James Hagerty | |
|---|---|
 James C. Hagerty and Pierre Salinger 6 December 1960 | |
| 8th White House Press Secretary | |
| In office January 20, 1953 – January 20, 1961 | |
| President | Dwight D. Eisenhower |
| Preceded by | Roger Tubby |
| Succeeded by | Pierre Salinger |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James Campbell Hagerty May 9, 1909 Plattsburgh, New York, U.S. |
| Died | April 11, 1981 (aged 71) Bronxville, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Marjorie Lucas |
| Education | Columbia University (BA) |
James Campbell Hagerty (May 9, 1909 – April 11, 1981) served as the eighth White House Press Secretary from 1953 to 1961 during the Presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was known for providing much more detail on the lifestyle of the president than previous press secretaries; for example, he covered in great detail Eisenhower's medical condition. Most of the time, he handled routine affairs such as daily reports on presidential activities, defending presidential policies, and assisting diplomatic visitors. He handled embarrassing episodes, such as those related to the Soviet downing of an American spy plane, the U-2 in 1960. He handled press relations on Eisenhower's international trips, sometimes taking the blame from a hostile foreign press. Eisenhower often relied on him for advice about public opinion, and how to phrase complex issues. Hagerty had a reputation for supporting civil rights initiatives.[1]
- ^ Eleanora W. Schoenebaum, ed., Political Profiles: The Eisenhower Years (1977) 244-245