This is a beautiful post. I don't align politically with Stevenson--I don't see how such an intelligent person could've voted for a nut like Goldwater--but he sounds like a rare and wonderful human being. "For when we see Greatness — un-smeared by cynicism and poisoned by irony — we must take note." I couldn't agree more. A reminder that I have got to read the Caro books.
Thanks, a wonderful story. It seems that Caro received considerable criticism for this account, essentially from LBJ loyalists who represent the modern "consensus". Caro's reply to his critics ("My Search for Coke Stevenson" is also well worth reading:
Means of Ascent was the first volume of the LBJ biography I encountered. My wife and I were travelling around the US, and I picked it up in a second hand bookstore in Boston. I started reading it and couldn't stop till I'd read every word. Caro's tale of the battle between LBJ and Coke Stevenson for the Senate nomination is one of the most intense and moving things I've ever read.
Well done you for bringing this fascinating episode in political history to life again.
This is a beautiful post. I don't align politically with Stevenson--I don't see how such an intelligent person could've voted for a nut like Goldwater--but he sounds like a rare and wonderful human being. "For when we see Greatness — un-smeared by cynicism and poisoned by irony — we must take note." I couldn't agree more. A reminder that I have got to read the Caro books.
Thanks Mary, glad you enjoyed. Agree - the politics is besides the point. I'm loving the Caro books
Thanks, a wonderful story. It seems that Caro received considerable criticism for this account, essentially from LBJ loyalists who represent the modern "consensus". Caro's reply to his critics ("My Search for Coke Stevenson" is also well worth reading:
https://archive.is/ZsBJc
Thanks I’ll read!
What a great story. Coke Stevenson, among many positive character traits, may have been the last great public office holder.
Good article. Well done. One of my favourite characters from the whole series. Hope part 5 (what was meant to be a 3 part series!) comes out soon.
Means of Ascent was the first volume of the LBJ biography I encountered. My wife and I were travelling around the US, and I picked it up in a second hand bookstore in Boston. I started reading it and couldn't stop till I'd read every word. Caro's tale of the battle between LBJ and Coke Stevenson for the Senate nomination is one of the most intense and moving things I've ever read.
Well done you for bringing this fascinating episode in political history to life again.
Magic isn't it.