Articles about President Lyndon Baines Johnson

The Power of Congress

Jan 15, 2015

The tension between big-tent inclusiveness and ideological purity has bedevilled our two major political parties for many years, but for Democrats it became especially vexing in the middle decades of the twentieth century. read more

Bill Moyers on Saving Our Democracy, ‘Selma’ and LBJ

Jan 14, 2015

During a live chat on Tuesday, January 13, Bill shared his thoughts on saving democracy, fighting corporate interests, the new film Selma, Ted Cruz’s political aspirations, President Lyndon B. Johnson and much more. read more

A country trapped in 1965’s ambitions

Jan 14, 2015

In the history of the American welfare state, no event was more consequential than the convening of the 89th Congress on Jan. 3, 1965, in which Democrats enjoyed huge majorities in both houses. read more

Accurate history isn’t Hollywood’s strong suit

Jan 13, 2015

Tuscaloosa News writer Robert Dewitt on LBJ's portrayal in the "Selma" movie: "In real history, flawed human beings accomplish great things. Saints have momentary failings. People do bad things and still wind up on the right side of history. Hollywood has a hard time with real history." read more

Education Secretary Says He Backs Annual Testing

Jan 12, 2015

Education Secretary Arne Duncan chose the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson's introduction of a landmark education equity bill to make the Obama administration's case for continued testing. read more

LBJ fought a quiet battle to desegregate housing — his own

Jan 05, 2015

A controversy over the portrayal of Lyndon B. Johnson in the movie “Selma” has revived interest in the 36th president’s role in the civil rights struggles of the 20th century. read more

What ‘Selma’ Gets Wrong

Dec 22, 2014

The film “Selma,” depicting the bloody civil rights campaign in Selma, Alabama, gets much right, however, it misses mightily in faithfully capturing the pivotal relationship between Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Lyndon Baines Johnson, says presidential historian and LBJ Presidential Library Director Mark K. Updegrove. read more

LBJ Library Celebrates Lyndon and Lady Bird’s 80th Anniversary

Nov 19, 2014

Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson would have celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary this week. The couple never had a cake when they married back in 1934, so their family made up for it Monday with a cake cutting at the LBJ Presidential Library. read more

How Goldwater Changed Campaigns Forever

Oct 27, 2014

If you were to ask a sampling of analysts which post-World War II presidential elections predicted the political trends we see today, there probably wouldn’t be many votes for 1964. read more

Augusta’s grip on LBJ apparently hurt

Oct 25, 2014

There is a small mystery about President Lyndon Johnson's Oct. 26, 1964, visit to Augusta. What happened to his hand? read more

LBJ’s unfortunate Augusta visit

Oct 25, 2014

President Lyndon Johnson had every reason to feel confident about his campaign stop in Augusta 50 years ago this week. However, he would not carry Richmond County on Election Day 1964, and he probably got a hint of things to come. read more

Obama learns LBJ’s tough lesson: You can have guns or butter, not both

Oct 22, 2014

President Obama has lost his hold on a majority of Americans, according to recent polls. The popular appeal that propelled him to win the 2008 and 2012 elections may be beyond recovery. It is sadly reminiscent of what President Johnson experienced in the mid-1960s after winning the 1964 presidential election by one… read more

2014 Texas Legacy Luci Baines Johnson

Oct 16, 2014

On Thursday October 16, 2014, more than 500 guests gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Austin, Texas, to honor Luci Baines Johnson as our 2014 Texas Legacy. read more

Whistlestop Campaign: Lady Bird Johnson aboard the Lady Bird Special. [LBJ Library photo by Frank Muto. #FM5-10]

What’s the Point of a First Lady?

