The Kingfish: One of the Most Extraordinary Figures in American Political History

Huey Long was a populist and flamboyant governor and, later, a U.S. Senator from Louisiana. His legacy has been debated for 90 years, with one biographer stating that, “He did more harm—and more good—than any other governor in American history.” Franklin Roosevelt considered him a rival, calling him, “one of the two most dangerous men in the country (the other was General MacArthur).” His tactics were undemocratic and shamelessly corrupt, but they nonetheless brought unprecedented change to Louisiana. He wanted to bring similar reforms to the nation and was preparing to run for President when he was assassinated in 1935.

 Dan Possumato has taught several courses for MSC. He was a professor at the U.S. Army Management Staff College and has an MS from Johns Hopkins University and a diploma from the Army War College. He has ties to Louisiana and has studied Huey Long’s career for over a decade.