Robert Caro, Unlocked: The Better Our Country Will Be
To celebrate the results of the midterm elections, we’ve unlocked Robert Caro’s Art of Biography interview and Matthew Baker’s short story “Why Visit America” from the archive.
In a small Texas town, residents voted to independently secede from the United States, forming their own nation called "America." The town, Plainsfield, featured in Matthew Baker's short story "Why Visit America," expressed discontent with the political system. Citizens felt their votes were ineffective, as politicians were more concerned with corporate interests than serving the public.
Many held diverse political views, ranging from pro-life to pro-choice, climate change denial to climate change advocacy, and private insurance to universal health care. Despite these divisions, the townsfolk united in their dissatisfaction with the government and their desire for change. Robert Caro, in an interview for The Paris Review, reflected on the political process and the importance of understanding its intricacies.
He shared a story about Lyndon Johnson, detailing how the President often talked to himself during campaign stops, contemplating the success of his day and public perception. Caro's insights emphasize the need for informed voting and suggest that a better understanding of the political system could lead to a better country.
Written by urgent.news from The Paris Review's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