Oct 06, 2014

Fifty years ago today, Lady Bird Johnson set off on a four day, 47-town solo whistle-stop tour to campaign on behalf of her husband in the South. read more

Remembering Lady Bird Johnson’s WhistleStop tour for Civil Rights

Oct 06, 2014

Fifty years ago, in October 1964, less than a month before the presidential elections, Lady Bird Johnson boarded a train in Washington to stump through eight Southern states. read more

Sally Jewell News

Sep 09, 2014

ABC News' David Kerley takes a hike in Acadia National Park with Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to discuss her work protecting the nation's wilderness. read more

What the Wilderness Act has taught us

Sep 02, 2014

Fifty years ago Wednesday, Lyndon Johnson strolled out to the Rose Garden, pressed a fountain pen between the fingers of his hefty right hand and signed into law the highest level of protection ever afforded the American landscape. read more

[LBJ Library photo by Robert Knudsen. #D2624-7A]

Celebrating 50 years of American wilderness

Sep 02, 2014

On September 3, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the landmark Wilderness Act that set aside more than 9 million acres of land to be protected from development. read more

Still Time for a Conservation Legacy

Sep 01, 2014

Wednesday is the 50th birthday of two of the nation’s most important environmental statutes: the Wilderness Act and the law establishing the Land and Water Conservation Fund. read more

President Lyndon B. Johnson shakes the hands of soldiers as he visits American troops in Vietnam, 1966. [Photo by Interim Archives/Getty Images]

We want our politicians to act like LBJ. But not really.

Aug 21, 2014

Lately there's a lot of admiration for Johnson, who's often portrayed, in this age of entrenched dysfunction and colorless politicians, as a charismatic, needy rogue who knew how to make Washington work. read more

Psychedelic Acid Trope

Jul 18, 2014

Close your eyes and say it out loud: "The Sixties." read more

How LBJ got the Civil Rights Act passed

Jul 02, 2014

The Civil Rights Act remains one of the great puzzles and achievements of American history. The achievement part is obvious. The puzzle part is two-fold. First: why did it take so long? It passed 101 years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. And second: how did it finally get… read more

How one woman died defending racial equality

Jul 02, 2014

Fifty years ago, discrimination in public accommodations and federally assisted programs became illegal, as President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But that did not end the battle for racial equality. read more

Unfinished Business: The Civil Rights Act and Education

Jul 02, 2014

Signed into law 50 years ago today, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 remains one of the most important pieces of legislation in this nation’s history. It set the course for how our country lives its democracy. read more

Congress marks 50th anniversary of Civil Rights Act

Jun 24, 2014

Congressional leaders marked the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act on Tuesday by honoring both the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the bipartisan tactics that lawmakers used to pass the bill in 1964. read more

Bryan Cranston and All The Way win Tony awards

Jun 09, 2014

Bryan Cranston won Tony award for leading actor in a play for his portrayal of LBJ in All The Way, which won best play. read more

LBJ’s Legacy Under Assault

Jun 04, 2014

An editorial by the Reverend Jesse Jackson emphasizes the contributions of President Johnson. read more

Footage of LBJ describing benefits of his Child Safety Act

May 27, 2014

Rachel Madow airs never-before-seen footage of LBJ describing the benefits of his Child Safety Act, passed by Congress in 1970. read more

Do you ride the D.C. Metro? Thank the Great Society

May 27, 2014

Do you ride the D.C. Metro? Thank the Great Society. read more

The Limits of LBJ’s Great Society

May 27, 2014

Great Society at 50: Prince George’s illustrates programs’ transformative legacy — and limits. read more

The Great Society at 50: Lyndon B. Johnson’s cultural vision

May 27, 2014

The Great Society at 50: Lyndon B. Johnson’s cultural vision mirrored his domestic one. read more

Great Society at 50: LBJ’s Job Corps

May 27, 2014

LBJ’s Job Corps will cost taxpayers $1.7 billion this year. Does it work? read more

How did we get to Sesame Street? Via LBJ’s Great Society

May 27, 2014

In 1967, Lyndon Johnson signed the Public Broadcasting Act, which created the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. read more

That time Lyndon Johnson made a killer case against unbridled growth

May 23, 2014

An article about LBJ's accomplishments and the Great Society. read more

The Great Society at 50

May 19, 2014

The Great Society, LBJ’s unprecedented and ambitious domestic vision, changed the nation. Half a century later, it continues to define politics and power in America. read more

Lem Johns, Who Guarded Johnson in Dallas, Dies at 88

May 12, 2014

Lem Johns, a Secret Service agent who guarded Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson when President Kennedy was assassinated and who became a high-ranking Secret Service official during Johnson’s administration, died on Saturday. read more

Bryan Cranston on Breaking Away From Walter White and Playing LBJ

Apr 28, 2014

LBJ Library director interviewed Bryan Cranston for PARADE magazine about his role as LBJ. read more

