Eisenhower's theme for his address was "safety through strength."[4] He argued that the main threat to the safety and security of the United States was "communistimperialism" led by the Soviet Union which was "waging total cold war."[3] He touted not only support for national defense initiatives but also for giving economic aid to allies of the United States to counter the "economic offensive" waged by the Soviet Union.[4] Eisenhower closed his speech as follows:
My friends of the Congress: The world is waiting to see how wisely and decisively a free representative government will now act.... I am fully confident that the response of the Congress and of the American people will make this time of test a time of honor. Mankind then will see more clearly than ever that the future belongs, not to the concept of the regimented atheistic state, but to the people—the God-fearing, peace-loving people of all the world.[3]
References
Wikisource has original text related to this article:
^"Television Programs". Daily News. New York, New York. January 9, 1958. p. 53. Retrieved March 14, 2024. 12:30... President Eisenhower's State of the Union Address.
Written message with national radio address * Split into multiple parts
† Included a detailed written supplement
‡ Not officially a "State of the Union" Presidents William Henry Harrison (1841) and James Garfield (1881) died in office before delivering a State of the Union