President Kennedy kept his plan for avoiding a nationwide railroad strike a secret right down to the moment he was ready to unwrap it. Only a few members of his own New Frontier team knew what he was going to propose. He wanted to spring his plan on Congress before critics could marshal any arguments. Then, to the White House one day, he summoned a passel of congressional leaders. Seated at the Cabinet Room's spacious, coffin-shaped table, he somberly reported that management and union negotiators were deadlocked, and that federal intervention was the only way out. Then he revealed...
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