Before the battle started at Chicago, its shape was clear, though the result was in doubt. On the main strategic decisions, both sides had passed their points of no return.
Cabot Lodge, Ike's campaign manager, made many a pre-convention tactical error, but on his basic analysis of the contending forces and on top strategy, he was dead right.
Taft was "Mr. Republican," his following was zealous, experienced and in control of the party machinery. Taft's best chance was to impress wavering delegates with the idea that he could not be stopped at the convention.
On Dwight Eisenhower's side was the arithmetic of November...