President Truman
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Robert Dallek’s article (Opinion, Sept. 17) defining presidents as statesmen as contrasted with those considered political opportunists glaringly omits Harry S. Truman from the former category. Dallek asserts that a President must have a core set of values, a grand design and vision to be in the “statesman category.” He asserts the American public will forgive political maneuvering to achieve the grand design or statesmanlike goals.
Not only did Truman have such core values and a vision for America (from the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe and containment of Soviet expansion to the Fair Deal at home, to name a few), but he was more than a statesman, he was a courageous leader, prepared to make unpopular decisions if they were necessary. He was no litmus test or focus group President. He got the best advice but followed his own moral compass. He did what was right rather than what was momentarily popular.
In this 50-year anniversary of Truman assuming the presidency, he leaves a rich legacy of presidential leadership that others could well emulate.
ED EDELMAN
Senior Fellow, RAND
Santa Monica
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