This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/27/2026
Dwight Eisenhower typed letter signed, dated 30 September 1964 and marked ''PERSONAL''. Composed shortly before the 1964 Presidential election, Eisenhower attempts to assuage doubts by a Reverend from Iowa about Republican candidate Barry Goldwater. While acknowledging that Goldwater isn't popular, Eisenhower nevertheless makes the case for voting for the Republican nominee. Letter reads in part,
''...from my own knowledge of Senator Goldwater...I consider him a much better man than is the 'public image' of him that has been represented to the public over many months. He is honest, sincere, morally clean and dedicated to his country.
Second, I do not believe that he is a 'trigger-happy war-monger' or that he would be reckless in the conduct of our foreign relations...Moreover, in the matter of racial relations, he has long practiced in his commercial interests and in his political life principles and doctrines that should command the respect of any decent American. In this respect, he has a much finer record than has his opponent [Lyndon B. Johnson]...''
Eisenhower then defends Goldwater's originalist interpretation of the Constitution, specifically his issues with Titles II and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act which prohibited discrimination in public accommodations and employment. Eisenhower writes, ''His votes against cloture and against the recent Civil Rights Bill were both based upon his belief that two sections of the bill were unconstitutional. In 1957 when there was passed the first Civil Rights Bill in eighty years, his vote was on the affirmative side...''
Finally, Eisenhower shares his thoughts regarding America's two-party system and why he will vote for Goldwater: ''I believe earnestly that the two party system is essential to the successful practice of self-government in the United States. Moreover, I believe that the Republican Party is more important than any individual in it, including even the individuals selected to head our national ticket in a Presidential election. For this reason I am not only loyal to my Party but I support the Party's decisions including its selection of candidates. / Because of these beliefs I can neither remain inactive nor can I vote for the candidate of the other Party...[signed] Dwight D Eisenhower''.
With more interesting content, two page letter on two separate sheets of Eisenhower's personal stationery measures approximately 7'' x 10.5'', matted and framed to a size of 20.25'' x 16.5''. Not examined out of frame, but appears near fine.