# Talk:Bess Truman

At the time of Harry Truman's death in 1972, he was 88 and she (Bess) was 87. Upon Harry's death, the Trumans cease to be a couple (Bess was allowed to remarry). As a result, they don't hold the 'Oldest First Couple' record, the Fords do (at Jerry Ford's death [93], Betty was [88]. Surviving spouses 'additional' years shouldn't be counted. Making appropiate edit. GoodDay 21:31, 13 July 2007 (UTC)

Why does it say 'Vacant. Title next held by Jane Barkley.' Valetude (talk) 14:32, 21 March 2017 (UTC)

@Valetude: Because he became VP in January 1949- and was unmarried at the time (a widower); he then married Barkley whilst in office the next November. So, the 2nd lady position is unfilled at the beginning of the presidency, but is filled during it. See what I mean?  — O Fortuna! Imperatrix mundi. 14:42, 21 March 2017 (UTC)

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If we mention her anti-semitism, should we also mention how she felt about African-Americans (or Blacks, or Colored People, or whatever term she would have used in public) or other minorities?  There may be better examples, but one can be found in the Wikipedia article on the Daughters of the American Revolution.  It mentions that Eleanor Roosevelt resigned from the organization because of its discriminatory policies, but when it was suggested to her successor, Bess Truman, that she should do so, Mrs. Truman refused. Minicarmen (talk) 02:51, 5 January 2020 (UTC)
The antisemitism charge against Bess Truman as stated in this article is weak.  No direct verifiable quote from Bess Truman is provided, and if you follow the reference to Beschloss' book, he states,"By Susskind's account..."  which is also weak.  If we are going slap a historical figure with an antisemitism charge, the case for doing so ought to be much stronger than this.  Harry Truman himself was said to have used the derogatory term "kike" several times in private conversation.  At the same time, President Truman supported and indeed, was instrumental in the creation of the state of Israel in 1948.  Assuming it's true that Truman used derogatory language in private conversation, is Truman an antisemite because he used the term "kike" privately?  Or is he a great friend of Israel and the Jewish people because he publicly helped to establish the state of Israel?  Which count more, words privately uttered or actions publicly executed?  Character and prejudice are complex issues, and perhaps we should define what we mean by "antisemite" before applying the label.  Tpkatsa (talk) 17:52, 3 January 2021 (UTC)

As anyone thought of, you know, a suicide note? If her father did leave a suicide note, then we will know why he killed himself. Emotioness Expression (talk) 13:16, 13 August 2020 (UTC)

Are planes "christened"? Do we perhaps mean "launched" or "named"? Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 19:53, 7 January 2023 (UTC)