What are the effects of the author’s choice to focus on the first four months of Truman’s presidency? What are the most salient aspects of this period, and what do they say about Truman and this period in history?

What are some of the main differences between Truman and his predecessor, Franklin Roosevelt? What advantages does each president have that the other lacked?

Which aspects of Truman’s childhood and adolescence does Baime find to be most influential in shaping his character, and how did his character in turn influence his role as a politician?