Author Robert Caro discusses his biographical works on Robert Moses and Lyndon Johnson with Conan. They talk about getting into the shoes of his subjects, searching for a man who stole a Senate election, and draw parallels to today. Plus, Conan responds to a listener voicemail about the size of his skull.
Robert Caro's investigative approach reveals Johnson's political cunning and strategic prowess.
Caro immerses himself in Johnson's world, retracing his daily routines for insights.
Caro's concerns about misinformation highlight the importance of an informed electorate for democracy.
Deep dives
Lyndon Johnson's Rise to Power
Lyndon Johnson's ascent to power is dissected, revealing his cunning political maneuvers and grasp of Senate workings. Johnson's pivotal role in passing crucial legislation is highlighted, showcasing his ability to navigate and secure votes effectively. His strategic prowess transformed the Senate and reflected a political genius in understanding and manipulating the system.
Uncovering Lyndon Johnson's Past
Investigations into Johnson's past reveal intriguing details like college election theft and suspicions of ballot manipulations. The discovery of a manuscript written by a key witness, Luis Salas, sheds light on the controversial event, ultimately confirming Johnson's involvement in the election scheme.
Immersion in Lyndon Johnson's World
Robert Caro immerses himself in Lyndon Johnson's world, retracing Johnson's daily path from his shabby hotel to Capitol Hill. Examining Johnson's early morning routines and running ritual, Caro gains insight into the motivations and energy driving Johnson's dynamic persona during his initial days in Washington, D.C.
Robert Caro's Success as an Author and Public Figure
Robert Caro's journey from a humble background to becoming a successful author and public figure is highlighted in the podcast. The discussion emphasizes how Caro's exposure to majestic structures like marble columns inspired him, representing the potential success he could achieve. Despite facing pressure from fans for his next book, Caro recollects never being pressed by his publisher, showcasing a harmonious author-publisher relationship. Additionally, the podcast sheds light on the challenges Caro faced when he took a break to work on a separate project, indicating the nuanced dynamics between authors and their publishers.
The Significance of an Informed Electorate and Democratic Principles
Another key theme explored in the podcast delves into the critical role of an informed electorate in upholding democratic principles. Caro voices concern about the blurred lines between facts and opinions in today's political landscape, emphasizing the importance of an electorate basing their votes on factual information. Drawing parallels between historical figures like James Madison and contemporary politics, the discussion underscores the erosion of informed decision-making in the current political discourse. The podcast prompts reflection on the impact of misinformation on democratic processes, urging for a return to well-informed voting practices based on factual knowledge.
Author Robert Caro is cautiously optimistic about being Conan O Brien’s friend.
Robert and Conan discuss his biographical works on Robert Moses and Lyndon Johnson, getting into the shoes of his subjects, his new book “Working,” searching for the man who helped steal a Senate election, and the parallels we can draw to today’s events. Plus, Conan responds to a listener voicemail about the size of his skull.
Got a question for Conan? Call our voicemail: (323) 451-2821.
This episode is sponsored by VRBO, Twix, State Farm (1-800-STATE-FARM), Huly's Ramy, and Fracture (www.fractureme.com/CONAN).
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