The Presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson (American Presidency Series) - Softcover

Bornet, Vaughn Davis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0700602429 ISBN 13: 9780700602421

Publisher: University Press of Kansas, 1984

Synopsis

This pioneering assessment of all significant aspects of the Johnson presidency is the first book-length appraisal by a professional historian to cover all issues, decisions, and developments of consequence—from foreign affairs, Vietnam, and the space race to the Great Society, civil rights, and the war on poverty—during the span of Johnson's five years in office. At a time when unflattering portraits of Johnson's distinctive personal and governmental style prevail, this volume presents a full, thoughtful, and balanced evaluation of the administration's achievements and failures.

Vaughn Bornet draws a compelling picture of the dramatic period from late 1963 to early 1969 based on a close examination of memoirs, scholarly books and articles, manuscript materials in the central White House files, and key oral histories. Many of the sources of information have not been used before; only a few of those who worked closely with Johnson during his 1,886 days in office will be familiar with all the details of this comprehensive account.

Bornet documents that, at the very outset, Johnson ignored or dismissed information from key advisors showing that our Vietnam war efforts would fail without a major commitment. In his chapter on the hostile relations between Johnson and the media, Bornet blames both the President and the press for the so-called credibility gap. He credits Johnson, rather than Kennedy, with the moon landing. He shifts the focus from Johnson as a consummate politician to give full attention and credit to the Presidents important and talented team—a group that included Bill Moyers, Joseph Califano, Douglass Cater, Horace Busby, Walt Rostow, McGeorge Bundy, Lawrence O'Brien, Dean Rusk, George Reedy, and Jack Valenti. And Bornet is the first to argue that it was poor health, not political pressure, that caused Johnson to decide against seeking reelection in 1968.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"The most comprehensive and evenhanded work on the LBJ presidency that we have. This is a book that no one with serious interest in this critical administration can afford to ignore."--Alonzo L. Hamby, author of Beyond the New Deal

About the Author:

Vaughn Davis Bornet is emeritus professor of history and social science at Southern Oregon State College.

About this edition

• Publisher: University Press of Kansas
• Publication date: 1984
• ISBN 10: 0700602429
• ISBN 13: 9780700602421
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 432