Schlesinger Calls Ike 'Weak'; Cites McCarthy Policy

In his first important political statement since the election, former Stevenson aide Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. '38, professor of History, Friday labeled Eisenhower a "weak" president.

In a press conference before the annual convention of the Americans For Democratic Action, of which he is vice-chairman, Schlesinger said, "Up to this point, the President has been what political scientists call a 'weak' President."

He added, "I wish he would do as Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt did in exerting influence with Congress."

As a result to Eisenhower's weakness, Schlesinger said, "Republican policy is a bundle of apathies and impulses going off in all directions."

Hits Budget Slash

He attacked the President on two main counts. He accused him of letting GOP opposition slash the defense budget too deeply and of failing to "crack down" on Joe McCarthy.

In reply to questions about what could be done with McCarthy, Schlesinger suggested that Eisenhower do what President Roosevelt did with Senator Huey Long. He recalled how FDR had cut off Long's patronage and mobilized administration leaders against him.

Schlesinger added that the GOP had made a basic political decision "to avoid alienating McCarthy" in order to use him in next year's elections to increase their strength in the Senate