Joe's Reviews > Master of the Senate

"Master of the Senate" may be the greatest political biography of all time. I know those are strong words but it's really hard to argue against it. Years ago, when I began my literary journey to read at least one political biography on every president, I began with the fourth book in this series, "The Passage of Power." That book was so revelatory that it kickstarted a passion that is still going strong all these years later.

While all of those books are wonderful, "Master of the Senate" may be Caro's masterpiece. The way it explores the history of the Senate, the psychology of Johnson and the strengths that will lead him to becoming president and the weaknesses that would ultimately bring him down. It's all there.

Johnson was so effective in the Senate because he was a fantastic liar and bullshitter. He was a master manipulator that could trick powerful men into supporting him and doing what he wanted. This is why he was so good in the Senate. That's what the Senate's about.

But this is also why he was destined to have a failed presidency, once he got involved in Vietnam. War doesn't care what you say. You can't bargain, reason, or trick it. The facts on the ground are the facts and the more you try to hide them or deny them, the more they will ultimately bite you in the ass.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.