Customer Reviews: Read 24 more reviews...
 So-so history, but excellent insight into the man July 8, 2008
Michael J Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book grew out of a proposed documentary film, and only later was it transcribed as a biography. It's not a particularly in-depth look at Truman, or the history of his presidency, but it adds a good bit of detail- much like David McCullugh's shallow but fascinating Truman bio. Plain Speaking is more of a hagiography (who coined that Great word?) than a critical look, but it's still interesting and useful.
It cements my view of Truman as a man of great character- but also brings out a serious flaw: Every one of his political opponents was "dishonest", "stupid", and so on. He trashed Eisenhower, trivializing his role in WWII, whereas the weight of most historians was that Ike's organizational skills were a major factor in the war. He trashes Wallace, despite having called him (and deservedly so), at one time, the best secretary of agriculture the country ever had.
Truman also tended to elevate those he respected, like Marshall and Acheson, and overlook whatever flaws they had. Part of this is that I think he was very much in awe of these men. And as many have noted, he knew nothing about economics and finance, but that was par for most people of his time. I was struck by how well read he was, and the depth of his knowledge of history, and his perspective; he probably surpassed just about any other president of the modern era (save Hoover) in this regard. He also knew the importance of reading multiple sources to get a complete view; for an autodidact his learning was impressive.
But at the same time his perspective could be a very provincial one. Truman's memory of people and events also seems to have been eroded with the passing of time, and changed to better fit his personal prejudices, but that's to be expected in a work like this. So read it both for the entertainment and for a better look into Truman's own perception of history. Just don't take his reading of events as the gospel truth.
 Excellent account of an amazing public figure July 7, 2008
robbieandrose (New England)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Early in this book the writer mentions that the networks in the early 60s weren't interested in a TV series concerning the story of a controversial, plain talking former president and as Truman's story and opinions come out the reader can see why. In a time when the public still adored Ike and was falling in love with JFK, Truman had the courage the say that Joe Kennedy bought the nomination for JFK in 1960, that IKE was a coward for letting McCarthy attack Marshall ( saint in his opinion for literally saving the world from starvation and Communist domination), that MacArthur was mentally unbalanced and most interesting, that it was a great relief that that crazy liar Nixon wasn't elected President! I love books where the historian gets out of the way and lets the subject speak for himself and that is the essence of this book. A must read.
Tell Me, Mister President, What Did You Really Think About MacArthur and Ike? #$%@&*! January 22, 2008
Borowy26 (Chicago)
This is a damn funny book. I hope someone preserved the original tapes.
Merle Miller interviewed former President Harry S. Truman and the transcripts of those sessions formed the basis for this book. Truman minces no words and is mildly profane when discussing various subjects. Tell me, Mister President, what did you really think of Douglas MacArthur and Dwight Eisenhower?
In their own small way, books such as this helped rehabilitate the reputation of Truman. At the conclusion of his presidency, he was not especially popular with the public or the leaders of the Democratic Party. On the whole, Truman tried to do his best and that ought to count for something. He made his share of mistakes, but it is not easy to wrestle with the venal politicians who run Washington.
The HoboPhilosopher September 11, 2007
Richard E. Noble (Florida Panhandle)
This is one of the best Harry Truman books ever. Harry said it the way he saw it. He said Rockefeller was a traitor, Eisenhower was a coward, Billy Graham was a phony. He threatened to throw Joe Kennedy out a window. He said he should never have allowed the CIA to happen. Harry was a one of a kind. He may have been a three of clubs and not an ace of spades but he was nevertheless a one of a kind.
The Hobo Philosopher September 11, 2007
Richard E. Noble (Florida Panhandle)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Oh man, if you are wild about Harry - or you would just like to get to know him a little better - this is your book. When we think in terms of "politically correct" old "give 'em hell Harry" didn't know the meaning of the term.
I first bought this book in paperback and read it. Then I got it in hard cover and read it again. I really liked this book. There is no doubt that Harry is a one of a kind but don't take my word for it. Get this book and see what you think for yourself.
I really can not believe the things that Harry Truman said. He called Billy Graham a phony; Eisenhower a coward;he threatened to throw Joe Kennedy out a window. He said Joe Kennedy bought the presidentcy for his little boy. He said Rockefeller was a trator.
When I read this book I just laugh and shake my head. It is hard to believe that a man in his position could say the things that he said. It is just unbelievable.
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