Al Smith’s outward joviality masked an inflexible finality in decision making
Evidence
But underneath the joviality was a rock-hard toughness. The blue eyes could, in the words of one reporter, “turn to steel, absolute steel.” Moses and the rest of Smith’s inner circle might be free to argue with him but when, after consulting with Mrs. M, he had made his decision, the decision was final. None of them called him anything but “Governor.” He could end a telephone call asking for a favor by rasping out the single word “No” and slamming down the receiver. Once he had made up his mind he was inflexible. — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker, 608
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Comparative analysis of conduct reveals a person’s fundamental choice hidden under each act