Rivers attended the 1952 Democratic National Convention and believed that Adlai Stevenson would reverse the policies of Truman by returning to traditional Democratic principles . However , Rivers became disillusioned with Stevenson and he openly supported Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 1952 Presidential election because he said that he would be sensitive to Southern concerns . Rivers 's long-held distrust of Republicans was reinforced shortly after Eisenhower became president when he ordered the desegregation of all schools on military bases and did not grant Rivers patronage privileges , despite Rivers being the only Democrat to support Eisenhower in 1952 . Eisenhower 's continual push for integration infuriated Rivers . When asked if he would back Eisenhower again in 1956 , Rivers later claimed to have responded " Hell no ! Ai n't no education in the second kick of a mule . " In the 1960s , Rivers softened his vocal opposition to civil rights legislation . He had risen in the ranks and his power in the House depended upon the continual support of national Democrats . Rivers shifted his approach from defending segregation to the maintenance of law and order . He found a kindred spirit in George Wallace and he attended one of Wallace 's fundraising dinners in 1968 . Wallace asked Rivers in July to be his running mate for the 1968 Presidential election , but Rivers dared not risk losing his chairmanship of the House Armed Services Committee and declined the offer
1952 Democratic National Convention
1952 Democratic National Convention
L. Mendel Rivers