Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
323154165
label
Presidential Lecture Series (Truman) 7/28/92 [OA 7577] [1]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
323154165
contentType
document
title
Presidential Lecture Series (Truman) 7/28/92 [OA 7577] [1]
citationUrl
identifierLocal
13823-007
collections
Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
323154165
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
f6c61d4316da1efe
ocrText
Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13823
Folder ID Number:
13823-007
Folder Title:
Presidential Lecture Series (Truman) 7/28/92 [OA 7577] [1]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
22
6
6
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
July 28, 1992
Internal Transcript
INTERVIEW OF THE PRESIDENT
BY WILLIAM PEARCE, WXXI-TV (PBS), ROCHESTER, NEW YORK
FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE SERIES
The Truman Balcony
6:35 P.M. EDT
Mr. President, where were you on April 12, 1945,
when President Q Roosevelt died and Harry Truman took over the reins of
this country?
THE PRESIDENT: I was a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the
States Navy. Barbara and I were stationed up at Lewiston-
United Auburn, Maine. I remember it very, very well. We both heard the
Republicans that day. It was a very emotional day for us. But, of course,
news but he was our Commander-in-Chief. And I'll never forget for
over our radio. We both cried. My family was lifelong
the entire nation it was a day of great trauma and sadness.
As President Truman took over the reins of this
country, what & was your impression of him? Did you know him at all?
THE PRESIDENT: I didn't know him and I must say that I
have a particularly high regard for him. I didn't know much not
did not him. I had been off fighting overseas in the war and had
about not remember much about the political process. We were
-- overseas did when the Democratic Convention went on, for example, in 1944
-- I was, not particularly high regard but respect since he was been our
fighting in the Pacific. And so I started with a
prejudice, Commander-in-Chief certainly, and respect for him for having
to the Senate and being chosen and elected as Vice President. --
But elected there wasn't any personal connection. And, again, probably
the opposite political party.
0
Mr. President, did you ever meet President Truman
later on?
THE PRESIDENT: Never did meet him. Never had the honor
shaking his hand. And I wish I had, particularly McCullough after hearing
of about him in such marvelous tones as historian David
lecture portrayed.
Q
You and President Truman, Mr. President, were both
Vice Presidents at one time.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes.
Q
Do you think you had a shared experience in that
role?
THE PRESIDENT: To some degree, although his experience
was Vice President for 80 days, something like that. And level guess of
much shorter than mine. I was Vice President for eight years. I
He was always a -- when you've had the same job at that
politics in those days. I'm particularly impressed by the briefed
there's there's a sharing. But the job is very different fact today that than he
was it was not informed of some very momentous events. He had to be
- 2 -
on them after he became President. That's changed now under
Republican presidents and Democratic presidents. The vice president
is clued in much more closely. So if a modern-day vice president had
to come in as president, he would not have to be briefed as much,
there wouldn't be gaps in his knowledge about where things stood.
Q
What were the qualities about President Truman that
you came to appreciate or that you most respected?
THE PRESIDENT: I have great respect for him as I look
back on it. And I think telling it as it is, courage, facing
adversity with a coolness and a calmness. And then, of course, in
terms of foresight, the things he did in terms of NATO, the things he
did in terms of the Marshall Plan. These were big decisions and very
important decisions. And he just clicked them off with a certain
calmness and resolve.
So I respect his decision-making and his -- I respect
who he was, what kind of a person. It never went to his head living
in this beautiful house; always loved his little family, went home to
his roots. All of that I have great respect for.
Q Speaking of this beautiful house, Mr. President,
we're sitting now on a balcony that was here when Mr. Truman was
here. Was this part of his renovation of the White House?
THE PRESIDENT: It was part of the renovation.
Actually, when he came into the White House -- I've got to check my
history but I don't believe the balcony was actually here. Going
back into the planning of this marvelous building, there had been
plans for such a balcony. But I think Truman -- it's called the
Truman Balcony. I believe it was put in when he was President, when
they did the renovation of the whole house. And it's a marvelous
addition, as you can see. Barbara and I sit out here at night and it
is sheer heaven. I think it's the best view in Washington.
α The view is spectacular, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes.
& I'll vouch for that.
Back to President Truman, what do you think his reaction
would be today with the end of the Cold War and the lifting of the
Iron Curtain while you've been President?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, historian McCullough pointed out
that in taking the steps he took to stand up against the
international communist menace, he looked down the road to the day
the Cold War would be over. And this eminent historian stated very
clearly that Truman predicted the demise of the Soviet Union, the
falling apart of it. And he didn't -- that was a long, long time ago
and quite clearly he never lived to see anything other than the Cold
War during and after his presidency.
But I think he would probably say, well, it was worth
making the tough decisions. It was worth standing up to this then-
international menace. It was worth keeping our country strong. And
he had clear vision on the communist threat.
Q
President Truman reputedly had on his desk a
message that said "the buck stops here. Is that message still valid
today?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, and that rings loud and clear. And
there is no question about it. And the President must make tough
decision, must take the responsibility for those decisions. And
there's no other job like it. And Truman was right; it's a wonderful
MORE
- 3 -
to put it. And you can't and you shouldn't try to shift the
way blame when things don't go well. I think it's plenty appropriate to
give credit to others when your decisions work out right. But there
is a finality to the decision-making process that descends upon the
desk in the Oval Office. And Truman is right, the buck does stop
here. And it's a wonderful way to put it. Wonderful way to put it.
Mr. President, this presidential lecture series has
been marvelous. Q Did you have any one in mind for number six, seven
or eight?
THE PRESIDENT: No, we haven't gone that far. We've had
five. I think it's a joy to think that they're shared by people
across the country. And I can speak for those -- (plane flying by;
inaudible) --
So I just salute the lecture, I salute the series and
partisan. It's not political. It's simply looking back and learning
say we will definitely continue it. It is wonderful. It's not
more about those who have occupied this White House.
It's been a wonderful educational experience for
all of us, Mr. Q President. And I thank you very much for helping us
to participate.
THE PRESIDENT: Delighted to see you. I'm delighted.
Q
Thank you.
END
6:41 P.M. EDT
FIFTH PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE \ EAST ROOM
TEUSDAY, JULY 28, 1992 \ 6:00 P.M.
MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS, AND OF MY CABINET. LYNNE
CHENEY, CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE
HUMANITIES. SPECIAL GUESTS -- FORMER AND PRESENT
MEMBERS OF WHITE HOUSE STAFF, SOME OF WHOM FIRST
REPORTED FOR WORK DURING THE TRUMAN ERA: YOU ARE PART
OF THE HISTORY OF THIS HOUSE. // MRS. MCCULLOUGH AND
CHILDREN.
- 2 -
ALL OF OUR DISTINGUISHED GUESTS: It's MY PLEASURE TO
WELCOME ALL OF YOU TO THE WHITE HOUSE, FOR THE FIFTH IN
OUR SERIES OF PRESIDENTIAL LECTURES.
TONIGHT OUR SUBJECT IS THE MAN FROM MISSOURI, HARRY
TRUMAN. IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT WHEN SENATOR HARRY
TRUMAN CAME TO THE CONGRESS, HE SEEMED DESTINED FOR
ANYTHING BUT A PLACE ON CENTER STAGE OF ONE OF THE
WORLD'S EPIC DRAMAS.
- 3 -
COMING UP THROUGH THE KANSAS CITY POLITICAL MACHINE
...
RIDICULED AS THE "SENATOR FROM PENDERGAST" ... LEGEND
HAS IT TRUMAN WAS SENT TO WASHINGTON WITH THIS
INSTRUCTION: "WORK HARD, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT AND
ANSWER YOUR MAIL.' //
HE TOOK THAT ADVICE.
A DECADE LATER, AS VICE-PRESIDENT, TRUMAN WAS
ANYTHING BUT A MEMBER OF FDR's INNER CIRCLE.
- 4 -
HE FIRST LEARNED ABOUT THE MANHATTAN PROJECT ON HIS
12TH DAY AS PRESIDENT. BUT HE GRASPED IMMEDIATELY THE
IMMENSE IMPORTANCE OF THE ATOM BOMB -- AND KNEW AMERICA
MUST HAVE IT FIRST. //
COMMON-SENSE WAS HIS PHILOSOPHY. "IF YOU CAN'T
STAND THE HEAT, GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN." "I JUST TOLD
THE TRUTH -- AND THEY THOUGHT IT WAS HELL." THOSE ARE
THE WORDS OF A FIGHTER -- SOMEONE YOU COULD NEVER COUNT
OUT.
- 5 -
AND YOU'RE LOOKING AT SOMEONE WHO LEARNED THAT THE HARD
WAY, WHEN I BET $10 BUCKS ON PRESIDENT DEWEY BACK IN
'48.
I'M REMINDED OF ALL THIS BY THE WORK AND WORDS OF
OUR GUEST LECTURER'S FASCINATING NEW BIOGRAPHY OF HARRY
S TRUMAN. AND AS I MAKE MY WAY THROUGH THIS PORTRAIT,
I PARTICULARLY ENJOY THE ACCOUNT OF THE CAMPAIGN OF '48
-- FROM A PURELY OBJECTIVE VIEW, OF COURSE. THE BATTLE
AGAINST THE "Do NOTHING CONGRESS" -- NOW, WAIT:
- 6 -
THAT'S TRUMAN SPEAKING. // THAT STUNNING COME-FROM-
BEHIND VICTORY. / NOTHING LIKE A STORY WITH A HAPPY
ENDING. // SOMETHING ELSE STRIKES ME ABOUT THAT
PIVOTAL YEAR: 1948 WAS THE YEAR OF THE MARSHALL PLAN /
THE BERLIN BLOCKADE / THE YEAR STALIN'S ACTIONS TURNED
THE SOVIET UNION FROM ALLY TO ENEMY. ONCE AGAIN,
TRUMAN ROSE TO THE OCCASION -- TOOK A NATION WEARY OF
WAR -- READY FOR PEACE -- AND RALLIED IT TO LEAD A
CRUSADE FOR THE FREE WORLD.
- 7 -
THE VICTORY WE CELEBRATE TODAY -- FREEDOM'S TRIUMPH
AND THE DEATH OF IMPERIAL COMMUNISM -- BRINGS US CLOSER
TO THE KIND OF PEACE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS
...
AND THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE
...
HAVE LONGED FOR SINCE TRUMAN'S
TIME. //
TONIGHT, OUR GUIDE TO THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HARRY
TRUMAN IS DAVID MCCULLOUGH -- ONE OF AMERICA'S PREMIER
HISTORIANS.
- 8 -
MR. MCCULLOUGH IS THE AUTHOR OF SIX BOOKS -- REPEAT
WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD -- AND NO STRANGER TO
THE PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE SERIES. / ONE MORE VISIT,
AND WE MAY SIMPLY RENAME THIS EVENT THE MCCULLOUGH
LECTURE. //
OVER THE NEXT HOUR, MR. MCCULLOUGH WILL TAKE US AS
FAR AS WE HAVE TIME TO GO INTO THE MAN FROM SMALL TOWN
AMERICA, WHOSE CRITICS SCORNED HIM AS THE "SON OF A
HABERDASHER."
- 9 -
THE MAN OF WHOM CHURCHILL WROTE -- AND I QUOTE -- "MORE
THAN ANY OTHER MAN, HAS SAVED WESTERN CIVILIZATION."
//
Now, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: THE FIFTH PRESIDENTIAL
LECTURE, ON OUR 33RD PRESIDENT, HARRY S TRUMAN. MR.
MCCULLOUGH, THE FLOOR IS YOURS.
# # #
CATHY FENTON-IMMEDIATE
THANKS JEANNIE 2930
McGroarty/Bunton
July 23, 1992
1:00 pm
asks
[lecture]
on
Carly PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: of ford THE JULY FIFTH over EAST 28, PRESIDENTIAL to ROOM 1992 Usher's LECTURE this /
B 4:c/opm
6:00 P.M.
Members of the Congress, and of my Cabinet. Lynne Cheney,
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special
guests -- former and present members of White House staff, some
of whom first reported for work during the Truman era: you are
part of the history of this House. // Mrs. McCullough and
children. All of our distinguished guests: It's my pleasure to
welcome all of you to the White House, for the fifth in our
series of Presidential Lectures.
Tonight our subject is the man from Missouri, Harry Truman.
It's hard to believe, but when Senator Harry Truman came to the
Congress, he seemed destined for anything but a place on center
stage of one of the world's epic dramas. Coming up through the
Kansas City political machine
ridiculed as the "Senator from
Pendergast"
legend has it Truman was sent to Washington with
this instruction: "Work hard, keep your mouth shut and answer
your mail." //
He took that advice.
A decade later, as Vice-President, Truman was anything but a
member of FDR's inner circle. He first learned about the
Manhattan Project on his 12th day as President. But he grasped
Date Cathy Time Fenton NAME
WHILE YOU WERE OUT
Phone of M 6235 6235
TELEPHONED
PLEASE CALL
CALLED TO SEE YOU
WILL CALL AGAIN
WANTS TO SEE YOU
URGENT
RETURNED YOUR CALL
1
on Message Theman rewaks
Clark Chilford
Ermer sport Truman En
then AMPAD 2 mailre ds
4 GEORGE ELSEY Operator
EFFICIENCY®
23-023 CARBONLESS
former i current staff
Familiar Aces See
W
evenday
and not Pott 1
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 24, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
DAN MC GROARTY mur
SUBJECT:
PROPOSED REMARKS AT THE PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE
SERIES
I. SUMMARY
On Tuesday, July 28 at 6 p.m., in the East Room, you will
deliver brief remarks to an audience of 200 distinguished guests,
including former and current White House staff from the Truman
Era.
II. DISCUSSION
Your remarks (approximately 5 minutes / cards), introduce
the topic of the lecture, President Harry S Truman, and the guest
lecturer, Mr. David McCullough.
No members of Truman family
2650
(FAX-6255)
Barbara and I
McGroarty/Bunton
July 23, 1992
#
1:00 pm
Floris Mrs. McCullongh and children (family)
[lecture]
general-former general former
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FIFTH PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE
and present from
THE EAST ROOM
Truman Era
JULY 28, 1992
6:00 P.M.
Sec. kemp /mvs,
and Darmans
Members of the Congress, and of my Cabinet. Lynn Cheney,
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special
w. McCurough will ack-
guests former White House Maitre'd Alonzo Fields and Eugene
Johnny Mussler -Electnum S Helen Donaldson- schedrless Lilian PALES long-
Allen: you are part of the history of this House. // All of 5.6.thers
our distinguished guests: It's my pleasure to welcome all of you
to the White House, for the fifth in our series of Presidential
Cathy Fenton (Scial 7064)
Lectures.
Bio
Tonight our subject is the man from Missouri, Harry Truman.
It's hard to believe, but when Senator Harry Truman came to the
Congress, he seemed destined for anything but a place on center
stage of one of the world's epic dramas. Coming up through the
Man from p.45,59 Mo.
Bio
-Kansas City political machine
ridiculed as the "Senator from
Ilan from M..
-
Pendergast"
legend has it Truman was sent to Washington with
p.68,677 6th
this instruction: "Work hard, keep your mouth shut and answer
Mc
MC
your mail." //
cullongh
He took that advice.
aws
A decade later, as Vice-President, Truman was anything but a
member of FDR's inner circle. He first learned about the
Manhattan Project on his 12th day as President. But he grasped
immediately the immense importance of the atom bomb -- and knew
America must have it first. //
Convo w/ McCullough
24 Fuly 1992
2
1960 Mr.citizen
Common-sense was his philosophy. "If you can't stand the
heat, get out of the kitchen. just told the truth -- and
they thought it was hell. Those are the words of a fighter --
someone you could never count out. And you're looking at someone
who learned that the hard way, when I bet $10 bucks on President
Dewey back in '48.]- poins MARCH 31, 1989 remarks
I'm reminded of all this by the work and words of our guest
lecturer's fascinating new biography of Harry S Truman. And as I
campaignate N is book
make my way through this portrait, I particularly enjoy the
account of the Campaign of '48 -- from a purely objective view,
of course. The battle against the "Do Nothing Congress" -- now,
wait: that's Truman speaking. // That stunning come-from-
behind victory. / Nothing like a story with a happy ending. //
actually passed
Something else strikes me about that pivotal year: 1948 was
the year of the Marshall Plan / the Berlin Blockade / the year
Stalin's actions turned the Soviet Union from ally to enemy.
Once again, Truman rose to the occasion -- took a nation weary of
war -- ready for peace -- and rallied it to lead a crusade for
the Free World.
The victory we celebrate today -- freedom's triumph and the
death of imperial communism -- brings us closer to the kind of
peace American Presidents
and the American people
...
have
longed for since Truman's time. //
Tonight, our guide to the life and times of Harry Truman is
David McCullough -- one of America's premier historians. Mr.
McCullough is the author of six books -- repeat winner of the
3
National Book Award -- and no stranger to the Presidential
Lecture Series. / One more visit, and we may simply rename this
event the McCullough Lecture. //
Over the next hour, Mr. McCullough will take us as far as we
have time to go into the man from small town America, whose
Man from Mo.
critics scorned him as the "son of a haberdasher.' " The man of
whom Churchill wrote -- and I quote -- "more than any other man,
has saved Western from
Now, ladies and gentlemen: the fifth Presidential Lecture,
on our 33rd President, Harry S Truman. Mr. McCullough, the floor
is yours.
# # #
McGroarty/Bunton
July 22, 1992
5:00 pm
[lecture]
1.- Lincoln
2- Jackson
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SIXTH PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE
THE EAST ROOM
3.- Teddy Ross.
JULY 28, 1992
6:00 P.M.
4.- Geo. wash.
5.- Truman
Members of the Congress, and of my Cabinet. Lynn Cheney,
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special
guests -- former White House Maitre'd Alonzo Fields and Eugene
Allen: you are part of the history of this House. // All of
our distinguished guests: It's my pleasure to welcome all of you
fifth
to the White House, for the sixth in our series of Presidential
Lectures.
Cashy Fenton (7064)
LananMissouri
Tonight our subject is the man from Missouri, Harry Truman.
It's hard to believe, but when Senator Harry Truman came to the
745,59
Congress, he seemed destined for anything but a place on center
stage of one of the world's epic dramas. Coming up through the
Miss
USA
Kansas City political machine, ridiculed as the "Senator from
64,-677
Pendergast," legend has it Truman was sent to Washington with
this instruction: "Keep quiet and answer your mail." //
He took that advice.
A decade later, as Vice-President, Truman was anything but a
member of FDR's inner circle. He first learned about the
Manhattan Project on his [xth] day as President. But he grasped
immediately the immense importance of the atom bomb -- and knew
America must have it first. //
1960 Mr. Citizen
Common-sense was his philosophy. "If you can't stand the
heat, get out of the kitchen." "I tell 'em the truth -- and it
hurts like hell." Those are the words of a fighter -- someone
3April7
you could never ? count out. And you're looking at someone who
1956
learned that the hard way, when I bet $10 bucks on President
Dewey back in '48.
I'm reminded of all this by the work and words of our guest
lecturer's fascinating new biography of Harry S Truman. And as I
make my way through this portrait, I particularly enjoy the
account of the Campaign of '48 -- from a purely objective view,
of course. The battle against the "Do Nothing Congress" -- now, wait:
that's Truman speaking. // That stunning come-from-behind
intenduced
victory. / Nothing like a story with a happy ending.
//
intm 1947
Something else strikes me about that pivotal 1948 year: 1948 was
passage
the year of the Marshall Plan / the Berlin Blockade / the year
Stalin's actions turned the Soviet Union from ally to enemy.
for
European recovery
Once again, Truman rose to the occasion -- took a nation weary of
war -- ready for peace -- and rallied it to lead a crusade for
the Free World.
himp
may 48
then
The victory we celebrate today -- freedom's triumph and the
death of imperial communism -- brings us closer to the kind of
peace American Presidents and the American people have longed for
since Truman's time. //
Tonight, our guide to the life and times of Harry Truman is
David McCullough -- one of America's premier historians. Mr.
McCullough is the author of five books -- repeat winner of the
National Book Award -- and no stranger to the Presidential
Lecture Series. / One more visit, and we may simply rename this
event the McCullough Lecture. //
Over the next hour, Professor McCullough will take us as far
as we have time to go into the man from small town America, whose
-ManFromhissour,
critics scorned him as the "son of a haberdasher. " The man of
whom Churchill wrote -- and I quote t "more than any other man,
can be credited with saving Western Civilization. " ?11 //
Now, ladies and gentlemen: the sixth Presidential Lecture,
33rd
FIFTH
on our xxth President, Harry S Truman. Professor McCullough, the
floor is yours.
# # #
McGroarty/Bunton
July 23, 1992
1:00 pm
[lecture]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SIXTH PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE
THE EAST ROOM
JULY 28, 1992
6:00 P.M.
Members of the Congress, and of my Cabinet. Lynn Cheney,
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Special RE-WORK
SECTION
guests -- former White House Maitre'd Alonzo Fields and Eugene
Allen: you are part of the history of this House. //] All of
our distinguished guests: It's my pleasure to welcome all of you
to the White House, for the fifth in our series of Presidential
Lectures.
Cathy Fenton (Social 7064)
(Bis)
Tonight our subject is the man from Missouri, Harry Truman.
(Bis)
It's hard to believe, but when Senator Harry Truman came to the
Congress, he seemed destined for anything but a place on center
stage of one of the world's epic dramas. Coming up through the
Kansas City political machine
ridiculed as the "Senator from
from
Bio
Pendergast"
...
legend has it Truman was sent to Washington with
this instruction: "Work hard, keep your mouth shut and answer
your mail." //
He took that advice.
A decade later, as Vice-President, Truman was anything but a
member of FDR's inner circle. He first learned about the
Manhattan Project on his 12th day as President. But he grasped
immediately the immense importance of the atom bomb -- and knew
America must have it first. //
2
Common-sense was his philosophy. "If you can't stand the
heat, get out of the kitchen." "I just told the truth -- and
they thought it was hell." Those are the words of a fighter --
someone you could never count out. And you're looking at someone
who learned that the hard way, when I bet $10 bucks on President
Dewey back in '48.
I'm reminded of all this by the work and words of our guest
48
lecturer's fascinating new biography of Harry S Truman. And as I
make my way through this portrait, I particularly enjoy the
is
Mr
account of the Campaign of '48 -- from a purely objective view,
of course. The battle against the "Do Nothing Congress" -- now,
smill
Callary
wait: that's Truman speaking. // That stunning come-from-
behind victory. / Nothing like a story with a happy ending. //
Something else strikes me about that pivotal year: 1948 was
the year of the Marshall Plan / the Berlin Blockade / the year
Stalin's actions turned the Soviet Union from ally to enemy.
Once again, Truman rose to the occasion -- took a nation weary of
war -- ready for peace -- and rallied it to lead a crusade for
the Free World.
The victory we celebrate today -- freedom's triumph and the
death of imperial communism -- brings us closer to the kind of
peace American Presidents and the American people
have
longed for since Truman's time. //
Tonight, our guide to the life and times of Harry Truman is
David McCullough -- one of America's premier historians. Mr.
McCullough is the author of six books -- repeat winner of the
3
National Book Award - -- and no stranger to the Presidential
Lecture Series. / One more visit, and we may simply rename this
event the McCullough Lecture. //
Mr.
Over the next hour, Professor McCullough will take us as far
as we have time to go into the man from small town America, whose
critics scorned him as the "son of a haberdasher." The man of
whom Churchill wrote -- and I quote -- "more than any other man,
has saved Western Civilization.' " //
Now, ladies and gentlemen: the fifth Presidential Lecture,
Mr.
on our 33rd President, Harry S Truman. Professor McCullough, the
floor is yours.
# # #
McGroarty/Bunton
July 22, 1992
5:00 pm
[lecture]
/. - Lincoln
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SIXTH PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE
- Jackson
THE EAST ROOM
3.- Teddy Ross.
JULY 28, 1992
6:00 P.M.
4.-Geo.Wash. Geo. wash.
5.- Truman
Members of the Congress, and of my Cabinet. Lynn Cheney,
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special
guests -- former White House Maitre'd Alonzo Fields and Eugene
Allen: you are part of the history of this House. // All of
our distinguished guests: It's my pleasure to welcome all of you
fifth
to the White House, for the sixth in our series of Presidential
Lectures.
Carby Fenton (7064)
Tonight our subject is the man from Missouri, Harry Truman.
