When my mom, Sgt. Viginia Maguire, USMC, (stationed in Washington DC) posed for this picture at the Lincoln Memorial in 1946, Harry Truman had been President for a little over a year.
Conventional political wisdom at the time said that he was a "chair-warmer" - an little itty-bitty oddity Mo brought to the Oval Office because a horrible stroke brought down a giant of a real man (FDR).
In 1948 Harry Truman did his duty. Tom Dewey lost his "sure-thing" race.
So, last week - as I toured the Truman Museum in Indepence, MO, with my bride and my oldest son, Nate and his girlfriend, Ginny, I was struck by how unloved (even deeply disliked) Truman was during his Presidency. No Messiah...maybe a "Pretender to the Throne", but certainly no Savior. Truman did what he had to do, almost despite himself...and his abilities. His character shone. People today, 60+ years later "get it" about Harry Truman. Each President since has tried to lay title to Truman's mantle...but?
So who is "the Harry Truman" in the 2008 race?As I walked by Truman's Court House (where he served as a "Judge" - read: Administrator), I saw an Obama sign in a window that reflected Truman's "brick and mortar heritage". Thought it was kinda interesting...almost prophetic?
But just who gets to wear the "Show Me" State Favorite Son badge in this election? I'd love to read your thoughts...and why. Den
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