Eleanor vs. Ike: Historical Fiction Parallels Today’s Presidential Politics

Reviewd By Stuart Nachbar

Eleanor vs. Ike

Eleanor vs. Ike by Robin Gerber is one such work of fiction. 

In Eleanor vs. Ike, the presidential race features no incumbent president or vice president, only the year is 1952 and the former First Lady at the top of the ticket is Eleanor Roosevelt. It’s interesting, as I read this story, the similarities to the current aspirations of Hillary Rodham Clinton. 

Like Hillary, Eleanor subordinated personal political ambitions to advance the career of her husband. As First Ladies both traveled around the world representing the United States, were active in the cause of working women and opposition to racial discrimination. Both played important roles in shaping foreign policy. They also had to lead in times of war. Sadly, both had to deal with extramarital affairs before their husbands became President.  

Robin Gerber, the author of Eleanor vs. Ike, is an Eleanor Roosevelt scholar; she’s also written a non-fiction work about the late First Lady’s leadership style.