Lyndon B. Johnson
Introduction
Lyndon B. Johnson became the 36th president of the United States following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Upon taking office, Johnson,who had served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, launched progressive reforms aimed at alleviating poverty and creating what he called a “Great Society” for all Americans. Many of the programs he introduced–including Medicare and Head Start–made a lasting impact in the areas of health, education, urban renewal, conservation and civil rights. Despite his impressive domestic achievements, however, Johnson’s legacy was equally defined by his failure to lead the nation out of the Vietnam War. On August 4, 1964, President Johnson had a meeting with various members of Congress to discuss his legislative proposals. At 11:06 A.M., he received a telephone call that triggered a dramatic shift in his priorities. Johnson received an urgent call from Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. According to McNamara, U.S. ships in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of North Vietnam were under attack. These news were especially unsettling, as an attack had occurred only two days prior. It seemed that the North Vietnamese had ignored Johnson’s warning that an unprovoked attack on U.S. ships would have serious consequences. Johnson decided to retaliate by ordering air strikes against naval bases in North Vietnam. He asked Congress to grant him authorization for these air strikes as well as the power to deal with any future attacks. At 11:34 P.M. only 12 hours after first hearing about the attack Johnson addressed the nation with news of the Gulf of Tonkin attack, but it was later discovered that an attack had never actually taken place.
This day Lyndon b Johnson main role was that of the Commander in chief. The job of commander in chief is one of the president’s most challenging roles. As head of the armed forces, the president is responsible for the operations of the U.S. military and the overall security of the nation. He also in bodied the role of Chief citizen. In times of crisis or tragedy, the president as chief citizen works to inform, inspire, and comfort the American people.
At 10:40 am the president met with Congressman George Mahon to discuss the status of his proposed legislation.
As his role of Chief policymaker, he has influence over the legislative process. The president normally sets a policy agenda for Congress in the annual State of the Union address. The president may also propose legislation or pressure members of Congress to support or oppose certain bills.
Call that interrupted the presidents legislative meeting. Here McNamara is informing the president of the attacks that occurred.
At 11:06 am the President took a call from Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. The Secretary reported that U.S. ships in the Gulf of Tonkin had been attacked by the North Vietnamese.
As his role as Commander in chief, the presidents job of is one of the most challenging roles. As head of the armed forces, the president is responsible for the operations of the U.S. military and the overall security of the nation.
At 8:01 pm the president took a call from FBI Assistant Director Cartha D. DeLoach. DeLoach delivered news of the finding of the bodies of three Mississippi civil rights workers.
As his role of Chief citizen. The president is the nation’s chief citizen, he strives to embody American ideals and to serve the nation by acting in its best interests. In times of crisis or tragedy, the president as chief citizen works to inform, inspire, and comfort the American people.
TELEPHONE CONVERSATION BETWEEN PRESIDENT LYNDON JOHNSON AND WHITE HOUSE ASSOCIATE COUNSEL LEE WHITE
This is a recording of a telephone call from President Lyndon Johnson to White House Associate Counsel Lee White on August 4, 1964. President Johnson is meeting with congressional leaders and his advisers about the Tonkin Gulf incident when he makes the call. The President relays information to White about the discovery of three bodies in Mississippi, believed to be the bodies of missing civil rights workers.
TELEPHONE CONVERSATION BETWEEN PRESIDENT LYNDON JOHNSON AND LADY BIRD JOHNSON, 8:35PM
This is a recording of a telephone call from Lady Bird Johnson to President Lyndon Johnson at 8:35PM on August 4, 1964. Mrs. Johnson gives the President her love during his busy day and reminds him to come to dinner.
At 11:34 pm The President appeared before live television cameras to make a media statement about the action in Vietnam.
In times of crisis or tragedy, the president as chief citizen works to inform, inspire, and comfort the American people.