I Like Ike!

The first presidential election that I can remember was Dwight David Eisenhower's first election. We were living in the State of Florida, Miami area during the election. Even though television was a new news media, the election was on the air and my fellow third graders were paying attention.

My parents were Roosevelt Democrats and rooting for Stevenson. On the playground, kids would say, "Who do you like?" If you did not say, "I like Ike!" You would receive a punch in the arm.

I was a chicken and said, "I like Ike!" Political intimidation even at an early age. To think times have not changed all that much.

We have a letter from the Illinois Governor's office from Adlai Stevenson, thanking my parents for their support.

Now another election is due in November. I dare to think what those adult classmates of mine would say now.

A funny footnote to Ike's election happened when the I Like Ike scarves were on sale for $.25. Mother always looking for a bargain, purchased 4 of them. They were red or blue with election like buttons saying I Like Ike in each button. Lovely.