It's hard to believe, but when Senator Harry Truman came to the
Congress, he seemed destined for anything but a place on center
stage of one of the world's epic dramas. Coming up through the
Kansas City political machine, ridiculed as the "Senator from
Pendergast," legend has it Truman was sent to Washington with
word harl, keep your minth That P. 213
this instruction: "Keep quiet and answer your mail.' //
He took that advice.
A decade later, as Vice-President, Truman was anything but a
member of FDR's inner circle. He first learned about the
twelk
Manhattan Project on his [xth] day as President. But he grasped
immediately the immense importance of the atom bomb -- and knew
America must have it first. //
mentioned to him night trole oath, Stimson didn't come around
until later to yee him
First real explanation of Manhett priject came M the 12th day as Pres.
fromseard war Stimpsm
( agr. 25th)
66/-
Common-sense was his philosophy. "If you can't stand the
heat, get out of the kitchen. tell em the truth -- and
Just told
they it thought it
was
hurts like hell. Those are the words of a fighter -- someone
you could never ? count out. And you're looking at someone who
learned that the hard way, when I bet $10 bucks on President
Dewey back in '48.
I'm reminded of all this by the work and words of our guest
lecturer's fascinating new biography of Harry S Truman. And as I
make my way through this portrait, I particularly enjoy the
account of the Campaign of '48 -- from a purely objective view,
of course. The battle against the "Do Nothing Congress" -- now, wait:
that's Truman speaking. // That stunning come-from-behind
victory. / Nothing like a story with a happy ending. //
Something else strikes me about that pivotal year: 1948 was
the year of the Marshall Plan / the Berlin Blockade / the year
Stalin's actions turned the Soviet Union from ally to enemy.
Once again, Truman rose to the occasion -- took a nation weary of
war -- ready for peace -- and rallied it to lead a crusade for
the Free World.
The victory we celebrate today -- freedom's triumph and the
death of imperial communism -- brings us closer to the kind of
peace American Presidents and the American people have longed for
since Truman's time. //
Tonight, our guide to the life and times of Harry Truman is
David McCullough -- one of America's premier historians. Mr.
6th Couting Trum
McCullough is the author of five books -- repeat winner of the
National Book Award -- and no stranger to the Presidential
Lecture Series. / One more visit, and we may simply rename this
event the McCullough Lecture. //
Over the next hour, Professor McCullough will take us as far
as we have time to go into the man from small town America, whose
critics scorned him as the "son of a haberdasher. " The man of
whom Churchill [has] wrote -- and I quote t "more than any other man,
I ed
can be credited with saving Western Civilization." //
Now, ladies and gentlemen: the sixth Presidential Lecture,
33rd
fifth
on our xxth President, Harry S Truman. Professor McCullough, the
floor is yours.
# # #
Sam Raybuan:
u He always
got the by
thungs visht"
he generally nixt summ on the
bis was this not ye
fue. not used
ЦИНИ
tw 21 SENER 1370 fm 91.5 Reachout Radio
William J. Pearce
President
7/27 CC: Jeauie DAN Beenton
11:20
A.M.
Me e Groarty
FYI
July 21, 1992
Via FAX & U.S. Mail
Mr. Dorrance Smith
Assistant to the President for Media Affairs
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Dorrance:
It was great getting acquainted with you last Friday as we
discussed the upcoming presidential lecture. I'm sending along
with this note a "draft" of introductory remarks for the
President. of course, you and other White House staff can edit
and mark it up in any way you see fit. If I could get a copy of
the final piece before the lecture it would be very helpful to
our producer and director.
I'll also be sending along a letter today with some proposed
questions for my interview with the President, and a summary of
the project itself,
Please call me 1f you need any additional information. I'll
keep in touch right up until the 28th. Once again, it is a
pleasure to be working with you and Cathy and Paul. All the
best.
Sincerely,
Bill
William J. Pearce
WJP:mmg
Enclosure
CC: Cathy Fenton, Deputy Social Secretary, The White House
Paul Luthringer, Associate Director of Media Affairs
Mark Leonard, Producer, WXXI
John Overlan, Director, WXXI
WXXI Public Broadcasting Council
280 State Street P.O. Box 21 Rochester, N.Y. 14601 (716) 325-7500
SOCIAL OFFICE-
RCV BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 7-27-92 :11:20AM ;
DRAFT
PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
FOR THE FIFTH LECTURE IN THE PRESIDENTIAL SERIES
ON HARRY S. TRUMAN BY DAVID McCULLOUGH
Welcome to the White House, Honored guests, members of
Congress. A special welcome to the members of the Truman
family, and to Mrs. Rosalee McCullough. It is my pleasure
this evening to introduce the fifth in a series of
Presidential Lectures, this time featuring our 33rd
President, Harry S. Truman.
Bank clerk, "shirt" salesman, farmer, a battle-proven
veteran of World War I, Harry S. Truman would rise from the
frontiers of Missouri to become President of the United
States of America. Young Harry would learn that work was the
key to success. "If you don't work, you don't make it," was
the common philosophy, "You may do a lot of work and not make
it, too, but you've got to do it or you won't make it." His
work ethic would see him through some of the United State's
most trying times.
He began his political career under the shadows of "Big
Tom" Pendergast, the political boss of Kansas City. He would
rise from county judge to State Senator and ultimately prove
himself as a man of his word, a man of character and
Z 2045662181
SOCIAL OFFICE-
: :11:20AM 26-42-4 : 7020 Telecoder Br: ROW
vitality. As Senator from Missouri Harry S. Truman would
serve with little distinction he was a quiet, unassuming
man, dedicated to doing his job with honor and integrity,
with little fanfare. Selected to run for the Vice Presidency
of the United States under President Franklin Roosevelt,
this "Man from Missouri" was destined to place his own
"stamp" on our country's history.
On April 12, 1945, Truman was summoned to the White
House
at 5:25 PM he entered the private quarters
Mrs.
Roosevelt stepped forward, placing her arm on Truman's
shoulder
"Harry, the President is dead." Truman was unable
to speak. "Is there anything I can do for you?" he said at
last. "Is there anything we can do for you.' she said. "For
you are the one in trouble now."
This quiet, unassuming Senator from Missouri would
define the course of American politics and diplomacy for the
next forty years. In David McCullough's words
=
he is the
President responsible for the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall
Plan, NATO, the amazing Berlin Air Lift. It was Truman who
first recognized Israel, who established the Defense
Department, started the CIA, who decided to proceed with the
hydrogen bomb. He sent the first civil rights message ever
to Congress and desegregated the armed forces
He was also,
of course, the peppery, plainspoken "Give 'Em Hell Harry" of
popular memory, and a great deal more besides, more
E 2045662183
SOCIAL
RCV BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 7-27-92 ;11:21AM ;
thoughtful, kind, complex, and far more touched by emotion
than commonly appreciated and too, 'tough as a boot. "
Our guide to the life and time of Harry S. Truman is the
renowned historian David McCullough. Mr. McCullough's 1,117-
page biography of Truman held me enthralled through many
plane rides this summer, and I eagerly await his personal
reflections this evening.
This is David McCullough's second visit to the East Room
as a Presidential Lecturer. Two years ago, we were regaled
with anecdote, fiction and fact about another great White
House resident, Teddy Roosevelt. At that time, Mr.
McCullough was immersed in completing his most ambitious
biography, TRUMAN, which he had begun eight years before.
Tonight, we shall enjoy the fruits of that effort.
In addition to his award-winning scholarship, you also
know David McCullough as Host of the respected Public
Television series SMITHSONIAN WORLD AND AMERICAN EXPERIENCE.
AND NOW, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FIFTH IN OUR
PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE SERIES, DAVID McCULLOUGH ON PRESIDENT
HARRY S. TRUMAN.
7 2045662181
SOCIAL OFFICE+
: :11:21AM 7-27-62 : 7020 Telecoder BY: RCV
07-21-92 03:56 PM FROM WXXI TV 21
TO 2024562878
P03
DAN WOULD THIS BE of HELP?
DRAFT
DAUL
PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
For
FOR THE FIFTH LECTURE IN THE PRESIDENTIAL SERIES
ON HARRY S. TRUMAN BY DAVID McCULLOUGH
File. Congress. Welcome
to the white House, Honored guests, members of
A special welcome to the members of the Truman
family, and to Mrs. Rosalee McCullough. It is my pleasure
this evening to introduce the fifth in a series of
Presidential Lectures, this time featuring our 33rd
President, Harry S. Truman.
Bank clerk, "shirt" salesman, farmer, a battle-proven
veteran of world War I, Harry S. Truman would rise from the
frontiers of Missouri to become President of the United
States of America. Young Harry would learn that work was the
key to success. "If you don't work, you don't make it," was
the common philosophy, "You may do a lot of work and not make
it, too, but you've got to do it or you won't make it." His
work ethic would see him through some of the United State's
most trying times.
He began his political career under the shadows of "Big
Tom" Pendergast, the political boss of Kansas city. He would
rise from county judge to State Senator and ultimately prove
himself as a man of his word, a man of character and
07-21-92 03:56 PM FROM WXXI TV 21
TO 2024562878
P04
vitality. As Senator from Missouri Harry S. Truman would
serve with little distinction he was a quiet, unassuming
man, dedicated to doing his job with honor and integrity,
with little fanfare. Selected to run for the Vice Presidency
of the United States under President Franklin Roosevelt,
this "Man from Missouri" was destined to place his own
"stamp" on our country's history.
On April 12, 1945, Truman was summoned to the White
House
at 5:25 PM he entered the private quarters
Mrs.
Roosevelt stepped forward, placing her arm on Truman's
shoulder "Harry, the President is dead." Truman was unable
to speak. "IS there anything I can do for you?" he said at
last. "IS there anything we can do for you." she said. "For
you are the one in trouble now."
This quiet, unassuming Senator from Missouri would
define the course of American politics and diplomacy for the
next forty years. In David McCullough's words
"
he is the
President responsible for the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall
Plan, NATO, the amazing Berlin Air Lift. It was Truman who
first recognized Israel, who established the Defense
Department, started the CIA, who decided to proceed with the
hydrogen bomb. He sent the first civil rights message ever
to Congress and desegregated the armed forces
He was also,
of course, the peppery, plainspoken "Give 'Em Hell Harry" of
popular memory, and a great deal more besides, more
07-21-92 03:56 PM FRCM WXXI IV 21
TO 2024562878
P05
thoughtful, kind, complex, and far more touched by emotion
than commonly appreciated and too, 'tough as a boot. "
our guide to the life and time of Harry S. Truman is the
renowned historian David McCullough. Mr. McCullough's 1,117-
page biography of Truman held me enthralled through many
plane rides this summer, and I eagerly await his personal
reflections this evening.
This is David McCullough's second visit to the East Room
as a Presidential Lecturer. Two years ago, we were regaled
with anecdote, fiction and fact about another great White
House resident, Teddy Roosevelt. At that time, Mr.
McCullough was immersed in completing his most ambitious
biography, TRUMAN, which he had begun eight years before.
Tonight, we shall enjoy the fruits of that effort.
In addition to his award-winning scholarship, you also
know David McCullough as Host of the respected Public
Television series SMITHSONIAN WORLD AND AMERICAN EXPERIENCE.
AND NOW, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FIFTH IN OUR
PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE SERIES, DAVID McCULLOUGH ON PRESIDENT
HARRY $. TRUMAN.
THE WHITE house
WASHINGTON
JULY 18, 1992
TO:
JEANIE BUNTON
FM:
Cr they Feuton
CATHY FENTON, SOCIAL OFFICE, X7064
RE:
BACKGROUND FOR THE PRESIDENT'S
REMARKS/JULY 28 PRESIDENTIAL
LECTURE ON HARRY S. TRUMAN
As we discussed Jeanie, I am forwarding
over a bio on our guest lecturer, Mr.
David McCullough, as well as the copy we
will include in our program on President
Truman. (I have sent this to Mr. McCullough
to edit, and update however.) Am also
including the President's remarks from the
last time Mr. McCullough was here.
The article on "Making the White House Work"
might also provide insight into the lives
of some of the residence staff that was
here and who we are trying to include as
guests. (Alonzo, Fields and Eugene Allen,
both former maitre d's.)
92.4rs. old
Many thanks. Please do not hesitate to call
the contacts I gave you at the Truman
Library, Library Institute, and WXXI in
New York who will be taping the lecture.
POTUS IS / HAS BEEN READING Mc CULLOUGH'S
NEW TRUMAN BOOK
Jeannie
for
files
DAVID McCULLOUGH
Historian and biographer David McCullough was born
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was graduated from Yale
University. He is known to millions of television viewers
as the host of two award-winning PBS series, "Smithso-
nian World" and "The American Experience." Mr. McCul-
lough is also the narrator of a series on the Civil War to
be broadcast on public television this fall. He has been
awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for his current work on
a biography of Harry Truman.
Mr. McCullough's earlier works include The Johns-
town Flood and The Great Bridge, the story of the build-
ing of the Brooklyn Bridge. The Path Between the Seas,
Mr. McCullough's chronicle of the creation of the Panama
Canal, won numerous awards, including the National Book
Award for History. Mornings on Horseback, his biogra-
phy of young Theodore Roosevelt, also won the National
Book Award, this time for biography.
Mr. McCullough is married to the former Rosalee
Barnes. They have five children.
: 7-13-92 ; 8:56AM ;
2027869527-
SOCIAL OFFICE:# 2
HARRY S. TRUMAN
Lamar, Missouri. Unwilling to disappoint either the Shipp
Harry S. Truman was born May 8, 1884, at the family farm
in Solomon sides of the family, Truman's parents gave him the
middle or name "S"; presumably both families were happy with the
compromise.
Truman's father was a self-educated farmer active in the
Democratic party. Young Harry was drafted early into party
service, celebrating the cleveland-Stevenson victory at age 8
and serving as a page at the Democratic National Convention at
16.
A decent student, Truman was severely nearsighted and
wore thick glasses for most of his life. He often lamented
that poor eyesight made it impossible for him to gain
admittance to West Point. Truman was nonetheless a superb
pianist and encouraged to pursue a musical career.
financial difficulties, Truman For the
In 1901, however, when his father suffered major
next 16 years, he held a series <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< THE
clerk, bank clerk, bookkeeper and life.
for World War I, in what was a defining period in his
sweetheart Elizabeth "Bess" Wallace in 1919, and established a
Upon his return from war, Truman married his childhood
haberdashery in Kansas city which flourished until the 1922
recession. Rather than declare bankruptcy, Truman repaid store
creditors over the next 12 years.
Backed by the Pendergast Machine, Truman was elected
judge of Jackson County in 1922. Thereafter, he held a number in
of political positions until he was elected U.S. Senator
1935. Although dubbed the "Senator from Pendergast," Truman
revealed an integrity and independence that belied such a
As chairman of the Special Committee to Investigate
posture. the National Defense Program during World War II, he achieved
national attention by exposing some $15 billion in waste.
In 1945, Truman relinquished the Senate seat to accept
Roosevelt's invitation to serve as vice president. He was
rarely consulted by Roosevelt, knew nothing about the
development of the atomic bomb, and later described the vice
presidency as "about as useful as a cow's fifth teat." While the
White House on April 12, 1945, to learn that the President was
visiting with House Speaker Sam Rayburn, he was called to
dead. With typical rustic candor, Truman told reporters:
: 7-13-92 : 8:57AM ;
2027869527-
SOCIAL OFFICE:# 3
-2-
I don't know whether you fellows ever had a
load of hay fall on you, but when they told me
what had happened, I felt like the moon, the
stars, and all the planets had fallen on me.
Over the next three years, Truman oversaw the conclusion
of World War II, ordered the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki, supported U.S. entry into the United Nations, and
implemented the Truman Doctrine "to support free peoples who
are resisting attempted subjugation."
In 1948, however, the Democratic Party looked vigorously
for an alternative. Only after Dwight Eisenhower and William
O. Douglas had rebuffed party requests, did the party nominate
Truman to face then New York Governor Thomas Dewey in what was
expected to be a sure defeat.
Undertaking a grueling 30,000-mile whistlestop campaign
and delivering more than 300 speeches to more than 5 million
people, Truman defied political pundits to win the four-way
Presidential race with 49 percent of the vote.
The Marshall Plan, the Fair Deal, the Korean War, the
firing of MacArthur--all happened under Truman's watch. And in
1950, he survived an assassination attempt by armed Puerto
Rican nationalists. Through it all, Truman embodied a candor,
a humor, a self-assurance and humility that endeared him then
and now to the American people. After it all, Churchill wrote
Truman, "You, more than any other man, have saved Western
civilization."
WHITE HOUSE WORKERS
Making the White House Work
Marjorie A. Hunt
"I didn't feel like a servant to a man. I felt I was a servant
to my government, to my country."
- Alonzo Fields, maitre d'
For nearly two centuries, since the time of
administrations, from the presidency of William
John Adams, the White House has been the
Taft to that of George Bush. Several have worked
home of American presidents. A powerful
at the White House for over 30 years, serving as
national symbol, it is a uniquely private and pub-
many as ten first families. Lillian Parks, a 95-year-
lic place - at once a family residence, a seat of
old former maid and seamstress, started working
the government, a ceremonial center and an his-
for President Hoover in 1929 and served
toric building and museum.
through the Eisenhower administration; her
Over the years, hundreds of people have
memory of the White House goes back to 1909,
worked behind the scenes to make the White
when her mother, Maggie Rogers, joined the
House function, preparing family meals, serving
staff as a maid for President Taft. "I was 12 years
elaborate State Dinners, polishing floors, tend-
old when I first started going to the White House
ing the grounds and welcoming visitors. Today, a
with my mother," she says, "and I've been in and
household staff of 96 full-time domestic and
out of the White House ever since."
maintenance employees - including butlers,
The oral histories and personal experiences
maids, engineers, housemen, chefs, electricians,
of these workers offer valuable insights into how
florists, ushers, doormen, carpenters and
larger patterns of social change in the nation
plumbers - work together under one roof to
affected employees' daily routines and work rela-
operate, maintain and preserve the 132-room
tionships. Alonzo Fields, a 92-year-old former
Executive Mansion.
maitre d' who joined the staff in 1931, comments
In celebration of the 200th anniversary of
eloquently on what it was like to encounter seg-
the White House, the "Workers at the White
regation in the White House and how this situa-
House" program explores the skills and folklife
tion changed over his 21 years of service. "They
of former White House workers - their occupa-
had separate dining rooms - Black and White.
tional techniques, customs, values, experiences
We all worked together, but we couldn't eat
and codes of behavior. It examines the distinc-
together Here in the White House, I'm work-
tive ways in which the White House, as a unique
ing for the President. This is the home of the
occupational setting, shapes work experience.
democracy of the world and I'm good enough to
The living memory and firsthand experi-
handle the President's food - to handle the
ences of the workers participating in this pro-
President's food and do everything - but I can
gram span almost a century, 15 presidential
not eat with the help." Preston Bruce, a share-
Workers at the White House has been made possible through the collaboration of the White House Historical Association which has
received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the support of the Johnson Foundation (Trust) and the
Smithsonian Institution Special Exhibition Fund.
98 WHITE HOUSE WORKERS
Maitre d' Alonzo Fields and his staff
of butlers, including Samuel Ficklin,
John Pye and Armstead Barnett,
stand ready to serve a tea during
the Roosevelt administration. Photo
courtesy Alonzo Fields
Maitre d' Alonzo Fields greets President
and Mrs. Truman. Photo courtesy Harry S.
Truman Library
cropper's son from South Carolina who worked
talk about how it is different from working in a
as a doorman for 22 years, tells of the thrill he
luxury hotel or for a wealthy family, citing every-
felt in seeing the struggle for civil rights from
thing from security concerns to the high stan-
inside the White House. Others speak of how the
dards demanded by the realization that one's
various approaches of first families affected their
performance reflects on the president and the
ways of serving guests, conducting social events
nation. "This is the president's house. You are
and interacting with staff.
serving the world, entertaining the world. It's got
All of the employees describe working at the
to be right," said Alonzo Fields. "You're working
White House as a unique experience where
for the highest office in the land," said doorman
work, with its variety of staged events and back-
Preston Bruce. "You know that whatever you do
stage support for them, has a strong "performa-
is going to affect the family upstairs." To work at
tive" element. Butlers and chefs, for example.
the White House was to serve as a guardian of
the national honor - this ethos informed work
Marjorie Hunt is curator of the "Workers at the White
performances and behavior at every level.
House" program. She is a folklorist and research associate
While first families are only temporary resi-
with the Center for Folklife Programs and Cultural.Studies.
dents at the White House, the household staff
WHITE HOUSE WORKERS 99
"I grew up in the
White House. I was 12
years old when I first started
going there with my mother,
and I've been in and out of
the White House ever since."
Lillian Rogers Parks, a 95-
year-old former maid and
seamstress, first began work-
ing in the White House with
her mother in 1909, during
the Taft administration.
"When I was directing a
dinner, I'd seat the President and
step back and then give a nod to
the men to start the service. From
then on I was directing an orches-
tra. I had my strings here and my
wind instruments in the back
and I was directing. And people
would watch and they'd marvel
at it, they really did."
Alonzo Fields, age 92, served as the
chief butler and maitre d' at the White
House for 21 years from the Hoover to
the Eisenhower administration.
"I thought I knew how to serve,
but the White House is different. Other
places you can make mistakes and you
don't feel so bad, but you don't feel like
making mistakes for the President and
First Lady. All that was in the back
of your mind when you were setting up
for any activity."
Eugene Allen started working in
the White House as a pantryman
for President Truman in 1952 and
rose through the ranks to become
chief butler and maitre d'. He
retired in 1986 after serving 34
years with eight first families.
"The word doorman is a
misnomer. I didn't run outside and
open doors and that was it. I greet-
ed you and welcomed you to the
White House. I made a show that I
knew everyone that came in. And
that made them feel a lot better."
Preston Bruce, a sharecropper's
son from South Carolina, served
as a White House doorman from
the Eisenhower to the Ford
administration.
Cath
Document No. 137398 7ml
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
5/4/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SECOND PRESIDENTIAL LECTTURE
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
WINSTON
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FIRESTONE
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
McGroarty/Dooley
May 3, 1990
6:00 pm
[lecture]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SECOND PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE
EAST ROOM
MAY 6, 1990
5:00 P.M.
Members of the Congress, and of my Cabinet. Lynne Cheney,
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Members
of the Roosevelt family, and our many distinguished guests: It's
my pleasure to welcome all of you to the White House, for the
second in our series of Presidential Lectures.
Some of you were with us back in January, when we opened the
series with our first lecture on the great Abraham Lincoln. //
Tonight, our subject is a man who has always been a favorite of
mine -- a man who helped shape the modern Presidency: the
inexhaustible TR -- Theodore Roosevelt. 11
We are, at this very moment, under TR's watchful eye. /
Here to my left, moved to the East Room for this occasion, the
portrait that hangs in the Roosevelt Room. Teddy Roosevelt,
rough-rider, on horseback -- advocate of what he called "the
strenuous life." // Our second portrait, on permanent display
here in the East Room -- painted by John Singer Sargent --
captures the serious side of Theodore Roosevelt. It captures his
decisiveness -- the quality he had that made him look as if he
were in action -- moving forward -- even while standing still.
// We have to put our imaginations to work, to picture TR
standing in this room -- watching his children roller skate on
these parquet floors, or play hide and seek behind the potted
plants and curtains.
That was TR. A man for whom the great political questions,
the great discoveries and inventions of his day -- did not crowd
out the great joys of his children and the pack of playmates he
called the White House Gang.
Theodore Roosevelt was at once a man of action -- and a man
of intellect. A man of the outdoors -- one of America's first
great conservationists -- and a man of quiet pursuits, who
regularly read a book, or even two, per day -- and wrote well
over 20 in his lifetime. A man of tremendous energy -- and a
love of life as boundless as the continents he explored.
And he was an explorer in every sense of that word. At the
age of 55, instead of licking his wounds after a losing
presidential campaign, he headed for the uncharted wilds of
Brazil -- to become the first to explore the Amazon's River of
Doubt -- now named the Rio Roosevelt. 11
He was the first President to ride in an automobile. First
to fly in an airplane. First to sail in a submarine. Technology
we've come to consider routine, but -- in TR's day -- inventions
that were untested, fraught with excitment and danger. Try to
imagine Teddy Roosevelt's fascination with our new technologies.
JFK vowed to make America the first nation to put a man on the
moon. TR // probably would have gone there himself.
