 Both Eisenhower 's speech to the excited crowd and telegram to his running mate were noncommittal . The general applauded his running mate for his speech , but stated that the two had to meet face to face before a final decision could be made . While Eisenhower affirmed that the RNC had the power to elect a replacement candidate , Eisenhower indicated that the committee would , most likely , be guided by his wishes . Eisenhower asked Nixon to meet with him in person in Wheeling , West Virginia , where the general 's campaign was next scheduled to go . Eisenhower 's telegram was delayed in transmission and lost among the flood being sent to Nixon 's suite , and the latter learned of his running mate 's position from a wire service report . 
