Doris Kearns Goodwin On Rich History Of Mixing Politics And Drinking: "FDR During WWII Had A Cocktail Party Every Night" (VIDEO)

With the news confirmed that President Obama, Henry Louis Gates and Sgt. James Crowley will get together at the White House to have a beer, Ed Schultz invited noted presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin on his show to discuss the history behind presidents mixing drinks with politics.

As it turns out, that history is rich with examples. According to Goodwin:

FDR during World War II had a cocktail party every single night... He would make these crazy martinis for the guests.

Lyndon Johnson was another president adept at mixing political negotiations with bourbon and Scotch. According to Goodwin, he was "the best."

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Comments

[GravitonX]

Yeah, just ask the Northern Native Americans (some of whom are my ancestors) about alcohol and politics....usually the beginning of something very, very bad.

[zola77]

No need to stereotype - even if your (distant) relatives are first nations people.

[GirlOutWest]

Doris Kearns Goodwin is the best! "Team of Rivals" is a wonderful book. It's interesting, informative and brings these real beings to life unlike so many historical books. She is fascinating to watch and listen to. Kudos to Ed and the other MSNBC hosts.

[placeyourvote]

I love Ed, he is the best

[Palemoon]

The safest I've ever felt in my life was when Clinton and Yelstin looked so drunk and stoned during the one press conference, that neither could stop laughing to even talk. I don't know what they did behind closed doors, but I want world leaders to do more of it. They looked like they had a great time, and at that moment, there was no chance of any kind of hostilities between the 2 nations. As I said, I never felt safer in my life.

[longislandlol]

Yes-- I remember that- Clinton was good at this- the only recent day Presidents that were not adept at this diplomacy was Bush (cause of his history with alcohol abuse) and Carter (Baptist stuff and brother Billy alcohol abuse- as for the rest of our recent Pres.- I bet Nixon enjoyed his cocktails without abusing them- and Bush Sr. too- they were disciplined as was Clinton and JFK-------

[veritas2u]

The best way to know what someone is really made of is to have a few drinks with them. Often best friendships are started with the tipping of a bottle. It is common practice in Japan to spend the night out on the town with your customers on the company's tab. Whisky flows and business deals are done.
The world would be a better place if everyone would let their guard down every now and then. After all is said and done we all have many things in common but we are just to uptight to talk openly about them. Cocktail hours had a definite purpose. Like they say, IN VINO VERITAS!.

[Michmod]

It is so nice to have a president that is a grown up. This issue and Obama statement on it have been twisted by the right wing into a disrespect for the police.......this is an excellent way to get the dialogue back on track and to diffuse the unwarranted attack on the president. One would hope logic and empathy alone could do that but we are learning that is not the case with some of us.

[oldmanjoyce]

What happened to all the Presidents who had marijuana fields? I want those types of Presidents again.

[shel3364]

Some of the best business dealings happen outside the conference room and at the bar.