Key chain, Dwight Eisenhower, 1952

“I Like Ike” is one of the most memorable campaign slogans in American history. It was based on the nickname of Dwight Eisenhower who became famous not as a politician but as a military leader. A five-star general, Eisenhower’s role as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II made him an attractive post-war candidate to both Republicans and Democrats. Each party tried to convince him to become their presidential nominee in 1952. The Republican “Draft Eisenhower” movement gained momentum using the “I Like Ike” slogan months before Eisenhower officially agreed to contend for the party’s nomination.

The slogan appeared on a wide variety of campaign items such as this key chain. It was also heard in the most frequently run television ad of Eisenhower’s campaign. The soundtrack for an animated ad, produced by the Disney Studios, included a jingle with this chorus:

“You like Ike, I like Ike, everybody likes Ike for President.

Bring out the banners, beat the drums, we'll take Ike to Washington.”

The majority of voters did like him—Eisenhower defeated his Democratic opponent Adlai Stevenson II twice, in 1952 and 1956.