MacArthur's remarks on Eisenhower

I have heard that MacArthur's opinion of Eisenhower being his 'best clerk' was meant to be degrading, but in several parts of this film where Eisenhower is mentioned, MacArthur appears to have a good word for him:
1. At Wake Island, MacArthur tells Truman that any general likely to run for the presidency is Eisenhower, to which Truman scoffs.
2. After watching Eisenhower win the presidential election on TV, MacArthur tells his wife that Eisenhower would make a fine president, before adding his "best clerk" remark.

Therefore, I'm a bit confused on how MacArthur thinks Eisenhower would do well as president when the "best clerk" remark was meant to be degrading.