Republican Convention.

From 20 to 23 August, Republican delegates convened in San Francisco's Cow Palace to rally around Ike, whose immense popularity most believed would ensure victory in the November polls. Those who tuned in to watch the convention witnessed none of the acrimony that had transformed the '52 convention into nail-biting political drama. Even the "Dump Nixon" movement that had been spearheaded by administration official Harold Stassen failed to raise any serious doubt about the vice-president's claim to a renomination. Party leaders had moved quickly to portray Stassen as a lone renegade and his attempt to oust Nixon as inept. Indeed, on nomination day Stassen found himself in the awkward position of having to bow to the demands of Republican brass and deliver a seconding speech for Nixon's nomination.

Republican Harmony.

"Spontaneous" demonstrations—prearranged months in advance and commandeered...