| Plot Summary of The Longest Debate |
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"Former Ohio Congressman Charles W. Whalen and his journalist wife Barbara have chronicled the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act in their history The Longest Debate. It is full of the legislative minutia that earmarks passage of difficult, important, bipartisan legislation to be made into law. Details of the initial beginnings, during the Kennedy White House and carried on after his death by Lyndon B. Johnson and Robert F. Kennedy, are given. Other political luminaries who shared in the task were Hubert H. Humphrey, Martin Luther King, Jacob K. Javits, Everett M. Dirksen, Lawrence F. O'Brien, and Richard B. Russell. During this time Civil Rights demonstrations and protests began in places like Birmingham, AL as black Americans showed their impatience and frustration. Counter to the fight for equality was the candidacy of George Wallace running in opposition to passage of such legislation.
Surprisingly, the fight over the Civil Rights Act was often championed by Republican lawmakers, preferring to have Democrats take center stage in the battle, in fear of alienating southern, white constituents. Rep. William M. McCulloch of Ohio was prominent in the effort. The bill stalled in 1963 due to politicking as unusual demands were placed upon the legislation. Rep. Everett M. Dirksen placed a daunting 40 amendments upon the bill at one point. Religious prayer groups were enlisted to bring a public outcry for passage. Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish leaders met to discuss strategy. Many entered into political lobbying for the very first time over the issue of Civil Rights. Passage in 1964 was much more difficult than one would believe for a piece of legislation guaranteeing equality under law for all persons."
David Fletcher, Resident Scholar
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| Review Analysis of The Longest Debate |
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Our unique search engine provides a wealth of detail about books by breaking them down into many different literary elements, all of which are searchable (click here).
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Kind Of History
Time of history:
- 1960's
History of a people?
Yes
Nationality?
- American--General
Largely political history?
Yes
Social history?
Yes
Kind of social history
- history of minorities
Subjects of this Historical Account
Ethnicity (if plays a major part)
- European/White
Is the portrayal sympathetic?
- Sympathetic
From a certain profession/group?
- politicians
Intelligence of subject of
history:
- Smart
Main Adversary
From a certain profession/group?
- politician/elected ruler
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- an average amount
Nationality?
- American
Ethnicity? (if plays big part)
- White/European
Is the portrayal sympathetic?
- Sympathetic
Setting
United States
Yes
The US:
- Southeast
- Deep South
Big City?
Yes
City:
- Washington D.C.
If applicable, liberal/conservative?
- Historian is very moderate
Style
How much gore?
- 1 (None)
How fast-paced is the book?
- 1 (None)
Accounts of torture and death?
- no torture/death
Book makes you feel...
- thoughtful
How much focus on stories of individuals?
- Focuses mostly on history of key players
How much romance?
- 1 (None)
Minor characters feature lots of:
- politicians
Is this a kid's book?
- Ages 16-Adult
Pictures/Illustrations?
- None
Length of book
- 250-300 pages
How much emphasis on small details?
- 10 (a tremendous amount)
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