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Graham's relationship with King affords a telling glimpse into Graham's strategy. He sympathized with King's motives and admired his peaceful tactics, but he also recognized that much of his own core constituency was not ready for civil disobedience. Graham broke custom and tradition where necessary, but he would not break the law. This cautious approach doesn't impress many modern observers, who eagerly point out how much more Graham could have done to aid King's cause. At the time, however, Graham bolstered King's agenda among a constituency not yet reached by civil-rights activists. Graham knew his followers and their limitations, identified their growing edge, and helped shape their perspectives on race relations.

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June (Web-only) 2005, Vol. 49