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leader. However, MacArthur's piety and pomp often irritated Truman, most notably after the US entered the fray in Korea. Truman is reputed to have questioned MacArthur's understanding of his chain of command - vocally, of course!

Perhaps the most vivid image of Truman is one of him holding a newspaper headlining Dewey's victory in the 1948 Presidential election. Truman's popular appeal was pitted against a tide of conservatism sweeping the land, and battles over domestic issues of shortages and labor with Congress, his defeat appeared imminent. Newspapers printed the headlines, and the reporters went to bed. With an amazing combination of high turnout of his supporters, and apathy of conservative voters, Truman pulled off that which the night before was regarded as impossible!

Truman's lasting legacy is one of an unlikely President very highly regarded for his principles of honesty and responsibility. He is also very highly regarded for remaining a common person while holding the highest office in the land. Adding to his legacy are his struggles with his top General, and his upset re-election over heavily favored Thomas Dewey. His abrupt, shoot-from-the-lip character provides entertaining historical accounts of him. America loves his legacy for "giving 'em hell!"

Japan, however, likely has a different perspective on some of the hell he gave.

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You can learn more about Harry S Truman at:

Wikepedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H arry_S._Truman
The White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/hist ory/presidents/ht33.html
POTUS: http://www.ipl.org/div/potus/h struman.html
Truman Library biography: http://www.trumanlibrary.org/h st-bio.htm

Visit the Truman Library: http://www.trumanlibrary.org/

I highly recommend James' Whitmore's one-man-show, "Give 'em Hell, Harry," to see a great actor's portrayal of America's thirty-third President.

Learn more about this author, Tom Koecke.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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