Theodore Roosevelt was an athlete, who brought his love of
sport and physical competition into the White House. He boxed --
sparred with some of the world's first-rate professional
fighters. He practiced jujitsu. And, according to some, those
were just the sports he engaged in right here in the East Room.
//
Let me add one final TR "first" -- and this one shows the
bravery involved in being a Roosevelt historian: Teddy Roosevelt
was the first occupant of this White House to serve as President
of the American Historical Association.
Tonight, of course, our guide to the life and times of TR is
the renowned David McCullough. Mr. McCullough is the author of
four books, including The Path Between the Seas -- the story of
the creation of the Panama Canal -- and Mornings on Horseback, a
biography of the young Theodore Roosevelt. Both have been
awarded the National Book Award. The Second Presidential
Lecturer is an expert on Theodore Roosevelt -- and one of
America's most respected historians.
Over the next hour, Mr. McCullough will take us as far as we
have time to go into the many-sided subject of Theodore Roosevelt
-- a man once described by Secretary of State Elihu [EL-ih-hue]
Root as "the greatest teacher of the essentials of popular self-
government the world has ever known." And described by his young
cousin Nicholas in this way: "To be with him was to have fun --
if for no other reason than that he so obviously was having a
good time himself."
Now, ladies and gentlemen: the second Presidential Lecture,
on our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. It is my great honor
to introduce distinguished historian and award-winning biographer
-- David McCullough.
# # #
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / Apr. 24
we will find out why, the circumstances of
throughout your lives you must never
t, "thank you" is
the tragedy. But in a larger sense, there will
forget, your father was America's pride.
o describe this
never be answers to the questions that
Your mothers and grandmothers, aunts and
nd that of Con-
haunt us. We will not-cannot, as long as
uncles are entrusted with the memory of
possible. This
we live-know why God has called them
this day. In the years to come, they must
people, for the
home. But one thing we can be sure-this
pass along to you the legacy of the men
edical research
world is a more peaceful place because of
behind the guns. And to all who mourn a
President, you
the U.S.S. Iowa. The Iowa was recommis-
son, a brother, a husband, a father, a friend,
1 research is so
sioned and her crew trained to preserve the
I can only offer you the gratitude of a
now, Mr. Presi-
peace. So, never forget that your friends
nation-for your loved one served his coun-
bing to support
try with distinction and honor. I hope that
died for the cause of peace and freedom.
Institutes of
the sympathy and appreciation of all the
To the Navy community, remember that
American people provide some comfort.
people a year in
you have the admiration of America for
The true comfort comes from prayer and
than have been
sharing the burden of grief as a family, es-
faith.
combined. The
pecially the Navy wives, who suffer most
And your men are under a different com-
pends on the
the hardships of separation. You've always
mand now, one that knows no rank, only
edal recognizes
been strong for the sake of love. You must
love, knows no danger, only peace. May
ust once again
be heroically strong now, but you will find
God bless them all.
for trade, good
that love endures. It endures in the linger-
ericans. Medical
ing memory of time together, in the em-
Note: The President spoke at 9:23 a.m. in
ir children and
brace of a friend, in the bright, questioning
Hangar LP-2 at the Norfolk Naval Air Sta-
althy America.
eyes of a child.
tion. Following his remarks, the President
And as for the children of the lost,
traveled to Chicago, IL.
at 2:59 p.m. in
te House. In his
Wright, Speaker
Remarks at the Associated Press Business Luncheon in Chicago,
entatives, and
mer Speaker of
Illinois
April 24, 1989
Thank you all for that warm welcome.
Anderson, because in a meeting just now,
And my friend, Bill Keating-friend from
the greeting by Lou and Bill Keating, they
ne U.S.S.
Congress days-thank you for that most
brought up with me, once again, with this
generous introduction. I also want to thank
sense of urgency that all in the Associated
your able-I don't know whether I should
Press feel about Terry Anderson-the ques-
say leaders or deputies of the Associated
tion of the hostages [in Lebanon].
Press. Lou Boccardi, sitting over here, and
And I just want to say, without being able
Churchill at Ca-
Jim Tomlinson-and thank them and you
to give you any good news, that we are
okyo Harbor on
for including me in this AP luncheon, given
concerned; we will follow every intelligence
nded. The Iowa
at the time of the Newspaper Publishers
lead; we will go the extra mile to do what
wars. October
Association meeting. And I also want to say
we can. And I vowed when I came into the
Philippines-I
how pleased I am to be with you once
Presidency not to talk about the burden of
nose of us serv-
again.
the Presidency, the loneliness of the job or
s Third Fleet,
I've just come from Norfolk, a very
the great toughness that nobody under-
built our confi-
moving ceremony paying tribute to the 47
stands. I learned that from my immediate
be a part of the
young men that died in the turret aboard
predecessor-8 years and I never once
in 1984. And
Iowa-and it was indeed moving. And it
heard a call for sympathy or a call for un-
wful chapter in
made me once again realize how precious
derstanding along those lines. But I will say
human life is and how sometimes you can't
that when you do take that oath of office
Iowa: I under-
control things the way you'd like. And that
you do feel perhaps a disproportionate con-
mise you today
leads me to just say a word about Terry
cern for a fallen sailor or an individual held
465
Apr. 24 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
hostage against his or her will anywhere in
ing testimony to the solid foundation laid by
the world. And so, we will continue to keep
Washington.
this question of these hostages on the front
And I find myself thinking a lot of Teddy
burner.
Roosevelt-his limitless energy; his mental,
I know the news business is a serious and
moral, and physical toughness. I want the
sometimes extraordinarily dangerous busi-
record to show it's not just that he was an
ness. Mark Twain liked to recall that Napo-
elitist, like me. [Laughter] I think of his
leon once shot at a magazine editor. He
dedication to serve his nation, a dedication
missed him, but he killed a publisher.
instilled in earliest childhood, this sense of
[Laughter] Twain says: "It seems his aim
service, and then, I guess most of all, his
was bad, but his intentions were good."
love of nature, passion for reform and pres-
[Laughter]
ervation.
You all know Jefferson's tribute to the
I think of Harry Truman, a man who
importance of the press: "Were it left for
spoke his mind, a practical problemsolver, a
me to decide whether we should have a
fighter who never gave up. And I learned
government without newspapers or news-
that one the hard way, because I'm old
papers without a government, I should not
enough to have bet 10 bucks on Tom
hesitate a moment to prefer the latter."
Dewey back in 1948.
And now, despite the fact that there are
days when I think that all we really need is
And there's Ike, Dwight Eisenhower,
a sports page-[laughter-both of us, gov-
hero to a generation, a man who, once he
ernment and the news media, need one an-
became President, didn't appear to seek the
other; we owe each other a measure of re-
spotlight. He understood the value of quiet,
spect, honesty, and integrity equal to the
steady leadership and led this nation
work we're engaged in.
through a decade of growth and progress
It's been a little over 3 months since I
and prosperity.
took the oath of office, and I am pleased
And of course, I do think of the man that
with the progress that we've made in a
I served for 8 years, Ronald Reagan-his
short time. And I'll say more about that
commitment. People wondered: What was
shortly, but before I do, I'd just like to share
it? Why was he successful? It was his com-
with you some impressions of the past 3
mitment to a handful of principles, a com-
months.
mitment to his beliefs, plus his great faith in
People often ask me, understandably,
the American people and then this unshaka-
what's it like-how the Presidency com-
ble optimism that he brought to the job.
pares to the expectations you bring to it. I
The opportunities open to us today, to my
can sum up the thing that's made the deep-
administration today, were made possible
est impression on me so far, in one word,
by the peace and prosperity that Ronald
and it's history, a sense of history all around
Reagan left as his legacy.
you. And you can't live in the White House
We used to hear a lot about the Presiden-
and you can't sit at the desk in the Oval
cy being too big for one man. Indeed, a
Office, or upstairs in the office that I have
very distinguished Washington lawyer
now right next to the Lincoln Bedroom,
wrote just at the end of the Carter Presi-
without constantly experiencing the history
dency, just as President Reagan was coming
of the place, without thinking of the Presi-
in-there was talk, because of the frustra-
dents we all know, but perhaps in a differ-
tion abounding, that what we might need is
ent light.
a parliamentary system. That talk stopped
And I think of Washington, working to
when Ronald Reagan became President.
define the Presidency, to mix power and
Different men, different methods, different
restraint in a way that created a Chief Ex-
circumstances-proof, as I see it, that the
ecutive consistent with democratic govern-
Presidency is ample enough to accommo-
ment. This Sunday I'm going to go up to
date the strengths and styles of our nation's
New York to join in the ceremonies mark-
rich political history.
ing the 200th anniversary of Washington's
In the past 3 months, these thoughts have
swearing in. Each of those 200 years is last-
framed my own approach in dealing with
466
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / Apr. 24
undation laid by
the pressing problems that confront us-
demonstrates the value of tough, principled
some of them decades in the making-and
negotiations between this administration
a lot of Teddy
in working to put the United States on a
and the Congress.
gy; his mental,
steady course for the decade ahead and the
The bipartisan budget agreement that we
ess. I want the
new century beyond it. I do not feel com-
worked out 10 days ago is a key example.
that he was an
pelled or pressed because of a column here
That agreement-ahead of schedule, on
I think of his
or a column there to reach out for some-
target with Gramm-Rudman, and with my
n, a dedication
thing dramatic. The first step in every initi-
"no new taxes" pledge intact-is a strong
d, this sense of
ative that I've undertaken is to square our
first step towards dealing with the deficit
most of all, his
action with enduring American principles.
problem and keeping our economy-76
eform and pres-
Whatever the problem, we can count on
straight months of expanding, uninterrupt-
public support so long as our policy and
ed growth-on track. Difficult decisions lie
principles share a common root.
n, a man who
ahead. I'm well aware of that, but the im-
And these principles are: freedom for in-
problemsolver, a
portant first step, an important agreement,
dividuals, for nations-self-determination
And I learned
has been reached.
and democracy; fairness-equal standards,
ecause I'm old
And of course, there's the accord we
equal opportunity-a chance for each of us
bucks on Tom
to achieve and make our way on our own
reached on Central America. The people of
merits; strength-in international affairs,
Nicaragua-like their neighbors in the
it Eisenhower,
strength our allies can count on and our
region, like people everywhere-deserve to
1 who, once he
adversaries must respect-and at home,
live in peace, with freedom. The United
ear to seek the
strength and a sense of self-confidence in
States is now speaking with one voice and
value of quiet,
carrying forward our nation's work; excel-
standing behind a plan that will put the
d this nation
lence-the underlying goal in the collective
Sandinistas to the test. And this unity has
h and progress
efforts that we undertake, and accountabil-
encouraged leaders like President Oscar
ity for the work we do; and in the workings
Arias of Costa Rica to support-strongly
of the man that
of government, a firm sense of the responsi-
support-the U.S. policy. And the support
Id Reagan-his
bilities and powers of government and the
of the leaders in that area, in Central Amer-
red: What was
private sector that lies beyond its limits.
ica, those democratic leaders surrounding
It was his com-
My starting point has been a respect for
Nicaragua, is vital if we're to succeed.
nciples, a com-
American institutions-for Congress, for the
And in 3 short months, we've made a
is great faith in
dedicated civil servants in the executive
good start coming to grips with issues de-
en this unshaka-
branch, for State and local governments, for
manding urgent attention and decisive
ght to the job.
the concept of public service-and a firm
action, and we've taken that action.
IS today, to my
belief in the constitutional powers of the
Action to stabilize the troubled savings
made possible
Presidency. Each has its role; each can be
and loan system-the reform plan that I
ty that Ronald
enlisted in the work at hand. The emphasis
sent to Congress will restore stability and
is on cooperation, not confrontation, as the
put the savings and loan system back on its
it the Presiden-
surest route to progress.
feet in sound fiscal order. My plan guaran-
nan. Indeed, a
I've read more than a few news stories
tees that depositors will be fully protect-
ington lawyer
before and after the election-you can re-
ed-they are today, and they will be in the
'e Carter Presi-
member them-said that the new President
future. The S&L system must be reformed
gan was coming
and the Congress could not possibly work
so that the questionable practices and out-
of the frustra-
together after a bitter campaign that made
right illegalities that caused the crisis will
e might need is
cooperation impossible. I didn't believe that
not happen again. And those S&L officials
it talk stopped
then, and I think we're proving it wrong
found guilty of criminal actions will be pun-
ime President.
now. When I took office, I told the Con-
ished for the losses that they have caused.
thods, different
gress that the American people hadn't sent
Last week the Senate passed my plan by 91
see it, that the
us to Washington to bicker. They sent us to
to 8, and I urge the House to act promptly
1 to accommo-
govern, to work together to solve the
and pass this S&L reform bill with its cen-
of our nation's
urgent problems that confront us, and to
tral provisions intact.
shape the long-term strategies to ensure
Action to strengthen ethics in govern-
thoughts have
peace and prosperity in the future. I think
ment-the ethics reforms that I've sent to
in dealing with
the work we've done these past 3 months
Capitol Hill this month will uphold honesty
467
Apr. 24 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
and integrity in government service, and
Preparing for the kinder, gentler future
they will apply an evenhanded ethics stand-
I've spoken of means helping Americans
ard across all branches of government.
cope with the changing nature of society,
Action in the war on drugs, where we're
helping fundamental institutions like the
advancing on all fronts-education, treat-
family remain strong and prosper. We have
ment, interdiction, and tougher law en-
big differences. We talk now about child
forcement-the antidrug effort, even in
care. I want the family to remain strong,
these tight budget times, will receive
and that's the guiding aim of my child-care
almost $1 billion in additional funding in
initiatives: a tax credit proposal designed to
1990, a 21-percent increase in the outlays
expand the options of low-income families,
over what we'll spend in 1989. We've im-
keeping the ultimate choice of who will
posed a temporary ban on the import of
care for the children in their hands. One of
certain semiautomatic rifles, weapons all too
my greatest concerns as President of the
often used in drug-related killings. And
United States is the diminution, the deni-
we're tackling the drug epidemic in the
gration in some ways of the family struc-
District of Columbia, a test case for a full
ture. We in government must see that ev-
range of innovative antidrug measures.
erything we do is aimed at strengthening,
Of course, dealing with problems that
not weakening, the families.
demand immediate attention is only part of
the picture. We need to look to the long-
Preparing for the future has got to mean
term as well, to focus now on the kind of
protecting our environment. Teddy Roose-
future we want to see for ourselves and our
velt put it best when he said: "I do not
nation. And investing in that future is high
recognize the right to rob, by wasteful use,
on our national agenda.
the generations that come after us." Roose-
First and foremost, that does mean im-
velt spoke those words almost 80 years ago.
proving education. Investing in the rising
And now, a little more than a decade away
generation is long-range planning at its
from the 21st century, safeguarding our en-
best. Our future in this technological age
vironment is a national and international
depends upon the qualities and capabilities
imperative. And we've taken the first im-
of the American worker, and not just the
portant steps. We've urged Congress to
most talented among us but each individual
enact legislation enabling us to ban the
member of the work force. The seven-point
export of hazardous wastes to nations where
program on education reform that I sent to
safe handling of those dangerous substances
Congress early this month will help us
cannot be guaranteed. And in response to
reward excellence, reach out to students
growing concern about global warming, the
most in need, increase choice, and intro-
U.S. will work in concert with other nations
duce a healthy element of competition and
to end the discharge of CFC's [chlorofluoro-
accountability that will promote quality in
carbons] into the atmosphere by the year
our schools.
2000. And in the case of this Alaskan oil
I have no intention of shifting the empha-
spill, we've taken steps to ensure a Federal
sis to Washington, away from the localities,
role that is strong-a Federal role in over-
away from the States, away from the diver-
sight of the cleanup effort and to explore
sity that is one of the hallmarks of our edu-
ways to prevent such spills in the future or
cational system. But I do want to use the
to react more promptly if they should
White House as a bully pulpit to encourage
occur.
excellence in every way and to encourage
And finally, we've launched an initiative
the private sector in every way. And I
to strengthen the international strategy on
would say to you publishers here: I salute
Third World debt, which has already re-
those of you who have already taken up the
ceived broad international support from
cause of education-be it literacy or drop-
both the industrialized and the developing
out rates or whatever it is-you can do the
countries. We've set our course with this
Lord's work in no better way. The seven-
policy, and now I want to see this Third
point program is going to help us reward
World debt a success on a case-by-case
excellence, and you can do an awful lot as
basis. I want to see us successful as we nego-
well.
tiate with Mexico, with Venezuela, and with
468
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / Apr. 24
gentler future
other countries as well.
initiatives to combat the problem of home-
bing Americans
We've examined and I've made decisions
lessness-all are on the near horizon.
ture of society,
on U.S. strategy for Afghanistan, Poland,
You know, some of my toughest critics
utions like the
Central America, and other problems and
are not in your line of work. Quite often,
osper. We have
opportunities needing prompt attention.
they're the kids, the children who write to
ow about child
We have moved there. Within a few weeks,
me at the White House. I want to share
remain strong,
nearly all of the far-reaching and systematic
with you a letter from a young seventh-
of my child-care
defense and foreign policy reviews will be
grader from Torrance, California. He wrote
sal designed to
complete. And I've already made some de-
asking me to take action on pollution, toxic
ncome families,
cisions. Others, including arms control, will
waste, smog, littering-and a very detailed
ce of who will
be forthcoming soon.
list, if you will, of environmental concerns.
r hands. One of
We're mapping strategies for a period of
And he says in his letter: "I'm not saying
resident of the
remarkable change in international affairs,
you're doing a bad job, but could you put a
ition, the deni-
change more wide-ranging and rapid than
little more effort into it?" [Laughter] That
le family struc-
at any time in the postwar period. While
letter was written on January 20, 1989-
1st see that ev-
we will lead, we also intend to consult and
Inauguration Day. [Laughter] And I have
strengthening,
listen to our friends abroad and to consult
no way-maybe I ought to check on it as
and work with-listen to the United States
we go to California-I don't know whether
as got to mean
Congress. I've met with the leaders of 34
I've satisfied that guy or not. But I can say,
Teddy Roose-
nations, renewing my acquaintance with
I got his message. And as I said before, I'm
said: "I do not
many of them, establishing a working rela-
a practical man; I like what's real. I'm not
by wasteful use,
tionship with the others. Secretary of State
much for the airy and the abstract, and I
fter us." Roose-
Jim Baker has met once with Foreign Minis-
like what works.
st 80 years ago.
ter Shevardnadze of the Soviet Union. He
And there's a running debate now on
a decade away
will meet again next month in Moscow to
what it takes to move a nation forward.
uarding our en-
continue that dialog. And as with the bipar-
Some will tell you it's ideology that matters.
d international
tisan agreement on Nicaragua, I will work
Some say it's a question of competence.
en the first im-
closely on all international matters with the
And others say that issues are the issue. But
d Congress to
Congress. We have had several meetings
the fact is, what it takes to move a nation
us to ban the
already with the leaders of Congress to dis-
can't be captured in one word. It's a matter
0 nations where
cuss, in a nonstructured way, consultation-
of principles and performance, ideology and
erous substances
not only the process of consultation but
action on the issues. And this administration
in response to
we've begun it on individual areas around
understands that the American people
al warming, the
the globe.
expect all of this and something more: They
:h other nations
Last Monday in Michigan I announced a
expect results.
"s [chlorofluoro-
new policy towards Poland in recognition of
And so, while I'm pleased with what's
're by the year
the positive changes taking place there.
been done and what we've accomplished in
this Alaskan oil
We'll be watching events in Poland close-
these 3 months, there is a long road ahead
nsure a Federal
ly-the fate of Solidarność, the follow-
of us. And I am optimistic that our reforms
al role in over-
through on the free elections promised by
will produce lasting results, that the long-
and to explore
the Polish Government. Freedom is proving
range planning we do today will pay off in
in the future or
a powerful force in world affairs, a force for
the future, that our consultations with Con-
if they should
peace and stability. The United States must
gress will result in progress in domestic and
seize opportunities to strengthen and sup-
international affairs as well. But most of all,
ed an initiative
port developments that advance the cause
this nation is ready to move forward to
nal strategy on
of freedom, and we will do exactly that.
meet the central challenges that we face:
has already re-
I think we've made a good start these
keeping America free, prosperous, and at
support from
first 3 months, and there's more to come.
peace-tomorrow and into the century
the developing
The completion of our defense and foreign
ahead. Thank you very, very much.
ourse with this
policy reviews in late May, draft legislation
see this Third
for a new Clean Air Act, a new strategy to
a case-by-case
curb the increased use of lethal weapons by
Note: The President spoke at 12:17 p.m. in
sful as we nego-
drug dealers and other criminals, and new
the Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency
zuela, and with
469
Apr. 24 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
Hotel, during the annual conference of the
Boccardi, president and general manager of
American Newspaper Publishers Associa-
Associated Press; and James F. Tomlinson,
tion. In his opening remarks, he referred to
vice president and assistant to the president
William J. Keating, chief executive officer
of Associated Press. Following his remarks,
of the Detroit Newspaper Agency; Louis D.
the President traveled to Bismarck, ND.
Remarks at the Dedication Ceremony for the Centennial Grove in
Bismarck, North Dakota
April 24, 1989
I'm so pleased to be here. Thank you,
now, its seedlings will be a part of North
Tom Kleppe. When Secretary-and I say
Dakota forever.
"Secretary" because North Dakotans know
And just a few years before this State was
that Tom served so well as Secretary of the
carved out of the Dakota territory, a young
Interior-former Congressman, but called
man from New York City set aside a promi-
me about this marvelous project of yours,
nent career in politics to become a North
he's right, I accepted in a hurry. And I'm
Dakota rancher. Having lost his wife and
very grateful to Governor Sinner and all
mother in one single day, he came to these
involved in the preparations for this won-
parts almost insane with grief. No tender-
derful visit. I want to pay my respects not
foot, he worked the range in the harshest
only to Governor and Mrs. Sinner, [former]
weather, always leading and never follow-
Governor Link, Senator Conrad, Congress-
ing. And he wore a sheriff's badge, and he
man Dorgan, and other distinguished lead-
roamed the Badlands to singlehandedly
ers of the North Dakota Legislature. Thank
bring the worst characters to justice. And,
you for inviting me.
in short, Teddy Roosevelt became a man in
It has been a very emotional day for me.
North Dakota; and he became something
I understand that lost on the Iowa was the
else, a guardian of nature. When he went
grandson of a Bismarck family, and if that
back East and back to politics, Teddy Roo-
family didn't attend today's services, I can
sevelt took with him an understanding that
attest firsthand how moving it was and
the seemingly endless resources of the West
what a wonderful job our Navy did in hold-
were threatened by the unfettered exploita-
ing the loved ones close to them, giving
tion of man. As President, Teddy Roosevelt
them comfort that I know all Americans
wrote these words to schoolchildren on
would want given to these families. It was a
Arbor Day, 1907: "A people without chil-
very moving day. And the flags I see at
dren would face a hopeless future; a coun-
half-mast here are appropriate tribute to
try without trees is almost as hopeless."
those young men who lost their lives. I'm
So, let us honor the coming 100th birth-
also proud to see that POW and MIA flag
day of North Dakota and the memory of
flying, Governor, right here at this magnifi-
the Nation's first true environmentalist by
cent State capital, because we must never
dedicating this centennial bur oak along
forget the POW's and the MIA's.
with this White House elm. Before the year
When I accepted your invitation to come
2000, your State will plant 100 million
here, I had no idea that part of the program
trees, almost half as many new trees in one
was to put me to work. "A sapling," they
State as there are Americans in the Union.
said, "all you'll have to do is to plant a
May each tree add to the abundance of the
sapling." No one told me that the sapling is
good life in North Dakota, cleaner air for
about 12 feet tall over there. But I think we
North America. This forestation effort is just
can figure it out. This hardy elm is a de-
one of 600 ambitious centennial projects
scendant of a tree planted on the White
North Dakotans are taking on. You are ful-
House lawn by John Quincy Adams. And
filling the spirit that I call One Thousand
470
3
National Book Award -- and no stranger to the Presidential
Lecture Series. / One more visit, and we may simply rename this
event the McCullough Lecture. //
Over the next hour, Professor McCullough will take us as far
as we have time to go into the man from small town America, whose
critics scorned him as the "son of a haberdasher." The man of
whom Churchill wrote -- and I quote -- "more than any other man,
has saved Western Civilization." //
Now, ladies and gentlemen: the fifth Presidential Lecture,
on our 33rd President, Harry S Truman. Professor McCullough, the
floor is yours.
