Doris Kearns Goodwin, the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and biographer, made a guest appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to discuss her new book, “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s.” In this heartfelt conversation, Goodwin pays tribute to her late husband, Dick Goodwin, and his public service during the tumultuous era of the 1960s.
The project began when Dick, at 80 years old, decided to open the boxes he had carried around for years. These boxes contained a time capsule of the 60s, and together, he and Doris embarked on a journey to relive the decade. The book covers Dick’s service to two presidents, John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, showcasing his involvement with figures like Jackie Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy, Eugene McCarthy, and more.
One of the intriguing aspects of Dick’s story is how he bridged the tension between the Kennedy Loyalists and LBJ’s camp. Dick’s reputation as a skillful speechwriter for JFK caught the attention of LBJ, and he was eventually hired to infuse Johnson’s speeches with sex, rhythm, music, and Churchillian phrases. In fact, it was Dick who coined the term “Great Society,” capturing the ambitions and goals of LBJ’s administration.
The book highlights the significant accomplishments of LBJ and the Great Society, as well as the New Frontier and the New Deal. However, it is alarming to see that some of these achievements are being dismantled today, including the Voting Rights Act. Doris emphasizes the importance of remembering the 1960s, as it was a time when young people felt empowered to make a difference. She urges young people today to march, protest, and fight for civil rights, women’s rights, and gay rights, as they once did.
Sadly, Dick passed away before the completion of the book, but he made Doris promise to finish it. Now that it is finished, Doris feels that she has fulfilled her promise and kept his story alive. As an historian, she believes in the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving memories. She encourages others to engage with older family members and hear their stories before it’s too late.
“An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s” is now available for readers to delve into the captivating tale of Dick Goodwin’s public service and the transformative decade he lived through. Doris Kearns Goodwin‘s interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert serves as a reminder that even in challenging times, we can make a difference and create positive change in our country.
Be sure to catch the full interview with Doris Kearns Goodwin on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for an insightful and inspiring discussion about history, activism, and the power of personal stories.
