Johnson, Lyndon B. (1908–1973)

Lyndon B. Johnson, who served as 36th president of the United States, was one of America's most liberal and controversial chief executives. Johnson had enormous success in implementing his Great Society domestic agenda for an expansive and activist federal government. He brought to bear a lifetime of experience in national politics to successfully implement an ambitious legislative program that included environmental programs, massive increases in federal responsibility for education, the Medicare and Medicaid health insurance programs, and destruction of the Jim Crow system of racial segregation in the South. In 1964 he defeated Barry Goldwater in the largest landslide in American history. In the realm of foreign policy, Johnson failed miserably. The war in Vietnam destroyed his credibility and divided both his own party and the population at large. Though driven by a desire to be loved by the American people, he left office as one of the most unpopular presidents in history.

Lyndon Baines Johnson was born in rural, central Texas. His father was a state representative of the populist persuasion. As a boy, Lyndon accompanied his father on political campaigns and eavesdropped on conversations his father had with fellow politicians. Both of his parents instilled an intense ambition in their son. By national standards the Johnsons lived in poverty, but they considered themselves middle class.

Lyndon was a gregarious child and made many friends. He was fond of a good time and occasionally got into trouble. In 1927 he enrolled in the Southwest Teachers College in San Marcos, Texas. To pay his tuition he served as principal and teacher at a school in Cotulla, Texas, where the majority of the students were poor Mexican immigrants. He purchased playground equipment, organized activities, and pushed his students and teachers hard. After graduation from the Southwest Teachers College, Johnson became a high school teacher in Houston, Texas.

In 1930 Johnson got his first start in politics when he spoke on behalf of an absent candidate at a barbecue. He later served as the candidate's campaign manager. His energy, skill, and drive drew the attention of professional politicians. In 1931 Congressman Richard Kleberg invited Johnson to Washington to serve as his congressional secretary. In no time, Johnson was working long days managing the district's affairs. He became a fixture in Washington and came to know everyone in the national capital.

In 1934 Johnson married Claudia Alta Taylor, known as “Lady Bird,” of Austin, after a 10-week courtship. The couple produced two children, Lynda born in 1944 and Lucy in 1947. In 1942 Johnson purchased KTBC radio station in Texas. In addition to being Lyndon's emotional crutch, Lady Bird managed their radio and, later, television holdings. Johnson was not above using his congressional offices to protect his radio business and he became a millionaire in the process.

In 1935 Johnson was appointed Texas state director of the National Youth Administration (NYA). This position allowed Johnson to travel the state and meet many political leaders. Johnson, however, wanted to return to Washington. In 1937 he sought a seat in Congress. Campaigning as an ardent supporter of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, Johnson won a special election. As Congressman, Johnson displayed the same level of personal energy and devotion he had as Kleburg's secretary and at NYA. Constituents remembered him mostly for his successful efforts to bring electricity from the Rural Electricity Administration to their homes.

...