Clifton Truman Daniel (born June 5, 1957) is an American writer and public relations executive who is the oldest grandson of former United States President Harry S. Truman and First Lady Bess Truman.Roberts, Roxanne (28 December 2021). When Harry Truman is your grandpa: The complicated lives of presidential descendants, Kansas City Star (Washington Post article reprint) He is a son of the late E. Clifton Daniel Jr., former managing editor of The New York Times, and best-selling mystery writer Margaret Truman. He serves as a vice president of the Society of Presidential Descendants.
Life Daniel was born on June 5, 1957 at Doctors Hospital in Manhattan, New York City,(10 June 1957). Former President's Grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, Makes His Debut, The New York Times the eldest son of Clifton Daniel and Margaret Truman. He has three brothers,(30 January 2008). Margaret Truman Daniel: 1924-2008, Chicago Tribune (" In addition to Clifton Truman Daniel, Mrs. Daniel is survived by two other sons, Harrison Gates Daniel and Thomas Gates Daniel, and five grandchildren. Her son William Wallace died in 2000.") and is Director of Public Relations for Truman College, one of the seven City Colleges of Chicago. Prior to that, he worked as a feature writer and editor for the Morning Star and Sunday Star-News in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Daniel is the honorary chairman of the board of trustees of the Harry S. Truman Library Institute, the member-supported, nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri. He is a frequent speaker and fundraiser. He is also a charter member of the board of directors of the National First Ladies Day Commission.
Following in his grandfather's footsteps, Daniel is a brother in Freemasonry through various appendant bodies. On December 3, 2011, Most Worshipful Brother Terry L. Seward, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, made Brother Daniel a Mason at sight. In August 2021, he was inducted into the class of 33° Honorary Members of the Scottish Rite, NMJ, serving as Exemplar for his class. He has been a Scottish Rite Mason since 2014 and is a member of the Valley of Chicago.
Daniel visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 2012, the sites where his grandfather had ordered the only use of atomic bombs for warfare in history. He has frequently been asked to comment on that 1945 decision to use nuclear weapons.Smith, David (4 August 2020). 'He felt he had to do it': Truman's grandson on bombing Hiroshima, The Guardian(4 August 2012). Truman grandson visiting Hiroshima, Nagasaki to mark 67th anniversary, Denver Post (Associated Press story)Coorsh, Karolyn (27 May 2016). Truman expressed regret over loss of life after atomic bombings: Grandson, CTV News
He appeared in 2016 on Race for the White House as a commentator for his grandfather's experiences during both his first term and the 1948 United States presidential election.
Since 2017, he has acted the role of his grandfather in performances of the 1975 play Give 'em Hell, Harry!.Heuer, Alex (9 November 2021). For Clifton Daniel, playing Truman in 'Give 'em Hell, Harry!' is all in the family, St. Louis Public RadioStaton, John (7 October 2017). Wild about Harry, Star-News
Daniel attended Milton Academy and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He married Polly Bennett in 1986, on the 67th wedding anniversary of his grandparents.(29 June 1986). Polly Bennett Is the Bride Of Clifton Truman Daniel, The New York TimesConconi, Chuck (30 June 1986). Personalities, The Washington Post
His first book, Growing up with my Grandfather, was published in 1995. In addition to including his memories of his grandparents, it frankly discusses his descent into drug and alcohol abuse, and return to sobriety.Brozan, Nadine (23 May 1995). Chronicle, The New York Times(15 April 1995). Growing Up With My Grandfather (review), Kirkus Reviews
Daniel is a vice president of the Society of Presidential Descendants.
Works Daniel is the author of two books:
References
External links ctrumandaniel.com Website of Clifton Daniel Beneath the Mushroom Cloud An audio account by Clifton Daniel