 Reaction to Diệm 's victory among the American press varied with geographic location . Newspapers in the Midwest hailed Diệm 's win as a triumph for democracy and extolled the new president as a champion of democracy . However , The New York Times said that the extreme margin of victory made " Diem 's administrative control look more pervasive than is thought to be the case by a number of observers here . " However , the paper also obligingly claimed the poll a " sound democratic procedure " and a " public tribute to a strong @-@ willed leader " . Reader 's Digest called it an " overwhelming endorsement " and dubbed Diệm a " beacon of light , showing the way to free people " . 
