From the archives: Lyndon B. Johnson announces he won't seek reelection in 1968

[@johnchessant3012]

1968: LBJ wins New Hampshire primary by write-in vote, against Sen. Eugene McCarthy from Minnesota 2024: Biden wins New Hampshire primary by write-in vote, against Rep. Dean Phillips from Minnesota 1968: LBJ withdraws, endorses Vice President Humphrey who wins the nomination at Chicago convention 2024: Biden withdraws, endorses Vice President Harris who will win the nomination at Chicago convention 1968: Republican nominee is Nixon, attempting a comeback after having lost the 1960 election 2024: Republican nominee is Trump, attempting a comeback after having lost the 2020 election 1968: there was a candidate named Robert F. Kennedy 2024: there is a candidate named Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

[@travisbaker782]

Just fact that history does indeed repeat itself

[@bluetannery1527]

man i hope the part where nixon wins doesn't repeat itself

[@bobbyc2768]

​@@4thaltNixon was a good president

[@arktomorphos]

Yeah, but only one RFK had his brain eaten by a worm

[@xythrr]

​@@bobbyc2768Well, except for the thing that happened.

[@americangiant1003]

FYI Just a couple of days after this shocking LBJ Announcement the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr occurred.

[@smadaf]

In what year is April 4 ever "Just a couple of days after" March 31?

[@VideoAmericanStyle]

And then RFK murdered shortly thereafter. 1968 was absolutely insane.

[@johnawilke]

@@smadafin every year

[@JoeSmith-eo7rc]

@@johnawilkeit’s a few not a couple

[@Lethgar_Smith]

The word "couple" is often euphemistically interchangeable with the word "few" Dont you love correction nerds?

[@DokisKalin1]

Wow I can't believe they were spending $28 billion/year on the Vietnam war alone. That's an absolutely insane amount of money in the 1960s...

[@digleman1]

All to save face...

[@_ArsNova]

@@digleman1 To stop a war of aggression by South Vietnam's Communist northern neighbor.

[@benbohannon]

To save pho 🍜

[@83jdc1]

​@_ArsNova had nothing to do with us. It was about the cold war between the U.S and U.S.S.R, period.

[@scott72able]

@@_ArsNovahow did that work out?

[@csh1921]

FYI, Lyndon Johnson passed away on January 22, 1973. Which means that if he had fought for and won the nomination in 1968 and then defeated Nixon in the general election, he would've completed his second term on January 20, 1973 and then die merely 2 days later 😮 Though he probably would have died much sooner than that if he still had been President due to his health.

[@marcelleclair4452]

He was elected in 1964 after completing Kennedy’s term in office. If he had contested the 1968 election his second term would have been from jan20 1969 to Jan 20 1973. Therefore he could have completed his second term and died 2 days later.

[@Coteup]

He actually likely would have lived longer if he stayed President. He entered a self destructive spiral after leaving office

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@@Coteup The economic reasons for the end of Nam, appeared in 1967 as LBJ was attempting to fund the War on Poverty. Mike Mansfield who replaced Johnson as Senate Majority Leader, was forced to reveal the USA was broke, just about..... The need to pay contractors like Brown & Root took till 1980's. Tommy Tuberville an Alabama Senator recently stated in Congressional session, "We are Dead Broke" that statement should reveal something that Powell speaking to Senate Appropriations questions, lied about once again, saying the economy is just fine. Johnson attempted to save face by passing the economic issues on to the next Administration. The concept of the USA being in a bad Economic Condition, seemed to bother the otherwise sturdy Gent from Texas. That may have been what caused his demise? Lady Bird understood, but did not say...... Robert A Caro revealed more about the last real President the USA had, than any other Biographer.

[@Maximusion]

He’s roughly the same age here as Kamala Harris is now 🤯

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@@Maximusion LBJ had more awareness of what was possible, Kamala is just another Shill for the Wealthy who are the Majority Investors in the Electoral Industry. They are demonstrating all the appearances of setting Her up to be the loser. Trump is going to be handed the Economic Mess. What happens next will be interesting, I suspect He will not survive the first year of an administration.

