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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Means of Ascent summary
Brief summary
Means of Ascent by Robert A. Caro is a biography that delves into Lyndon B. Johnson's controversial rise to power. It offers a gripping account of his 1948 Senate campaign, revealing the ruthless tactics he employed to secure victory.
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Table of Contents
Means of Ascent
Summary of key ideas
From Defeat to Triumph
In Means of Ascent, Robert A. Caro chronicles the life of Lyndon B. Johnson from his defeat in the 1941 Senate race to his successful run for the US Senate in 1948. Caro begins by dissecting Johnson's mindset after his failed campaign, revealing his deep disappointment and the determination that would drive him in the years to come.
Johnson's next chapter takes him to the Second World War. Caro explores the strategic decision-making Johnson displayed in his role as a Navy lieutenant commander, highlighting Johnson's ability to leverage his political connections to secure a combat assignment in the Pacific, despite his lack of combat experience or qualifications.
The Power of Deception and Manipulation
Returning to the US after the war, Johnson's political ambitions are reignited. Here, Caro delves into the darker side of Johnson's character, revealing his willingness to deceive and manipulate in pursuit of power. Johnson's first step is his successful campaign for a seat in the US Senate, achieved by tarnishing his opponent, Texas Governor Coke Stevenson, with a barrage of negative advertising and underhanded tactics.
Caro's narrative paints a picture of a man who would stop at nothing to achieve his political goals. Johnson's campaign against Stevenson is marked by electoral fraud, with Johnson's team manufacturing votes and manipulating the electoral process. Despite Stevenson's challenge in the courts, Johnson emerges victorious by a margin of just 87 votes, a result that would haunt his political career.
Johnson’s Senate Tenure
Johnson's tenure in the Senate is the next focus of Means of Ascent. Caro illustrates Johnson's early years in the Senate as marked by his determination to make an impact, his ability to build relationships, and his skill in leveraging his power as Senate Majority Leader. However, these qualities are overshadowed by the cloud of electoral fraud that hangs over his victory against Stevenson.
Despite this, Johnson's political acumen and his ability to deliver for Texas ensure his re-election in 1954. Caro details the lengths to which Johnson goes to secure his victory, including the use of a helicopter to campaign across Texas, a tactic that earns him the nickname "Landslide Lyndon".
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Means of Ascent provides a detailed and unflinching account of Lyndon B. Johnson's rise to power. It portrays Johnson as a man driven by an unquenchable thirst for power, willing to use any means to achieve his ends. Caro's meticulous research and compelling storytelling shed light on the dark side of politics and the lengths to which some individuals will go to attain and maintain power.
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What is Means of Ascent about?
Means of Ascent is the second installment in Robert A. Caro's multi-volume biography of Lyndon B. Johnson. In this book, Caro chronicles Johnson's early political career and his controversial 1948 Senate campaign in Texas. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Caro offers a revealing portrayal of Johnson's ambition, ruthlessness, and the lengths to which he was willing to go to achieve power.
Means of Ascent Review
Means of Ascent by Robert A. Caro (1990) takes readers on a riveting journey through Lyndon B. Johnson's controversial rise to power. Here's why this book is a must-read:
- Delving into political intrigue and ambition, it uncovers the ruthless tactics Johnson used to ascend the political ladder, providing a gripping narrative of power dynamics.
- Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, it offers a deeper understanding of Johnson's character and the cutthroat world of politics.
- With its compelling storytelling and vivid portrayal of historical events, the book keeps readers hooked, proving that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
Who should read Means of Ascent?
Readers interested in American political history and the rise of Lyndon B. Johnson
Individuals curious about the inner workings and strategies of political campaigns
People who enjoy biographies and in-depth character studies of influential figures
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Means of Ascent FAQs
What is the main message of Means of Ascent?
The main message of Means of Ascent is the quest for power and the lengths one goes to achieve it.
How long does it take to read Means of Ascent?
Reading Means of Ascent takes several hours, while the Blinkist summary is digestible in just 15 minutes.
Is Means of Ascent a good book? Is it worth reading?
Means of Ascent is a gripping narrative of ambition and politics, making it a compelling read for those interested in power dynamics.
Who is the author of Means of Ascent?
Robert A. Caro is the author of Means of Ascent.
What to read after Means of Ascent?
If you're wondering what to read next after Means of Ascent, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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