THE NEW AMERICA

by Adlai E. Stevenson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 21, 1957

Stevenson's 1956 campaign speeches and program papers build up into not only a thorough analysis of the major issues, with the emphasis on domestic problems, but into a vital presentation of the political scene, the social scene, the economic scene- and the pattern for the future. Already some of the subjects dealt with, which at the time probably lost him votes, are finding their justification and backing;- the foreign policy issues, the H-bomb, the draft, foreign aid. Two of the editors, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., and Seymour Harris, have explained the reasons back of the decision about the focus of the campaign, and one feels that had Stevenson had his way- and stressed foreign policy rather than domestic issues as central to his argument, the outcome might have been different. They analyze too the factors contributing to the seemingly inevitable results. As always, Stevenson's speeches read well; regrouped under the broad headings of Foreign Policy, Defense and the H-Bomb; Program for a New America; Choice Between the Parties. they comprise a sound statement for thoughtful citizens to accept, to weigh, to challenge. Any candidate for public office could well study these pages for clarification of problems, dangers, and the future platform for democracy. Stevenson's immense fund of knowledge and understanding come through in these chapters. That the issues were not squarely met in the course of the campaign is a tragic piece of evidence of political apathy.

Pub Date: Aug. 21, 1957

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1957

Categories: NONFICTION