KCET Presents Eisenhowers Secret War

Hosted by newsman Evan Thomas, two-part series features more than 20 key witness accounts - American, British and Soviet - to major events of the era.

BURBANK, CA--June 2, 2014--KCET, the nations largest independent public television station, has announced it will air EISENHOWERS SECRET WAR, a new documentary that examines Dwight D. Eisenhowers unwavering commitment -- both public and covert -- to peaceful co-existence with the Soviet Union in the tumultuous and uneasy Cold War years.

Based on recent research by established scholars and writers, the two-part documentary series provides a fresh understanding of Eisenhowers path to the presidency from the time of the successful D-Day landings and, as president, how his national security policies and tactics kept a divided world at peace during the 1950s. Hosted by public television news commentator and author Evan Thomas, EISENHOWERS SECRET WAR features the accounts of more than 20 key witnesses -- American, British and Soviet -- to the major events of the era.

Monday, June 9, 2014 at 9 p.m.: The Lure of Presidency

The first part chronicles Eisenhowers exploits in World War II, his decision to enter presidential politics, and his fulfillment of an election promise to seek a solution to ending the Korean War, after more than 33,000 military deaths. It also follows the grassroots movement to draft Eisenhower as the Republican candidate for president; Eisenhowers reluctant decision to leave his powerful position at NATO; his fight for the Republican Partys nomination against neo-isolationist Sen. Robert Taft, the leader of the GOP; his campaign against Democrat Adlai Stevenson; and finally, his election as the 34th president.

Monday, June 16, 2014 at 9 p.m.: Building Weapons, Talking Peace

The second part recounts President Eisenhowers diplomatic confrontations against the Soviet Union during the early Cold War years, crises prompted by aggressive Kremlin-sponsored action around the world. It also documents his attempts to keep the peace while establishing a clear superiority for the U.S. in the nuclear arms race. He used what scholars have called his hidden hand tactics to keep that superiority under wraps despite intense criticism that the U.S. was falling behind the USSR in military strength. Thanks to the use of the U-2 spy plane, Ike knew the weaknesses of the Soviet Union, but he kept that information secret as he pushed his policies of peaceful co-existence in a divided world.

About KCET

On-air, online and in the community, KCET plays a vital role in the cultural and educational enrichment of Southern and Central California. KCET offers a wide range of award-winning local programming as well as the finest public television programs from around the world. Throughout its 50-year history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and regional news and public affairs programming, its national drama and documentary productions, its quality educational family and childrens programs, its outreach and community services and its website, kcet.org. KCET is a donor-supported community institution. For additional information about KCET productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org. KCET is a service of KCETLink.

LINK:	http://www.kcet.org/about/pressroom/press-releases/kcet-presents-eisen...
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