ABSTRACT
The passive Presidents pose a different danger to the peace of the world and the progress of the nation: the danger of drift. Historically they mark breathing spells, times of recovery in our frantic political life. The passive Presidents may be a vanishing breed. By the author's estimation, there has been only one passive President since Calvin Coolidge, and his case is a mixed one. Coolidge was the clearest twentieth-century example. Dwight Eisenhower also showed pretty plainly themes, but in a more complicated mix. Coolidge sincerely believed in hard work. He felt busy, even rushed, but his constant routine included a daily nap and often eleven hours of sleep in twenty-four. Eisenhower as President is, best approximated in the passive-negative category, though his case presents certain difficulties. He carried over into the Presidency a rigorous schedule of activity, putting in longer hours than did Coolidge, at least until illness required him to slow down.
