This political biography of Phillip Burton (1926-1983) is the story of one of the most driven, and productive legislators of his era of American politics. A ruthless and unabashed progressive, Burton terrified his opponents, ran over his friends, forged improbable coalitions, and from 1964 to 1983 became one of the most influential Representatives in the House. He also acquired more raw power than almost any liberal politician ever had. Moving from grassroots campaigns to epic battles in the California state capital, and finally to the very pinnacle of power on Capitol Hill, John Jacobs's inside account of Burton's life shows how politics really work. He demonstrates the exercise of power in the hands of a superb strategist and shows an unheralded master going about his life's work during the glory years of post-war American liberalism. Burton was an unforgettable, uncontrollable figure whose relentless day-and-night politicking distilled the raw essence of American politics. Jacobs brings to life Burton's seething, perpetual sense of outrage, gargantuan appetites, and dedication to the disenfranchised.
Animated by a sometimes frightening drive for power - his only modern counterpart is Lyndon Johnson - Burton played a pivotal role in California and US politics, championing welfare and civil rights, landmark labour legislation, environmentalism and congressional reform. His achievements included the groundbreaking black lung bill for miners and their families; Supplemental Social Security for the aged, blind, and disabled; and helping to secure America's extensive national park system. Burton's failures were equally dramatic: in 1976, at the height of his power, he lost, by one vote, the chance to become House Majority Leader. Had he won this critical political fight, he no doubt would have become Speaker of the House.
- ISBN10 0520917464
- ISBN13 9780520917460
- Publish Date 12 September 1995
- Publish Status Active
- Imprint University of California Press
- Format eBook
- Pages 624
- Language English