# # #
Jeanine: p. 664
Mc Mc Culoush
"Hell" quote
has heread my book,) )
( apparently he hasn't)
DO UMMEDIATELY
TRUMAN BOOK - SPECIAL SEJS. CONG. 106(
PRES. DC APRIL 89 - unam 7 past prisiders
bet mony cost $10 bucks (dollars)
but on Dewey
Apri 24, 1989
AP WINCHEDN AT ANPA CHICAGO ILL.
March 31, 89
9:4 LUNCINON OF RELIONAL PRESS
Global caraumstanas dure Thiman's presidency
(5th in the serves)
Date To Jeannie
Time 9:30
WHILE YOU WERE OUT
M Kathleen
of Library
Phone
Area Code
Number
Extension
TELEPHONED
PLEASE CALL
x
CALLED TO SEE YOU
WILL CALL AGAIN
WANTS TO SEE YOU
URGENT
RETURNED YOUR CALL
Message Trying to get the
Trumah book
Operator
AMPAD
EFFICIENCY®
23-023 CARBONLESS
[mit Mt. tommow
Browille mtg.
Notre Dame - fam policy larps Sense / what gon't can do?
nowber price:
Griday briefing redies digist article
"Family Gap". wire the appealing to that group
open: too rain turnst inh a 110gm / buzz words- -
personal laperient
do wenth top - What happen an bottom
outside - glue in the midde holds all together
laundry list: issues expand on- flex IRA med. up.
can you afford tas ded. student Loans/
Chinan / / 5,000 the credit, Chanic in Im. 2000
definst Reduction/ pusmill exemption
Close n/ b6 here protent old Values r/ bold change
blam Coury. en masse
git in their head
no me cares
Parents
build in app. iner
(local color) quote someone local - town hers? I
festival store
@@@@@ IIIIIIII IIIIII ### T mur <<<<<<<01
H
the
OFFICE OF PRESIDENTIAL SPEECHWRITING
FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL SHEET
Number of Pages (Including Cover) 4
To
Cathy 6235 Fenton
Fax Number
Date 24 July 1992
From
Jeannie Bunton
Office Number
7750
COMMENTS
******
thank you for your guidance.
JB
McGroarty/Bunton
July 23, 1992
1:00 pm
[lecture]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SIXTH PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE
THE EAST ROOM
JULY 28, 1992
6:00 P.M.
Members of the Congress, and of my Cabinet. Lynn Cheney,
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special
guests -- former White House Maitre'd Alonzo Fields and Eugene
Allen: you are part of the history of this House. 11 All of
our distinguished guests: It's my pleasure to welcome all of you
to the White House, for the fifth in our series of Presidential
Lectures.
Tonight our subject is the man from Missouri, Harry Truman.
It's hard to believe, but when Senator Harry Truman came to the
Congress, he seemed destined for anything but a place on center
stage of one of the world's epic dramas. Coming up through the
Kansas City political machine
ridiculed as the "Senator from
Pendergast"
legend has it Truman was sent to Washington with
this instruction: "Work hard, keep your mouth shut and answer
your mail." //
He took that advice.
A decade later, as Vice-President, Truman was anything but a
member of FDR's inner circle. He first learned about the
Manhattan Project on his 12th day as President. But he grasped
immediately the immense importance of the atom bomb -- and knew
America must have it first. //
2
Common-sense was his philosophy. "If you can't stand the
heat, get out of the kitchen." "I just told the truth -- and
they thought it was hell." Those are the words of a fighter --
someone you could never count out. And you're looking at someone
who learned that the hard way, when I bet $10 bucks on President
Dewey back in '48.
I'm reminded of all this by the work and words of our guest
lecturer's fascinating new biography of Harry S Truman. And as I
make my way through this portrait, I particularly enjoy the
account of the Campaign of '48 -- from a purely objective view,
of course. The battle against the "Do Nothing Congress" -- now,
wait: that's Truman speaking. // That stunning come-from-
behind victory. / Nothing like a story with a happy ending. //
Something else strikes me about that pivotal year: 1948 was
the year of the Marshall Plan / the Berlin Blockade / the year
Stalin's actions turned the Soviet Union from ally to enemy.
Once again, Truman rose to the occasion -- took a nation weary of
war -- ready for peace -- and rallied it to lead a crusade for
the Free World.
The victory we celebrate today -- freedom's triumph and the
death of imperial communism -- brings us closer to the kind of
peace American Presidents and the American people have
longed for since Truman's time. //
Tonight, our guide to the life and times of Harry Truman is
David McCullough -- one of America's premier historians. Mr.
McCullough is the author of six books -- repeat winner of the
3
National Book Award -- and no stranger to the Presidential
Lecture Series. / One more visit, and we may simply rename this
event the McCullough Lecture. //
Over the next hour, Mr. McCullough will take us as far as we
have time to go into the man from small town America, whose
critics scorned him as the "son of a haberdasher." The man of
whom Churchill wrote -- and I quote -- "more than any other man,
has saved Western Civilization." //
Now, ladies and gentlemen: the fifth Presidential Lecture,
on our 33rd President, Harry S Truman. Mr. McCullough, the floor
is yours.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
GEORGE BUSH
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
JULY 1992
ASSISTANTS TO THE PRESIDENT
EXT.
RM.
BLDG.
CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE PRESIDENT
Samuel K. Skinner
6797
1FL/WW
WH
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF TO
THE PRESIDENT
W. Henson Moore
2533
1FL/WW
WH
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
STAFF SECRETARY
Phillip D. Brady
2702
GFL/WW
WH
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
D. Allan Bromley
7116
358
EOB
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Nicholas E. Calio
2230
2FL/WW
WH
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
PUBLIC LIAISON AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
David F. Demarest, Jr.
7620
2FL/WW
WH
COUNSELLOR TO THE PRESIDENT AND
PRESS SECRETARY
Max Marlin Fitzwater
2100
1FL/WW
WH
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
C. Boyden Gray
2632
2FL/WW
WH
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
SECRETARY OF THE CABINET
Edith E. Holiday
2174
2FL/WW
WH
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DIRECTOR OF PRESIDENTIAL PERSONNEL
Constance Horner
7060
2FL/WW
WH
PHYSICIAN TO THE PRESIDENT
Burton J. Lee, III, M.D.
2672
Residence
WH
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Timothy J. McBride
2861
GFL/WW
WH
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR
OF THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL SERVICE
C. Gregg Petersmeyer
6266
100
EOB
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
ECONOMIC AND DOMESTIC POLICY
Roger B. Porter
2705
2FL/WW
WH
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
COMMUNICATIONS
Steven D. Provost
1125
2FL/WW
WH
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
General Brent Scowcroft
2255
1FL/WW
WH
USAF, (Ret.)
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
MEDIA AFFAIRS
J. Dorrance Smith
1660
2FL/WW
WH
COUNSELLOR TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
DOMESTIC POLICY
Clayton Yeutter
2216
2FL/WW
WH
I
DEPUTY ASSISTANTS TO THE PRESIDENT
EXT.
RM.
BLDG
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS (HOUSE)
Gary J. Andres
6620
IFL/EW
WH
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTOR,
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Paul W. Bateman
7052
GFL/WW
WH
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
CABINET LIAISON AND SPECIAL ASSISTANT
TO THE PRESIDENT FOR AGRICULTURAL
TRADE AND FOOD ASSISTANCE
Gary R. Blumenthal
6630
231
EOB
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Joshua Bolten
2230
2FL/WW
WH
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS (SENATE)
James W. Dyer
7054
1FL/EW
WH
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
COUNSELOR TO THE CHIEF OF STAFF
D. Cameron Findlay
6594
1FL/WW
WH
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
PUBLIC LIAISON
Clayton Fong
7140
128
EOB
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DIRECTOR OF THE WHITE HOUSE
MILITARY OFFICE
John A. Gaughan
2150
2FL/EW
WH
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGES AND
CORRESPONDENCE
Shirley M. Green
7610
94
EOB
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
ADM. Jonathan T. Howe
2257
1FL/WW
WH
USN, (Ret.)
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
POLITICAL AFFAIRS
Ronald C. Kaufman
2135
174
EOB
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Bobbie G. Kilberg
2577
160
EOB
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
DOMESTIC POLICY
Charles E. M. Kolb
6515
2FL/WW
WH
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC LIAISON
Cecile B. Kremer
7900
128
EOB
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
PUBLIC LIAISON
Leigh Ann Metzger
7142
193
EOB
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DIRECTOR OF PRESIDENTIAL ADVANCE
Edward D. Murnane
7565
185 1/2
EOB
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF
PRESIDENTIAL PERSONNEL
Jeannette L. Naylor
6444
145
EOB
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
Patricia Presock
7400
Residence
WH
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE FIRST LADY
Susan Porter Rose
2957
2FL/EW
WH
DEPUTY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
John P. Schmitz
6611
2FL/WW
WH
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
MEDIA AFFAIRS
Robert Anthony Snow
7150
117
EOB
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
APPOINTMENTS AND SCHEDULING
Katherine Super
2823
GFL/WW
WH
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
POLICY DEVELOPMENT
Gail R. Wilensky
6406
216
EOB
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
AND DIRECTOR OF WHITE HOUSE OPERATIONS
Rose M. Zamaria
2663
GFL/WW
WH
II
SPECIAL ASSISTANTS TO THE PRESIDENT OR EQUIVALENT POSITIONS
EXT.
RM.
BLDG
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR SCHEDULING
Antonio Benedi
7560
182
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
John A. Cline
7170
160
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF
PRESIDENTIAL PERSONNEL
Les T. Csorba
7510
139
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DEPUTY STAFF SECRETARY
John S. Gardner
2702
GFL/WW
WH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
SENIOR DIRECTOR FOR EUROPEAN AND
SOVIET AFFAIRS
David C. Gompert
5112
368
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF
PRESIDENTIAL PERSONNEL
Martha H. Goodwin
7606
140
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
John A. Gordon
3330
386
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
POLICY DEVELOPMENT
Teresa A. Gorman
6554
227
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF
PRESIDENTIAL PERSONNEL
Anne B. Gwaltney
6676
151
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
Richard N. Haass
6900
351
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS (HOUSE)
Arnold I. Havens
7030
1FL/EW
WH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR ADVANCE
John F. Herrick
7565
1851/2
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
Edward A. Hewett
3912
374
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY,
POLICY COORDINATING GROUP
J. French Hill
7968
228
EOB
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
Jeffrey R. Holmstead
7953
106
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS (HOUSE)
John W. Howard
7766
1FL/EW
WH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY
FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Walter H. Kansteiner, III
2947
487
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
Virginia A. Lampley
3055
375
EOB
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
Lee S. Liberman
6257
115
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Mary A. McClure
6697
164
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SPEECHWRITING
Daniel B. McGroarty
2930
118
EOB
III
SPECIAL ASSISTANTS TO THE PRESIDENT OR EQUIVALENT POSITIONS
EXT.
RM.
BLDG
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS (HOUSE)
Kim F. McKernan
7030
112/EW
WH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
SENIOR DIRECTOR FOR
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
Thomas E. McNamara
3393
302
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS AND
SENIOR DIRECTOR FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
Eric D. K. Melby
4985
365
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY
Laura M. Melillo
2100
1FL/WW
WH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF
140
EOB
PRESIDENTIAL PERSONNEL
Nancy F. Miller
2825
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
Douglas Paal
5746
493
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF
PRESIDENTIAL PERSONNEL
Vernon B. Parker
7590
147
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
James L. Pavitt
3334
300
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
William T. Pryce
3860
361
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
C. Nicholas Rostow
6538
348
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
PUBLIC LIAISON
Shiree Sanchez
2587
193
EOB
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
Gene C. Schaerr
2607
114
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDIA AFFAIRS
Maria Eitel Sheehan
7150
121
EOB
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
William F. Sittmann
2224
GFL/WW
WH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS (SENATE)
Shawn H. Smeallie
6782
1FL/EW
WH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY
Judy A. Smith
2100
1FL/WW
WH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
James J. Snyder
6597
160
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS (SENATE)
Linda E. Tarplin
7054
1FL/EW
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
PUBLIC LIAISON
Jeffrey W. Vogt
7983
194
EOB
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS (SENATE)
Brian K. Waidmann
6493
1FL/EW
WH
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
Gregory S. Walden
2674
115
EOB
IV
VOLUME 27
Trance to Venial Sin
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA
AMERICANA
INTERNATIONAL EDITION
COMPLETE IN THIRTY VOLUMES
FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1829
GROLIER INCORPORATED
International Headquarters: Danbury, Connecticut 06816
HARRY TRUMAN
known to the Greeks and Ro,
nore recent history dates from
when they were reintroduced
ous species occur in the Medi
and elsewhere in Europe. Their
33d PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
S a significant industry, partic-
where 300 to 500 tons are pro-
IN OFFICE FROM 1945 TO 1953
Truffles are rarely found
in
BORN May 8, 1884, in Lamar Mo.
up the order Tuberales of the
HIGHER University of Kansas City:
S. See also FUNGUS.
EDUCATION Law School, 1923-1925
HEIMSCH, University of Miami
RELIGION -Baptist
hē'yō, is a city and commercial
OCCUPATIONS Farmer, public official
stal desert of northern Peru, 315
MARRIAGE June 28, 1919, to Bess Wallace.
northwest of Lima. The sur-
an oasis producing sugarcane
CHILDREN (Mary) Margaret (1924
led in 1534, the city was laid
MILITARY Captain and commanding officer,
or parks and plazas, and it pre
SERVICE Battery D, 129th Field Artillery
its colonial architecture. The
35th Division; AEF, World War
rujillo was established in 182
the ruins of the pre-Inca city
KNOWN AS Give Em Hell Harry
Population: (1972) 241,882.
POLITICAL PARTY Democratic
INA, troo-hē'yō mõ-lê'nä, Rafael
LEGAL RESIDENCE
WHEN ELECTED Missouri
-1961), dictator of the Domini-
le was born in San Cristóbal on
POSITION BEFORE
After enrolling in the army
TAKING OFFICE Vice President
marines during the occupation
PRINCIPAL WRITING Memoirs; 1955 and 1956
e rose through the ranks to be
under in chief. In 1930, during
DIED Dec. 26; 1972, in Kansas City, Mo
isis, he led a military revolt that
BURIAL PLACE Independence, Mo.
uncontested election to the press
next 31 years he headed one
nt dictatorships that Latin Amer
whether ruling as president him.
STERN PHOTO, HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY
$ and 1942-1952) or through
d named.
TRUMAN, Harry S. (1884-1972), 33d president
Prewar policies had not kept the American peo-
wer bases were the army and the
of the United States. Most Americans in the
ple out of major wars. Truman's policies did
ty, both of which he controlled
1950's did not expect that Harry Truman would
not accomplish their objectives in some places,
ough them he dominated the govs
become one of their most highly regarded presi-
such as eastern Europe, and they did not avert a
ducational system, and the econ-
dents. By 1952, just before he announced his de-
war in Korea. But they promoted the recovery
rties and political opposition were
cision not to run again, only 25% of the people
and reconstruction of western Europe and Japan.
ssed. Corruption and favoritism
thought he was doing a good job. Within a
Short and rather owlish behind thick glasses,
1. Modernization of the economy
decade, however, most American historians re-
Truman was not imposing in appearance. He
al gains for the people, but the
garded him as one of the nation's greatest presi-
spoke in the Midwesterner's flat, nasal tone. But
ies were his family and support-
dents. To be sure, a "revisionist" view developed
he was scrupulously honest, and he established a
tor's intervention in the affairs of
that attacked his record at home and abroad,
reputation for speaking the truth.
nerican states led in 1960 to the
picturing him as ineffective in some areas, op-
pressive in others, and as the architect of the
EARLY CAREER
tracism of his government by the
f American States.
Cold War. Yet the favorable appraisal seemed
Born in Lamar, Mo., on May 8, 1884, Truman
1 given the Dominican Republic
to be the dominant American view.
was the oldest of three children of John Ander-
conomic stability. But in the face
Appraisals of presidents depend on the ob-
son and Martha Ellen (Young) Truman. His
reverses and foreign pressures to
server's assumptions concerning what leaders
birthplace was just south of the area into which
regime, he finally lost support in
should try to accomplish and what they are
his grandparents had moved from Kentucky four
May 30, 1961, he was assassinated
capable of accomplishing. Obviously, Truman
decades earlier. The letter "S" in his name was
nents in Ciudad Trujillo (now
was not so effective in domestic affairs as his
not an abbreviation. It reflected the family's re-
).
predecessor, Franklin Roosevelt, had been in the
luctance to choose between his grandfathers-
1930's, but Truman's opportunities were smaller.
Anderson Shippe Truman and Solomon Young-
S, trook, in the Caroline Islands of
He might have accomplished more had he
in selecting his name.
'acific, a part of the Micronesian
pressed his proposals more boldly, yet his ap-
In 1890 the Trumans moved to Indepen-
"ruk is a complex of 11 mountain
praisal of political realities persuaded him that
dence, Mo. There, Harry's thick glasses pre-
volcanic origin situated in a large
he could not do so. He was unable to gain ac-
vented him from joining in many boyhood ac-
d by a coral reef. The reef, which
ceptance for many new domestic proposals in
tivities. Encouraged by his mother, he turned to
channels, contains 87 low coral
such areas as health and education, but he pro-
the piano and books. At the piano, he developed
if the people of Truk live on the
vided publicity for them. He expanded and im-
a talent that provided relaxation in later years.
ands in the lagoon. They speak
proved established programs and defended them
From books, he acquired some of the historical
icronesian language.
against attempts by their foes to weaken them.
information that influenced his career.
a key Japanese naval base through
And he worked harder on behalf of civil rights
Truman did not attend college. His father's
ar II. Since 1947 it has been ad
than any of his predecessors.
financial difficulties prevented him from doing
the United States as part of the
Truman's record in foreign affairs, while also
so, and his poor eyesight dashed his hope of en-
y of the Pacific Islands. Truk has
flawed, was more significant. He effectively de-
tering the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
of 39 square miles (100 sq km)
veloped a larger role for the nation in world
Several years of work for a railroad and two
affairs than it had played before World War II.
1980) 37,488.
banks added more to Truman's experiences than
171
In 1934, eager to move higher in politics,
Truman accepted Pendergast's request that he
run for a seat in the U.S. Senate. He cam-
paigned vigorously, with help from the machine.
His own record, his many friends throughout
the state, and his endorsement of President
Roosevelt and his popular New Deal policies were
also important assets. He won the primary and
defeated an anti-New Deal Republican in the
general election.
In the Senate. As a first-term senator, Truman
supported the New Deal and worked hard on
his committee assignments. As an active member
of the Interstate Commerce Committee, he
helped to produce the Civil Aeronautics Act of
1938 and the Transportation Act of 1940. In
spite of his record, he came close to defeat in
1940, narrowly winning reelection. Pendergast
MISSOURI STATE PARKS PHOTO
had been sent to prison for income tax evasion,
Harry Truman's birthplace in the small Missouri town of
and Truman was criticized for his ties with the
Lamar. The house has been restored as a memorial shrine.
discredited organization.
After his reelection, Truman began a series
of Senate investigations that brought him fame
to his finances or sense of accomplishment. Then,
and saved the taxpayers billions of dollars. As
at the age of 22; he returned to the rural work
head of the Special Committee to Investigate the
into which he had been born. He spent the next
National Defense Program, he promoted economy
11 years as a farmer, helping his father manage
and efficiency among defense contractors.
the Young farm in Grandview, Mo. Working on
As a senator he supported Franklin Roosevelt
a good farm in the "golden age" of American ag-
in foreign as well as domestic affairs. Truman's
riculture, he experienced a personality change,
thinking was influenced by his experiences dur-
becoming less withdrawn, much more gregarious,
ing World War I and as a veteran and reserve
much more confident in his relations with other
officer after the war. He considered military
people than before. He began to participate ac-
power to be of great importance, worked for a
tively in Democratic party politics, and he joined
several other organizations, including the Masons,
that later helped him as a politician.
Truman, a captain in the 129th Field Artillery dur-
World War I provided new opportunities.
ing World War I, saw action in several major battles.
Commissioned by the National Guard, Captain
UPI
Truman served in France in command of Battery
D of the 129th Field Artillery, 35th Division,
American Expeditionary Force, fighting in major
battles late in the war. He discovered that he
had talents as a leader, and he gained the affec-
tion and esteem of a group of men who voted for
him later. After the war, he joined veterans orga-
nizations and the Army Reserve, rising to the
rank of colonel.
After returning home in 1919, Truman mar-
ried Elizabeth (Bess) Wallace, his childhood
sweetheart, and established a clothing store in
Kansas City. The marriage succeeded, but the
store did not. Founded during the postwar boom,
it collapsed in the postwar depression. Left with
heavy debts, Truman was forced to think once
again about his career.
Entry into Politics. Encouraged by the Kansas
City political organization headed by Thomas
Pendergast, Truman turned to politics. As years
passed, the machine proved to be both a help and
a handicap. It supplied essential votes in Kansas
City but acquired a bad reputation that alienated
many voters elsewhere. While Truman avoided
the corrupt side of the organization and handled
his own offices honestly and efficiently, he re-
mained loyal to Pendergast and defended ma-
chines as necessary, though dangerous, features
of democratic politics.
Truman was elected judge of the Jackson
county court in 1922, failed to win reelection in
1924, became presiding judge of the court two
years later, and was reelected in 1930. These
positions, administrative rather than judicial, en-
abled him to accomplish much, especially as a
builder of roads.
172
ger to move higher in polit
d Pendergast's request that
in the U.S. Senate. He cam
sly, with help from the machin
1, his many friends througho
his endorsement of President
is popular New Deal policies were
assets. He won the primary and
ti-New Deal Republican in the
As a first-term senator, Truman
New Deal and worked hard
signments. As an active member
The "Big Three"-Stalin, Truman,
ate Commerce Committee,
and Churchill-meet in Potsdam,
ice the Civil Aeronautics Act
Germany, in July 1945. Their
Transportation Act of 1940.
failure to agree on the future of
ord, he came close to defeat
eastern Europe was an early fore-
winning reelection. Pendergast
shadowing of the coming Cold War.
to prison for income tax evasion
is criticized for his ties with then
nization.
election, Truman began a seriesh
tigations that brought him fam
taxpayers billions of dollars.
cial Committee to Investigate the
e Program, he promoted econom
SIGNAL CORPS, NATIONAL ARCHIVES
mong defense contractors.
he supported Franklin Roosevel
stronger armed force, and, after the Japanese at-
but they were not as apparent then as they would
ell as domestic affairs. Truman
tacked Pearl Harbor, blamed the "pacifists" and
seem later, and they appeared likely to produce
fluenced by his experiences dur-
the "isolationists." During the war, he worked
results more slowly and restrict opportunities for
I and as a veteran and reserve
for the creation of an intèrnational organization
change in Japan. Two bombs dropped on Hiro-
:e war. He considered militar
to preserve peace. He favored the use of Amer-
shima and Nagasaki, coupled with Russia's dec-
great importance, worked for
lican economic power in the Lend-Lease program
laration of war against Japan, brought the war
as another means of influencing international
to an end on August 14.
affairs.
Some persons have argued that Truman used
in in the 129th Field Artillery dur.
Vice President. Truman's new prestige plus his
the bomb to influence the Russians rather than
saw action in several major battles
ability to get along with all factions in his party
the Japanese, but they have demonstrated only
made him a contender for the Democratic vice
that he and some of his aides hoped that this
presidential nomination in 1944. His own am-
new evidence of American power would restrain
bitions did not reach beyond the Senate. But
the Russians at the same time that it accom-
Roosevelt, running for a fourth term, was eager
plished American objectives in Japan. By August
to find a lieutenant who would help him avoid
1945, Truman had become more critical of the
the difficulties that Woodrow Wilson had en-
Russians than Roosevelt had been, but not be-
countered in the Senate after World War I. The
cause the new president had brought to the
incumbent vice president, Henry Wallace, was
White House a more hostile attitude toward
not popular with many party leaders. Prodded
them. The change in presidential behavior is ex-
by one of Truman's associates, Robert Hannegan,
plained chiefly by changes in the situation, not in
a St. Louis politician and chairman of the Demo-
personnel. As time passed in 1945, Russian ef-
cratic National Committee, Roosevelt persuaded
forts to dominate eastern Europe became more
Truman to run with him. Truman defeated Wal-
obvious and alarming to American officials, and
lace for the nomination on the second ballot at
the need for Russian help, which had influenced
the Democratic National Convention. The ticket
Roosevelt SO much, significantly declined as Ger-
was elected.
many and Japan were defeated and the United
Nations was established.
