ABOUT THIS BOOK

Available for the first time in paperback is the critically acclaimed Working with Truman, a warm and lighthearted memoir of what it was like to work behind the scenes in the White House during Truman's term as president. Focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of those who worked closely with Truman and on the Truman not seen by the public, Hechler provides insight into one of our greatest presidents.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

After working as White House Research Director for President Harry S. Truman, Ken Hechler served as the U.S. Congressman from West Virginia from 1959 to 1977 before becoming Secretary of State for West Virginia. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including The Bridge at Remagen. Hechler lives in Huntington, West Virginia.

Give 'Em Hell Harry Series, Robert H. Ferrell, Editor

REVIEWS

"I enjoyed Ken Hechler's book very much. It brought back a lot of wonderful memories."--Margaret Truman

"The 33rd President who emerges from Mr. Hechler's pages is a loving husband and father, a man loyal to old friends even when it led to political embarrassment, an ardent history buff, a relaxed friend when vacationing with his staff. [This book] has some interesting things to say about the firing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the 'Korean incident' and the rage of McCarthyism. Much of this has been printed before in other contexts . . . but politics and history buffs will find Mr. Hechler's version warm and welcome."--New York Times Book Review

"An enthralling portrait of a most uncommon 'common' man. Harry Truman's wit, vision and robust common sense shine through the stories Ken Hechler has assembled so artfully and told so well."--Former Vice President Walter F. Mondale

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

Foreword

1
“What Kind of a Person?”

2
Truman Selects His Staff, 1945–1948

3
Planning the 1948 Campaign Strategy

4
The “Nonpolitical” Tour

5
The 1948 Convention

6
The Greatest Political Upset of All Time

7
A New Mandate: 1949

8
Whistle-Stopping in 1950

9
The Politics of Congressional Relations

10
Korea, Communism and Corruption: MacArthur, McCarthy and McGrath

11
Communicating with the Public

12
“Cargo of Truth”—the Anatomy of a Speech

13
The Last Campaign as President: 1952

14
Mister Citizen

Notes

Sources

Index

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