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John William McCormack: A Political Biography

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John William McCormack was a Democratic politician who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1962 to 1971. He was the first Irish-American to hold this position, and he played a key role in the passage of major legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

John William McCormack: A Political Biography

by Garrison Nelson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	94319 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	433 pages

McCormack was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1891. He attended Boston College and Suffolk University Law School. After graduating from law school, he served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1920 to 1926. In 1928, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for 42 years.

McCormack was a close ally of President John F. Kennedy. He played a key role in the passage of Kennedy's legislative agenda, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. McCormack also served as Speaker of the House during the Vietnam War. He was a strong supporter of the war, but he also criticized the Nixon administration's handling of the conflict.

McCormack retired from Congress in 1971. He died in 1980. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Legacy

John William McCormack was a respected and influential figure in American politics. He was a strong supporter of civil rights and social justice. He also played a key role in the passage of major legislation that shaped American society.

McCormack's legacy is one of service and dedication. He was a tireless advocate for his constituents and for the American people. He was a man of integrity and principle, and he will be remembered as one of the most influential Speakers of the House in American history.

Book Review

"John William McCormack: A Political Biography" by Michael Barone is a comprehensive and well-written biography of one of the most important figures in American politics. Barone provides a detailed account of McCormack's life and career, from his early days in Boston to his years as Speaker of the House. He also offers a thoughtful analysis of McCormack's legacy.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in American politics. It is a valuable contribution to the scholarship on the history of the House of Representatives and the role of Irish-Americans in American politics.

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John William McCormack John William McCormack: A Political Biography