Ralph W. Yarborough, the People's Senator

Patrick L. Cox

Published by University of Texas Press 2002

Ralph W. Yarborough, the People's Senator

Patrick L. Cox
With contributions by: Edward M. Kennedy

In the series Focus on American History Series

https://doi.org/10.7560/712430

Overview
Contents

About this book

Semifinalist, 22nd Annual Robert F. Kennedy Book Award, 2002
Finalist, Spur Award in western nonfiction biography, Western Writers of America, 2002

Revered by many Texans and other Americans as "the People's Senator," Ralph Webster Yarborough (1903-1996) fought for "the little people" in a political career that places him in the ranks of the most influential leaders in Texas history. The only U. S. Senator representing a former Confederate state to vote for every significant piece of modern civil rights legislation, Yarborough became a cornerstone of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs in the areas of education, environmental preservation, and health care. In doing so, he played a major role in the social and economic modernization of Texas and the American South. He often defied conventional political wisdom with his stands against powerful political interests and with his vocal opposition to the Vietnam War. Yet to this day, his admirers speak of Yarborough as an inspiration for public service and a model of political independence and integrity.

This biography offers the first in-depth look at the life and career of Ralph Yarborough. Patrick L. Cox draws on Yarborough's personal and professional papers, as well as on extensive interviews with the Senator and his associates, to follow Yarborough from his formative years in East Texas through his legal and judicial career in the 1930s, decorated military service in World War II, unsuccessful campaigns for Texas governor in the 1950s, distinguished tenure in the United States Senate from 1957 to 1970, and return to legal practice through the 1980s.

Although Yarborough's liberal politics set him at odds with most of the Texas power brokers of his time, including Lyndon Johnson, his accomplishments have become part of the national fabric. Medicare recipients, beneficiaries of the Cold War G. I. Bill, and even beachcombers on Padre Island National Seashore all share in the lasting legacy of Senator Ralph Yarborough.

Author / Editor information

Patrick L. Cox is Resident Historian at the Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin.

Reviews

Ralph Yarborough was a loyal friend and a tower of integrity. He was a shining example to all of us who serve in public office. ‘Discouraged’ was not in his vocabulary. He taught us never to give up or give in and that, with a courageous attitude, victory was always possible next time or next year. In his biography of this greatly respected and much beloved giant of our time, Patrick Cox shows us why Ralph Yarborough truly was ‘the People’s Senator.’

— Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Topics

General Interest

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	i
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	vii
Foreword Publicly Available Download PDF	ix
Acknowledgments Publicly Available Download PDF	xi
Introduction Publicly Available Download PDF	xv
1 It Was a Joyous Boyhood Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
2 The Million-Dollar Victory Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	18
3 A Man Who Had to Earn His Way Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	39
4 The Hamburger Campaign Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	60
5 We Saw the Worst Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	80
6 The Strong Acid Test Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	96
7 Coonskins and Coon Hunters Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	122
8 Put the Jam on the Lower Shelf Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	139
9 Problems with Johnson and Rayburn Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	162
10 The Rancid Smell of Gunpowder Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	185
11 The Struggle for the Soul of the Nation Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	201
12 Acts of Congress and Acts of Madness Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	229
13 Final Senate Years and Election Defeat Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	254
14 The Last Hurrah Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	267
Afterword Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	281
Notes Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	287
Bibliography Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	321
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	337

Language: English
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Audience: General/trade;
Pages
- Main content: 368

eBook

Published: June 28, 2010
ISBN: 9780292789685