Clifton Truman Daniel

Harry S. Truman is generally considered one of the United States’ greatest presidents, a plainspoken, largely self-educated man who rose from modest farmer to become leader of the most powerful nation in the world. He was the first and only president to authorize the use of nuclear weapons in wartime, was the force behind the Marshall Plan to rebuild war-torn Europe, and the architect of the Truman Doctrine to contain the spread of Communism. He overcame ingrained racism to integrate the Unites States military and pulled of the greatest presidential election upset in history.

He also avoided household chores religiously, often did the opposite of what his wife and daughter asked him to do, and could correct his grandchildren’s bad behavior instantly just by glaring at them.

Growing up around the former president, Daniel was privy to family stories illustrating Truman’s character and great sense of himself, whether he was dealing with Gen. Douglas MacArthur or an errant Republican with a flat tire. Daniel also knew the Truman character firsthand, having been the focus of his grandfather’s ideas on education and the grit needed to survive being upended by a hobbyhorse.

What emerges is a portrait of self-assured, intelligent, but accessible human being, a man who loved his family and did his best for his friends and neighbors, who had a lasting, positive effect on his country and the world … and who could be grossly affronted when cannonballed in a swimming pool.

Clifton Truman Daniel is Director of Public Relations at Truman College in Chicago, a former newspaper reporter and editor, and author of the 1995 book, Growing Up With My Grandfather: Memories of Harry S. Truman.

Testimonials

“Clifton stood up and, without a note or outline, gave a wonderfully charming and intelligent presentation about his grandfather.” Esther Coopersmith, Washington, D.C.

“Wow! Talk about having an audience in the palm of your hand! You were absolutely terrific and Sunday’s forum.” John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, Boston, MA

“I know the club members appreciated the content as well as your honesty in the presentation. You do have a very nice style in helping people to feel that famous people can be very real and touchable.” College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL

“We have received many wonderful comments from those who attended. One person commented that your talk presented ‘history with humor’. This is certainly true.” Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove Village, IL

“You were a great hit.” The Illinois State Society of Washington, D.C.