Now there is a sense that he will more and more emerge as a
major if tragic historical figure, more important than John Kennedy. All the
ingredients are there: he was large in himself, his life spanned vast and
volatile political and social change, and he ruled at a time of shattering
events. He was not just a man of frontier origin who brought us to the edge of
the moon, but a man whose outlook was fashioned at a time when America was a
weak, isolationist nation (an irony since the war he finally fought seemed to
symbolize a nation almost too powerful and expansive for its own good). How was
the 36th president of the United States able to simultaneously tackle the
ambitions of the "Great Society" while navigating Vietnam? Lucky for him, he
was always able to turn to his most reliable, trusted political strategist: his
wife, Lady Bird Johnson. Perhaps the most underestimated First Lady of the
twentieth century, Lady Bird Johnson navigated the power, politics and
polarization of her era to become one of the most influential members of the
Johnson administration and often her husband's secret weapon. Purpose: Discussion panel on LBJ's early years, time in
Congress and years in the White House along with a look at Lady Bird's time as First
Lady Facilitators: Nancy Taylor, Mo Winograd, Rollie Crawford
(Guest Presenter – Shadow Wood), Jan Johnson (Guest Presenter – Shadow Wood),
Ruthmarie Mitsch (Guest Presenter – Lighthouse Bay) |
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