Noted authors, historians plan discussion of Eisenhower legacy at NPC gathering

The National Press Club plans to host a special panel of noted historians and authors to discuss former President Dwight David Eisenhower's distinctive leadership style related to the media in an era of transition in press coverage of the White House.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the NPC’s Holeman Lounge. There is no charge for members and a $10 charge for non-members. Members should log in to receive the discount. To register for the event please use this ticket form.

Pres. Eisenhower’s desire to communicate his views and policies directly to the public governed many of the media initiatives that were a legacy of his administration and are still in use today.

Eisenhower, the only president to win an Emmy, initiated the first televised news broadcasts, held almost weekly press conferences and utilized other new techniques to communicate his message and policies. In January, 1959 Eisenhower heralded the Club's Golden Jubilee with an appearance.

Gathering at the Press Club to discuss Eisenhower and the media will be a special panel of noted historians and authors including journalist and bestselling author Evan Thomas, who has just released a new Eisenhower book, Ike's Bluff: President Eisenhower's Secret Battle to Save the World; Author and editor-at-Large of the Los Angeles Times Jim Newton whose biography Eisenhower, The White House Years was well received when released last year; Michael Birkner, historian and long-time Eisenhower scholar who serves on the faculty advisory committee of the Eisenhower Institute and on the Legacy Committee of the Eisenhower Memorial Commission. Moderating the panel will be James A. Thurber, director for congressional and presidential studies at American University.

After the Eisenhower event, guests are invited to participate in a 9:00 p.m. broadcast of the Vice Presidential debate moderated by Martha Radditz of ABC News.