[@slorgdulschmodus]

LBJ was only 59 here but looks 79. He has the ears of a 90 year-old. Times were tough back then - people aged like milk

[@lamborghinimercy5737]

Because they lived off cigarettes

[@Ian7854]

He also lived through The Great Depression, that has a lot to do with it as well.

[@Slashboss]

Having a bad heart did wonders for that too. He honestly just body and health wise couldn't handle the job, it's a miracle he lived as long as he did.

[@MisterBourgolini]

LBJ was a chain smoker. I think he smoked 3 packs of cigarettes a day. Dwight D. Eisenhower smoked 4 packs of cigarettes a day. Both men suffered their first heart attacks in 1955. Ike was 78 when he died in 1969, LBJ was 64 when he died in 1973. Back in the old days, medical doctors prescribed cigarettes for those with anxiety, not realizing the dangers of cigarettes. Judy Garland was forced to smoke 4 packs of cigarettes a day and live on black coffee when she was teen girl in the 1930s. Anyone who didn't smoke cigarettes likely lived to be 75 years old on average.

[@HueyRocks23]

@@lamborghinimercy5737 This is why people back then looked older. Smoking was everywhere. Even in commercials. I guess we can thank those "truth" ads from the 90s and Jeffrey Wigand.

[@roccoz2231]

LBJ was 59 years old in this video. He looked as old as Biden!

[@Dunkiep8]

Skincare has come a long way

[@LovelyAbyssinianCat-ye6bd]

Coruption is rough on a body

[@Momy69420]

He absolutely doesnt he looks like a 70 year old

[@mohammedsarker5756]

LBJ famously smoked 60 cigarettes a day

[@benbohannon]

One of our great presidents. Way underrated.

[@johnfarr2738]

Say what you will about LBJ but he did a lot of good as president and by deciding to not run in 68’ he did the most selfless act a sitting president can do. He put country before politics, self ambition and party.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

You can glorify Him all You want. His legacy was illuminated by Robert A Caro. He disguised the end of American Exceptionalism. The end of the US Dollar came after He left Office. US Currency has been a Zombie ever since.....

[@Sweeetgal8]

Sounds like someone else we know

[@andrewtc95]

Wasn't it mainly a personal thing? He didn't want to suffer the humiliation of being an elected sitting president and losing his party's nomination. I think it had only happened one before. LBJ was obsessed with not being seen as a failure the way his father was.

[@maddmonk505]

@@andrewtc95 You're right. I was a teenager at the time and remember this speech. Most people hated this guy because of Viet Nam. He would have NEVER been re-elected... and he knew it.

[@maddmonk505]

Wrong. I was a teen and most people HATED him because of Viet Nam. He was just saving face because there was NO chance in Hell of re-election.

[@OAMnez]

13:44 That’s where he said he would NOT accept nor continue as President for another 4 years.

[@Wendlinger]

That was a replay

[@kingmasterfilip2965]

"for ANOTHER 4 years" key word being ANOTHER.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

The fact that the US Currency did not allow War on Poverty, seems to vanish from discussions? The Re-Run with the ghosts of Chet Huntley narrating seem to be all deja Vu all over again? Allow the thought of buying votes to enter the discussion? Build Back Better, appeared to fail to find funds. War on Poverty was short on cash..... They could not buy the votes for another term. Nixon was forced to face the Currency Crisis that Vietnam created. The payments to Supporters like Brown & Root went on till mid 1980's. What size Economic Depression will Trump have dumped in His Lap?

[@alooga555]

The 1968 Democratic National Convention where there was more action outside the building than inside was held in Chicago. This year's convention will also take place in the Windy City. Anything can happen.

[@e-stah]

We didn't start the fire.

