Michael Beschloss Profile picture
Author, PRESIDENTS OF WAR, 9 other books. @NBCNews Presidential Historian. @PBS contributor. Born Chicago.

Sep 7, 2021, 6 tweets

Warmest thoughts and prayers for the family and thanks for the many accomplishments of former Senator Adlai Stevenson III of Illinois (1930-2021). I had the honor of delivering Senator Stevenson's mail and operating his Xerox machine as a 16-year-old intern in his DC office.

I once heard Senator Stevenson joke about being a young political candidate who had to audition before a Chicago boss in the boss's saloon. Stevenson recalled being pleased to overhear the boss say afterwards, “Well, the little ___ wasn’t as bad as I expected!!"

The Chicago boss for whom Stevenson auditioned was the locally famous Alderman Paddy Bauler [center], who operated a speakeasy during Prohibition and was later best known for crowing, “Chicago ain’t ready for reform!"

At least by legend, the old Mayor Daley allegedly once told Adlai Stevenson III (1930-2021), “My advice for you is don’t change your name."

One of the items I delivered to Senator Adlai Stevenson III (1930-2021) as a 16-year-old intern working in the mailroom of his DC office was the Congressional Record (see photograph):

Stevenson III was a fine gentleman and an excellent and honest Senator:

Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.

A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.

Keep scrolling