Who is Richard Russell from Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream and what is their importance?

Richard Russell was the Georgia senator, who became Johnson's mentor during his early years in Congress. Unlike Johnson, Russell was a bachelor. He is also described as being conservative in both dress and demeanor. Having grown up in Georgia, Russell firmly believed that separation of the races was correct for both whites and blacks. Although Johnson's politics and votes emulated those of Russell, he never went so far as to join the Southern caucus. Lyndon was keenly aware of the way things were changing and did not want to be labeled a Southern Democrat.