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Harry S. Truman

Paying tribute to Harry S. Truman

In a recent interview, the late Harry S. Truman -- the winner in the 1948 presidential election upset -- took a dim view of Donald Trump. This Truman is actually the Kansas City-based tribute actor whom the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum in nearby Independence, Missouri, often turns to when audiences there or elsewhere need someone to "Give 'em hell, Harry."
In a recent interview, the late Harry S. Truman -- the winner in the 1948 presidential election upset -- took a dim view of Donald Trump. This Truman is actually the Kansas City-based tribute actor whom the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum in nearby Independence, Missouri, often turns to when audiences there or elsewhere need someone to "Give 'em hell, Harry."
John Bordsen For USA TODAY
At 71, Starzmann is the age HST was in 1955, two years after leaving the White House. Here, he holds the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" issue of the "Chicago Daily Tribune," which was published before all the votes were counted.
At 71, Starzmann is the age HST was in 1955, two years after leaving the White House. Here, he holds the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" issue of the "Chicago Daily Tribune," which was published before all the votes were counted.
John Bordsen For USA TODAY
Starzmann is an avowed political junkie. Most walls in his large apartment are lined with filled bookshelves. By his count, he owns 2,000 to 5,000 titles that deal with the presidency. He owns several copies of the rare "Dewey Defeats Truman" newspaper.
Starzmann is an avowed political junkie. Most walls in his large apartment are lined with filled bookshelves. By his count, he owns 2,000 to 5,000 titles that deal with the presidency. He owns several copies of the rare "Dewey Defeats Truman" newspaper.
John Bordsen For USA TODAY
When the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum in Independence, Mo., needs an HST for audiences there or elsewhere, they often turn to Starzmann.
When the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum in Independence, Mo., needs an HST for audiences there or elsewhere, they often turn to Starzmann.
John Bordsen For USA TODAY
Starzmann met Truman six times, and corresponded with him and hundreds of other political figures over the years.
Starzmann met Truman six times, and corresponded with him and hundreds of other political figures over the years.
John Bordsen For USA TODAY
Items from Starzmann's massive collection of political pins. A grouping of them was featured on the cover of a program for the 1976 Republican National Convention, held in Kansas City.
Items from Starzmann's massive collection of political pins. A grouping of them was featured on the cover of a program for the 1976 Republican National Convention, held in Kansas City.
John Bordsen For USA TODAY
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