IN 1992, historian David McCullough published Truman, a landmark biography of Harry S. Truman. The book became something of a phenomenon; in spite of its imposing bulk (it went on for more than 1,000 pages), it raced to the top of the best seller charts. So great was the Truman-mania spawned by McCullough’s work, presidential candidates George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton both tried to appropriate Harry Truman’s mantle and somehow appear Trumanesque.
It was a fairly remarkable accomplishment. By reminding the public of a great man from another era, Truman prodded present day politicians to attempt to emulate the great man’s virtues.
Recommended Stories
Print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account
Digital subscriber? Click here to login/register your account.