Ike Blasts Defense Critics.
Ike Blasts Defense Critics.
Ike Blasts Defense Critics. At his first White House press conference since his three-continent tour, the President reacts personally and strongly to a question on criticisms of America's defense policies. Press photographers. Voice of woman reporter (off screen, then on) asking question. President Dwight D. Eisenhower looks annoyed, asks, "Are you asking a question or making a speech?" Continues (nat sound), defends himself against accusations of being partisan. "...I don't take it very kindly that the implied accusation that I'm dealing with the whole matter of defense on a partisan basis. First of all, I don't have to be partisan. And second, I want to tell you this: I've spent my life in this and I know more about it than almost anybody, I think, that is in the country because I've given my life to it and on the basis of doing what's good for the government and for the country. I believe that the matter of defense has been handled well and efficiently in the proposals that will be before the Congress... and I think those people that are trying to make defense a partisan matter are doing a disservice to the United States." Angry, defensive.