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CORRECTION (published June 10, 2009): The first version of this story incorrectly attributed the "run for sheriff" quote to Lyndon Johnson.

Alter, a national-affairs columnist, is author of Defining Moment: FDR’s Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope.

© 2009

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  • Posted By: Hoya @ 05/29/2009 2:09:14 AM

    Your article says Obama needs some people around him who, in LBJ's words, have "run for sheriff." Those words were spoken to LBJ, spoken by Speaker of the House Sam Raburn. See "The Best and the Brightest," page 53.

  • Posted By: Braes @ 05/27/2009 12:24:24 PM

    I don't see that in Mr. Alter's article. But I would hire a veteran long before I'd not, for most jobs. They are good people who are usually doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.

  • Posted By: Braes @ 05/27/2009 12:16:54 PM

    You would have to destroy the prison now on the Island. It is hardly fit to hold a decent scout troop. It has not been maintained for use in decades.

    Nearby there are several facilities that can hold them. There are several thousand across the States. Alcatraz while attractive, is not the prison it was in 1963, and it was in decay then.

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