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Want a good example of just how different he was from the poll-watching, wishy-washy milquetoast pols of today? Try this little gem from his magnificent 1948 presidential campaign: "You've got a terrible Congressman here in this district. He's one of the worst obstructionists in Congress. He has done everything he possibly could to cut the throats of the farmer and the laboring man. If you send him back, that will be your own fault if you get your own throats cut."

TAMPA TRIBUNE

Hot off the presses is a new book by one of our country's most acerbic presidents. It's The Wit and Wisdom of Harry Truman by Ralph Keyes, a collection of quotations by the man from Independence. Some gems to whet your appetite:

Washington: "If you want a friend in Washington, buy a dog."

Politics: "I wonder how far Moses would have gone if he'd taken a poll in Egypt."

Economics: "It's a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it's a depression when you lose your own."

MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE

President Harry Truman was known as "Give-'em-hell" Harry because he didn't hesitate to speak his mind. And, as the following quotes indicate, what was on Harry's mind back in the 40s might just as easily be on any Democrat's mind today.

PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS

The Wit and Wisdom of Harry Truman by Ralph Keyes is a pocketbook size anthology that starts with a biography of the president, ends with selected diary entries, and in between divides almost 1000 quotes and anecdotes by topic.

So, under "Children" you can find, "I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and advise them to do it." Under "Politics," "I wonder how far Moses would have gone if he'd taken a poll in Egypt?" And on his own presidency, to Adlai Stevenson, "If a knucklehead like me can be president and not do too badly, think what a really educated smart guy like you could do in the job."

KANSAS CITY STAR

Keyes compiled more than 1000 quotations and anecdotes for The Wit and Wisdom of Harry Truman, that everyman president who gave 'em hell. Keyes is on a roll ...

DAYTON DAILY NEWS