JOHNSON STUDENT TAKES TOP HONORS IN LBJ LIBRARY ESSAY CONTEST

Apr 22, 2014

Nicholas D. Dauphine, a senior at Johnson High School has won first prize in the LBJ Library “Civil Rights Today” Essay Contest. read more

LBJ biographer nearing end of story

Apr 07, 2014

Biographer Robert Caro reflects on writing the last in a series of books about President Lyndon Johnson. read more

Cornerstones of Civil Rights at LBJ Library

Mar 31, 2014

A new exhibit at the LBJ Library highlights the civil rights work of Presidents Johnson and Lincoln. read more

LBJ Foundation Board member Robert S. Strauss dies at 95

Mar 20, 2014

LBJ Foundation Board member Robert S. Strauss dies at 95 read more

Guests get a sneak peek into LBJ Library’s new exhibit

Mar 19, 2014

The Recording Academy Texas Chapter hosted "A Soundtrack to Change" on Friday, March 14 at the LBJ Presidential Library. read more

The Lyndon B. Johnson Renaissance

Feb 17, 2014

Despite his titanic role in America’s quest for civil rights, the greatest domestic movement of the Twentieth Century, LBJ has been largely underappreciated—even ignored—until recently. read more

Rescuing a Vietnam Casualty: Johnson’s Legacy

Feb 17, 2014

Luci Baines Johnson leaned forward in her father’s private suite at the L.B.J. Presidential Library, her voice breaking as she recounted the “agony of Vietnam” that engulfed Lyndon Baines Johnson and the pain she feels to this day of witnessing his presidency judged through… read more

Politics of blaming the poor: Why it’s still Lyndon Johnson’s America

Jan 28, 2014

Sometimes it seems that little has changed. As a frustrated President Obama prepares to deliver the State of the Union address, it is important to underscore that income inequality and social justice are no less intertwined right now than they were fifty years ago, when President Lyndon Johnson spoke to… read more

The War on Poverty, Then and Now

Jan 13, 2014

LBJ Library director Mark Updegrove responded to an article about the War On Poverty in the New York Times with a letter to the editor. read more

Sid Davis recalls LBJ’s launching the War On Poverty

Jan 09, 2014

Sid Davis, a White House reporter who witnessed Lyndon Johnson’s swearing-in as President, recalls being with LBJ when he launched the War On Poverty. read more

Fifty years ago, Lyndon Johnson and Charles Halleck were in a similar situation [AP Photos]

A toast to the bad old days

Dec 23, 2013

The Democratic president was at loggerheads with the House Republican leader after a rancorous session of Congress. A liberal White House adviser badmouthed the leader to the press, and the president had to apologize. In the end, a bipartisan Christmas spirit prevailed, and the business of governing got done. read more

Happy Birthday Lady Bird!

Dec 22, 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADY BIRD! Commemorating her 101st today. read more

In the War on Poverty, a Dogged Adversary

Dec 17, 2013

When President Lyndon Johnson declared his war on poverty on Jan. 8, 1964, almost exactly 50 years ago, 19 percent of Americans were poor. read more

Photographing the White House From the Inside

Dec 10, 2013

Lyndon Johnson was the first president to allow a photographer unlimited access inside the White House. read more

Why you don’t throw trash out the window

Dec 02, 2013

The Highway Beautification Act, passed in 1965, was sometimes referred to as "Lady Bird's bill." read more

Swearing in of Lyndon B. Johnson as President. [LBJ Library photo by Cecil Stoughton #1a-1-wh63]

Where Kennedy dreamed, Johnson achieved

Nov 25, 2013

Last Friday was not just the 50th anniversary of the assassination of JFK. It was also the 50th anniversary of the swearing in of Lyndon B Johnson. This is always overlooked and, as result, so is the extraordinary domestic legacy of America's 36th President. read more

Media coverage of November 22, 1963

Nov 19, 2013

Media coverage of the events before, during, and after November 22, 1963 related to Lyndon Johnson. read more

LBJ Presidential Library Austin affirms Johnson’s legacy as civil rights hero

Nov 18, 2013

This editorial comments on Lyndon Johnson's legacy as a Civil Rights President. read more

Lynda Robb and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend in Washington D.C.

