Clark Clifford's Relentless Self-Promotion

Abstract

How should we judge a man who built a career from policy papers that he did not write? Clark Clifford was known for his 1947 paper on strategy for the 1948 campaign, the Clifford-Elsey paper on the Cold War, and the 1948 paper produced by the National Democratic Committee Research Division. All were written by someone else. Clifford, a fellow Missourian, came to the Truman White House from St. Louis as a temporary naval aide in July 1945. In five years, Clifford progressed to become one of Truman's most valued advisers. He achieved this through hard work, a good mind, serendipity, and, it seems, the work of others. He was a workaholic, jealously protecting his own power and position. Truman gained confidence in Clifford's advice and turned to him more and more often. The new president was eager to shed Roosevelt's advisers for the Missouri accent of Clifford. Meanwhile, Clifford transformed himself and carefully ingratiated himself into Truman's good graces by becoming a member of his poker playing friends and having a friendly glass of bourbon. In addition, he made a point of learning the language of Missouri farmers even though he had never lived on a farm. Finally, Clifford cultivated a close relationship with Truman's mother, Margaret, and his wife, Bess, both of whom were the most important people in Truman's life except for his daughter. His relationship with Margaret was somewhat strained since she never completely trusted Clifford.