Press Likes Stevenson 40-8; Disagree on Election Winner

Enroute with Stevenson--

Reporters traveling across the country with the Stevenson Campaign train agree on only one thing they like Adlai--40 to 8.

When it comes to who's going to win, they split. Most are certain they have the election doped correctly. Some admit they don't know.

"I don't see how Adlai can lose," said the reporter from the Defender chain of Midwestern Negro newspapers. "Which states will Ike take? Not New York, not Illinois, not California. I've seen the crowds change from bored to enthusiastic. Since Milwaukee, they've been cheering Adlai."

The Hearst man agreed that Adlai is the best man. "I thought he would win at first, but now I think has a push-over. It's Ike."

The Watertown (New York) Times turned to the Herald-Tribune. "Why don't you realize that Adlai's the only good man, that he's going to win?" Both the Watertown Times and the Herald-Tribune are Republican newspapers. The Tribune answered: "It's not my business to realize anything."

Jibes at Adlai

As much as they like Adlai, however, the newsmen jibed at some of his phrases. "This morning he said he received a birth notice," said a Boston reporter only with the group Saturday and Sunday. "It was on the birth of a kid named Jimmy and it said 'I was only born yesterday, but I'm for Stevenson." Those who have been with the train for weeks laughed. "He's been saying that since Texas, we're collecting money to buy little Jimmy a razor."

After riding through Massachusetts, the newsmen agreed that Stevenson's reception surprised them. "They told us it was even money here," said a Detroit reporter. "I'm giving five to one now--for Stevenson." There were no takers.

Switching to Adlai

One of Stevenson's press secretaries said that the reporters are gradually switching completely to the Governor. This is especially true of those who have traveled with Eisenhower.

But many feel there is not enough time left in the campaign for Stevenson to win.

On Sunday, the reporters followed Stevenson through the southern part of Massachusetts. Back in Boston that night they attended a party given by Bill Flanagan, Stevenson's press secretary. Some talked about the fact that all along the tour little children have been screaming "I Like Ike." "Well, they can't vote," said one reporter. Another commented that lately there were fewer little hecklers in the crowds. "It's a good thing," said one of the press secretaries. "We were already to send an advance car to spread polio germs."