Huey Long

He was a crook — but he had no money; a corrupt politician — but the cost of government is third-lowest in the country; a demagogue — but he kept his campaign promises; a hillbilly — but he had no racial prejudices; an ignoramus — but he ran a business administration; a dictator — but he broadened the suffrage; an opportunist — but he had ideals."

—Washington Columnist Drew Pearson’s proposed epitaph in response to false charges against Long

They don't know Huey Long. They never saw him and would not know him if he stepped off the train at our station. But they know him in name and you can't make them believe he is not their defender."

—A local south Louisiana politician to New Orleans States reporter on Long's reputation

Huey Pierce Long Jr. (1893–1935), known as "The Kingfish", was the 40th governor of Louisiana. He was considered a hero by his supporters, and a power-hungry, autocratic bumpkin by detractors. He created the "Share Our Wealth" movement: a series of reforms that basically heavily taxed the rich and gave monthly allowance to the poor, with other tasks as well.

Tropes Present in Long's Life and Legacy:

Determinator: No matter the opposition he would keep pushing his agendas through.
Famous Last Words: "Don't let me die, I have got so much to do"
Holding the Floor: He would do this many times, at one point going 15 hours and 30 minutes to protest a provision in one of FDR's bills: His 15 and a half hour filibuster was the second longest in Senate history at that time.
Sleazy Politician: His actions (many of his actions) are rather suspect
The Unfettered

Huey Long in Fiction

The novel All the King's Men is based on his life despite the author saying otherwise.
Has a Cameo in Reds!
A character in the Timeline-191, a Louisiana politician who is assassinated by Featherston's government, as he is too much of an independent threat to the Confederates.