[@mrm64]

​@@e-stahThat song will forever be relevant 🔥

[@LovelyAbyssinianCat-ye6bd]

@@alooga555 the year of the yippies

[@kaymuldoon3575]

@@e-stahthat reminds me of a Wayne’s World episode where Garth (Dana Carvey) was talking about that song…and he said, “WE didn’t start the fire! You shut up!!!” 🤣🤣

[@Dara604]

It's going to be different than 1968.

[@lastcommodore2071]

Our leaders spoke more eloquently back then.

[@hmich176]

Obama speaks eloquently.

[@spokentruth5909]

Trump speaks like a toddler

[@adrainiamingo]

@@spokentruth5909 but he speaks the truth and does exactly what he says and I will take that over THESE DO NOTHING LBJ DEMOCRATS

[@robbiedubbelman3024]

@adrainiamingo he does exactly what he says: Horrible things

[@LovelyAbyssinianCat-ye6bd]

@@robbiedubbelman3024 such as?

[@waytoobiased]

$28B in annual spending on Vietnam would be north of $250B in today's money. Yikes.

[@345mrse]

This reads on par with DC and Ukraine.

[@ahmedmegahed3898]

How come Robert De Niro haven't played him yet?

[@kahuna5164]

Not a huge knock, but lbg was a big guy. 6’4, towered over other senators and used it to his advantage. De Niro has the face, but not the size

[@rm-jl8wy]

@@kahuna5164 They just get short actors and cgi things

[@ParticleLarry]

He's too busy hating Trump

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@@ParticleLarry Many People do. Election Industry needs a Bad Guy as does All Star Wrestling.

[@arktomorphos]

​@@ParticleLarrywhich means he has a functioning brain and a modicum of decency

[@seancaselli.]

That's a hell of a tight knot on the President's tie

[@DesiluTrek]

I have a vague memory of this at age 5 as my first political experience, recalling how stunned my parents and other relatives were.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

Exactumundo!

[@Lethgar_Smith]

"They're sending me to Vietnam, Jenny" "It's a whole different country"

[@CodyPoguel]

@tacidian7573 Absolutely. 😥

[@mr.fahrenheit7009]

Its actually crazy how much from 1968 is beings repeated

[@danielhutchinson6604]

A Re-Run with shooting and Economic issues from Colonial Conflicts. The similarities are many..... I say that too.....

[@dmmartinez9]

Your’re wrong in all aspects other than a sitting president standing down.

[@TracySmith-xy9tq]

Dan Rather is so young here. I remember hearing this speech while riding in the car with my parents. I was ten and remember how shocked my parents were to hear this.

[@DuckyB]

I was a High School Senior. I remember it too and how surprised my parents were.

[@americangiant1003]

Rather was just hired by CBS News a couple of years earlier after his notoriety for covering the JFK Assassination. Plus a hurricane he covered in 1962 as the Lead Anchor for the CBS Houston Affiliate.

[@bushy702]

He was 59 here, he looked more like 79

[@americangiant1003]

@@bushy702 Or actually 89. Looks is in the eye of the beholder but man LBJ was the ugliest POTUS in modern American history or since the end of WW2 IMO.

[@spokentruth5909]

Yall old

[@sagaofsarahrose]

If I had a nickel for every time the incumbent Democrat stepped aside from re-election when their party's convention was in Chicago, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

[@Marcelo_DBZ_Music]

Twice in 56 years? Yeah, wow what an epidemic.

[@rickyurena]

If I had a nickel for every time a republican president was either convicted of a crime or pardoned for crimes they may or may not have committed, I’d have two dimes. Oh wow, neat!

[@kaymuldoon3575]

Wow, Saga, you’d have 10 cents!

[@trekkiejunk]

Yeah, and also the two most accomplished Presidents in the last 80 years.

[@trekkiejunk]

@@rickyurena Wait....two dimes? Trump, Nixon....who are the other two?

[@katiemilady197]

If only they knew what 2024 would hold.

