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Liberalism's Identity Crisis, And Truman's 'Accidental' Presidency

By Steve Kraske,
Luke X. Martin
Published November 16, 2017 at 4:25 PM CST
Florida Keys--Public Libraries
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Flickr - CC
By 1950, about the time this photo was taken of Pres. Harry S. Truman in Key West, the 33rd president had weathered the war-fighting which defined the first half of his time in office.

In more than 30 years of writing for The New Yorker, Adam Gopnik has covered everything from the science of meditation to the relationship between baseball and art. Today, he joins Steve Kraske to help recalibrate the true meaning of liberalism. Then, we find out why some consider Harry Truman's presidency an accident, which nonetheless changed the course of history in its first few months.

Adam Gopnik will present 'Radical Liberalism: A Manifesto For A New Movement' at the Cockefair Chair lecture series in Pierson Auditorium on the UMKC campus. The program starts at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 16. For more information, visit the info.UMKC.edu.

A.J. Baime discusses his book 'The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World' at Unity Temple on the Plaza at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 16. For ticketing information, go to TrumanLibraryInstitute.org.

Tags
Up To Date Talk ShowhistoryHarry TrumanBooksCockefair ChairliberalismpoliticsU.S. PresidencyPresidents
Steve Kraske
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
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Luke X. Martin
As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.
See stories by Luke X. Martin