Anyone read Caro's bio of LBJ? - Democratic Underground

WillyBrandt

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Sat Jun-12-04 08:12 PM
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Anyone read Caro's bio of LBJ?

An almost staggering personality. I don't know what to think of the guy--I remember two phrases from the books

"A political morality that was amorality"

and

"If you did EVERYTHING, you would win"

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ablbodyed

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Sat Jun-12-04 08:23 PM
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1. IN the 60's I was a (GULP) a....

conservative. Hated Dems. It took me some time to realize that the 'thug party was anti-gay and I was not in the right place. But I hated LBJ, loved Goldwater, who, BTW later said re: the gays-in-the-military controversy, "A soldier doesn't have to be straight, he just has to shoot straight" Actually a pearl of wisdom.
Anyway, I read the first Caro bio and I changed my opinion. He was quite admirable as he started in politics. The second book was FAR less flattering, but still some good points. A real paradox. The books are DEFINATELY worth a read. Caro is a very fine writer and this will be the definitive series.

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WillyBrandt

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Sat Jun-12-04 08:31 PM
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2. I'm in the middle of the second book, and my views of politics are

changing. It's a dirty business, and even if you're clean, you've got to be a mean bastard. I'm more willing to forgive the more minor right now, as long as political efficiacy is in the service of real ideals.

Still, LBJ is a fascinating character. With LBJ and Robert Moses, Caro really picked two interesting people onto which to focus his life's work.

I REALLY look forward to the final book.

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Leilani

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Sat Jun-12-04 08:41 PM
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3. Yes, I read the first 2 volumes...

I love Robert Caro...he is an amazing writer.

The books take so long to be written because he does years of research, moving to the place he is writing about.

As far as LBJ, I began the books with my own prejudices against him.
The books did not change my opinions. I always believed LBJ was a ruthless, yet insecure man with much in common with Shrub. Aside from their rich vs poor backgrounds, I see many similarities.

The descriptions of Texas hill country are wonderful...he transports the reader there.

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WillyBrandt

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Sat Jun-12-04 08:50 PM
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Oh, I really think LBJ was quite diff from Shrub

LBJ was, if nothing else, an extraordinarily hard worker who rose in large measure because of his talents. And despite his many problems, he by and large deeply sympathized with the less fortunate..

That's not everything, but it's something.

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WillyBrandt

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Sat Jun-12-04 08:50 PM
Response to Reply #3

4. argh--duplicate post

Edited on Sat Jun-12-04 08:50 PM by WillyBrandt

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