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To: Mr.Smorch
However, I can't stomach the idea of spending three hours learning what most of us already know about LBJ, to wit, LBJ was your typical dimocrat: corrupt to the core.

I can't speak to any phone conference, but Caro's volumes are more than just LBJ. Caro's first book was a detailed discussion of Texas political history in the early 20th Century. While I haven't read the third volume yet, I suspect it will be a detailed discussion of Senate politics.

33 posted on 04/08/2002 9:06:55 AM PDT by 1L
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To: 1L
I can't speak to any phone conference, but Caro's volumes are more than just LBJ. Caro's first book was a detailed discussion of Texas political history in the early 20th Century. While I haven't read the third volume yet, I suspect it will be a detailed discussion of Senate politics.

BINGO!!! You hit the nail on the head. Although the books are bios of LBJ they are also much much more than that. For example, in the first volume Caro has an incredible chapter on what electrification meant to people living in rural areas. We also learn quite a bit about Texas politics such as about the colorful Pappy "Pass the Biscuits" O'Daniel and Texas style ballot stuffing. We also find out what it is like to be a congressional aide. I'm sure the third volume will let us know how the Senate operated back then. I have learned more about how politics REALLY works from Caro's two LBJ volumes than any other books. Poly-sci courses only touch the surface of politics. Caro's books gets into the nitty gritty of politics.

This is what irritates me about folks who say they won't read Caro's books about LBJ because they don't like LBJ. So what do they want? To read simplistic Happy Face type books that makes them feel good but gives them no idea of how the real world works? Yes, LBJ was corrupt and had many other faults but he is also fascinating to read about. (Can't wait to read Master of the Senate.

40 posted on 04/08/2002 7:10:59 PM PDT by PJ-Comix
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To: 1L
One more thing. I get the feeling that politics in Texas is somewhat different than in other states. I mean there is no way the Texas State House would be like a legislative branch in Iowa. Maybe the politicians in Texas are somewhat more eccentric than in other places. And LBJ certainly was eccentric.
41 posted on 04/08/2002 7:14:16 PM PDT by PJ-Comix
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