Part 2 Chapter 12 Summary

Five liberal Democrats found the courage to defend Leland Olds, knowing they would lose the vote on his confirmation. They were outraged at the injustice being done to him and warned that repercussions would sound for years to come. Olds's record had been all but ignored. Hubert Humphrey was particularly eloquent, addressing the gumption needed to stand up against and condemn powerful exploiters. Those who failed to rally to Olds's side were the ones who should be on trial, not the good civil servant. "If there is any divine justice," Humphrey said, "those men will fry and Mr. Olds will have a crown."

LBJ rose to present his subcommittee's report. He dropped the senatorial persona and attacked Olds in a hoarse, shouting voice for fifty minutes. He repeated all the charges, painting Olds as an egotist who thought only he could...