Harry Truman meant his fireside chat to be a success. A man well aware of his limitations, he nevertheless hoped to transcend them. He had reached a turning point in his presidential career; he wanted to round the corner with banners flying.
A common man, he put his trust in the common people. "The men and women who made this country great and who kept it free," he said, "were plain people with courage and faith. Let us justify this heritage."
There was much eloquent plainness, sincerity and humility in the speech. He did not thunder and roar; he heaped no scorn. When...
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