Panel to analyze Eisenhower's relationship with the media, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11

Noted historians and authors will discuss President Dwight David Eisenhower's relationship to the media at a National Press Club panel at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, in the Club's conference rooms.

Eisenhower's desire to communicate his views and policies directly to the public governed many of the media initiatives that his Administration employed, which are still in use today.

This is a ticketed event. Click here to jump to the ticket form. The event, sponsored by the Events Committee, is free for members and $10 for non-members.

Panel participants will be:

Journalist and bestselling author Evan Thomas, an author of six books, 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 LA Times Jim Newton, whose biography Eisenhower, The White House Years was released last fall, and,

Michael Birkner, noted 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.

James A. Thurber, director for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University. will moderate the event.

History demonstrates that Eisenhower, as a military leader and as president, recognized the importance of initiating and maintaining a “dialogue” with the public through the media. His initiation of the first televised news broadcasts, his almost weekly press conferences, and his efforts to find new and creative ways to reach the public became a standard for presidents and national leaders who followed him. Of note, was his appearance at the National Press Club in January 1959, heralding the Club's Golden Jubilee.

NOTE: After the Eisenhower event, guests are invited to watch the 9 p.m. live broadcast of the vice presidential debate coming from Danville, Va. and moderated by Martha Raddatz of ABC News.