America needs you, Harry Truman

So many good books, so little time.

I finally got around to reading the David McCullough classic biography Truman. I know Jeff Bell is already the anointed #1 Harry Truman fan in the state, but after reading the book, I'd like to audition for second place. Here is an inspiring story of a decent, humble American who was anything but ordinary; who was thrust into the most difficult job in the world, in the most difficult time in our history, endured some of the most withering partisan political attacks on record, and still steered our nation successfully through a very difficult time.

They say (correctly) that history repeats itself. During the last two years of Truman's first term, he worked mightily to pass an ambitious progressive agenda through Congress: national health insurance, increases to the minimum wage, improvements in unemployment insurance, and tirelessly fought for civil rights. But he was stymied in most of these efforts by obstructionist Republicans in Congress. Sound familiar? At the end of this period, when his certain defeat for election in 1948 was simply assumed, he took his case to the people. In fiery language reminiscent of John Edwards in our day, he went out on several great whistle-stop train tours of the country and took his case to the people:

I think the government belongs to you and me as private citizens. I'm calling this trip a crusade. It's a crusade of the people against the special interests, and if you back me up we're going to win. The basic issue of this campaign is as simple as it can be: it's the special interests against the people. Now use your judgement. Keep the people in control of the government. I not only want you to vote for me, I want you to vote for yourselves, and if you vote for yourselves, you'll vote for the Democratic ticket.

And of course, he won.

I'm reminded of the late seventies song the pop band Chicago recorded, titled simply Harry Truman:

America needs you
Harry Truman
Harry, could you please come home?
Things are looking bad
I know you would be mad
To see your favorite men
Prevail upon the land you love

America's wondering
How we got here?
Harry all we get is lies.
We're gettin safer cars
Rocket ships to Mars
From men who'd sell us out
To get themselves a piece of power.

We'd love to hear you speak your mind
In plain and simple ways
Call a spade a spade
Just like you did back in the days
You would play piano
Each morning walk a mile
Speak of what was going down
With honesty and style.

Americas calling
Harry Truman
Harry you know what to do
The world is turnin' round and losin' lots of ground
Oh, Harry is there something we can do to save the land we love?