THE PRESIDENCY
Truman did bring to the job convictions as to
Truman's new position added little to his
how expanding nations should be treated. His
preparation for the presidency, because Roose-
thinking on foreign policy was dominated by po-
velt made no effort to train him. Consequently,
litical considerations. It included a theory of
when Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945, Truman
power that emphasized both the importance of
faced the tremendous task of learning to be
power and the limits on it. He was determined
president by dealing with the problems that
to avoid what he regarded as the errors of the
flowed in upon him.
American past: military weakness and a reluc-
First Term: International Relations. Seeking to
tance to get involved in international problems.
carry out Roosevelt's policies, Truman brought
Thus Truman could be expected to protest
to fruition the plans for the unconditional sur-
Soviet expansion in eastern Europe. He did so,
render of Germany, which came on May 8, and
soon adopting a policy of "toughness" in his
the establishment of the United Nations. He at-
dealings with Moscow. He found it impossible,
tended the UN founding conference in San Fran-
however, to do more than protest, because U.S.
cisco in late April. Truman made the decision to
military power was declining rapidly under the
use atomic bombs against Japan, believing that
pressures for demobilization, and neither he nor
they would end the war quickly, save lives, and
anyone else was eager to provoke another war.
place the United States in a position to revolu-
Henry Wallace, now secretary of commerce, held
tionize Japanese life. Alternatives to the bomb,
on to the wartime hope for cooperation with the
including a negotiated settlement, were available,
Russians, and in September 1946 he publicly crit-
173
DEWEY
DEFEATS
TRUMAN
State:
Boyle
Leads
in
Indicated
in
F
Sweep
11:10
IPM
THE
A happy winner, President Truman
displays newspaper headline that
prematurely reports his defeat
for reelection in 1948. Truman's
victory over Thomas E. Dewey was
one of the biggest surprises in
American political history.
icized the "get tough" policy. The president, re-
Domestic Affairs. Truman accomplished less in
garding Wallace as a "pacifist" and a "dreamer,"
domestic affairs, in part because he was so busy
the type of person who had caused trouble in the
with international concerns. Beginning in Sep-
past, obtained his resignation so as to clarify ad-
tember 1945, he fought to continue and expand
ministration policy and the relationships between
the New Deal, soon labeling his program the
the president and his lieutenants.
Fair Deal. He encountered the same coalition
Perhaps Truman should have offered no ob-
of conservative Republicans and Southern Demo-
jections to Russian behavior and recognized it as
crats that had frustrated Roosevelt frequently af-
merely an expression of concern for national
ter 1936. This coalition effectively opposed Tru-
security. Years later, it did seem that the ad-
man when the Democrats dominated Congress
ministration had overestimated the Russian threat
(1945-1946 and 1949-1956) as well as when
to the West. Russia, after all, had been severely
the Republicans were in control (1947-1948).
damaged by the war. Yet the security interest
One of his few domestic victories was the passage
of the Russians conflicted with the interests of the
of the Housing Act of 1949, which included a
people of eastern Europe, and they too deserved
provision for public housing.
consideration from American officials-and inev-
In another area in which Truman made im-
itably received it because of American hopes for
portant contributions-civil rights-he had to rely
national self-determination and unhampered
chiefly on executive action, publicizing the ques-
commercial relationships.
tion and desegregating the armed forces. But he
Given the Russian military presence and de-
failed to obtain passage of a law assuring equal
termination in eastern Europe, Truman had little
job opportunities for blacks and ending poll
opportunity to be effective there, but he found
taxes, lynchings, and discrimination on public
larger opportunities in southern and western Eu-
transportation. His personal concern about the
rope. Economic and political weaknesses seemed
problems of black Americans, as well as his quest
to give the Russians a chance to extend their
for the black vote, and his worry about the
influence into the region, but a series of American
damage that American racial practices did to the
moves from 1947 to 1949 promoted economic im-
nation's image in the world moved him to act.
provements, strengthened non-Communist gov-
Nearly all Southerners opposed him, however,
ernments, and contributed to the frustration of
and Southern senators filibustered effectively
Communist groups, especially in Greece, Italy,
against his legislative proposals.
and France.
In 1947, Congress overrode Truman's veto of
The momentous new steps included the Tru-
the Taft-Hartley Act, which Truman said unfairly
man Doctrine, which granted aid to Greece and
weakened the bargaining power of unions. Tru-
Turkey and promised assistance to other nations
man's frequent interventions in labor-manage-
threatened "by armed minorities or by outside
ment disputes were significant, because they ex-
pressure"; the Marshall Plan, which used Ameri-
panded the role of the president in this area.
can economic resources to stimulate the recovery
The railroad and coal industries provided major
of European economies outside the Soviet sphere;
occasions for action in 1946. Steel did in 1952.
the Berlin airlift, designed to maintain the West-
But the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the argu-
ern presence in that city, which was surrounded
ment that the president has inherent powers to
by the Russian-occupied zone of Germany; and
seize firms in emergencies. Faced with a steel
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the na-
strike during the Korean War, Truman had
tion's first peacetime military alliance. Truman's
seized steel mills to keep them operating.
Point Four program helped new nations develop
Reelection. The election of 1948 presented
economically.
Truman with one of his most spectacular chal-
These steps, which added up to a policy of
lenges. He faced a confident Republican party,
"containment" of communism, constituted un-
headed by its presidential nominee, Gov. Thomas
precedented U.S. involvement in Europe during
E. Dewey of New York. Furthermore, groups on
peacetime. Truman not only made the decisions
the left and right wings of his own party deserted
but used all his power to get the policies ac-
him to form the Progressive and States' Rights
cepted. His success also owed much to a bi-
parties. In this situation, the pollsters predicted
partisan group in which a Republican, Sen. Ar-
a Republican landslide, but Truman campaigned
thur H. Vandenberg (Mich.), played a key role.
vigorously, traveling thousands of miles and
174
A happy winner, President Truman
displays newspaper headline that
Former President and Mrs. Truman
prematurely reports his defeat
on their first visit to Washington,
for reelection in 1948. Truman
D.C., after leaving the White
victory over Thomas E. Dewey was
House, are reunited with their
one of the biggest surprises
daughter, Margaret Daniel, who
American political history.
had flown in from New York City.
UPI
Truman accomplished less in
speaking hundreds of times, often extemporane-
states furnish aid to South Korea. Truman then.
part because he was so busy
ously. His objective was to persuade the mem-
authorized U.S. military intervention. Recalling
concerns. Beginning in Sep
bers of the old Roosevelt coalition that they
events of the 1930's, such as the Japanese inva-
ought to continue and expands
should vote for him to protect the programs that
sion of Manchuria, Truman was determined to
on labeling his program the
had been especially beneficial to them. Employ-
avoid the mistakes he believed had been made
countered the same coalition
ing a "give em hell" technique, he denounced
then. Furthermore, he could not believe that the
publicans and Southern Demo
the 80th Congress as a "do-nothing" body dom-
Constitution prevented him from acting quickly
trated Roosevelt frequently af
inated by men with "a dangerous lust for power
and forcefully. A few critics argued that only
ulition effectively opposed Tru
and privilege," and he contrasted this with his
Congress could authorize sweeping military ac-
Democrats dominated Congress
own program. He often introduced his wife and
tion of the sort he had ordered, but Truman's
1949-1956) as well as when
daughter and chatted informally with the people
defenders emphasized his authority as com-
were in control (1947-1948)
who clustered about his campaign train. The
mander in chief and cited many occasions when
nestic victories was the passage
style of his campaign illustrated his conception
presidents had acted independently. Two dec-
ct of 1949, which included
of himself as a common man and his conception
ades later, after subsequent presidents had in-
ic housing.
of the president as champion of the people.
tervened in Vietnam, Truman's action would
a in which Truman made im
The result was an upset, although by a small
seem even to some of his earlier defenders to
ons-civil rights-he had to rel
margin in a "low turnout" election. He received
have provided a dangerous precedent.
l'e action, publicizing the ques
fewer than half of all of the popular votes but
The decision to intervene militarily in Korea
ating the armed forces. But he
outpolled Dewey 24,104,030 to 21,971,004, and
led to other American moves. One was protection
assage of a law assuring equal
secured 303 electoral votes to 189 for the Re-
for Chiang Kai-shek, who had retreated to For-
for blacks and ending poll
publican candidate.
mosa. Another was increased support for the
and discrimination on public
Second Term. Truman soon encountered major
French in their battle against revolution in South-
is personal concern about the
problems in Asia, a part of the world the ad-
east Asia. A third was a sharp increase in the
Americans, as well as his quest
ministration regarded as less important than west-
size, cost, and complexity of American armed
te, and his worry about the
em Europe and less capable of using American
forces and in the number stationed in Europe.
rican racial practices did to the
aid effectively. He had tried since 1945 to get
The administration also carried out plans for a
the world moved him to act.
the Chinese Nationalists and Communists to work
peace treaty and an alliance with Japan.
erners opposed him, however
together in one government. He hoped thereby
Truman still recognized that American power
enators filibustered effectively
that Chiang Kai-shek, the Nationalist leader,
had limits. Nevertheless, he authorized his forces
tive proposals.
would find time to deal with China's problems.
to pursue the enemy into North Korea after the
gress overrode Truman's veto of
The policy failed, and the Communists drove
North Koreans had been pushed back into their
Act, which Truman said unfairl
their foes from the mainland in 1949.
own territory, and he changed the goal of the
rgaining power of unions. Tru-
Korea was the next area of crisis in Asia,
war from containment to liberation. China, how-
interventions in labor-manage
partly out of shortcomings in U.S. military
ever, quickly entered the war and pushed the
re significant, because they ex-
policy. American policy was dominated by con-
anti-Communist forces back to South Korea.
of the president in this area
fidence in air power and the atomic bomb, a
Truman then retreated to his original goal.
coal industries provided major
popular desire to keep Americans out of uniform,
His commander in the Far East, Gen. Douglas
on in 1946. Steel did in 1952
and fear of heavy government spending. Some
MacArthur, advocated an expansion of military
preme Court rejected the argu
of these considerations influenced Truman him-.
operations so as to defeat the Chinese and unify
esident has inherent powers to
self, and Congress rejected his departures from
Korea, but Truman feared that the general's sug-
nergencies. Faced with a steel
them, such as his advocacy of universal military
gestions would tie down American forces in Asia,
le Korean War, Truman had
training. One result was a small Army. This fact,
give Russia new opportunities in Europe, and
to keep them operating.
along with North Korean ambitions and concern
lead to a world war. When MacArthur publicly
he election of 1948 presented
about those of South Korea, Communist fears of
criticized administration policies, Truman re-
e of his most spectacular chal.
American plans for Japan, and the obvious Amer-
moved him from command on April 11, 1951,
d a confident Republican party
ican reluctance to get involved militarily on the
thereby reaffirming the principle of the subor-
esidential nominee, Gov. Thomas
Asian mainland, probably influenced the North
dination of the military to civilian officials as well
W York. Furthermore, groups on
Korean decision to invade South Korea on June
as the theory of limited power.
wings of his own party deserted
25, 1950.
While MacArthur did not force Truman to
Progressive and States' Rights
In spite of military weaknesses, Truman de-
change his policy, the controversy did weaken his
situation, the pollsters predicted
cided to act boldly to repel the aggressors. First
authority. The general's argument obscured what
dslide, but Truman campaigned
he won passage of a United Nations Security
had been accomplished in the Korean War. It
eling thousands of miles and
Council resolution recommending that member
suggested that the United States had failed be-
175
RETIREMENT
Returning to Independence and benefiting
from good health most of the time, Truman en-
joyed his retirement. He traveled widely and
spoke frequently, often to groups of young peo-
ple about their civic responsibilities. He re-
mained active in politics, criticizing the Re-
publicans, seeking unsuccessfully to influence the
choice of the Democratic presidential candidate
in 1956 and 1960, and joining in campaigns. Re-
flecting his strong interest in history and a desire
to present his own view of his years in Washing-
ton, he published his memoirs in 1955 and 1956.
In 1957 the Truman Library was dedicated in
Independence. After Truman's death in Kansas
City, Mo., on Dec. 26, 1972, he was buried on
the grounds of the library.
RICHARD S. KIRKENDALL
Indiana University
Bibliography
Bernstein, Barton J., ed., Politics and Policies of the Tru-
man Administration (Quadrangle 1970).
Burns, Richard D., ed., Harry S. Truman (Scholarly Re-
sources 1984).
Cochran, Bert, Harry Truman and the Crisis Presidency
(Funk 1973).
Donovan, Robert J., Tumultuous Years: The Presidency of
Harry S. Truman, 1949-1953 (Norton 1984).
Ferrell, Robert H., ed., Dear Bess: The Letters from Harry
to Bess Truman, 1910-1959 (Norton 1983).
Hamby, Alonzo L., Beyond the New Deal: Harry S. Tru-
man and American Liberalism (Columbia Univ. Press
1973).
Haynes, Richard F., The Awesome Power: Harry S. Tru-
man as Commander in Chief (La. State Univ. Press
1973).
Jenkins, Roy, Truman (Harper 1986).
Kirkendall, Richard S., ed., The Truman Period as a Re-
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOGRAPH, HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY
search Field: A Reappraisal, 1972 (Univ. of Mo. Press
1973).
Joined by reporters and comedian George Jessel (second
Miller, Merle, Plain Speaking: An Oral Biography of
from left), Truman takes walk in New York in 1955.
Harry S. Truman (1974; reprint, Berkley Pub. 1986).
Truman, Harry S., Memoirs, 2 vols: vol. 1, Year of Deci-
sions; vol. 2, Years of Trial and Hope (Doubleday 1955,
cause it had not unified the Korean peninsula.
Truman, 1956). Margaret, Harry S. Truman (1973; Morrow 1984).
The criticism neglected the fact that a Com-
munist effort to expand had been checked with-
TRUMAN DOCTRINE. A major turning point in
out kindling World War III.
American foreign policy, the Truman Doctrine
The Truman-MacArthur clash contributed to
marked the beginning of the U.S. effort to con-
the growing protests against the administration.
tain Communist expansion. President Truman
Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy (R-Wis.) charged that
initiated the policy in an address to Congress on
the country was "losing on every front" and
March 12, 1947. His action was occasioned by
pinned the blame on disloyal men, especially in
a crisis in Greece involving pressure on the gov-
the U.S. State Department.
ernment from Communist-led guerrilla forces.
Truman seemed incapable of curbing the
Truman asked Congress for $400 million to
growing discontent. He argued that McCarthy
strengthen that government and its neighbor,
and others were "chipping away our basic free-
Turkey, which faced Soviet pressure. He also
doms as insidiously and far more effectively than
maintained that history was now dominated by
the Communists have ever been able to do" and
a struggle between the free and the nonfree ways
creating "such a wave of fear and uncertainty
of life, and he proposed that the United States
that their attacks upon our liberties go almost
should "support free peoples who are resisting
unchallenged." Such arguments failed to rally
attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by
the public behind the president, perhaps because
outside pressures" and "assist free peoples to
he and his aides had talked so often of the
work out their own destinies in their own way."
dangers posed by Communists, and, in line with
The new policy was successful during the
their rhetoric, had developed a loyalty-security
Truman years, but the United States, as the ad-
program that alarmed civil libertarians and had
ministration itself recognized, was not capable
prosecuted the leaders of the U.S. Communist
of accomplishing all that the doctrine implied.
party. On the other hand, Truman had vetoed
The Greek and Turkish governments successfully
the Internal Security Act in 1950. Truman's
resisted pressure. Containment was extended ef-
tendency to express himself harshly when angered
fectively to western Europe with the Marshall
by critics added to his difficulties, as did infla-
Plan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization,
tion and charges of corruption in government.
and to South Korea with American military inter-
Deciding not to run again, Truman saw pow-
vention in response to an attack by North Korea.
er slip from his grasp and from the grasp of his
But the resources available for support of Chiang
party. The Republicans, led by a popular mili-
Kai-shek were not enough to enable him to main-
tary hero, Dwight D. Eisenhower, returned to the
tain his position in China.
White House in 1953.
RICHARD S. KIRKENDALL, Indiana University
176
Pef.
-N6081
1604
1990
WH
Political Quotations
A Collection of Notable Sayings on Politics from Antiquity through 1989
Daniel B. Baker, Editor
Gale Research Inc.
DETROIT
NEW YORK
LONDON
DEMOCRACY
Political Quotations
428. The tragedy of modern democracies is that they have not yet succeeded in effecting
democracy. -Jacques Maritain, "La Tragédie de la démocratie", Christianisme et démocratie,
1942
429. Democracy is a political method, that is to say, a certain type of institutional arrangement
for arriving at political-legal and administrative-decisions and hence incapable of being an end
in itself. -Joseph Schumpeter, Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy, 1942
430. In a democracy such as ours military policy is dependent on public opinion. -George C.
Marshall, Yank, Jan 28, 1943
431. I swear to the Lord/ I still can't see/ Why Democracy means/ Everybody but me.
-Langston Hughes, The Black Man Speaks, 1943
432. Nothing can be more abhorrent to democracy than to imprison a person or keep him in
prison because he is unpopular. This is really the test of civilisation. -Sir Winston S. Churchill,
letter to Herbert Morrison, Nov 21, 1943
433. The whole cornerstone of our democratic edifice was the principle that from the people
and the people alone flows the authority of government. -Franklin D. Roosevelt, radio address,
Feb 12, 1943
434. Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man's inclination to injustice
makes democracy necessary. -Reinhold Niebuhr, foreword, The Children of Light and the
Children of Darkness, 1944
435. Democracy is not tolerance. Democracy is a prescribed way of life erected on the premise
that all men are created equal. -Chester Bomar Himes, If You're Scared, Go Home!, 1944
436. The blind lead the blind. It's the democratic way. -Henry Miller, "With Edgar Varese
in the Gobi Desert", The Air-Conditioned Nightmare, 1945
437. To define democracy in one word, we must use the word "cooperation." -Dwight D.
Eisenhower, speech in Abilene, Kansas, Jun, 1945
438. There is no indispensable man in a democracy. When a republic comes to a point where
a man is indispensable, then we have a Caesar. -Harry S Truman, interview, ca. 1946
439. The constant danger to democracy lies in the tendency of the individual to hide himself
in the crowd-to defend his own failure to act forthrightly according to conviction under the
false excuse that the effort of one in one hundred forty million has no significance. -Dwight
D. Eisenhower, speech in Northfield, Vermont, Jun 9, 1946
440. Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than
half of the time. -E.B. White, The Wild Flag, 1946
441. Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe.
No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy
is the worst form of Government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to
time. -Sir Winston S. Churchill, speech in the House of Commons, Nov 11, 1947
442. Human dignity, economic freedom, individual responsibility, these are the characteristics
that distinguish democracy from all other forms devised by man. -Dwight D. Eisenhower,
speech at the Univ. of West Virginia, Sep 24, 1947
443. Those who worry about radicalism in our schools and colleges are often either
reactionaries who themselves do not bear allegiance to the traditional American principles, or
defeatists who despair of the success of our own philosophy in an open competition. -James
Bryant Conant, Education in a Divided World, 1948
28
Political Quotations
Political Quotations
DEMOCRACY
ney have not yet succeeded in effecting
444. My notion of democracy is that under it the weakest should have the same opportunity
émocratie", Christianisme et démocratie,
as the strongest. This can never happen except through non-violence. -Mohandas K. Gandhi,
Non-Violence in Peace and War, 1948
certain type of institutional arrangement
445. I believe that the foundation of democratic liberty is a willingness to believe that other
isions and hence incapable of being an end
people may perhaps be wiser than oneself. -Clement Attlee, speech to the Labour Party annual
and Democracy, 1942
conference, Oct, 1948
ependent on public opinion. -George C.
446. A democracy in which everybody had an equal responsibility in everything would be
oppressive for the conscientious and licentious for the rest. -T.S. Eliot, Notes Toward The
Definition of Culture, 1948
Democracy means/ Everybody but me.
447. The taste of democracy becomes a bitter taste when the fullness of democracy is denied.
-Max Lerner, "The Negroes and the Draft", Actions and Passions, 1949
han to imprison a person or keep him in
civilisation. -Sir Winston S. Churchill,
448. One of the evils of democracy is, you have to put up with the man you elect whether you
want him or not. -Will Rogers, The Autobiography of Will Rogers, 1949
449. It is not the armed forces which can protect our democracy. It is the moral strength of
e was the principle that from the people
democracy which alone can give any meaning to the efforts at military security. -Max Lerner,
-Franklin D. Roosevelt, radio address,
"The Negroes and the Draft", Actions and Passions, 1949
450. Democracy is based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity,
ssible, but man's inclination to injustice
as well as the inalienable right, to govern himself with reason and justice. -Harry S Truman,
reword, The Children of Light and the
inaugural address, Jan 20, 1949
451. In a healthy nation there is a kind of balance between the will of the people and the
scribed way of life erected on the premise
government, which prevents its degeneration into tyranny. -Albert Einstein, Out of My Later
es, If You're Scared, Go Home!, 1944
Years, 1950
ay. -Henry Miller, "With Edgar Varese
452. I am the people-the mob-the crowd-the mass./ Do you know that all the great work
1945
of the world is done through me? -Carl Sandburg, "I Am the People, the Mob", Complete
Poems, 1950
e the word "cooperation." -Dwight D.
453. Two Cheers for Democracy: one because it admits variety and two because it permits
criticism. Two cheers are quite enough: there is no occasion to give three. Only Love, the Beloved
When a republic comes to a point where
Republic, deserves that. -E.M. Forster, Two Cheers for Democracy, 1951
ry S Truman, interview, ca. 1946
454. A democracy can recover quickly from physical or economic disaster, but when its moral
endency of the individual to hide himself
convictions weaken it becomes easy prey for the demagogue and the charlatan. Tyranny and
ightly according to conviction under the
oppression then become the order of the day. -J. William Fulbright, speech in the U.S. Senate,
ty million has no significance. -Dwight
Mar 27, 1951
1946
455. The essence of a republican government is not command. It is consent. -Adlai E.
han half of the people are right more than
Stevenson Jr., speech in Springfield, Illinois, Aug 14, 1952
456. The issue in a capitalist democracy resolves itself into this: either poverty will use
I will be tried in this world of sin and woe.
democracy to win the struggle against property, or property, in fear of poverty, will destroy
Indeed, it has been said that democracy
democracy. -Aneurin Bevan, In Place of Fear, 1952
r forms that have been tried from time to
457. As citizens of this democracy, you are the rulers and the ruled, the lawgivers and the law-
: of Commons, Nov 11, 1947
abiding, the beginning and the end. -Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., speech in Chicago, Illinois, Sep
esponsibility, these are the characteristics
29, 1952
ised by man. -Dwight D. Eisenhower,
458. The death of democracy is not likely to be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow
extinction from apathy, indifference, and undernourishment. -Robert Maynard Hutchins,
schools and colleges are often either
Great Books, 1954
) the traditional American principles, or
459. Democracy is clearly most appropriate for countries which enjoy an economic surplus and
sophy in an open competition. -James
least appropriate for countries where there is an economic insufficiency. -David Morris Potter,
People of Plenty: Economic Abundance and the American Character, 1954
29
Political Quotations
Political Quotations
DEMOCRACY
n the long run to the soundness of heart
478. And so tonight-to you, the great silent majority of my fellow Americans-I ask for your
nas address, Dec 25, 1954
support. -Richard M. Nixon, televised speech, Nov 3, 1969
pular. -Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., quoted,
479. Everyone else is represented in Washington by a rich and powerful lobby, it seems. But
there is no lobby for the people. -Shirley Chisholm, Unbought and Unbossed, 1970
been mainly engaged in kicking people
480. In a political sense, there is one problem that currently underlies all of the others. That
in the Western world is the idea that the
problem is making Government sufficiently responsive to the people. If we don't make
Γ., quoted, Human Behavior, May, 1978
government responsive to the people, we don't make it believable. And we must make
guarantee, always and every where, good
government believable if we are to have a functioning democracy. -Gerald R. Ford, address at
hy, 1955
Jacksonville Univ., Jacksonville, Florida, Dec 16, 1971
only by the unswerving devotion and
481. People are not an interruption of our business. People are our business. -Walter E.
n Jr., speech, 1955
Washington, attributed, 1971
hy tonight into a single phrase, it would
482. Divine right went out with the American Revolution and doesn't belong to the White
ech in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Sep 13,
House aides. What meat do they eat that makes them grow so great? -Sam Ervin, news
conference during Watergate investigation, Time, Apr 16, 1973
by chance but by choice-their choice.