[@Awakeningspirit20]

1968 meets 1938

[@bartsanders1553]

​@@Awakeningspirit20 Time to storm the beaches and defeat fascism

[@michaelleroy9281]

2024 is a walk in the park compared to 1968

[@sirrebral]

That video of a weary-looking Johnson...along side the recorded chants of "hey, hey, LBJ, how many kids did you k*ll today"...watched during high school history class 35 years ago, have stuck with me as a constant, sobering reminder of the burden of the Presidency, and to the broader, unintended outcomes of war.

[@flexor212000]

Hearing Dan Rather say "President" in his voice is ingrained in my brain...and I wasn't even alive for this. His voice and delivery is certainly cemented in broadcast and American history.

[@davidautrey4318]

He was burned out,unpopular,and knew he might not win.He was tired and ready to go home.

[@malcolmpalmer569]

Then-Texas Governor John Connally also didn't seek reelection to a fourth two-year term in 1968 due to an ulcer.

[@tony84.]

6:14, Here it is.

[@trekkiejunk]

Honestly, the 6 minutes prior to that are incredibly relevant and poignant, and the video should watched from the beginning.

[@tony84.]

Very good point. I actually did, but wanted to get the relevant information time stamped

[@raginbakin1430]

@@trekkiejunkI beg to differ. It’s just a bunch of filler nonsense, waxing poetic… whatever.

[@malcolmpalmer569]

4:39 The signal to Lady Bird.

[@tony84.]

@@malcolmpalmer569 That is an excellent time stamp. Can you explain? Was that in anyone's book? I would like to know more.

[@G_FRE]

Thanks to the intern that had to dig through tins of reels for this clip

[@TimmyTheTinman]

If it wasn’t for Vietnam first of all this country would be in a far better place and perhaps a Reagan presidency never happens and Lyndon Johnson goes down as a top 5 president

[@michaelmaggi7637]

Top 5? He would've been the GOAT

[@TimmyTheTinman]

@@michaelmaggi7637 the Vietnam War and 9/11 ruined everything

[@kaymuldoon3575]

Yeah, until Biden, LBJ got more legislation passed in one term than any other president.

[@trekkiejunk]

I think there's a good argument that even with Vietnam, LBJ may be a top 5 president.

[@ramal5708]

Blame the French for being so persistent in keeping Indochina after WWII, even though US OSS agents already backing Ho Chi Minh, who was at the time looking to the West for support in Vietnamese independence

[@44excalibur]

Was Jimmy Carter or Gerald Ford the first president to give an address to the nation with the Oval Office window curtains open? Johnson and Nixon always kept them closed.

[@44excalibur]

@@TatumHildebrand I know, I remember seeing Carter with the window blinds open, but I don't know if Ford did that. Every president since Carter has kept them open.

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

Which one was the first to use the fake office in the Eisenhower Building?

[@smadaf]

Where are the blinds in this? I see drapes, no shades, no blinds. I've never seen any blinds or shades on the windows of the Oval Office.

[@44excalibur]

@@smadaf Drapes, shades, whatever the hell that stuff is right behind LBJ. 😂

[@RRjames5332]

Curtains

[@jameslisle7775]

I’m not a Democrat and LBJ showed a lot of integrity. Something rare in politics nowadays. R.I.P. 36 💙🙏

[@maddmonk505]

"Integrity"? I was a teenager and most people HATED him because of Viet Nam. He had NO chance of re-election... and he knew it. This was ONLY a face saving move.

[@misterwhipple2870]

LBJ didn't have an ounce of integrity in his body.

[@chrisfinch8637]

1968 certainly was a big and yet, challenging year for many, based off of this announcement by President Lyndon Johnson, the deaths of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy (both of which changed the whole country and world, together), and the Vietnam war at that time. As for Johnson concluding his presidency, as well as finishing out what would've been the late President John F. Kennedy's whole two terms, I'd say he's done a decent job in carrying out Kennedy's legacy and duties, while he was President for a short period of time. And also, with President Joe Biden not seeking another term, I'd say that he did it at a time where it was crucial, and for the sake of his party, his family, and the rest of America, and the world. I thought both announcements from both Presidents, about 56 years apart, were well thought through, and well expressed, during certain times of big change in America, and so much more. Johnson, John F., Robert F., and Martin, thank you for all the great memories that you've provided for our country. And Biden, thank you for expressing your future with yourself in politics, for many decades.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

The economic issues that caused Johnson to begin to back out of Nam, appear to be with us one more time? Biden should have made an exit a while ago. Kamala appears to be set up to lose as did Hubert. The Electoral Industry is running this Play.....

