Prominent historian Doris Kearns Goodwin was the Keynote speaker this Meliora Weekend. She started the event with a compelling speech about her history living with presidents, both literally and figuratively. With interesting personal anecdotes, she captivated the audience and gave them a window into the personal lives of the presidents. She started out by explaining her direct relationship with President Lyndon B. Johnson.
As an intern at the White House, she was personally selected to Johnson’s personal staff. The following day, a local newspaper published a paper by Kearns Goodwin titled, “How to Remove Johnson from Office.” He boldly accepted this as a challenge, arguing that he’d change her mind by the end of the internship. Being able to have such a close relationship with a powerful man broken by war and controversy allowed her a unique opportunity to gain inside information she wouldn’t ordinarily have been able to acquire.
She moved on to speak about the other presidents she has studied, such as Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Taft, and FDR. By immersing herself in not only their actions as well, but their private lives, she was able to paint a picture that usually goes unseen. She recounted having verbal conversations with imaginary Teddy and Eleanor Roosevelt in her office during her five to ten years of research and writing. The level of immersion was so intense that they became major parts of her life, as she spent years examining their lives.
She also spoke of her role in the production of the film “Lincoln,” which was based off her book. Stories of drinking with Daniel Day-Lewis and being on the set of “Lincoln” with him allowed for otherwise impossible perspective. Goodwin also revealed that the rights to her Teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft book have also been purchased and that a movie is in the works. This should prove especially interesting due to the friendship and rivalry between the two men.
Following her speech, President Seligman asked Goodwin questions about her her past and her future. She told stories about her personal life that she was afforded because of her rare experiences.
Not only was Goodman an eloquent speaker, but the speed at which she conveyed her complex thoughts belied her ability to easily pour out 1,000-plus page stories. She has had incredible opportunities throughout her life which have allowed her to speak firsthand on an array of fascinating issues. Hearing her speak was a taste of another world, and all in attendance were lucky to have access to this unique opportunity.
Eber is a member of
the class of 2017.
