Ep. 586 — Doris Kearns Goodwin
2Digest
Doris Kearns Goodwin, a prominent American historian, joins David Axelrod on The Axfiles to discuss her latest book, "An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s." The book, co-authored with her late husband, Richard Goodwin, a significant advisor to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, delves into the tumultuous decade through a unique lens. Goodwin shares how she and Richard embarked on a journey through 300 boxes filled with his personal archives, reliving the events of the 1960s. The book offers a personal perspective on the decade, highlighting Richard's role in shaping events, including his close relationships with both Kennedy and Johnson. Goodwin recounts how Richard's reverence for JFK, his involvement in the creation of the Peace Corps, and his work on the Civil Rights Act with Johnson, shaped his life and the course of history. The conversation also explores the challenges of being a trailblazer, drawing parallels to the experiences of Jackie Robinson, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Goodwin reflects on the legacy of Lyndon Johnson, his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and the lasting impact of his Great Society programs. The discussion touches upon the current political climate, the role of social media, and the importance of civic engagement. Goodwin emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in a divided nation, urging listeners to remember the ideals of the American experiment and the sacrifices made by those who fought for it.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces Doris Kearns Goodwin, a renowned American historian, and her new book, "An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s." The book is a collaboration with her late husband, Richard Goodwin, who played a significant role in shaping events during the 1960s as an advisor to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson.
The Journey Through the Boxes
This Chapter delves into the process of writing the book, highlighting how Doris and Richard Goodwin embarked on a journey through 300 boxes filled with his personal archives from the 1960s. The boxes served as a portal back to that momentous decade, allowing them to relive the events and Richard's role in shaping them.
Collaboration and Perspective
This Chapter explores the collaborative nature of writing the book and how Doris was able to gain a unique perspective on the 1960s through Richard's firsthand accounts. The conversation highlights the importance of historical sources and Richard's personal testimony in providing a deeper understanding of the events.
The First Black Coast Guard Cadet
This Chapter focuses on a specific anecdote from the book, highlighting Kennedy's commitment to diversity and his directive to Richard Goodwin to address the lack of people of color in the Coast Guard contingent at his inauguration. The story follows the process of selecting and appointing the first black Coast Guard cadet, Moral Smith, and the challenges he faced as a trailblazer.
JFK and the Power of Leadership
This Chapter delves into Richard Goodwin's reverence for John F. Kennedy and his observations of Kennedy's growth as a candidate and leader. The conversation highlights Kennedy's ability to connect with people, his commitment to public service, and the origins of the Peace Corps, which emerged from a spontaneous moment at the University of Michigan.
The Legacy of Lyndon Johnson
This Chapter explores the complex legacy of Lyndon B. Johnson, his relationship with Richard Goodwin, and his achievements in passing the Civil Rights Act and enacting the Great Society programs. The conversation highlights Johnson's political acumen, his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and the lasting impact of his policies.
The Backlash and the Future
This Chapter examines the backlash to the Civil Rights Act and the lasting impact of racial divisions in American society. The conversation explores the parallels between the 1960s and the present, highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and civic engagement in addressing these challenges.
Keywords
Doris Kearns Goodwin
Doris Kearns Goodwin is a renowned American historian, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and political commentator. She is known for her in-depth biographies of American presidents, including "No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt in the Unforgettable Year 1933," "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln," and "The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism." Goodwin's work is characterized by her engaging storytelling, meticulous research, and insightful analysis of historical figures and events.
Richard Goodwin
Richard Goodwin was an American political advisor, speechwriter, and author who served as a key advisor to Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He played a significant role in shaping events during the 1960s, including the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the creation of the Peace Corps. Goodwin was known for his sharp intellect, his ability to craft compelling speeches, and his deep understanding of American politics.
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It prohibited unequal application of voter registration requirements, racial segregation in schools, employment, and public accommodations. The act was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement and a significant step towards achieving racial equality in the United States.
Great Society
The Great Society was a set of domestic programs launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s. The programs aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice, improve education, and provide healthcare for all Americans. Key programs included Medicare, Medicaid, Head Start, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Great Society had a profound impact on American society, expanding the role of the federal government in social welfare and promoting equality.
Peace Corps
The Peace Corps is a volunteer program run by the United States government that sends Americans abroad to work on sustainable development projects in developing countries. The program was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and has since sent over 240,000 volunteers to 142 countries. The Peace Corps aims to promote world peace and understanding through volunteer service and cultural exchange.
