Caro is unashamedly liberal. That being said it is human nature to project our hopes and good will on to others that we like or support. If we like a particular leader than his actions reflect upon us as we support him. It is basic instinct, self preservation, to then put the best appearance forward of those to whom we attach. This can be seen in extreme cases like Clinton defenders with their bunker mentality support of the man through overwhelming evidence of his malfeasance. So with Caro he sees good in the results of Johnson's career. He is able to see the real character of the man yet tries to redeem him. Not surprising. Still Caro is a good writer and a researcher of intense ambition. He is worth the time it takes to read him.