Huey P. Long was the most abrasive, combative, loud, animated spectacle anyone living and working in Washington D.C. in the early 1930's had ever seen.
So when Huey badgered the NBC radio network to give him national radio time to talk about the popular "Share Our Wealth" clubs that he had inspired and were forming all across the nation, well NBC decided it had best check with the White House to see if it would be okay.
Harry Hopkins and FDR discussed it, and concluded that when Huey's bombast went out over the radio to the entire nation, it would mean the end of his popularity and power. They told NBC to let Huey have 20 minutes if he wanted it, instead of the 10 he asked for.
Huey took to the airwaves to tell the American people about the "Share Our Wealth" clubs and his opinions on other matters. Within a few minutes Harry Hopkins was sweating profusely as FDR was soiling his wheels.
Huey's calm, reasoned, reassuring, and articulate manner came across the radio as that of a highly educated man with a heart as big as all outdoors, who had some ideas for fixing things that just might ought to be given a try.
Such is the nature of the "expectations" game. A year or so later Huey was dead and the threat to FDR gone.
A few days ago President G.W. Bush let slip that he "was sicked and tired" concerning Iraq's diplomatic games etc. Then yesterday he opined that the situation with Iraq "looks like a re-run of a bad movie" and that he's "not interested in watching it".
The petulance on display by GW on both occasions was unpleasant, somewhat disturbing, and not good examples of "Presidential" demeanor. Considering the news of the day, one could be downright scared that the President is pissed-off and might act rashly.
BUT ... IT'S ALL AN ACT !!!
Remember that you saw film clips of the "outbursts". There was a reason for that. By showing millions of Americans the "p-o'd" President last week and this week, the stage becomes set for the "calm, reasoned, firm, and articulate" performance of the State of the Union speech next week.
Huey would be proud. And you wonder why Hollywood is so jealous of Washington D.C. ?
stephen h. smith
1.22.03