[@danielhutchinson6604]

I assume that Johnson was the last real American President. His mastery of the Senate, accomplished what JFK was unable to do. His debt to Brown & Root was what doomed him on Colonial issues.

[@donaldball3245]

And yet, for all the gloom, doom, and despair, 1968 was also the year that man took his first steps beyond the cradle of Earth in journeying to another world... yeah, the Moon is in our celestial back yard, but still...

[@judithelaine9285]

Yep! I saw that speech. The democratic party was divided over the Vietnam war. He did this for the sake of the country & focused on the rest of his term.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

Rusk and the Rednecks who thought Colonial Exploitation was not all that bad, were beating War Drums, Clark Clifford and some Defense Guys understood what drove McNamera out. The Cost of Nam stopped the War on Poverty. It was not something that was affordable. Here we are again? The cost of Ukraine, Israel and threatening China, have broke the Fiat Currency supplies. Trump will be given the Economic Depression that LBJ never even imagined.....

[@SupremeBros2012]

Say what you must but LBJ is one of the most accomplished US presidents out there Strong arming his folks on Texas to vote for the civil rights bill to pass was extraordinary

[@345mrse]

Strong-arming/ Accomplished.

[@pastorcharlessmith7110]

YET he used the N word ENDLESSLY!

[@MarkHarrison733]

Johnson condemned African-Americans to live in poverty.

[@mackpines]

Just incredible how relevant this speech is today. To prevent history from repeating itself, learn it and become fascinated.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

History is repeating.... Another Colonial Conflict is eating up the Money the Nixon Administration introduced to cover the cost of Nam. The Economic mess that one Administration hands to the next, are the gift that keeps on being disguised..... Economic awareness is pretty low volumn in the USA......

[@KT72273]

February 27, 1968 - Walter Kronkite says The Vietnam War was 'unwinnable!' March 31, 1968 - Lyndon Johnson says he will not seek reelection! 🤔

[@trwent]

Cronkite.

[@tylerkeller8869]

For any of the MAGA people here, did you hear the part where he emphasized being a PUBLIC SERVANT? And ending divisiveness ???

[@danielhutchinson6604]

How many Million was paid to His Hotels to cover security for Visitors? The Constitution seems pretty clear that Presidents are not supposed to profit from being in the Oval Office..... The Oath to Protect and Defend the Constitution , must mean ignoring it?

[@345mrse]

We have heard. No more invisible borders. No more funds for militaristic proxy engagements. No more selfish DEI’s and judicial unaccountability. No more socio-economic disparities around personal transportation means.

[@andrewtc95]

LBJ served the worst parts and desires of the country - resentment, weakness and neediness.

[@moviereviews1446]

He failed at both

[@marvindeleon5850]

Being president is hard.

[@pastorcharlessmith7110]

uh Biden is president!

[@harveysengersmusic247]

In private, when he was asked why he stepped back he would simply say "I can't control the goddamned CIA".

[@markjones952]

4:40 this is the signal to Lady Bird that he was going to drop out.

[@chattiermike140]

Where did you get info on this? I’m not doubting you, I’d just love to learn more about it

[@smadaf]

@@chattiermike140 , why wouldn't you doubt a stranger on the Internet offering random stuff about secret signals from a man the stranger probably never met, to a woman the stranger probably never met, in a marriage that the stranger was not a party to? Lady Bird Johnson wrote in her diary about knowing about the announcement at the end of the speech, and discussing it, hours before it was delivered. The relevant entry is quoted at the website of PBS, in the section about the Lady Bird Johnson documentary, in the subsection called "Shattered Dreams".