483. Sovereignty remains at all times with the people and they do not forfeit through elections
ylvania, Oct 9, 1956
the rights to have the law construed against and applied to every citizen. -Court of Appeals
United States, ruling that President Nixon had to turn over presidential tapes, The New York
under universal suffrage, historically
Times, Oct 14, 1973
of the people. -Aneurin Bevan, New
484. Secrecy and a free, democratic government don't mix. -Harry S Truman, quoted by
fers you a bag of grain, at what stage of
Merle Miller, Plain Speaking: An Oral Biography of Harry S. Truman, 1974
rand Russell, Silhouettes in Satire, 1958
485. Television is democracy at its ugliest. -Paddy Chayefsky, The New York Times, Nov 14,
st judgment in the long run. -John F.
1976
na, Sep 17, 1960
486. That's what the American system is all about: to keep power divided, to prevent a small
ms are worse. -Jawaharlal Nehru, The
core from either pole suddenly thrusting its decisions on the country. -Charles M. Mathias Jr.,
Time, Aug 23, 1976
a free and determined people, through
487. The stakes are too high for government to be a spectator sport. -Barbara Jordan,
eet all dangers free from panic or fear.
commencement address, Harvard Univ., Jun 16, 1977
29, 1961
488. I would rather trust twelve jurors with all their prejudices and biases than I would a judge.
an people are ahead of their leaders in
I think the reason democracy works is because as you multiply judgements, you reduce the
the facts because the facts have not been
incidence of errors. -Louis Nizer, Chicago Tribune Magazine, Feb 5, 1978
U.S. Senate, Sep 21, 1961
489. The experience of democracy is like the experience of life itself-always changing, infinite
e through an aroused popular conscience
in its variety, sometimes turbulent and all the more valuable for having been tested by adversity.
-Felix Frankfurter, Baker V. Carr, 1962
-Jimmy Carter, speech to the Indian Parliament, Jan 2, 1978
Il to untiring effort, to continual sacrifice
-John F. Kennedy, speech in San Jose,
490. Most people's opinions are of no value at all. -A.L. Rowse, The Observer, Aug 26, 1979
491. (Our goal is) a society with a minimum of compulsion, a maximum of individual freedom
cy, which we regard as moral principles,
and of voluntary association and the abolition of exploitation and poverty. -Roger N. Baldwin,
with capitalism, federalism and the two-
recalled on his death, Aug 26, 1981
/ the accepted practices of the American
492. A government is not in power; it is in office, put there by the will of the people. -Stanley
ate, Mar 27, 1964
Baldwin, quoted by his daughter, Lorna Howard, in a letter, The Times, Jan 23, 1982
bate means national division. -Lyndon
edral School, Washington, D.C., Jun 1,
493. Democracy is not a fragile flower; still it needs cultivating. -Ronald Reagan, speech to
British parliament, Jun 8, 1982
nment around-don't hesitate to do so.
494. I don't run democracy. I train troops to defend democracy. -Lt. Gen. Alfred M. Gray,
Sep 11, 1968
speech to new officers, Newsweek, Jul 9, 1984
31
Political Quotations
Political Quotations
DICTATORSHIP/TYRANNY
e appears for the first time in Europe
611. Radicalism itself ceases to be radical when absorbed mainly in preserving its control over
ght, but simply shows himself resolved
a society or an economy. -Eric Hoffer, The Passionate State of Mind, 1954
fascismo aparece por primera vez en
612. So efficient are the available instruments of slavery-fingerprints, lie detectors,
uiere tener razón, sino, sencillamente,
brainwashings, gas chambers-that we shiver at the thought of political change which might put
a y Gasset, The Revolt of the Masses,
these instruments in the hands of men of hate. -Bernard Baruch, A Philosphy of Time, 1954
613. Man alone can enslave man. -Simone Weil, Oppression and Liberty, 1958
y of the white oppressor until we have
t Asses", Crisis, Mar, 1930
614. Whenever you have an efficient government you have a dictatorship. -Harry S Truman,
alism it may be expected that this
speech at Columbia Univ., Apr 28, 1959
of the State. -Benito Mussolini, The
615. A police state finds it cannot command the grain to grow. -John F. Kennedy, State of
the Union address, Jan 14, 1963
are not dismount. And the tigers are
616. Nothing more exactly identifies the totalitarian or closed society than the rigid and, more
nd Slept, 1936
often than not, brutish direction of labor at all levels. -John F. Kennedy, State of the Union
Caesars and Napoleons will duly rise
address, Jan 14, 1963
Means, 1937
617. The benevolent despot who sees himself as a shepherd of the people still demands from
of strong and successful governments,
others the submissiveness of sheep. -Eric Hoffer, The Ordeal of Change, 1964
velt, fireside chat, Apr 14, 1938
618. Totalitarianism spells simplification: an enormous reduction in the variety of aims,
militarism and at the same time expect
motives, interests, human types, and, above all, in the categories and units of power. -Eric
velt, radio address, Oct 26, 1938
Hoffer, The Ordeal of Change, 1964
is party machine. He can go forward;
619. When men are ruled by fear, they strive to prevent the very changes that will abate it.
iem sport, or else, like Actaeon of old,
-Alan Paton, "The Challenge of Fear", Saturday Review, Sep 9, 1967
thin. -Sir Winston S. Churchill, radio
620. It is the common failing of totalitarian regimes that they cannot really understand the
nature of our democracy. They mistake dissent for disloyalty. They mistake restlessness for a
stead of thinking. [Una dittatura è un
rejection of policy. They mistake a few committees for a country. They misjudge individual
-Ignazio Silone, The School for
speeches for public policy. -Lyndon Baines Johnson, speech, Sep 29, 1967
621. The trouble with military rule is that every colonel or general is soon full of ambition. The
re is infused a good deal of admiration
navy takes over today and the army tomorrow. -Yakubu Gowon, Chiacgo Daily News, Aug
Society", 1939
29, 1970
rannical regime, it cannot be absolved
622. There are similarities between absolute power and absolute faith: a demand for absolute
n S. Churchill, message sent following
obedience, a readiness to attempt the impossible, a bias for simple solutions-to cut the knot
rather than unravel it, the viewing of compromise as surrender. Both absolute power and absolute
faith are instruments of dehumanization. Hence, absolute faith corrupts as absolutely as absolute
herd, but see not there the worst form
est certes mauvais que l'homme écrase
power. -Eric Hoffer, "Thoughts of Eric Hoffer", The New York Times Magazine, Apr 25, 1971
il se montre quand le troupeau écrase
623. The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.
-Steve Biko, speech in Cape Town, 1971
I inside a factory and ask him to accept
624. We are no longer interested in elections except as a means to reach our objectives. -Juan
ate or a one-party state is a persistent
Peron, The New York Times, Jul 14, 1973
unity. -Aneurin Bevan, Tribune, Feb
625. I don't mind dictatorships abroad provided they are pro-American. -George C. Wallace,
Time, Oct 27, 1975
y wanting to wear a crown. He must
justice et finit par vouloir la royauté.
626. The totalitarian state is not power unchained it is truth chained. [L 'Etat totalitaire ce
hysical Rebellion", The Rebel, 1951
n'est pas la force déchainée, c'est la vérité enchainée.] -Bernard-Henri Lévy, La Barbarie à
visage humain, 1977
but by the way it kills them. -Jean-
and Ethel Rosenberg, Jun 22, 1953
627. The more a regime claims to be the embodiment of liberty the more tyrannical it is likely
to be. -Sir Ian Gilmour, Inside Right, 1977
it tyranny is in trouble and reminders
ght D. Eisenhower, State of the Union
628. Ours is not yet a totalitarian government, but it is an elitist democracy-and becoming
more so every year. -Victor L. Marchetti, Inquiry, Feb 6, 1978
39
Political Quotations
Political Quotations
EXPRESSIONS AND PHRASES
d, but while it holds good it has got to
961. If you treat people right they will treat you right-90 percent of the time. -Franklin D.
i, letter to the general secretary of the
Roosevelt, quoted, Kansas City Times, Jan 14, 1977
962. When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. -Franklin D. Roosevelt,
annon, quoted on his retirement, The
quoted, Kansas City Star, Jun 5, 1977
963. The core of our defense is the faith we have in the institutions we defend. -Franklin D.
ror and more commendation of right.
Roosevelt, speech in Dayton, Ohio, Oct 12, 1940
Cemetery, May 30, 1923
964. We must be the great arsenal of democracy. -Franklin D. Roosevelt, fireside chat, Dec
believes that the meek shall inherit the
29, 1940
-W.E.B. Du Bois, The Gift of Black
965. I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. -Sir Winston S. Churchill, speech
in the House of Commons, May 13, 1940
nation. -Hector Hugh Munro, (Saki),
1
966. We shall show mercy, but we shall not ask for it. -Sir Winston S. Churchill, speech in
the House of Commons, Jul 14, 1940
S truth. -Will Rogers, "Politics Getting
967. Let us brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire
and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say: "This was their finest hour."
IC statement, Aug 2, 1927
-Sir Winston S. Churchill, speech in the House of Commons, Jun 18, 1940
;-a good one, and the real one. -J.P.
968. Eternal truths will be neither true nor eternal unless they have fresh meaning for every
'ory of a Friendship, 1930
new social situation. -Franklin D. Roosevelt, speech at the Univ. of Pennsylvania, Sep 20, 1940
's the only one we have. [Rien n'est plus
969. We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire. Give us the tools and we will
nile Auguste Chartier, La Lumiere, Jul
finish the job. -Sir Winston S. Churchill, BBC radio broadcast, Feb 9, 1941
970. When I warned them (the French government) that Britain would fight on alone whatever
n, attributed, in article, "Senator James
they did, their Generals told their Prime Minister and his divided Cabinet: "In three weeks
England will have her neck wrung like a chicken." Some chicken! Some neck! -Sir Winston S.
r the American people. -Franklin D.
Churchill, speech to the Canadian parliament, Dec 30, 1941
or president, Jul 2, 1932
971. Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never,-in nothing, great or small, large
day. -Harry L. Hopkins, attributed by
or petty-never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. -Sir Winston S.
mate History, 1933
Churchill, address at Harrow School, Oct 29, 1941
ameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror
972. This is one of those cases in which the imagination is baffled by the facts. -Sir Winston
advance. -Franklin D. Roosevelt, first
S. Churchill, remark in the House of Commons following the defection of Rudolf Hess, May 13,
1941
ice) he had drained, ditched, and damned
973. This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of
uted to a Kansas farmer by Roy Victor
the beginning. -Sir Winston S. Churchill, speech in London following Montgomery's victory
in North Africa, Nov 10, 1942
d. -Franklin D. Roosevelt, message to
974. As always, victory finds a hundred fathers but defeat is an orphan. -Count Galeazzo
Ciano, The Ciano Diaries, 1939-1943, Sep 9, 1942
e, illusion, more than bread. -Georges
975. I always avoid prophesying beforehand, because it is a much better policy to prophesy after
the event has already taken place. -Sir Winston S. Churchill, press conference in Cairo, Feb
scoundrel. -Heywood Broun, "Jam-
1, 1943
7
976. If this is a blessing, it is certainly very well disguised. -Sir Winston S. Churchill, remark
-Franklin D. Roosevelt, radio address,
to his wife following defeat in 1945 election, quoted, Memoirs of Richard Nixon, Jun 4, 1945
977. Every segment of our population, and every individual, has a right to expect from his
is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside
government a Fair Deal. -Harry S Truman, speech to Congress, Sep 6, 1945
ssian national interest. -Sir Winston S.
978. Any man's coward who won't die for what he believes. -Chester Bomar Himes, If He
Hollers Let Him Go, 1945
ers of their own minds. -Franklin D.
979. These proceedings are closed. -Douglas MacArthur, on the signing of the Japanese
surrender in Tokyo Bay, Sep 2, 1945
59
EXPRESSIONS AND PHRASES
Political Quotations
980. The people, and the people alone, are the motive force in the making of world history. -
Mao Tse-tung, "On Coalition Government", Apr 24, 1945
981. The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. -Franklin D.
Roosevelt, message for Jefferson Day, Apr 13, 1945
982. All reactionaries are paper tigers. -Mao Tse-tung, "Talk with the American
Correspondent Anna Louise Strong", Aug, 1946
983. Let us not be deceived-we are today in the midst of a cold war. -Bernard Baruch, speech
in Columbia, South Carolina, Apr 16, 1947
984. Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it
must be an inseparable part of our very being. -Mohandas K. Gandhi, Non-Violence in Peace
and War, 1948
985. I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell. -Harry
S Truman, quoted, Time, Jun 9, 1975
986. Neither a man nor a crowd nor a nation can be trusted to act humanely or to think sanely
under the influence of a great fear. -Bertrand Russell, "An Outline of Intellectual Rubbish",
Unpopular Essays, 1950
987. If Hitler invaded hell I would make at least a favorable reference to the devil in the House
of Commons. -Sir Winston S. Churchill, The Second World War, 1950
988. A grievance is most poignant when almost redressed. -Eric Hoffer, The True Believer,
1951
989. The world has turned over many times since I took the oath on the plain at West Point,
and the hopes and dreams have long since vanished; but I still remember the refrain of one of
the most popular barracks ballads of that day which proclaimed most proudly that old soldiers
never die; they just fade away. And like the old soldier in that ballad, I now close my military
career and just fade away, an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the sight to
see that duty. -Douglas MacArthur, address to Congress, Apr 19, 1951
990. A nation without dregs and malcontents, is orderly, decent, peaceful and pleasant, but
perhaps without the seed of things to come. -Eric Hoffer, The True Believer, 1951
991. For it is often easier to fight for principles than to live up to them. -Adlai E. Stevenson
Jr., speech in New York City, Aug 27, 1952
992. Words calculated to catch everyone may catch no one. -Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., speech
to Democratic National Convention, Chicago, Illinois, Jul 21, 1952
993. Nature is neutral. Man has wrested from nature the power to make the world a desert or
to make the deserts bloom. There is no evil in the atom; only in men's souls. -Adlai E. Stevenson
Jr., speech in Hartford, Connecticut, Sep 18, 1952
994. The general has dedicated himself so many times, he must feel like the cornerstone of a
public building. -Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., on Dwight D. Eisenhower, The New York Times, Nov,
1952
995. Let's talk sense to the American people. Let's tell them the truth, that there are no gains
without pains. - -Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., acceptance speech as Democratic nominee for president,
Jul 26, 1952
996. No people on earth can be held, as a people, to be an enemy, for all humanity shares the
common hunger for peace and fellowship and justice. -Dwight D. Eisenhower, address to the
American Society of Newspaper Editors, Apr 16, 1953
997. For myself I am an optimist-it does not seem to be much use being anything else. -Sir
Winston S. Churchill, speech at the Lord Mayor's banquet, London, Nov 9, 1954
60
FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
Political Quotations
1182. Freedom from something is not enough. It should also be freedom for something.
Freedom is not safety but opportunity. Freedom ought to be a means to enable the press to serve
the proper functions of communication in a free society. -Zechariah Chaffee Jr., "The Press
Under Pressure", Nieman Reports, Apr, 1948
1183. A politician wouldn't dream of being allowed to call a columnist the things a columnist
is allowed to call a politician. -Max Lerner, "Love and Hate in Politics", Actions and Passions,
1949
1184. Freedom of the press is not an end in itself but a means to the end of a free society. -Felix
Frankfurter, The New York Times, Nov 28, 1954
1185. Whenever the press quits abusing me I know I'm in the wrong pew. I don't mind it
because when they throw bricks at me-I'm a pretty good shot myself and I usually throw 'em
back at 'em. -Harry S Truman, speech in Washington, D.C., Feb 22, 1958
1186. A free press can of course be good or bad, but, most certainly, without freedom it will
never be anything but bad. Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better, whereas
enslavement is a certainty of the worse. -Albert Camus, Resistance, Rebellion, and Death, 1960
1187. Responsible journalism is journalism responsible in the last analysis to the editor's own
conviction of what, whether interesting or only important, is in the public interest. -Walter
Lippmann, speech at the International Press Institute Assemby, London, May 27, 1965
1188. Without criticism and reliable and intelligent reporting, the government cannot govern.
-Walter Lippmann, speech at the International Press Institute Assembly, London, May 24,
1965
1189. Paramount among the responsibilities of a free press is the duty to prevent any part of
the government from deceiving the people and sending them off to distant lands to die of foreign
fevers and foreign shot and shell. -Hugo L. Black, concurring opinion, Pentagon Papers case,
New York Times Co. V. U.S.; U.S. V. The Washington Post, Jun 30, 1971
1190. In revealing the workings of government that led to the Vietnam War, the newspapers
nobly did precisely that which the Founders hoped and trusted they would do. -Hugo L. Black,
concurring opinion, Pentagon Papers case, New York Times Co. V. U.S.; U.S. V. The Washington
Post, Jun 30, 1971
1191. In my view, far from deserving condemnation for their courageous reporting, the New
York Times, the Washington Post and other newspapers should be commended for serving the
purpose that the Founding Fathers saw so clearly. -Hugo L. Black, concurring opinion,
Pentagon Papers case, New York Times Co. V. U.S.; U.S. V. The Washington Post, Jun 30, 1971
1192. I'm convinced that if reporters should ever lose the right to protect the confidentiality
of their sources then serious investigative reporting will simply dry up. The kind of resourceful,
probing journalism that first exposed most of the serious scandals, corruption and injustice in
our nation's history would simply disappear. -Nelson A. Rockefeller, speech in Syracuse, New
York, Nov 29, 1972
1193. When a person goes to a country and finds their newspapers filled with nothing but good
news, he can bet there are good men in jail. -Daniel P. Moynihan, University Daily Kansan,
Feb 16, 1977
1194. Freedom of the press belongs to those who own one. -A.J. Liebling, American Film,
Jul/Aug, 1978
1195. The First Amendment gives newspapermen a status and a mandate, an honored place
in society, that cannot be matched in England, much less on the European continent. It is
peculiarly American. I feel as though I survived an Ice Age and helped to keep this heritage
intact. -I.F. Stone, Chicago Tribune, Jan 26, 1978
72
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS/DIPLOMACY
Political Quotations
1643. The friendships of nations, built on common interests, cannot survive the mutability of
those interests. -Agnes Repplier, "Allies", Under Dispute, 1924
1644. The foreign policy of America can best be described by one word-peace. -Calvin
Coolidge, acceptance speech as Republican nominee for president, Aug 14, 1924
1645. Our foreign policy has one primary object, and that is peace. -Herbert Hoover, speech
at Palo Alto, California, Aug 11, 1928
1646. We never lost a war and we never won a conference in our lives. I believe that we could
without any degree of egotism, single-handed lick any nation in the world. But we can't confer
with Costa Rica and come home with our shirts on. -Will Rogers, quoted by Paula McSpadden
Love, The Will Rogers Book, 1972
1647. Diplomacy is to do and say the nastiest thing in the nicest way. -Isaac Goldberg, The
Reflex, 1930
1648. If our civilization is to be perpetuated, the great causes of world peace, world
disarmament and world recovery must prevail. They cannot prevail until a path to their
attainment is built upon honest friendship, mutual confidence, and proper co-operation among
the nations. -Herbert Hoover, statement to the press, Nov 23, 1932
1649. In the field of foreign policy I would dedicate this nation to the policy of the good
neighbor. -Franklin D. Roosevelt, acceptance speech as the Democratic nominee for president,
Jul 2, 1932
1650. I have always said that a conference was held for one reason only, to give everybody a
chance to get sore at everybody else. Sometimes it takes two or three conferences to scare up a
war, but generally one will do it. -Will Rogers, syndicated column, The New York Times, Jul
6, 1933
1651. Time is the very material commodity which the Foreign Office is expected to provide in
the same way as other departments provide other war material. -Robert, 1st Baron Vansittart,
memorandum, Dec 31, 1936
1652. Outside the kingdom of the Lord there is no nation which is greater than any other. God
and history will remember your judgment. -Haile Selassie, speech at the League of Nations,
1936
1653. Much of what Mr. Wallace calls his global thinking is, no matter how you slice it, still
globaloney. Mr. Wallace's warp of sense and his woof of nonsense is very tricky cloth out of
which to cut the pattern of a postwar world. -Clare Boothe Luce, speech to the House of
Representatives, Feb, 1943
1654. In foreign relations, as in all other relations, a policy has been formed only when
commitments and power have been brought into balance. -Walter Lippmann, U.S. Foreign
Policy, 1943
1655. There is nothing more likely to start disagreement among people or countries than an
agreement. -E.B. White, "My Day", One Man's Meat, 1944
1656. When Kansas and Colorado have a quarrel over the water in the Arkansas River they
don't call out the National Guard in each state and go to war over it. They bring a suit in the
Supreme Court of the United States and abide by the decision. There isn't a reason in the world
why we cannot do that internationally. -Harry S Truman, speech in Kansas City, Missouri,
Apr, 1945
1657. My (foreign) policy is to be able to take a ticket at Victoria Station and go anywhere I
damn well please. -Ernest Bevin, The Spectator, Apr 20, 1951
1658. Foreign policy must be clear, consistent and confident. -Dwight D. Eisenhower, State
of the Union message, Feb 2, 1953
100
Political Quotations
Political Quotations
JUDICIARY AND JUDGES
ing on for the world will not be bombs
1725. We must not regard political consequences, however formidable they may be; if rebellion
11 resolve; the values we hold, the beliefs
was the certain consequence, we are bound to say, "Justitia fiat, ruat coelum" ("Let justice be
-Ronald Reagan, speech to British
done, though the sky falls"). -1st Earl of Mansfield, (William Murray), trial of John Wilkes
to appeal his earlier conviction for non-appearance, 1768
Nations's founders? What has happened
1726. It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law
er is clear: Governments got in the way
is. If two laws conflict with each other, the courts must decide on the operation of each.
the United Nations General Assembly,
This is the very essence of judicial duty. -John Marshall, Marbury V. Madison, 1803
1727. The judiciary of the United States is the subtle corps of sappers and miners constantly
communiques, one with another across
working under ground to undermine the founda tions of our confederated fabric. A judiciary
ain similarity of optimism in the reports
independent of a king or executive alone, is a good thing; but independent of the will of the nation
ity in the lack of practical results during
is a solecism, at least in a republican government. -Thomas Jefferson, letter to Thomas Ritchie,
Jun 1, 1984
Dec 25, 1820
at foreign policy is a subdivision of
1728. It is a very dangerous doctrine to consider the judges as the ultimate arbiters of all
SS at Univ. of South Carolina, Time, Jun
constitutional questions. It is one which would place us under the despotism of an oligarchy.
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to W.C. Jarvis, Sep 28, 1820
We got down to business. -Margaret
1729. There is hardly a political question in the United States which does not sooner or later
S-TV, Mar 11, 1985
turn into a judicial one. [Il n'est presque pas de question politique, aux Etats-Unis, qui ne se
ties is not just an empty matter. It is a
résolve tôt ou tard en question judiciaire.] -Alexis, Comte de Tocqueville, Democracy in
America, 1835
ersary of fall of Saigon, The New York
1730. No matter whether th' constitution follows th' flag or not, th' supreme coort follows th'
he comfortable certainty that it will let
iliction returns. -Finley Peter Dunne, "The Supreme Court's Decisions", Mr. Dooley's
V 4, 1985
Opinions, 1901
hen the commodity it exports most is
1731. We are under a Constitution, but the Constitution is what the judges say it is, and the
1985
judiciary is the safeguard of our liberty and of our property under the Constitution. -Charles
Evans Hughes, speech to the Elmira, New York, Chamber of Commerce, May 3, 1907
secure the assent of parties to a street
ilo, on the role of the United Nations,
1732. But even judges sometimes progress. -Emma Goldman, "The Social Aspects of Birth
Control", Mother Earth, Apr, 1916
-Nora Astorga, on conversations at
1733. What five members of the Supreme Court say the law is may be something vastly different
York Times, Sep 28, 1986
from what Congress intended the law to be. -Benjamin F. Fairless, speech in Boston,
Massachusetts, May 18, 1950
in polemics than make perfidious plans
ing discussions with U.S. Secretary of
1734. We do not sit as a superlegislature to weigh the wisdom of legislation. -William O.
87
Douglas, majority opinion, Day-Brite Lighting, Inc. V. Missouri, Mar 3, 1952
stable and more dangerous for all of us.
