Harry Truman

While doing research for the non-fiction book I’m writing, I came across an interesting story about Harry Truman and his response to a critic’s review of a performance by Harry’s daughter, Margaret.

Washington Post Music Critic Paul Hume's December 6, 1950, review of Margaret Truman's singing performance at Constitution Hall, stated, "Miss Truman is a unique American phenomenon with a pleasant voice of little size and fair quality . . . cannot sing very well . . . is flat a good deal of the time . . . more last night than at any time we have heard her in past years . . . has not improved in the years we have heard her . . . still cannot sing with anything approaching professional finish." 

Harry Truman responded, “I've just read your lousy review of Margaret's concert. I've come to the conclusion that you are an ‘eight ulcer man on four ulcer pay.’ It seems to me that you are a frustrated old man who wishes he could have been successful. When you write such poppy-cock as was in the back section of the paper you work for it shows conclusively that you're off the beam and at least four of your ulcers are at work. Some day I hope to meet you. When that happens you'll need a new nose, a lot of beefsteak for black eyes, and perhaps a supporter below!”