Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Ken Burns America: Huey Long

Long was a depression era politician from Louisiana who moved up the political food chain from railroad commissioner to US Senator. Along the way, he used his charisma to dominate the Louisiana political scene. His career was built on getting votes from the poor. It was never clear whether Long was a true progressive working to improve the plight of the less fortunate or a power hungry politician who would use any trick in the book. In reality he was probably both. Ultimately his career aspiration of becoming president was cut short by assassination. Burns does a great job of really showing Louisiana life in the 30's as well as the impact of Long on both his state and the nation.
3 stars (out of 5)

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