As the election approached , other prominent citizens and politicians from both parties urged Eisenhower to run for president . In January 1948 , after learning of plans in New Hampshire to elect delegates supporting him for the forthcoming Republican National Convention , Eisenhower stated through the Army that he was " not available for and could not accept nomination to high political office " ; " life-long professional soldiers " , he wrote , " in the absence of some obvious and overriding reason , should abstain from seeking high political office " . Eisenhower maintained no political party affiliation during this time . Many believed he was forgoing his only opportunity to be president : Republican Thomas E. Dewey was considered the probable winner and would presumably serve two terms , meaning that Eisenhower , at age 66 in 1956 , would be too old to have another chance to run
Republican National Convention
1948 Republican National Convention
Dwight D. Eisenhower