Join us Thursday, May 22 at 5:30 p.m. for a Legacy Lecture by Steve Drummond. A book signing and reception will follow the presentation.
The Fight That Launched a President
Before he was president, Harry Truman was a freshman senator from Missouri facing a country on the brink of war—and a government ripe for corruption. The Watchdog, the riveting new book by NPR’s Steve Drummond, tells the true story of how Truman took on waste and profiteering in the early days of World War II, leading a bipartisan crusade that saved lives, recovered millions, and launched him onto the national stage.
As America scrambled to build an army and arsenal at record speed, Truman formed an unlikely committee that challenged powerful defense contractors, questioned Pentagon officials, and made headlines for its fearless investigations. With access to newly uncovered records, firsthand interviews, and decades of research, Drummond reveals the behind-the-scenes maneuvering and moral resolve that defined Truman’s rise.
Join us for a powerful conversation about integrity in leadership, the cost of war, and the legacy of one senator’s fight for accountability in Washington.
How can I attend?
The event is free to the public, but reservations are required. To reserve a seat, or for more information about the event, contact [email protected] or call 540.463.7103, ext. 138.
How can I watch from home?
The presentation will also be livestreamed on the Marshall Foundation YouTube channel (https://bit.ly/2Or0E8D) simultaneously. Viewers of the stream are encouraged to write questions using the live video chat (to the lower right of the video) or via email at [email protected]. Chat will be monitored for abusive comments.
Who is Steve Drummond?
Steve Drummond is a journalist at NPR in Washington, where he has been a senior editor for more than two decades. He has been a reporter with newspapers in Florida and the Associated Press in Michigan and has written for many publications, including the St. Petersburg Times, the Detroit News, the New York Times, Education Week and Teacher Magazine. He lives in Maryland, where he also teaches journalism at the University of Maryland.
The George C. Marshall Foundation Legacy Series is sponsored by:
Dominion Energy; Raymond James; Edward Jones; CornerStone Bank; the Anne C. Robins and Walter R. Robins, Jr. Foundation; Richard & Caroline T. Gwathmey Memorial Trust; ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice; Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1499