An Evening With W. Marvin Watson and Sherwin Markman, 6 p.m., Thursday, October 7, 2004
Chief of Staff: Lyndon Johnson and His Presidency “Marvin Watson was the loyal keeper at the gate. His memories should be a bountiful addition to the story of those yeasty years.” – Lady Bird Johnson on Chief of Staff
Note: This event is for Friends of the LBJ Library members. For more information, or if you would like to become a member of the Friends of the LBJ Library, call Larry Reed at (512)478-7829, ext. 296.
Chief of Staff to the President is one of the most important political appointments in our nation's government. Aside from handling the day-to-day details that keep the White House running, the Chief of Staff is often the President's closest confidante and gatekeeper – anyone who wants access to the Oval Office goes through the Chief of Staff.
Marvin Watson, who became President Johnson's Chief of Staff in 1965, has been described as “the mystery man of the White House.” In Chief of Staff: Lyndon Johnson and His Presidency , written with former Johnson special assistant Sherwin Markman, Watson writes for the first time about his unique knowledge of LBJ and finally reveals what he knows about this extraordinary figure. Readers are taken inside the presidential life and times of Lyndon Johnson.
Leon Panetta, White House chief of staff for President Clinton, writes, “For those of us who have served presidents, this is a fascinating insight into the role of chief of staff and the politics of Lyndon Johnson.”
In 1958, Marvin Watson created one of the first Johnson-for-President clubs in Texas. Watson assumed the job of White House Chief of Staff in February 1965. . Sherwin Markman was President Johnson's special assistant until 1968.
The LBJ Store will be selling Chief of Staff , and Mr. Watson and Mr. Markman will be signing copies of the book outside the auditorium from 5:15 until 5:45.
A reception will follow the program.