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson was the 36th president of the United States, serving from 1963 to 1969. He is known for his role in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as well as for launching the Great Society programs. Johnson was a complex and controversial figure, admired for his political skills and his commitment to social justice, but also criticized for his escalation of the Vietnam War.
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. He is remembered for his charisma, his commitment to public service, and his vision for a more just and prosperous America. Kennedy launched the Peace Corps, oversaw the beginning of the space race, and addressed the Cuban Missile Crisis. His presidency was marked by a period of optimism and hope, but also by the growing conflict in Vietnam.
Selma to Montgomery marches
The Selma to Montgomery marches were a series of three marches in 1965 that were organized to protest the denial of voting rights to African Americans in Alabama. The marches were met with violent resistance from state troopers and white segregationists, culminating in the "Bloody Sunday" attack on March 7, 1965. The marches brought national attention to the struggle for voting rights and helped to galvanize support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Voting Rights Act of 1965
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discriminatory voting practices that had been used to disenfranchise African Americans. The act prohibited literacy tests, grandfather clauses, and other devices that had been used to prevent African Americans from registering to vote. The Voting Rights Act was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement and a significant step towards achieving racial equality in the United States.
George Wallace
George Wallace was the 45th governor of Alabama, serving four terms from 1963 to 1971 and 1979 to 1983. He was a staunch segregationist and a vocal opponent of the Civil Rights Movement. Wallace's political career was marked by his opposition to racial integration and his use of inflammatory rhetoric. He ran for president four times, but never won.
Q&A
What is the main focus of Doris Kearns Goodwin's new book, "An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s"?
The book is a personal history of the 1960s, co-authored with her late husband, Richard Goodwin, who was a key advisor to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. It offers a unique perspective on the decade through Richard's firsthand accounts and his role in shaping events.
How did Doris and Richard Goodwin approach writing the book?
They embarked on a journey through 300 boxes filled with Richard's personal archives from the 1960s, reliving the events of that decade and Richard's role in them. The boxes served as a portal back to that momentous period.
What were some of Richard Goodwin's key experiences during the 1960s?
He was a close advisor to both Kennedy and Johnson, played a significant role in the creation of the Peace Corps, and worked closely with Johnson on the passage of the Civil Rights Act.
What are some of the challenges of being a trailblazer, as highlighted in the conversation?
The conversation draws parallels to the experiences of Jackie Robinson, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highlighting the pressure of representing a group and the fear of not measuring up. It emphasizes the difficulty of being the first in a particular field or position.
What is the legacy of Lyndon B. Johnson, according to Doris Kearns Goodwin?
Johnson is remembered for his political acumen, his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and his achievements in passing the Civil Rights Act and enacting the Great Society programs. However, his legacy is also tarnished by the Vietnam War.
What are some of the key challenges facing American society today, as discussed in the conversation?
The conversation highlights the deep divisions in American society, the role of social media in amplifying outrage and misinformation, and the need for empathy and understanding in addressing these challenges.
What is the importance of civic engagement in a democracy?
Goodwin emphasizes the importance of citizen action in shaping the course of history and the need for people to believe in themselves and their ability to make a difference. She argues that government is the collective action of citizens and that people need to believe in themselves in order to believe in government.
What are some of the lessons we can learn from the 1960s?
The conversation highlights the importance of progress, the challenges of overcoming racial injustice, and the need for empathy and understanding in a divided nation. It also emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and the power of collective action in shaping the course of history.
What are some of the key differences between the political landscape of the 1960s and today?
The conversation highlights the rise of social media, the increasing polarization of American society, and the growing distrust of institutions. It also notes that the 1960s were a time of greater optimism and hope, while today there is a sense of disillusionment and cynicism.
What are some of the challenges facing the Biden administration, as discussed in the conversation?
The conversation highlights the challenges of governing in a divided nation, the need to address the concerns of those who feel left behind, and the importance of communicating the achievements of the administration to the public.
Show Notes
Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin is known for chronicling the lives and leadership styles of some of America’s most prominent presidents. But for her latest book she focused on a different sort of subject: her husband, the late political adviser Dick Goodwin. Part memoir, part history, “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s” tells the story of the decade through more than 300 boxes of Dick’s archives. Doris joined David to talk about the book, the parallels between the 1960s and today, the state of American democracy, and what can be learned about the present by looking to the past.
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