I Still Like Ike: Presidential Campaign Slogans

What is the best way to get someone to vote for you?

The most sensible idea would be to promise some plausible way to better the world.

But we are talking politics here, and politics rarely takes the most sensible path (at least from our point of view). Ever since presidential campaigns became widely publicized, the focus began to shift from actual politics to the charisma of a certain candidate (or lack of in the opponent). Flashy debates and appearances lead to all sorts of shameless self-promotion and brazen mudslinging. However, no matter what these appearances may do, elections come down to winning the people.

Often it was easiest to get the support of voters by creating a catchphrase or slogan to rally around. Each election features new taglines that try to garner the support of the people. Some campaigns communicate their platform through the slogan. Others use their slogan to simply promote themselves over their opponent or attack the rival outright.

The slogans that often stick and become the most popular are those that are clever. Some play with words, using rhymes or puns; these are quite catchy and easy to recite or chant. Some make references to the candidate’s background or history.

In the end, many slogans become a part of the identity of the president, for better or for worse.

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One of my favorite presidential slogans is “I Like Ike.” This simple phrase was efficient and catchy. In fact, TIME has listed it as one of the top 10 campaign ads. The line described the voting audiences attitude towards the candidate. As a result, it was emblazoned on much of the Eisenhower campaign paraphernalia. 

“I Like Ike” presented a statement that the party could stand behind. Before running for president, Eisenhower was an esteemed general of World War 2. His victories in Europe helped bring an end to the war. His status as a military hero helped him garner support, especially in the post-war era with all the US citizens feeling particularly patriotic. The nickname “Ike” showed that the people’s comfort with the candidate. Best of all, “I Like Ike” rhymes!

When President Eisenhower ran for a second term, the slogan came back in a slightly modified form: "I Still Like Ike." As they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Eisenhower had done a respectable job in the White House during his first term so his campaign recycled the original campaign line.

But this time, the line can no longer be interpreted as a statement of vague support. The addition of the word “still” communicates the idea that President Eisenhower had done a good job; there were no reasons to have regrets over voting for him. It offers support for the president’s reelection campaign and the policies promoted by the president during his first term.

This simple adaptation was just as popular as the first (it still rhymes!) and showed a new sense of comfort with President Eisenhower.