Huey Long- one of the most fascinating American politicians of the 20th century was born on this day in 1893. He was the Governor of Louisiana from 1928 to 1932 and U.S. Senator from Louisiana from 1932 until his assassination in 1935. Long was for “Sharing The Wealth” and one of his slogan’s was “Every Man A King”

Huey Long was one of the most controversial politicians in American history. He was basically a dictator in the state of Louisiana. He  got things done. He did great things but he also destroyed anyone who got in his way. Did the ends justify the means?

One of the best biographies I’ve ever read and I’ve read it three times- is “Huey Long” by T. Harry Williams. Top notch. Also one of Ken Burns first documentaries was about Huey Long and it is well worth watching. This was done in the 1980’s and a lot of the men who worked for  and against Huey Long were still alive and interviewed in this doc. President Roosevelt was concerned about a possible Huey Long run for the presidency in 1936 but he was gunned down at the Louisiana State capitol building. The assassin was the son-in-law of a judge that Long was wanting removed.

FDR considered Long one of the two most dangerous men in America, the other being General Douglas MacArthur. Huey Long could act like a buffoon but he was an extremely smart fellow.

Robert Penn Warren’s “All The King’s Men” was based on Huey. Huey was only 42 years old when he was assassinated.

If you love history-read the T.Harry Williams book and find the Burns documentary. Great stuff.