Nov 14, 2013

Lynda Johnson Robb comments on President Johnson's relationship with John F. Kennedy at a party in Washington D.C. read more

Former GM VP, presidential speechwriter Jack McNulty dies at 86

Nov 13, 2013

Jack McNulty, former speechwriter for President Lyndon Johnson and vice president of public relations for General Motors, died Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. read more

Doris Kearns Goodwin discusses her new book, The Bully Pulpit

Nov 05, 2013

Doris Kearns Goodwin describes her passion for profiling past presidents, including Lyndon Johnson, in her book, The Bully Pulpit. read more

Mark Updegrove on George Bush Post-Presidency

Nov 04, 2013

Nearly five years after leaving office, the nation’s 43rd president lives a life of self-imposed exile in Texas, more interested in painting than politics. read more

The LBJ Library remembers Lee C. White

Oct 31, 2013

The LBJ Library remembers Lee C. White, special counsel to President Johnson from 1965-1966. read more

The Twilight Vindication of George H.W. Bush by Mark Updegrove

Oct 21, 2013

LBJ Library director Mark Updegrove reflects on the legacy of the 41st president. read more

Federal government shuts down, initiating temporary closure of LBJ Library

Oct 01, 2013

As a result of the federal government shutdown, the LBJ Presidential Library has temporarily shut its doors. read more

Obama, Johnson, and Congress

Sep 24, 2013

LBJ shepherded vast amounts of major legislation through Congress; President Obama has seen most of his initiatives stymied. What explains this difference? read more

Presidential History at the LBJ Library

Sep 18, 2013

Blogger Leigh Ann Torres visited the LBJ Library and shares photographs and exhibit descriptions. read more

Hispanic Americans enhance this exceptional nation

Sep 18, 2013

Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, a nonpartisan commemoration first recognized by President Lyndon Johnson, and expanded by President Ronald Reagan. read more

Sunday Spotlight: Bryan Cranston as LBJ

Sep 16, 2013

Robert Schenkkan on his play "All the Way," starring "Breaking Bad" star Bryan Cranston read more

Walter White Meets LBJ

Sep 16, 2013

Brian Cranston visits the LBJ Library to research his upcoming role as President Lyndon Johnson in a play titled "All the Way." read more

The White House to Kremlin Hotline: Avoiding War for 50 Years

Sep 06, 2013

Dr. Harold Saunders, MidEast expert during the Johnson Administration, was interviewed for this story about the ‘hotline’ between the White House and Kremlin. read more

LBJ improved the lives of Americans

Sep 05, 2013

Remembering President Lyndon Johnson on what would have been his 105th birthday read more

UT Community Says ‘Goodbye and Good Luck’ to Bill Livingston

Sep 05, 2013

Friends gathered in the LBJ Library Auditorium to honor the life of William S. Livingston, professor, dean, department chair and more. read more

President Johnson’s Daughter Speaks at 50th Anniversary of March on Washington

Sep 03, 2013

Lynda Johnson Robb spoke at the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington read more

A Birthday Wish for LBJ

Aug 29, 2013

The Superintendent of the Austin Independent School District wishes LBJ a happy birthday and quotes him as saying that to correct past wrongs we must focus on our strengths. read more

Lyndon Baines Johnson - Texas Monthly

Aug 27, 2013

Texas Monthly celebrates the life and times of Lyndon Johnson, America's 36th President, on his birthday. read more

Clinton defends Voting Rights Act

Aug 14, 2013

Hilary Clinton defends Voting Rights Act, says states revive ‘old demons of discrimination.’ read more

Head Start tries to track down more than 27 million alumni

Aug 12, 2013

National Head Start Association is recruiting 27 million alumni to tell their success stories. read more

Cornyn, Cruz Learned What LBJ Knew: Runoffs Matter

Aug 12, 2013

The latest United States senators from Texas, Republicans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, know what a predecessor, Democrat Lyndon Johnson, knew well: runoff elections matter.Two read more

Voting Rights Act in Peril on 48th Anniversary

Aug 06, 2013

Congress needs to strengthen the Voting Rights Act to end voting discrimination. read more

Hot Line: Even without a Cold War, the Washington-Moscow link is still up

Aug 01, 2013

Fifty years ago this month, the Washington-Moscow Hot Line was established read more

