Summary
"Means of Ascent," the second volume of Robert Caro's monumental biography of Lyndon Baines Johnson, delves into the pivotal years from 1941 to 1948, a period marked by thwarted ambitions and ruthless maneuvering. This volume shifts the focus from Johnson's early career triumphs to a period of political wilderness following his narrow defeat in the 1941 Senate race. Caro meticulously details Johnson's struggle to regain influence, his complex relationship with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the genesis of his personal fortune through strategic investments and shrewd business dealings.
The biography meticulously dissects Johnson's character, highlighting his insatiable hunger for power and his willingness to employ any means necessary to achieve his goals. Caro examines Johnson's wartime service, revealing a blend of calculated opportunism and genuine courage. The narrative vividly portrays the political landscape of Texas during this era, characterized by corruption, patronage, and the rise of a new breed of politician adept at manipulating the media and public opinion.
At the heart of the book lies the infamous 1948 Senate election, a contest shrouded in controversy and allegations of vote stealing. Caro meticulously reconstructs the events leading up to the election, exposing the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and power plays that defined Texas politics. He contrasts Johnson's modern, media-driven campaign with the traditional, homespun approach of his opponent, Coke Stevenson, a beloved figure embodying the values of the Old West. The book analyzes the personalities of both candidates and the way these personas shaped the election and its aftermath.
Caro expertly weaves together personal anecdotes, political analysis, and historical context to create a compelling narrative that illuminates the complexities of power, ambition, and the enduring tension between means and ends. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, "Means of Ascent" offers a definitive account of a watershed moment in American political history and a profound exploration of the character of one of its most enigmatic figures.