[@1993JordanC]

@@chattiermike140 Mrs. Johnson was sitting beside him off camera. She had helped him prepare two speeches - this one and one w/o the notice that he was dropping out. She did not know which one he would use until he said it.

[@palestinabaddie]

​@@1993JordanChow come his wife wasnt informed

[@rickguerrero2282]

I remember hearing that speech live as a young boy in Fort Worth, Texas. It was an amazing moment.

[@Mythical444]

I live in Fort Worth right now, moved here from Jersey

[@michaelgarcia8602]

It something to Watch History in March of 1968.

[@petitthom2886]

Seeing Dan Rather and Roger Mudd so young 😮 And the first electoral map for the coverage will be in 1972 by ABC and CBS if I’m correct

[@claydogg234]

Once again the KZbin algorithm gives me a good chuckle. Impeccable timing.

[@jimbenson2176]

6:15 for the actual announcement for those who just want that bit

[@ghos7fiction]

"Time is a flat circle" - Boe Jiden.

[@trwent]

All circles are flat since they are 2-dimensional objects.

[@michaelleroy9281]

March 31, 1968 I saw this as it happened it was a shock to the nation

[@MarkHarrison733]

It was widely expected.

[@SongDog9]

He was a great President!

[@oscarl.ramirez7355]

LBJ knew when to walk away from the Highest Office in the Land. A Great Library to Visit in Austin, TX.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

Robert A Caro has spent a considerable amount of time in there. He was fascinated by Johnson. I have a few of His Books. They are damn fine reading.....

[@djhoneylove5710]

He believed he could not complete another term due to his health.

[@roadracer1593]

We are just as divided a nation in 2024 as we were in 1968. Not much has changed in this regard in 56 years.

[@JaylenPotts-zs2qw]

It was so much chaos going on in 1968 civil disobedience in cities like Detroit and Philadelphia. Vietnam War protest and assassinations and Civil Rights protest. Nowadays it's cities like Albany Ga and Chicago Illinois.

[@welterskelter]

Great speaker.

[@Prauwlet213]

one of the greatest presidents, sadly held back by Vietnam.

[@laurietauchus8006]

I was about to turn one year old when LBJ said this.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

I was almost Draft Age.

[@laurietauchus8006]

@@danielhutchinson6604 - Curious to know - what did you think when LBJ made that announcement?

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@@laurietauchus8006 That was a strange one, it caused the feeling that no body was driving the Boat. To me that was the last real President who did actually provide leadership. Seemed like something wen away? There has been no actual President since then, no one who could hand instructions to Congress and have them say, "Yes Sir!"

[@laurietauchus8006]

@danielhutchinson6604 - Thank you for your answer; I appreciate your time to answer my question. I am interested in the viewpoints of people f someone who were old enough to remember. Have a great day!

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@@laurietauchus8006 I studied Economics as the USA went to Fiat Currency in 1970. We were discussing the durability of a Fiat Currency economy. That seems to have provided a bit of perspective in my point of view. Good luck with Your side of the World, I am going to face the destruction that the wind provided to our Ranch last evening. Have a lovely Day.....

[@CodyAvant]

Dude was a Nelly fan in 1968

[@surf7lakemich1]

Remember watching this with my brother just before he got drafted. Like seeing an evil king driven off his throne

[@bethfromarkansas7190]

I hope he made it home.

[@jimtussing]

Ever wonder why no politicians talk about liberty anymore?

[@justindysinger]

Can't wait to get to this in my ongoing LBJ documentary. 6 parts out now.

[@scruffydelilah1186]

Back when being 60 was like “Biden old”

[@rm-jl8wy]

LBJ was 59 here, let that sink in! He looks as old as Biden at 82. I guess people just looked a lot older then.

[@CodyPoguel]

No, Johnson doesn't look 82 in this video (and Joe Biden is actually 81).