1735. We are not unaware that we are not final because we are infallible; we know that we are
bachev, Time, Apr 27, 1987
infallible only because we are final. -Robert H. Jackson, concurring opinion, Feb 9, 1953
ing a magician; the eye is drawn to the
1736. Whenever you put a man on the Supreme Court he ceases to be your friend. -Harry
er hand-the one doing the important
S Truman, recalled on his 75th birthday, The New York Times, May 8, 1959
S., A Growing Military Partnership",
1737. As a member of this court I am not justified in writing my private notions of policy into
the Constitution, no matter how deeply I may cherish them or how mischievous I may deem their
disregard. -Felix Frankfurter, The New York Times, Aug 9, 1964
rained inferences, for there is no worse
1738. Our chief justices have probably had more profound and lasting influence on their times
Of Judicature", Essays, 1625
and on the direction of the nation than most presidents. -Richard M. Nixon, on appointment
of chief justice Warren Burger, May 21, 1969
fession is to discern it. There are some
Le devoir des juges est de rendre justice;
1739. You sit up there, and you see the whole gamut of human nature. Even if the case being
oir, et font leur métier.] -Jean de La
argued involves only a little fellow and $50, it involves justice. That's what is important. -Earl
Warren, recalled on his death, Time, Jul 22, 1974
105
LEADERSHIP/STATESMANSHIP
Political Quotations
2140. Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash. -George S. Patton, letter
to Cadet George S. Patton, Jr., Jun 6, 1944
2141. We may make mistakes-but they must never be mistakes which result from faintness
of heart or abandonment of moral principle. -Franklin D. Roosevelt, fourth inaugural address,
Jan 20, 1945
2142. The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and
the will to carry on. -Walter Lippmann, "Roosevelt Has Gone", New York Herald Tribune,
Apr 14, 1945
2143. Men prominent in life are mostly hard to converse with. They lack small-talk, and at the
same time one doesn't like to confront them with their own great themes. -Sir Max Beerbohm,
"T. Fenning Dodworth", Mainly on the Air, 1946
2144. You know, the greatest epitaph in the country is here in Arizona. It's in Tombstone,
Ariz., and this epitaph says, "Here lies Jack Williams. He done his damndest." I think that is
the greatest epitaph a man could have. Whenever a man does the best he can, then that is all
he can do; and that is what your President has been trying to do for the last 3 years for this
country. -Harry S Truman, remarks in Winslow, Arizona, Jun 15, 1948
2145. We believe in equal opportunity for all, but we know that this includes the opportunity
to rise to leadership, to be uncommon! The great human advances have not been brought about
by mediocre men and women. -Herbert Hoover, remarks, Nov 11, 1948
2146. You know what makes leadership? It is the ability to get men to do what they don't want
to do, and like it. -Harry S Truman, quoted, Time, Nov 8, 1976
2147. We need supermen to rule us-the job is so vast and the need for wise judgment is so
urgent. But, alas, there are no supermen. -Brooks Atkinson, "January 27", Once Around the
Sun, 1951
2148. I distrust Great Men. They produce a desert of uniformity around them and often a pool
of blood too, and I always feel a little man's pleasure when they come a cropper. -E.M. Forster,
"What I Believe", Two Cheers for Democracy, 1951
2149. The first function of a political leader is advocacy. It is he who must make articulate the
wants, the frustration, and the aspiration of the masses. -Aneurin Bevan, In Place of Fear, 1952
2150. There is nothing more agreeable in this life than to make peace with the Establishment-
and nothing more corrupting. -A.J.P. Taylor, "William Cobbett", New Statesman, 1953
2151. This Republic was not established by cowards; and cowards will not preserve it. -Elmer
Davis, But We Were Born Free, 1954
2152. A great man's greatest good luck is to die at the right time. -Eric Hoffer, The Passionate
State of Mind, 1954
2153. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason if we remember that we are not
descended from fearful men, not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate and to
defend causes which were, for the moment unpopular. -Edward R. Murrow, "See It Now"
television broadcast, Mar 7, 1954
2154. In the face of great danger, salvation can only come through greatness. [Face aux grands
périls, le salut 'est que la grandeur.] -Charles De Gaulle, Mémoires de guerre: L 'Appel, 1955
2155. The leader is always alone in times of doom. [Toujours, le Chef est seul en face du
mauvais destin.] -Charles De Gaulle, Mémoires de guerre: L'Appel, 1955
2156. Old age is a shipwreck. [La vieillesse est un naufrage.] -Charles De Gaulle, Mémoires
de guerre: L'Appel, 1955
130
Political Quotations
Political Quotations
LEADERSHIP/STATESMANSHIP
n being rash. -George S. Patton, letter
2157. I spoke. I had to. It is action that puts fervor to work. But it is words that create it. [Je
parle. Il le faut bien. L'action met les ardeurs en oeuvre. Mais c'est la parole qui les suscite.]
e mistakes which result from faintness
-Charles De Gaulle, Mémoires de guerre: L'Appel, 1955
D. Roosevelt, fourth inaugural address,
2158. To act coolly, intelligently and prudently in perilous circumstances is the test of a man-
and also a nation. -Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., The New York Times, Apr 11, 1955
d him in other men the conviction and
2159. A decision is the action an executive must take when he has information so incomplete
las Gone", New York Herald Tribune,
that the answer does not suggest itself. -Adm. Arthur W. Radford, Time, Feb 25, 1957
2160. The difference between being an elder statesman/ And posing successfully as an elder
e with. They lack small-talk, and at the
statesman/ Is practically negligible. -T.S. Eliot, The Elder Statesman, 1958
wn great themes. -Sir Max Beerbohm,
2161. At home, you always have to be a politician; when you're abroad, you almost feel yourself
a statesman. -Harold Macmillan, Look, Apr 15, 1958
is here in Arizona. It's in Tombstone,
He done his damndest." I think that is
2162. Difficulty is the excuse history never accepts. -Edward R. Murrow, on President John
n does the best he can, then that is all
F. Kennedy's inaugural address, Oct 19, 1959
ving to do for the last 3 years for this
2163. No one has a finer command of language than the person who keeps his mouth shut.
ona, Jun 15, 1948
-Sam Rayburn, quoted, Lawrence Daily Journal-World, Aug 29, 1978
now that this includes the opportunity
2164. Some men can make decisions and some cannot. Some men fret and delay under
advances have not been brought about
criticism. I used to have a saying that applies here, and I note that some people have picked it
ks, Nov 11, 1948
up, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." -Harry S Truman, Mr. Citizen, 1960
to get men to do what they don't want
2165. Few great men could pass Personnel. -Paul Goodman, Growing Up Absurd, 1960
DV 8, 1976
2166. As for me, I know only too well my limits and weaknesses, and I also know that no man
[ and the need for wise judgment is so
can take the place of a whole people. That is why I wanted to inspire their souls with the
nson, "January 27", Once Around the
conviction that filled me. [Quant à moi, qui ne connais que trop mes limites et mon infirmité et
qui sais bien qu'aucun homme ne peut se substituer à un peuple, comme je voudrais faire entrer
iformity around them and often a pool
dans les âmes la conviction qui 'anime!] -Charles De Gaulle, Mémoires de guerre: Le Salut,
1960
n they come a cropper. -E.M. Forster,
2167. Keep strong, if possible. In any case, keep cool. Have unlimited patience. Never corner
It is he who must make articulate the
an opponent, and always assist him to save his face. Put yourself in his shoes-so as to see things
-Aneurin Bevan, In Place of Fear, 1952
through his eyes. Avoid self-righteousness like the devil- nothing so self-blinding. -Sir Basil
Liddell Hart, Deterrent or Defense: Advice to Statesmen, 1960
) make peace with the Establishment-
1 Cobbett", New Statesman, 1953
2168. To say he (John F. Kennedy) would not make mistakes would be silly. Anyone would
make mistakes with the problems that lie ahead of us. -Eleanor Roosevelt, letter to Peter
di cowards will not preserve it. -Elmer
Kamitchis, Oct 21, 1960
2169. You cannot be a leader, and ask other people to follow you, unless you know how to
ght time. -Eric Hoffer, The Passionate
follow, too. -Sam Rayburn, attributed, The Leadership of Sam Rayburn, Collected Tributes of
His Colleagues, 1961
ison if we remember that we are not
2170. The modern world is not given to uncritical admiration. It expects its idols to have feet
to write, to speak, to associate and to
of clay, and can be reasonably sure that press and camera will report their exact dimensions.
-Edward R. Murrow, "See It Now"
-Barbara Ward, Saturday Review, Sep 30, 1961
2171. If we are to regard ourselves as a grown-up nation-and anything else will henceforth
ie through greatness. [Face aux grands
be mortally dangerous-then we must, as the Biblical phrase goes, put away childish things; and
e, Mémoires de guerre: 'Appel, 1955
among these childish things the first to go, in my opinion, should be self-idealization and the
search for absolutes in world affairs: for absolute security, absolute amity, absolute harmony.
Toujours, le Chef est seul en face du
-George F. Kennan, Russia and the West under Lenin and Stalin, 1961
rre: L'Appel, 1955
2172. I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be
age.] -Charles De Gaulle, Mémoires
remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or politics, but for our contribution to the human
spirit. -John F. Kennedy, closed-circuit television broadcast, Nov 29, 1962
131
Political Quotations
Political Quotations
POLITICAL PARTIES
extreme measures, which is not exactly the
England, particularly one in opposition to
2489. I thank God that we have lived to see a time when men are beginning to reason upon
ord Stanley, 1846
the facts and not upon party tradition. I believe in party tradition, but only as it is founded
upon eternal principles of justice. -Woodrow Wilson, speech at Williams Grove, Pennsylvania,
nt and Parliamentary government. I say you
Aug 29, 1912
no party government; and therefore when
at the scheme of government which, in my
2490. The success of a party means little except when the Nation is using the party for a large
ope, will keep it great. -Benjamin Disraeli,
and definite purpose. -Woodrow Wilson, first inaugural address, Mar 4, 1913
2491. What difference does party make when mankind is involved? -Woodrow Wilson, speech
y. -James K. Polk, Diary, Dec 12, 1848
in Richmond, Indiana, Sep 4, 1919
hey seek power, are varieties of absolutism.
2492. The more you read and observe about this Politics thing, you got to admit that each party
tionary, 1849
is worse than the other. The one that's out always looks the best. -Will Rogers, "Breaking into
the Writing Game", The Illiterate Digest, 1924
this country. -Stephen A. Douglas, speech
2493. It's a damned good thing to remember in politics to stick to your party and never attempt
to buy the favor of your enemies at the expense of your friends. -Joseph G. Cannon, attributed
of progress or reform, are both necessary
by L. White Busby, Uncle Joe Cannon, 1927
Stuart Mill, On Liberty, 1859
2494. To prevent resentment, governments attribute misfortunes to natural causes; to create
raeli, speech in Oxford, England, Nov 25,
resentment oppositions attribute them to human causes. -Bertrand Russell, "Freedom in
Society", Skeptical Essays, 1928
system that parties are formed more with
2495. Talk is nauseous without practice. Who will believe that the Labour Party means business
the controversies which these parties have
so long as some of its stalwarts sit up and beg for sugar-plums, like poodles in a drawing-room.
e Coming Session", Quarterly Review, Jan,
To kick over an idol, you must first get off your knees. -Richard Tawney, quoted, The
Guardian, 1934
nd to educate-if it be not arrogant to use
2496. This is the most important lesson that a man can learn, that opinions are nothing but
arty, and requires its attention to be called
the mere result of chance and temperament; that no party is on the whole better than another.
nin Disraeli, speech in Edinburgh, Scotland
-Stanley Baldwin, quoted by K. Middlemas and J. Barnes, Baldwin, 1970
2497. The American people are quite competent to judge a political party that works both sides
e very notion of repose must be foreign to
of a street. -Franklin D. Roosevelt, campaign speech in Boston, Nov 4, 1944
this country. - 3rd Marquess of Salisbury,
Review, Oct, 1871
2498. Political language-and with variations this is true of all political parties, from
try best. -Rutherford B. Hayes, inaugural
Conservatives to Anarchists-is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable.
-George Orwell, "Politics and the English Language", Shooting an Elephant, 1950
2499. Even more important than winning the election is governing the nation. That is the test
-James A. Garfield, speech to the House
of a political party-the acid, final test. -Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., acceptance speech as
Democratic candidate for president, Jul 26, 1952
r the entire country was going to help both
non of one great nation. -Ulysses S. Grant,
2500. Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the
other party is unfit to rule-and both commonly succeed, and are right. -H.L. Mencken,
Minority Report, 1956
ssible unless it be a working man's party.
our Standard, Jul 23, 1881
2501. When the Tories are in trouble, they bunch together and cogger up. When we (Labor)
get into trouble, we start blaming each other and rushing to the press to tell them all the terrible
/S does contrive/ That every boy and gal,/
things that somebody else has done. -Richard Crossman, Diary, May 8, 1956
iberal/ Or else a little Conservative! -Sir
2502. 1955-56 To me, party platforms are contracts with the people. -Harry S Truman, Memoirs,
Right, if you stick to it when it does wrong.
2503. In our (British) traditional cricket match the parties are strong and the best team wins;
in the strip poker of American politics, the parties are weak and the best man wins. -Richard
less personal passion and more passion for
Crossman, "Roosevelt--Warts and All", New Statesman, 1957
sons but in fighting things. -Woodrow
1912
2504. Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.
-John F. Kennedy, speech in Baltimore, Maryland, Feb 18, 1958
151
POLITICIANS AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Political Quotations
2604. The kind of thing I'm good at is knowing every politician in the state and remembering
where he itches. -Earl Long, quoted, New Yorker, Jun 4, 1960
2605. One of the difficulties of politics is that politicians are shocked by those who are really
prepared to let their thinking reach any conclusion. Political thinking consists in deciding upon
the conclusion first and then finding good arguments for it. An open mind is considered
irresponsible-and perhaps it really is. -Richard Crossman, Diary, Nov 13, 1951
2606. I will undoubtedly have to seek what is happily known as gainful employment, which
I am glad to say does not describe holding public office. -Dean Acheson, on retiring to private
life, Time, Dec 22, 1952
2607. Your public servants serve you right; indeed often they serve you better than your apathy
and indifference deserve. -Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., speech in Los Angeles, California, Sep 11,
1952
2608. Successful democratic politicians are insecure and intimidated men. They advance
politically only as they placate, appease, bribe, seduce, bamboozle, or otherwise manage to
manipulate the demanding and threatening elements in their constituencies. -Walter Lippmann,
The Public Philosophy, 1955
2609. There is no such thing as a nonpolitical speech by a politician. -Richard M. Nixon,
speech in New York City, Sep 14, 1955
2610. In government offices which are sensitive to the vehemence and passion of mass
sentiment public men have no sure tenure. They are in effect perpetual office seekers, always on
trial for their political lives, always required to court their restless constitu ents. -Walter
Lippmann, The Public Philosophy, 1955
2611. "Don't teach my boy poetry," an English mother recently wrote the Provost of Harrow.
" Don't teach my boy poetry; he is going to stand for Parliament." Well, perhaps she was right-
but if more politicians knew poetry, and more poets knew politics, I am convinced the world
would be a little better place to live on this Commencement Day of 1956. -John F. Kennedy,
speech to the Harvard Alumni Association, Jun 14, 1956
2612. When I hear a man applauded by the mob I always feel a pang of pity for him. All he
has to do to be hissed is to live long enough. -H.L. Mencken, Minority Report, 1956
2613. A good politician with nerve and a program that is right can win in the face of the stiffest
opposition. -Harry S Truman, Memoirs, 1955-56
2614. The distinction between a statesman and a politician is that the former imposes his will
and his ideas on his environment while the latter adapts himself to it. -Richard Crossman,
"Roosevelt--Warts and All", New Statesman, 1957
2615. A politician is a man who understands government, and it takes a politician to run a
government. A statesman is a politician who's been dead 10 or 15 years. -Harry S Truman, New
York World Telegram & Sun, Apr 12, 1958
2616. A candidate for office can have no greater advantage than muddled syntax; no greater
liability than a command of language. -Marya Mannes, More in Anger, 1958
2617. McCarthy invented the multi Lie-the lie with so many tiny gears and fragile connecting
rods that reason exhausted itself in the effort to combat it. -Richard H. Rovere, "The Frivolous
Demagogue", Esquire, Jun, 1958
2618. The politician is trained in the art of inexactitude. His words tend to be blunt or
rounded, because if they have a cutting edge they may later return to wound him. -Edward R.
Murrow, speech at Guildhall in London, Oct 19, 1959
158
POLITICIANS AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Political Quotations
2637. In Pierre Elliott Trudeau Canada has at last produced a political leader worthy of
assassination. -Irving Layton, "Obo II", The Whole Bloody Bird, 1969
2638. Some members of congress are the best actors in the world. -Shirley Chisholm,
Unbought and Unbossed, 1970
2639. I remember when I first came to Washington. For the first six months you wonder how
the hell you ever got here. For the next six months you wonder how the hell the rest of them
ever got here. -Harry S Truman, recalled on his death, Dec 26, 1972
2640. Reading about one's failings in the daily papers is one of the privileges of high office in
this free country of ours. -Nelson A. Rockefeller, speech in Syracuse, New York, Nov 29, 1972
2641. Before you can become a statesman you first have to get elected, and to get elected you
have to be a politician pledging support for what the voters want. -Margaret Chase Smith,
Declaration of Conscience, 1972
2642. A passion for politics stems usually from an insatiable need, either for power, or for
friendship and adulation, or a combination of both. -Fawn M. Brodie, Thomas Jefferson, 1974
2643. A politician ought to be born a foundling and remain a bachelor. -Claudia ("Lady
Bird") Johnson, Time, Dec 1, 1975
2644. Most politicians have a right to feel morally superior to their constituencies. -Daniel
P. Moynihan, Rolling Stone, Aug 12, 1976
2645. A boss is a political leader who is on somebody else's side. -Morris K. Udall, "Issues
and Answers," ABC-TV, Apr 25, 1976
2646. The main essentials of a successful prime minister (are) sleep and a sense of history.
-Harold Wilson, The Government of Britain, 1977
2647. Every public official should be recycled occasionally. -John V. Lindsay, Chicago
Tribune, Jan 22, 1978
2648. Everybody in government is like a bunch of ants on a log floating down a river. Each
one thinks he is guiding the log, but it's really just going with the flow. -Robert S. Strauss, Time,
Apr 17, 1978
2649. I'd rather keep my promises to other politicians than to God. God, at least, has a degree
of forgiveness. -Anonymous, Washington Post, Jun 9, 1978
2650. Politicians fascinate because they constitute such a paradox: they are an elite that
accomplishes mediocrity for the public good. -Garry Wills, Time, Apr 23, 1979
2651. The politician who will refuse the Foreign Office is not yet born. -Michael Stewart, Life
and Labour, 1980
2652. A populist politician is a politician who says things because he believes them to be
popular. At least that is my understanding of the term. I have never been that. My worst enemies
couldn't say that. -Enoch Powell, The Listener, May 28, 1981
2653. Most politicians will not stick their necks out unless they sense grass-roots support.
Neither you nor I should expect someone else to take our responsibility. If we remain passive,
they will surely win. -Katharine Hepburn, fundraising letter for the Planned Parenthood
Federation, Nov, 1981
2654. The curious fascination in this job is the illusion that either you are being useful or you
could be - and that's so tempting. -Millicent Fenwick, "Sixty Minutes," CBS-TV, Feb 1, 1981
2655. The only people who say worse things about politicians than reporters do are other
politicians. -Andy Rooney, "60 Minutes," CBS-TV, Oct 7, 1984
160
Political Quotations
Political Quotations
POLITICS
S nothing in itself; but attached to even
2763. In politics, as in other things, there is no such thing as one getting something for nothing.
after a numeral, to multiply whatever
The payoff may involve compromises of various types that may strike at the ideals and principles
g Pilate, 1926
one has held dear all his life. -A. Philip Randolph, "Why I Can't Run for Congress on the Old
Party Ticket", The Call, Apr 28, 1944
et. -"Kin" Hubbard, Abe Martin's
2764. Power politics is the diplomatic name for the law of the jungle. -Ely Culbertson, Must
We Fight Russia?, 1946
V are usually designed for a war which
2765. When I am abroad, I always make it a rule never to criticize or attack the government
of my own country. I make up for lost time when I come home. -Sir Winston S. Churchill,
money to even get beat with. -Will
speech in the House of Commons, Apr, 1947
2766. If you ever injected truth into politics you have no politics. -Will Rogers, The
nd it has not become great by political
Autobiography of Will Rogers, 1949
', 1932
2767. In our time, political speech and writing are largely the defense of the indefensible.
appens you can be sure it was planned
-George Orwell, "Politics and the English Language", Shooting an Elephant, 1950
978
2768. People who think the mighty in Washington can be persuaded, or corrupted, if you will,
to be in large part the science of the
by anything less than votes just don't understand what it's all about and never will. They don't
). Roosevelt, speech in Winter Park,
know what Washington juice is made of. -George E. Allen, Presidents Who Have Known Me,
1950
2769. Honest difference of views and honest debate are not disunity. They are the vital process
di Lasswell, book title, 1936
of policy among free men. -Herbert Hoover, speech in New York City, Dec 20, 1950
litics with bloodshed. -Mao Tse-tung,
2770. Power-worship blurs political judgment because it leads, almost unavoidably, to the belief
that present trends will continue. Whoever is winning at the moment will always seem to be
n, like any other sensible human being,
invincible. -George Orwell, "Second Thoughts on James Burnham", Shooting an Elephant,
1950
rvent supporters. -Walter Lippmann,
J, 1939
2771. What is politics but persuading the public to vote for this and support that and endure
these for the promise of those? -Gilbert Highet, "The Art of Persuasion", Vogue, Jan 1951
ses and oppose whatever the enemy
espondents", Sep 16, 1939
2772. Why is it that when political ammunition runs low, inevitably the rusty artillery of abuse
is always wheeled into action? -Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., speech in New York City, Sep 22, 1952
old age, including deafness. [Una classe
compresa la sordità.] -Ignazio Silone,
2773. Our American political situation is about the same from generation to generation. The
main difficulty is that the rising generation never knows about the acts of the previous one-most
people think it too much trouble to find out. -Harry S Truman, quoted by William Hillman,
paces of history; at its critical turning
Mr. President, 1952
at the end justifies the means. -Arthur
2774. "How can you think of voting for my opponent?" I exhorted. "Surely you remember
all these things I have done for you?" "Yeah," he said, "I remember. But what in hell have you
irt all politics seem like provincial
done for me lately?" -Alben W. Barkley, That Reminds Me, 1954
en Spender, "A Look at the Worst",
2775. Politics is perhaps the only profession for which no preparation is thought necessary.
-Robert Louis Stevenson, quoted, Rocky Mountain News, Sep 3, 1979
by men without ideals and without
2776. I don't think ideas are incompatible with political reality. -Adlai E. Stevenson III, Time,
Feb 26, 1979
g part in affairs which properly concern
2777. Good government cannot exist side by side with bad politics: the best government is the
best politics. -Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., quoted, Kansas City Star, Jan 30, 1977
osed to the attribution of false motives.
2778. Defeat in itself was part and parcel of the great gambling game of politics. A man who
ecorded in Harold Nicolson, Diary, Jul
could not accept it and try again was not of the stuff of which leaders are made. -Agnes Sligh
Turnbull, The Golden Journey, 1955
and why. -Sidney Hillman, Political
2779. The older you get the more you realize that gray isn't such a bad color. And in politics
you work with it or you don't work at all. -Agnes Sligh Turnbull, The Golden Journey, 1955
167
POLITICS
Political Quotations
2816. We are not a cynical people. The will to believe lingers on. We like to think that heroes
can emerge from obscurity, as they sometimes do; that elections do matter, even though the
process is at least part hokum: that through politics we can change our society and maybe even
find a cause to believe in. -Ronald Steel, "The Vanishing Campaign Biography", The New York
Times, Aug 5, 1984
2817. He (Dwight Eisenhower) wasn't used to being criticized, and he never did get it through
his head that's what politics is all about. He was used to getting his ass kissed. -Harry S Truman,
quoted on President Dwight D. Eisenhower, The New York Times, Dec 2, 1984
2818. In writing and politicking, it's best not to think about it, just do it. -Gore Vidal, quoted,
A Guide to the 99th Congress, 1985
2819. Nothing is so admirable in politics as a short memory. -John Kenneth Galbraith,
quoted, A Guide to the 99th Congress, 1985
2820. Die-hard conservatives thought that if I couldn't get everything I asked for, I would jump
off the cliff with the flag flying-go down in flames. No, if I can get 70 or 80 percent of what
it is I'm trying to get I'll take that and then continue to try to get the rest in the future.
