's life, with a focus on his farewell address, shedding light on two of the most iconic presidents of the twentieth century."--Jacket flap. "As Eisenhower ushered Kennedy out of the White House after three hours and forty minutes, Kennedy asked if he might call on Eisenhower in the future if he needed advice. Of course, Ike said. In reality, Ike wasn't thinking about retirement. His heart was pumping as he walked back to his office. He had six weeks to make his final move. Ike intended to close out his presidency with a world-changing message. Rather than going meekly into the night, Eisenhower believed that he could set a course for the fate of the civilized world and his beloved country. His plan would come to fruition over three critical days in January 1961."--Back cover.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.