"The central issues in the campaign, it seems to me, played on fear--the Republicans on fear of Russia, the Democrats on fear of another depression," Barschdorf concluded. "Since the more immediate fear is Russia, it will influence much of the voting."

Mencher, who at 25 is the youngest of this year's Niemans, will vote for Stevenson because "he has stated the issues clearly without regard for how his beliefs will affect his chances of winning." He thinks Stevenson will win today because the independent voter is "disenchanted" with Eisenhower. "There are more Democrats than Republicans, but elections are swung by the sizeable block of independent voters, whose major characteristic is an ability to scratch a ballot intelligently.

"Last summer independents were looking at Eisenhower and not at Stevenson particularly; it is always up to the challenger to prove himself. The General's primary error was to forget that his appeal was personal and not political. He set to work to solidify GOP factions, and in so doing, he antagonized independents:"

1) Eisenhower placed isolationists in his inner circle and made peace with the Taft wing--"this conciliation has all the earmarks of capitulation to the independent voter."

2) He criticized McCarthy and then spoke for the election of Jenner and Mccarthy and failed to rid himself of these concessions when the Nixon fund was revealed.

3) The General lost his nerve--"Eisenhower, the crusader, developed into Eisenhower the patchwork politician, with all the parts glued together by his obvious sincerity and humanity."

The Chicago Daily News' Keyes Beech--Pulitzer Prize winner in 1951 who just returned from five years as a correspondent in Japan and Korea--yesterday generalized on a G.I's view of the election:

"I doubt if any G.I. was much impressed by Eisenhower's promise to come to Korea if elected. A lot of important people have been to Korea, but the war goes on. But if Ike had a way to end the Korean war he would get the vote of every man there. So would Stevenson or anyone else. Ike has said he would end the Korean war but up to now he hasn't disclosed how.

"It is pure speculation to try to guess how the G.I. voted, if he voted, which most of them didn't. But generally speak- ing," Beech concluded, "G.I.'s have little sympathy for generals . . ."

Large See for Press

The dominion Niemans gave their opinions on how the world views today's election. The Toronto Star's Robert P. Nielsen noted the Canadian switch to Stevenson. "It doesn't seem possible that Ike would be as feeble a president as he has been a campaigner."

Two things struck Nielsen: "The absurd length of U. S. campaigns and the incredible impact of McCarthyism of your political life . . . I think the U. S. press rates a large boo for having promoted this massacre of freedom."

New Zealand's Ross C. Sayers wondered why America preserves the electoral college, why the candidates use so many prepared speeches, and why U. S. parties lack discipline.

"Oddest thing is that after all these weeks of whistle-stopping, television, button-wearing (all novelties to us), publicity and advertising, probably not more than 50 percent of the potential voters will vote. Why have literacy tests (in 14 states) and poll taxes (in five) to restrict the franchise?

"I'm glad we New Zealanders have a simple ballot paper" he added. "It measures six by four inches . . .