[@bsteven885]

@rm-jl8wy, the strong Texas sun without sunscreen (which wasn't invented yet) -- along with lots of cigarettes and alcohol -- made LBJ look much older.

[@rm-jl8wy]

@@bsteven885 Yeah, cigarettes have been proven to age a person!

[@royalewithchz]

Solid point. He looks incredibly old here. But still sharp minded unlike some presidents.

[@CodyPoguel]

@@royalewithchz Such as Trump & Biden, for instance.

[@davedrifter416]

I saw this live but did not realize the historic impact of the speech. I did end up enlisting in the US Army and was deployed to VietNam. The first time ai heard about VietNam and Laos was when I was in the 4th Grade.

[@yungk4b294]

He was 60 here but looked 80

[@melanieparker]

Cigarettes will do that to you.

[@REPUBLICANSAREBEYONDSTUPID]

6:14 😢

[@Michael_Scott_Howard]

Tomorrow we get to hear Biden do the same.

[@dfirth224]

He decided not to run after losing the New Hampshire primary several weeks earlier in March, 1968.

[@Funnyweirdediter]

Lincoln, FDR, and LBJ, the three greatest domestic president’s. Without Vietnam LBJ would be on Mount Rushmore.

[@MarkHarrison733]

Lincoln was a racist. FDR made Europe and China Communist. LBJ destroyed the United States.

[@justletmepostthis276]

Lyndon B. Johnson. If Tom Hanks and Robert De Niro had a baby. lol.

[@alex4863]

I was born in 96’ never had the experience of LBJ in my life, my family became middle class under his administration for that I thank him. Regardless of what people say “Great Society” is a wonderful gesture, also as someone that is a “Southern Man” it makes me smile that we gave minorities the dignity they deserve and redeemed our South disgrace morality.

[@nanoen_]

Giving up power is one of the most noble sentiments a president or leader can give.

[@e-stah]

The Pallet cleanser America needs right now, but not the one it shall accept. However had the prescience to post this I thank you. In the eternal words of Billy Joel and Santayana: Those who forget history, are doomed to start the fire.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

Have we arrived at the end of Capitalism as a social system? There has to be a Lyric in the economic discussions.....

[@hushpuckena126]

A few months short of his sixtieth birthday, and with less than five years to live, LBJ looked blown out here, and still more so in the last interview of his life, ten days before death.

[@investorswantedchannel8059]

wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@smadaf]

It's so typical of Dan Rather to point out that he's going to quote and then to get the quote wrong before he's even ten words in and then to mess it up some more.

[@steveboudreaux7933]

LBJ would die of a fatal heart attack on January 22nd, 1973.

[@minewheaties5029]

Biden also talked about similar things, especially in the unity part.

[@mattbeatgoeson]

It's too late to drop out, Johnson!

[@danielhutchinson6604]

It was late, but time for the Primaries . Biden is way too late to promote any alternative but Kamala. She will lose, and Trump will get the biggest Economic Depression dumped in his lap.....

[@JaysnewFlight]

decent move

[@casanovafrankenstein8538]

Too bad they didn't forsee tRump's madness...

[@melanieparker]

At least he's not a quitter.

[@michaelleroy9281]

Last time I checked, this was 1968

[@SongDog9]

I loved Lady Bird...

[@misterwhipple2870]

She was born in 1912, you know . . .

[@VêVêLúiBỳ]

For the survival, for the liberty

[@mikerochford2595]

LBJ and Truman had both served more than four years due to completing the term of a president who died in office. Legally, both could have run for re-election, but it would have been against the spirit of an eight year term limit. That didn't apply to Biden.

[@malcolmpalmer569]

Truman would've served 11 years had he won in 1952. LBJ would've served 9 years had he pulled it off in 1968.

[@Shauny70]

it's weird how History is repeating itself tonight

[@welterskelter]

Say what you will about Trump he does not care about the success of liberty

[@melanieparker]

He's also not a quitter.

