Video: 'Dwight D Eisenhower's Decision to Seek a Second Term oval office address (February 29, 1956) [CBS]'

(Leap day, Wednesday, February 29, 1956, 10:00 p.m. EST) — Speaking slowly and in a slightly hoarse voice, President Dwight D. Eisenhower explained tonight why he had agreed this morning to seek a second term in a television report to the nation.

The 65-year-old president frankly told his party tonight, however, that because of his heart attack last Sept. 24, he must restrict his activities in the conduct of his office and in the presidential campaign.