American History

NNadir

(34,713 posts) Thu Apr 4, 2024, 12:17 PM Apr 2024

I'm reading through Eleanor Roosevelt's Correspondence with President Harry Truman.

Here's the book:

Eleanor and Harry: The Correspondence of Eleanor Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman (Lisa Drew Books)

The forward is (appropriately) from Gloria Steinem.

I have always regarded Ms. Roosevelt as the premier Democrat of the 20th century (maybe of any century), rating above her husband in terms of the values that make me a Democrat.

Reading the detailed and wise advice she gave the President in long correspondence, and his appreciation of that advice in response, the clarity of her mind, the decency, to my mind, make her far and away the greatest "first lady," in our history, a most remarkable American, and indeed on the level of our finest Presidents. I have no doubt that Mr. Truman's outstanding Presidency profited from her very real influence.

Among first ladies, only Abagail Adams, Michelle Obama, and Hillary Clinton can compare on the point of raw intellect and a deep sense of decency.

What a remarkable American she was!! To paraphrase Willie the Shake, "all in all, we will not see her like again."

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I'm reading through Eleanor Roosevelt's Correspondence with President Harry Truman. (Original Post) NNadir Apr 2024 OP

I agree w/ you, and have read quite a bit about her (Eleanor R.). A remarkable woman. My elementary school SWBTATTReg Apr 2024 #1

Now that is one I'll pick up. Thanks (Just as HRC has said, Eleanor has been a tremendous model to me) hlthe2b Apr 2024 #2

SWBTATTReg

(24,190 posts)

1. I agree w/ you, and have read quite a bit about her (Eleanor R.). A remarkable woman. My elementary school

Reply to NNadir (Original post)

Thu Apr 4, 2024, 12:46 PM

Apr 2024

was located just across the square from Harry's house too, so all of us kids were let out to greet the celebrities that came to visit Harry. It was, as some would say, an experience of a lifetime. I forget how many presidents, dignitaries, etc. would come to pay their respects to Bess and Harry.

If you get a chance to visit Independence MO, to see their house, that would be an enjoyable trip. Also, the square in Independence too, is very nice. We spent a lot of time shopping in the square, and it was totally unexpected, we didn't know that there would be so much to see and do there.

I've lived in Independence MO for roughly 8 or so years, some of the best years of my young life.

hlthe2b

(106,476 posts)

2. Now that is one I'll pick up. Thanks (Just as HRC has said, Eleanor has been a tremendous model to me)

Reply to NNadir (Original post)

Thu Apr 4, 2024, 12:46 PM

Apr 2024

Harry had many qualities that made him among our most respected Presidents. A simple Midwestern man of homespun reputation, but with common sense--including that which taught him to listen/learn from others-including a woman of Eleanor Roosevelt's stature and incomparable intelligence.

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