Ralph W. Yarborough, the people's senator / Patrick Cox ; foreword by Edward M. Kennedy.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Cox, Patrick L., 1952- author.

Contributor:

Kennedy, Edward M. (Edward Moore), 1932-2009, writer of foreword.

Series:

Focus on American history series.

Focus on American History Series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Legislators--United States--Biography.

Legislators.

United States. Congress. Senate--Biography.

United States.

Yarborough, Ralph Webster, 1903-1996.

Yarborough, Ralph Webster.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (369 p.)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Austin : University of Texas Press, [2001]

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Revered by many Texans and other Americans as "the People's Senator," Ralph Webster Yarborough (1903-1996) fought for "the little people" in a political career that places him in the ranks of the most influential leaders in Texas history. The only U. S. Senator representing a former Confederate state to vote for every significant piece of modern civil rights legislation, Yarborough became a cornerstone of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs in the areas of education, environmental preservation, and health care. In doing so, he played a major role in the social and economic modernization of Texas and the American South. He often defied conventional political wisdom with his stands against powerful political interests and with his vocal opposition to the Vietnam War. Yet to this day, his admirers speak of Yarborough as an inspiration for public service and a model of political independence and integrity. This biography offers the first in-depth look at the life and career of Ralph Yarborough. Patrick L. Cox draws on Yarborough's personal and professional papers, as well as on extensive interviews with the Senator and his associates, to follow Yarborough from his formative years in East Texas through his legal and judicial career in the 1930s, decorated military service in World War II, unsuccessful campaigns for Texas governor in the 1950s, distinguished tenure in the United States Senate from 1957 to 1970, and return to legal practice through the 1980s. Although Yarborough's liberal politics set him at odds with most of the Texas power brokers of his time, including Lyndon Johnson, his accomplishments have become part of the national fabric. Medicare recipients, beneficiaries of the Cold War G. I. Bill, and even beachcombers on Padre Island National Seashore all share in the lasting legacy of Senator Ralph Yarborough.

Contents:

""Contents""; ""Foreword""; ""Acknowledgments""; ""Introduction""; ""Chapter One. It Was a Joyous Boyhood""; ""Chapter Two. The Million-Dollar Victory""; ""Chapter Three. A Man Who Had to Earn His Way""; ""Chapter Four. The Hamburger Campaign""; ""Chapter Five. We Saw the Worst""; ""Chapter Six. The Strong Acid Test""; ""Chapter Seven. Coonskins and Coon Hunters""; ""Chapter Eight. Put the Jam on the Lower Shelf""; ""Chapter Nine. Problems with Johnson and Rayburn""; ""Chapter Ten. The Rancid Smell of Gunpowder""; ""Chapter Eleven. The Struggle for the Soul of the Nation""

""Chapter Twelve. Acts of Congress and Acts of Madness""""Chapter Thirteen. Final Senate Years and Election Defeat""; ""Chapter Fourteen. The Last Hurrah""; ""Afterword""; ""Notes""; ""Abbreviations""; ""Chapter One""; ""Chapter Two""; ""Chapter Three""; ""Chapter Four""; ""Chapter Five""; ""Chapter Six""; ""Chapter Seven""; ""Chapter Eight""; ""Chapter Nine""; ""Chapter Ten""; ""Chapter Eleven""; ""Chapter Twelve""; ""Chapter Thirteen""; ""Chapter Fourteen""; ""Afterword""; ""Bibliography""; ""Index""

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780292782433

0292782438

9780292789685

0292789688

OCLC:

693783036