Robert Caro sees tragedy in Coke Stevenson's loss because Stevenson did not realize or come to terms with the actions Lyndon Johnson could take against him in the election.

“um, won. Uh, you, you feel the tragedy”

“that he lost because of the way he lost, you know. The thing is about Coke Stevenson, he really didn't realize someone could do all the things to him”

“and in the election that Lyn- that Lyndon Johnson did. He didn't come to grips with that.”