-Ronald Reagan, The New York Times, Oct 6, 1985
2821. I seldom think of politics more than 18 hours a day. -Lyndon Baines Johnson, quoted,
A Guide to the 99th Congress, 1985
2822. Politics in America is the binding secular religion. -Theodore H. White, Time, Dec 29,
1986
2823. I always cheer up immensely if an attack is particularly wounding because I think, well,
if they attack one personally, it means they have not a single political argument left. -Margaret
Thatcher, Daily Telegraph, Mar 21, 1986
2824. Nothing ever gets settled in this town (Washington) a seething debating society in
which the debate never stops, in which people never give up, including me. And so that's the
atmosphere in which you administer. -George P. Shultz, The New York Times, Dec 9, 1986
2825. Politics, where fat, bald, disagreeable men, unable to be candidates themselves, teach a
president how to act on a public stage. -Jimmy Breslin, Table Money, 1986
2826. The price of running for the Senate today is spending more time than you'd like to spend
asking people for more money than they'd like to give. -Harriett Woods, quoted by Steven V.
Roberts in "Politicking Goes High-Tech", The New York Times, Nov 2, 1986
2827. Although he's regularly asked to do so, God does not take sides in American politics.
-George J. Mitchell, at Iran-Contra hearings, Jul 13, 1987
2828. My opponent called me a cream puff. Well, I rushed out and got the baker's union
to endorse me. -Claiborne Pell, The New York Times, Feb 3, 1987
2829. Decide on some imperfect Somebody and you will win, because the truest truism in
politics is: You can't beat Somebody with Nobody. -William Safire, "The Perfect Candidate",
The New York Times, Apr 16, 1987
2830. A man can take a little bourbon without getting drunk, but if you hold his mouth open
an pour in a quart, he's going to get sick on it. -Lyndon Baines Johnson, quoted, People, Feb
2, 1987
2831. The American people didn't send us here (Washington, D.C.) to bicker. -George Bush,
address to Congress, Feb 9, 1989
170
PRESIDENCY
Political Quotations
2979. My God, this is a hell of a job! I have no trouble with my enemies. I can take care of
them right now. But my damn friends, my god-damn friends, White, they're the ones that keep
me walking the floor nights! -Warren G. Harding, quoted by William Allen White,
Autiobiography, 1946
2980. In America any boy may become President and I suppose it's just one of the risks he
takes. -Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., speech in Indianapolis, Indiana, Sep 26, 1952
2981. You know how it is in an election year. They pick a president and then for four years
they pick on him. -Adlai R. Stevenson Jr., speech, Aug 28, 1952
2982. Any man who has had the job I've had and didn't have a sense of humor wouldn't still
be here. -Harry S Truman, The New York Times, Apr 19, 1955
2983. The President is the only lobbyist that one hundred and fifty million americans have. The
other twenty million are able to employ people to represent them-and that's all right, it's the
exercise of the right of petition-but someone has to look out after the interests of the one
hundred and fifty million that are left. -Harry S Truman, speech in San Francisco, California,
Oct 25, 1956
2984. Most of the problems a President has to face have their roots in the past. -Harry S
Truman, Memoirs, 1955-56
2985. The official position of the United States is defined by decisions and declarations of
the President. There can be only one voice in stating the position of this country in the field of
foreign relations. This is of fundamental constitutional significance. -Harry S Truman,
Memoirs, 1955-56
2986. To be President of the United States is to be lonely, very lonely at times of great decisions.
-Harry S Truman, Memoirs, 1955-56
2987. Jefferson was a master politician, and this helped make him a great leader. A President
has to be a politician in order to get the majority to go along with him on his program. -Harry
S Truman, Memoirs, 1955-56
2988. A President needs political understanding to run the government, but he may be elected
without it. -Harry S Truman, Memoirs, 1955-56
2989. A President cannot always be popular. -Harry S Truman, Memoirs, 1955-56
2990. This desk of mine is one at which a man may die, but from which he cannot resign.
-Dwight D. Eisenhower, quoted by a friend, Parade, Feb 2, 1958
2991. Oh, that lovely title, ex-president. -Dwight D. Eisenhower, The New York Post, Oct
26, 1959
2992. The President is the representative of the whole nation and he's the only lobbyist that
all the 160 million people in this country have. -Harry S Truman, lecture at Columbia Univ.,
Apr 27, 1959
2993. He'll (Dwight D. Eisenhower) sit here, and he'll say, "Do this! Do that!" And nothing
will happen. Poor Ike-it won't be a bit like the Army. He'll find it very frustrating. -Harry
S Truman, quoted by Richard E. Neustadt, Presidential Power, the Politics of Leadership, 1960
2994. The function and responsibility of the President is to set before the American people the
unfinished business, the things we must do if we are going to succeed as a nation. -John F.
Kennedy, campaign speech, Crestwood, Missouri, Oct 22, 1960
2995. Always be on time. Do as little talking as humanly possible. Remember to lean back in
the parade car so everybody can see the president. Be sure not to get too fat, because you'll have
to sit there in the back seat. -Eleanor Roosevelt, on campaign behavior for first ladies, The New
York Times, Nov 11, 1962
180
PRESIDENCY
Political Quotations
3013. When people ask if the United States can afford to place on trial the president, if the
system can stand impeachment, my answer is, "Can we stand anything else?" -George S.
McGovern, on impeachment of Richard Nixon, San Francisco Examiner, Nov 29, 1973
3014. Being first lady is the hardest unpaid job in the world. -Pat Nixon, interview in
Monrovia, Liberia, Mar 15, 1972
3015. The central question is simply put: What did the president know and when did he know
it? -Howard H. Baker Jr., question to presidential counsel John Dean at the Watergate hearings,
Jun 28, 1973
3016. When you get to be President, there are all those things, the honors, the twenty-one gun
salutes, all those things. You have to remember it isn't for you. It's for the Presidency. -Harry
S Truman, quoted by Merle Miller, Plain Speaking: Conversations with Harry S Truman, 1974
3017. I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your president by your ballots, so
I ask you to confirm me with your prayers. -Gerald R. Ford, on succeeding Richard Nixon
as president, Aug 9, 1974
3018. I have never been a quitter. To leave office before my term is completed is opposed to
every instinct in my body. But as president I must put the interests of America first. Therefore,
I shall resign the presidency effective at noon tomorrow. -Richard M. Nixon, televised speech,
Aug 8, 1974
3019. In all candor, the Court fails to perceive any reason for suspending the power of courts
to get evidence and rule on questions of privilege in criminal matters simply because it is the
president of the United States who holds the evidence. -John J. Sirica, ruling on obtaining
Watergate tapes from President Nixon, Christian Science Monitor, Sep 15, 1974
3020. The president's need for complete candor and objectivity from advisers calls for great
deference from the courts. However, when the privilege depends solely on the broad,
undifferentiated claim of public interest in the confidentiality of such conversations, a
confrontation with other values arises. -Warren E. Burger, unanimous opinion, U.S. V. Nixon,
Jul 24, 1974
3021. You really have to experience the feeling of being with the president in the Oval
Office It's a disease I came to call Ovalitis. -John Dean, after conviction for his role in the
Watergate coverup, Jan 1, 1975
3022. The Presidency is no place for on-the-job training. I've always advocated the politics of
substance, not the politics of style. -Frank Church, Encore American & Worldwide News, Jun,
1976
3023. I think the President is the only person who can change the direction or attitude of our
nation. -Jimmy Carter, Encore American & Worldwide News, Jun 21, 1976
3024. There is no inherent Constitutional authority for the President or any intelligence agency
to violate the law. -Select Committee on Intelligence Oper. U.S. Senate, The New York Times,
May 2, 1976
3025. I am against vice in every form, including the Vice Presidency. -Morris K. Udall, on
being asked if he would accept vice presidential nomination, The New York Times, Apr 1, 1976
3026. When the President does it, that means that it is not illegal. -Richard M. Nixon,
television interview with David Frost, May 19, 1977
3027. It isn't wisdom or intelligence that influences a President, it's opportunity. -Bill Moyers,
Newsweek, Apr 17, 1978
3028. Old men running for the Presidency of the United States are like old men who take young
brides. It's an exciting idea for a while but it seldom works. -James Reston, "Scotty", The New
York Times, Jan 26, 1979
182
Political Quotations
Political Quotations
PUBLIC OPINION
of public opinion. [Die Regierung muss der
3064. Social movements are at once the symptoms and the instruments of progress. Ignore them
Count Adolf Heinrich Arnim-Boytzenburg,
and statesmanship is irrelevant; fail to use them and it is weak. -Walter Lippmann, "Revolution
and Culture", A Preface to Politics, 1914
founded, cannot be safely disregarded.
3065. Where public opinion is free and uncontrolled, wealth has a wholesome respect for the
16,
1854
law. -Robert M. LaFollette Sr., "Fooling the People as a Fine Art", LaFollette's Magazine,
Apr, 1918
with our own private opinion. What a man
indicates, his fate. -Henry David Thoreau,
3066. Public opinion, a vulgar, impertinent, anonymous tyrant who deliberately makes life
unpleasant for anyone who is not content to be the average man. -William Ralph Inge, "Our
Present Discontents", Outspoken Essays: First Series, 1919
oever can change public opinion can change
Lincoln, speech in Chicago, Illinois, Dec
3067. We are ruled by Public Opinion, not by Statute-law. -Elbert G. Hubbard, The Note
Book, 1927
-Abraham Lincoln, speech in Columbus,
3068. Government, in the last analysis, is organized opinion. Where there is little or no public
opinion, there is likely to be bad government, which sooner or later becomes autocratic
government. -William Lyon Mackenzie King, Message of the Carillon, 1927
ist nicht die öffentliche Meinung.] -Prince
of Deputies, Sep 30, 1862
3069. One should respect public opinion in so far as is necessary to avoid starvation and to keep
out of prison, but anything that goes beyond this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary
opinion is the one indispensable condition
tyranny. -Bertrand Russell, 3rd Earl Russell, The Conquest of Happiness, 1930
address as president of Harvard Univ.,
3070. There is no group in America that can withstand the force of an aroused public opinion.
-Franklin D. Roosevelt, on signing the National Industrial Recovery Act, Jun 16, 1933
islature, and nearly as strong as the ten
eenth Week", My Summer in a Garden, 1871
3071. A government can be no better than the public opinion that sustains it. -Franklin D.
Roosevelt, speech in Washington, D.C., Jan 8, 1936
fidence, apprehension of censure by the press
Rutherford B. Hayes, Diary, Oct 22, 1876
3072. The whole structure of democracy rests on public opinion. -Franklin D. Roosevelt,
speech to the Institute of Human Relations, Aug 20, 1937
sentiment. -Benjamin Disraeli, speech,
3073. Nothing is more dangerous in wartime than to live in the temperamental atmosphere of
a Gallup Poll, always feeling one's pulse and taking one's temperature. -Sir Winston S.
"to take a bath in public opinion." I think
Churchill, speech in the House of Commons, Sep 30, 1941
-James A. Garfield, letter to Burke A.
3074. I see that a speaker at the week-end said that this was a time when leaders should keep
their ears to the ground. All I can say is that the British nation will find it very hard to look up
when roused harder still and more hopeless to
to leaders who are detected in that somewhat ungainly posture. -Sir Winston S. Churchill,
Calder, Scotland, Apr 2, 1880
speech in the House of Commons, Sep 30, 1941
and feeble men than public opinion. -Henry
3075. People on the whole are very simple-minded, in whatever country one finds them. They
1887
are so simple as to take literally, more often than no, the things their leaders tell them. -Pearl
water is to the wheel of the mill. -Henry
S. Buck, What America Means to Me, 1943
1887
3076. It isn't polls or public opinion alone of the moment that counts. It is right and wrong,
this world knows. -Benjamin Harrison,
and leadership-men with fortitude, honesty and a belief in the right that make epochs in the
history of the world. -Harry S Truman, interview, 1946
reverence. It settles everything. Some think it
3077. When distant and unfamiliar and complex things are communicated to great masses of
Opinions", Europe and Elsewhere, 1925
people, the truth suffers a considerable and often a radical distortion. The complex is made over
into the simple, the hypothetical into the dogmatic, and the relative into an absolute. -Walter
than unwritten custom supported by popular
Lippmann, The Public Philosophy, 1955
Senate hearing, Feb 13, 1900
3078. What the lawmaker has to ascertain is not the true belief but the common belief.
laws or the laws themselves will be of no avail.
-Patrick Dev]in, The Enforcement of Morals, 1965
to Congress, Dec 3, 1907
3079. It is far more difficult to change the mentality of the people than it is to change a
hot air blows. -0. Henry, (William Sydney
country's political order or even its economy. -Ilya Ehrenburg, "What I Have Learned",
Saturday Review, Sep 30, 1967
185
Political Quotations
Political Quotations
SOCIAL JUSTICE
revocably lost, when the legislative power is
3524. Lack of money is the root of all evil. -George Bernard Shaw, "Maxims for
The History of the Decline and Fall of the
Revolutionists", Man and Superman, 1902
3525. Security, the chief pretence of civilization, cannot exist where the worst of dangers, the
was adopted by the Convention of 1787, not
danger of poverty, hangs over everyone's head. -George Bernard Shaw, preface, Major Barbara,
of arbitrary power. The purpose was, not to
1905
friction incident to the distribution of the
save the people from autocracy. -Louis D.
3526. It is significant that whenever the public mind is to be diverted from a great social wrong,
1926
a crusade is inaugurated against indecency, gambling, saloons, etc. -Emma Goldman, "The
it is the privilege of the Congress to dispose.
Tragedy of Women's Emancipation", Anarchism and Other Essays, 1911
1937
3527. There never can be equality of awards or possessions so long as the human plan contains
the manner in which the president personally
varied talents and differing degrees of industry and thrift, but ours ought to be a country free
bject to questioning by another branch of
from the great blotches of distressed poverty. -Warren G. Harding, inaugural address, Mar 4,
tatement, Mar 12, 1973
1921
preserving free government except that the
3528. In every truth, the beneficiaries of a system cannot be expected to destroy it. -A. Philip
States, ruling that President Nixon had
Randolph, The Truth About Lynching, ca. 1922
Oct
14,
1973
3529. Hungry men have no respect for law, authority or human life. -Marcus Moziah Garvey,
institutional government alive in America, it
Philosophy and Opinions, 1923
decide what must be kept secret. Congress,
retain its right to inquiry and independent
3530. The ultimate end of all revolutionary social change is to establish the sanctity of human
17,
1976
life, the dignity of man, the right of every human being to liberty and well-being. -Emma
Goldman, My Further Disillusionment in Russia, 1924
3531. A man may have strong humanitarian and democratic principles; but if he happens to
only. -William Shakespeare, Coriolanus,
have been brought up as a bath-taking, shirt-changing lover of fresh air, he will have to overcome
certain physical repugnances before he can bring himself to put those principles into practice.
-Aldous Huxley, Jesting Pilate, 1926
ustice. -John Locke, An Essay Concerning
3532. I see one-third of a nation ill-housed, ill-clad, ill-nourished. The test of our progress
of civilization. -Samuel Johnson, quoted
is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide
enough for those who have too little. -Franklin D. Roosevelt, second inaugural address, Jan
20, 1937
unjustly, the true place for a just man is also
a free man can abide with honor. -Henry
3533. Capitalism inevitably and by virtue of the very logic of its civilization creates, educates
and subsidizes a vested interest in social unrest. -Joseph Schumpeter, Capitalism, Socialism, and
Democracy, 1942
and maintain slavery. -Henry David
3534. The Lord so constituted everybody that no matter what color you are you require the
same amount of nourishment. -Will Rogers, The Autobiography of Will Rogers, 1949
the family relation should be one uniting
kindreds. -Abraham Lincoln, letter to New
3535. I don't believe in government for special privilege. Our resources should be used for the
benefit of all the people. -Harry S Truman, speech in San Francisco, California, Sep 4, 1951
esirable, is a positive good in the world. Let
3536. Understanding human needs is half the job of meeting them. -Adlai E. Stevenson Jr.,
other, but let him work diligently and build
speech in Columbus, Ohio, Oct 3, 1952
own shall be safe from violence. -Abraham
mocratic Republican Association", Mar 21,
3537. Social imbalance reflects itself in inability to enforce laws, including significantly those
which protect and advance basic social justice, and in failure to maintain and improve essential
service. -John Kenneth Galbraith, The Affluent Society, 1958
wretchedly housed, fed, and clothed, while
sightly statues. If these great men must have
3538. An unrectified case of injustice has a terrible way of lingering, restlessly, in the social
andsome blocks of buildings for the poor.
atmosphere like an unfinished question. -Mary McCarthy, "My Confession", On the Contrary,
1961
of unquestioned ascendancy, it everywhere
3539. For every talent that poverty has stimulated it has blighted a hundred. -John W.
Kapital, 1867-83
Gardner, Excellence, 1961
215
WAR AND PEACE
Political Quotations
3873. I hate war. War destroys individuals and whole generations. It throws civilization into
the dark ages. But there is only one kind of war the American people have any stomach for and
that is a war against hunger and pestilence and disease. -Harry S Truman, quoted by William
Hillman, Mr. President, 1952
3874. It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it. -Douglas MacArthur, speech to
the Republican National Convention, Jul 7, 1952
3875. War is an invention of the human mind. The human mind can invent peace with justice.
-Norman Cousins, Who Speaks for Man?, 1953
3876. History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid. We must
acquire proficiency in defense and display stamina in purpose. -Dwight D. Eisenhower, first
inaugural address, Jan 20, 1953
3877. Every gun that is fired, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final
sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.
The world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its labourers, the
genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. -Dwight D. Eisenhower, speech to the
American Society of Newspaper Editors, Apr 16, 1953
3878. If any foreign minister begins to defend to the death a "peace conference," you can be
sure his government has already placed its orders for new battleships and airplanes. -Joseph
Stalin, recalled on his death, Mar 5, 1953
3879. The hand that signed the treaty bred a fever,/ And famine grew, and locusts came;/
Great is the hand that holds dominion over/ Man by scribbled name. -Dylan Thomas, "The
Hand That Signed the Paper", Collected Poems, 1953
3880. In the final choice a soldier's pack is not so heavy a burden as a prisoner's chains.
-Dwight D. Eisenhower, first inaugural address, Jan 20, 1953
3881. To jaw-jaw always is better than to war-war. -Sir Winston S. Churchill, The New York
Times, Jun 27, 1954
3882. I have never accepted what many people have kindly said-namely that I inspired the
nation. Their will was resolute and remorseless, and as it proved, unconquerable. It fell to me
to express it. It was the nation and the race dwelling all round the globe that had the lion's heart.
I had the luck to be called upon to give the roar. I also hope that I sometimes suggested to the
lion the right place to use his claws. -Sir Winston S. Churchill, 80th birthday address to
Parliament, Nov 30, 1954
3883. The only alternative to coexistence is codestruction. -Jawaharlal Nehru, London
Observer, Aug 29, 1954
3884. The most terrible warfare is to be a second lieutenant leading a platoon when you are
on the battlefield. -Dwight D. Eisenhower, reported remarks, Mar 17, 1954
3885. The war has started incredibly badly. Therefore, it must be continued. [La guerre
commence infiniment mal. Il faut donc qu'elle continue.] -Charles De Gaulle, Mémoires de
guerre: L'Appel, 1955
3886. As the bomb fell over Hiroshima and exploded, we saw an entire city disappear. I wrote
in my log the words: "My God, what have we done?" -Capt. Robert Lewis, comments on 10th
anniversary of first nuclear bomb, Enola Gay, May 19, 1955
3887. Some day there is going to be a man sitting in my present chair who has not been raised
in the military services and who will have little understanding of where slashes in their estimates
can be made with little or no damage. If that should happen while we still have the state of tension
that now exists in the world, I shudder to think of what could happen in this country. -Dwight
D. Eisenhower, letter to Everett E. Hazlett, Aug 20, 1956
236
Political Quotations
Political Quotations
WAR AND PEACE
generations. It throws civilization into
3888. You have to take chances for peace, just as you must take chances in war. Some say that
American people have any stomach for and
we were brought to the verge of war. The ability to get to the verge of war without getting into
-Harry S Truman, quoted by William
the war is the necessary art. -John Foster Dulles, Life, Jan 11, 1956
3889. Warfare, no matter what weapons it employs, is a means to an end, and if that end can
win it. -Douglas MacArthur, speech to
be achieved by negotiated settlements of conditional surrender, there is no need for war. -Harry
S Truman, Memoirs, 1955-56
human mind can invent peace with justice.
3890. If our air forces are never used, they have achieved their finest goal. -Gen. Nathan F.
Twining, The New York Times, Mar 31, 1956
eedom to the weak or the timid. We must
3891. Mr. Dulles has just frightened most of our allies to death with a statement that there is
in purpose. -Dwight D. Eisenhower, first
an art in actually threatening war and coming to the brink but retreating from the brink.
-Eleanor Roosevelt, letter to Gus Ranis, Jan 23, 1956
every rocket fired signifies, in the final
3892. I have always been opposed even to the thought of fighting a "preventive war." There
those who are cold and are not clothed.
is nothing more foolish than to think that war can be stopped by war. You don't "prevent"
is spending the sweat of its labourers, the
anything by war except peace. -Harry S Truman, Memoirs, 1955-56
-Dwight D. Eisenhower, speech to the
3893. If you live among dogs, keep a stick. After all, this is what a hound has teeth for-to
bite when he feels like it! -Nikita S. Khrushchev, interview in Japanese newspaper, Jul 9, 1957
he death a "peace conference," you can be
new battleships and airplanes. -Joseph
3894. The more bombers, the less room for doves of peace. -Nikita S. Khrushchev, speech
on Moscow radio, Mar 14, 1958
And famine grew, and locusts came;/
3895. It is far more important to be able to hit the target than it is to haggle over who makes
scribbled name. -Dylan Thomas, "The
a weapon or who pulls a trigger. -Dwight D. Eisenhower, on unification of the three military
services, Apr 17, 1958
heavy a burden as a prisoner's chains.
3896. A general and a bit of shooting makes you forget your troubles it takes your mind off
20,
1953
the cost of living. -Brendan Behan, The Hostage, 1958
Winston S. Churchill, The New York
3897. A government needs one hundred soldiers for every guerrilla it faces. -Fulgencio
Batista, telephone interview, El Caribe, Jan 1, 1959
kindly said-namely that I inspired the
3898. I like to believe that people, in the long run, are going to do more to promote peace than
as it proved, unconquerable. It fell to me
our governments. Indeed, I think that people want peace so much that one of these days
round the globe that had the lion's heart.
governments had better get out of the way and let them have it. -Dwight D. Eisenhower, radio
hope that I sometimes suggested to the
and television broadcast, London, England, Aug 31, 1959
S. Churchill, 80th birthday address to
3899. The new and terrible dangers which man has created can only be controlled by man.
-John F. Kennedy, speech at the Univ. of California, Nov 2, 1959
lestruction. -Jawaharlal Nehru, London
3900. Youth is the first victim of war; the first fruit of peace. It takes twenty years or more of
peace to make a man; it takes only twenty seconds of war to destroy him. -Baudouin I, address
lieutenant leading a platoon when you are
to joint session of U.S. Congress, May 12, 1959
remarks, Mar 17, 1954
3901. It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war. -John F.
erefore, it must be continued. [La guerre
Kennedy, campaign speech in Seattle, Washington, Sep 6, 1960
-Charles De Gaulle, Mémoires de
3902. The major deterrent (to war) is in a man's mind. -Adm. Arleigh Burke, US News &
World Report, Oct 3, 1960
we saw an entire city disappear. I wrote
'-Capt. Robert Lewis, comments on 10th
3903. It would indeed be the ultimate tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be
19,
1955
nothing more noble than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump.
-David Ormsby-Gore, Christian Science Monitor, Oct 25, 1960
my present chair who has not been raised
standing of where slashes in their estimates
3904. In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted
appen while we still have the state of tension
influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the
could happen in this country. -Dwight
disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. -Dwight D. Eisenhower, farewell
1956
address, Jan 17, 1961
237