Give ‘Em Hell, Harry

Not to be confused with the same-titled 1975 film starring James Whitmore, this presentation is a September 1961 episode of David Susskind's TV talk show that featured former President Harry S. Truman as the guest. Truman was, not surprisingly, direct and charming in his answers, which covered a broad scope of political and personal topics. Although Susskind's questioning is, uncharacteristically, often too polite, Truman nevertheless offers highly opinionated comments on subjects ranging from salaries for teachers (he believes they are much too low) to the power of the media (he warns about corporations controlling both print and broadcast outlets) to the potential for atomic energy (he speaks vaguely of the need to test the science with more vigor). Truman expresses disappointment with the growing movement of nonaligned nations led by India's Prime Minister Nehru, but saves most of his disapproval for the Soviet Union and repeatedly refers to it as “totalitarian” rather than “communist.” Susskind overlooks several of the hot-button issues of that year (Castro's Cuba and the Civil Rights movement are strangely absent), but he encourages Truman to discuss the historical evolution of the presidency. By contemporary standards, Truman's approach to Oval Office leadership is refreshingly honest and unapologetic. “The worst thing you can do is make no decision,” Truman remarks. “If a decision is wrong, then just make another one to fix it.” Really, how can one argue with that? Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)