Holder hopes defense of civil rights will be his legacy

Jul 30, 2013

Attorney General Eric Holder hopes defense of civil rights will be his legacy. read more

Helen Thomas, pioneering White House reporter, dies at 92

Jul 20, 2013

White House correspondent Helen Thomas, who covered Lyndon Johnson's presidency and nine others, died at the age of 92. read more

The LBJ The Nation Seldom Saw - Revisited

Jun 27, 2013

This essay about LBJ was written by Bob Hardesty years ago. Bob Mann has edited it and sent it to all newspapers in Texas. read more

LBJ’s war on poverty still only partly won

Jun 12, 2013

Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. recalls President Johnson's 1965 commencement address at Howard University and remarks on how little progress has been made since. read more

John Legend discusses LBJ’s legacy with Oprah Winfrey

Jun 12, 2013

In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, singer-songwriter John Legend says when he gives a speech, he looks for inspiration from the speeches of President Johnson read more

Senator Tom Harkin Introduces Education Measure

Jun 05, 2013

Nearly half a century after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a sweeping federal education act and promised to “bridge the gap between helplessness and hope” for disadvantaged children in the nation’s public schools, Congress is still trying to fine-tune the law to achieve its original goals. read more

Representative John Dingell says his most important vote was for the Civil Rights Act

Jun 03, 2013

After 57 years in Congress, Representative John Dingell says his most important vote was for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 read more

LBJ’s Gettysburg Address

May 25, 2013

Fifty years ago, on Memorial Day in 1963, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson gave a speech in Gettysburg, Pa., that foreshadowed profound changes that would be achieved in only 13 months and that mark us still. read more

Ambassadors visited Austin as part of Experience America program

May 20, 2013

Twenty-six ambassadors visited Austin as part of the State Department's Experience America program read more

Johnson created national programs that help older Americans

May 06, 2013

LBJ’s most lasting and important achievements may be the programs he created to help older Americans. read more

Revisiting LBJ’s Austin one address at a time

May 05, 2013

Though Lyndon Johnson did not live in Austin for much of his life, the city made a mark on him from an early age. read more

Capturing the Presidency

May 01, 2013

News to History: Photojournalism and the Presidency is a collaboration between the Briscoe Center and the recently renovated LBJ Library. read more

Mark K. Updegrove on the legacy of President George W. Bush

Apr 30, 2013

On April 25, 2013, The Today Show presented "A Look Back at the Presidency of George W. Bush and included commentary by presidential historians Michael Beschloss and LBJ Library director Mark Updegrove. read more

Stonewall is the place to go for LBJ family, presidential history

Apr 29, 2013

There’s a two-part Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park composed of two separate districts 14 miles apart — one in Stonewall and the other in Johnson City read more

Inside the Presidential Reunion

Apr 26, 2013

LBJ Library director shares his reflections on the opening of the George W. Bush Library and Museum in Dallas, Texas read more

Jeb Bush commends LBJ for leadership

Apr 26, 2013

On the eve of George W. Bush’s presidential library opening, Jeb Bush praised his brother for keeping a low-profile since leaving office and commends LBJ for leadership. read more

Why can’t Barack Obama be more like Lyndon Johnson?

Apr 23, 2013

Partisan dominance helped LBJ pass sweeping legislation in 1965 and 1955 read more

Seeing LBJ the High-Tech Way

Apr 22, 2013

Lady Bird Johnson's office in the LBJ Library is open to visitors read more

Lady Bird’s Blooming Legacy

Apr 22, 2013

Lady Bird Johnson’s environmental legacy lives on as Texans drive down highways adorned with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes and colorful wildflowers read more

Bryan Cranston to play LBJ in play by Robert Schenkkan

Apr 22, 2013

Bryan Cranston will play President Lyndon B. Johnson in a new stage production of a work by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan. read more

Literacy nonprofit brings Curious George to LBJ

Apr 11, 2013

On Thursday April 11, kids will participate in craft time and take home free books at the LBJ Presidential Library. read more

Barnes: Heady talk in a presidential suite

Apr 10, 2013

A dinner was held in the LBJ Library Presidential Suite to honor Julián and Joaquin Castro. read more