Sabato's Crystal Ball

Review of War and Post World War Ii Presidents

April 14th, 2003

U.Va. Center for Politics

Year

President

War

Political Effect

1950

Truman

Korea

The unpopularity of this war, including Truman’s firing of Gen. MacArthur, contributed to Truman’s not seeking a second full elective term in 1952.

1952

Eisenhower

Korea

“I will go to Korea,” said Eisenhower during the ‘52 campaign, and the natural public confidence in the former WWII Supreme Allied Commander helped to insure his landslide victory at the polls.

1953

Eisenhower

Cold [...]

War! Good God Y’all, What’s It Good For?

April 14th, 2003

Larry J. Sabato, Director, U.Va. Center for Politics

Now that the war phase of the Iraq operation is winding down, it’s time for the Crystal Ball to return and assess the damage. Not damage on the ground, but the damage – or the boost – to various presidential candidates’ chances.

First, the DEMOCRATS.
Let’s remember how the last successful Democratic nominee handled a similar war. [...]