[@DavidCroteau-fw5io]

He knew he didn't want to get Kennedy he did not want to get tapped out

[@sheriarthur4789]

We really need to learn from history. #1968vibes

[@grschott]

Rather was wound tighter than an 8 day clock. I never understood his appeal. Mudd was better

[@Sarf23-wj2tx]

LBJ’s slightly awkward brow wipe at 4:40 is a secret signal to Lady Bird that he is going with the second version of the ending of his speech (“Accordingly, I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President.”) what a shock that was across the nation.

[@dr.plutonus1496]

Oh America - if only you had LBJ now. A colossus.

[@reesejabs1895]

Best decision he ever made.

[@HeydenHarvey]

I know why he 'had' to say he won't go for re-election but damn, he was 100% the best domestic president in our history, super close with the Roosevelts though. Too bad the Vietnam war has tainted his legacy to most people that dont have much of an interest in the presidents

[@MarkHarrison733]

LBJ was a complete disaster.

[@HeydenHarvey]

@@MarkHarrison733 What policy, act, or legislation do you think was bad?

[@MarkHarrison733]

@@HeydenHarvey The Civil Rights Act of 1964 caused African-Americans to live in poverty on welfare, and the Immigration Act of 1965 destroyed the United States.

[@thefighter5182]

The reason I like the Democrats more is because they do things different and be more open minded about other stuff. Because Republicans don't do that is because they're told to do stuff that they have to do just to be unconventional even when it's better to be conventional because of traditional government and military will make things better for you. But Trump is ruining everything for the worst. Because my favorite Democratic President ever is LBJ.

[@Allbrakesnogarage]

I miss Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather great newsmen that you looked forward to listening to

[@michaeltaylor6782]

Best president ever.

[@nicolekavanagh3378]

❤

[@jaymorgenthal9479]

LBJ needed statins and stents in his heart but that would not be available for another 60 years from the day of his first heart attack. Almost all people in the 50’s with coronary artery disease were on borrowed time. He got 18 years after his first heart attack. He would have died before 1973 if re elected from the strain .

[@JLLockwood]

Whos here because of the Biden situation?

[@ferventtrickster3362]

We 💙 Grandpa Joe KAMALA2O24 & ALL 8 YEARS

[@kevinconboy7387]

@@ferventtrickster3362he dropped out he’s not doing another term lmao. Trump Won

[@nothotrodmagazine]

It was posted July 22, 2024. We all are lol

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

Who isn't?

[@michaelleroy9281]

There is no war the US is involved in 2024 Vietnam was at its heights in 1968

[@dannyprecysroadtoforever5234]

Looking at the comments on this video is a validation of how divided we are as a nation. Voting in America was once a private matter and it was only your business who you voted for when you closed the curtain. These days everyone shouts to the world who they are voting for as well as telling you who you should vote for. Mind your business, keep your mouth shut and love your neighbor and someday we may once again see the United States of America

[@AndrésCoria-u1n]

He was a great president

[@rockonpony]

Is that seriously Dan Rather? A young Dan Rather??

[@wildannie6788]

Why did he drop out?

[@mrm64]

The stress of the Vietnam War took too much of a toll on him among other things and probably didn't feel up to it. His approval rating was very low at the time. Also he already technically went through two terms (one under JFK as vice president for 3 years and one term his own). He would die less than 5 years later. Had he stayed, he's probably die in office.

[@Quinton249]

Walter Cronkite's opinion of Vietnam was the final straw as well.

[@everettduncan7543]

​@@Quinton249 and with Biden it started with Gaza and ended with the debate.

[@mrs.meaney1748]

I can't help but wonder if the timing of the Hamas attack wasn't in fact intended to throw a wrench into the 24 American election... There are no coincidences

[@jmp1262]

His wife was concerned about his health. Too much stress about the war. Civil unrest.

[@Tugboatpb]

What does CBS mean by this?

[@The1cdccop]

At least, Johnson had a head about him.

[@RichardG0linsky]

God dam we live this night mare over and over he died with 300milllon that is a billion today how do you get that much money?