[ClearCase_guy]

I read a good chunk of Caro’s biography. I remember the impression that Caro thought Johnson was very sleazy. But also a good thing for America because Liberal ideas are awesome.

But it’s been years and I may misremember.

[Steely Tom]

I guess that's pretty much how he comes across in this C-SPAN interview as well, although I think he's what we would describe as an "honest liberal" today.

An "honest liberal" being basically exactly what you describe.

"You've got to crack some eggs to make an omelet," which is just a fancy way of saying "the ends justify the means."

Or more recently... what was that thing that was said about the Bush National Guard memo? "Literally false, but factually true," or some such nonsense. I can't quite remember.

[Steely Tom]

Here's a picture of Luis Salas, from 1948: