Incumbent President Harry S. Truman announced his retirement in March 1952 , making it unclear who would win the Democratic presidential nomination . Delegates to the 1952 Democratic National Convention , also held in Chicago , nominated Illinois governor Adlai E. Stevenson for president on the third ballot . Senator John Sparkman of Alabama was selected as his running mate . The convention ended with widespread confidence that the party had selected a powerful presidential contender who would field a competitive campaign . Stevenson concentrated on giving a series of thoughtful speeches around the nation . Although his style thrilled intellectuals and academics , some political experts wondered if he were speaking " over the heads " of most of his listeners , and they dubbed him an " egghead , " based on his baldness and intellectual demeanor . His biggest liability however , was the unpopularity of the incumbent president , Harry Truman . Even though Stevenson had not had been a part of the Truman administration , voters largely ignored his record and burdened him with Truman 's . Historian Herbert Parmet says that Stevenson : Republican strategy during the fall campaign focused on Eisenhower 's unrivaled popularity . Ike traveled to 45 of the 48 states ; his heroic image and plain talk excited the large crowds who heard him speak from the campaign train 's caboose . In his speeches , Eisenhower never mentioned Stevenson by name , instead relentlessly attacking the alleged failures of the Truman administration : " Korea , Communism , and corruption . " In addition to the speeches , he got his message out to voters through 30-second television advertisements ; this was the first presidential election in which television played a major role . In domestic policy , Eisenhower attacked the growing influence of the federal government in the economy , while in foreign affairs , he supported a strong American role in stemming the expansion of Communism . Eisenhower adopted much of the rhetoric and positions of the contemporary GOP , and many of his public statements were designed to win over conservative supporters of Taft
1952 Democratic National Convention
1952 Democratic National Convention
Presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower