I do understand power, whatever else may be said about me. I know where to look for it, and how to use it.
-Lyndon Baines Johnson
So begins Master of the Senate: The Years of Lyndon Johnson. The biography primarily covers the life of Johnson during his Senate years (1949-1960), but the underlying subtext is all about power: how Johnson acquired and then used it, first by becoming the Senate’s youngest-ever party leader, and eventually by passing the first civil rights legislation since 1875 (a difficult feat given the strength of southern democrats). Along the way, Robert Caro describes the Senate’s history and arcane rules; he profiles early leaders, including Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and Richard Russell; and, he documents several amazing political battles, including when President Truman fired General MacArthur after the two had a strategic disagreement (can you imagine that happening today?). At times, the book is difficult, even painful, to read: Johnson was an expert in the art of manipulation and character assassination, and, to accomplish his goals, Johnson didn’t hesitate to destroy the reputation of good men.
Politics aside, the book is a compelling read because, at its essence, it’s about leadership. And, while the Senate is a unique institution, Johnson’s style and history raise interesting questions for those who seek positions of influence elsewhere: in what cases do the ends justify the means?
Highly recommended.
By the way, do yourself a favor and get the paperback–at 1000+ pages, the hardback is a mammoth.
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Left by jokeheadengl on July 3rd, 2008