I have about 100 more pages to go before completing a thousand page Truman biography by David McCoullough.

I was two years old when he became president, and only 9 when he wasn't. I had a lot to learn about him, not to mention the "era" of post war (II) and Korea.

He also had to deal with the "cold war", A and H bombs, communism (here and abroad), politics (as usual), and all sorts of issues--big and small.

I came to admire Truman as a caring individual who fought for the common man. He pushed civil rights for blacks, backed union rights, wanted universal health care, and railed against the big and mighty.

His personality was gritty but personable, very genuine. He kept fit by walking. (I'm greatly abbreviating Harry's personality, for certain!)

I couldn't help but compare the Truman era with the Obama era. The politics haven't changed one iota. Rich republicans vs middle (and lower) class Democrats. The parallels of the issues are very much the same today as they were 60+ years ago. I was too young to realize this.

Yes, this was a good summer read.