An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s

An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s by Doris Kearns Goodwin

The author and her husband, Dick Goodwin, had front row seats to the changes in the 1960s. Dick served as speechwriter for JFK and LBJ as well as working for the Eugene McCarthy and RFK campaigns. He understood the various styles of the politicians and felt that working on speeches was a great way to influence politics. He also was busy planning activities for each of the Kennedys when he heard that they were shot. 

The author appeared later in the scene and worked in a "Student" position in the LBJ administration. Things got off to a rocky start when her first published article ended up referring to ways to defeat LBJ. She somehow managed to stay and after his presidency ended, he wanted her to help write his memoirs.

They participated in both elections as well as running of policies. Civil rights and Vietnam were both key events in their experience. The book details how these unfolded from the internal views of those inside. LBJ was perhaps one of the best people to push forward civil rights due to his experience as a wheeling and dealing southerner. He wanted to keep southerners in the fold and keep too much from being "imposed" on them. He knew when to compromise and when to push.

The book includes the personal experiences that they had as well as the "global" events that were applicable. The view is very much focussed on their experiences. They worked in Democratic administrations, and thus the "inside the beltway" narrative pretty much ends after LBJ leaves office. Though the last years of LBJ's life are covered as well as quick discussion of the Democratic legacy.