Research Paper on "Lyndon B. Johnson and His Let US Continue Speech"

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[EXCERPT] . . . .

Lyndon B. Johnson and his "Let us Continue" Speech

Commonly known as LBJ, Lyndon Banes Johnson (1908-1973) climbed the political ladder all the way up. First a member in the House of Representatives, then a Senator, Lyndon eventually became the 37 Vice President of the United States, serving under President John F. Kennedy. Upon the assassination of Kennedy, Lyndon was instated the country's 36th President. After this term ended, he participated in elections and won another mandate at the White House.

Johnson's agenda was focused on the creation of a better society for the American citizens. The future endeavors were organized under what is called the Great Society legislation, and referred to efforts for improving the educational system, the healthcare system, the media or the environment.

At the same time, international tensions raised from Vietnam, a country broken down in two, with the northern part of the country being communist and fighting to instate communism, and the southern part of the country fighting for freedom. Johnson feared that communist victory would impede with his internal plans, as well as denigrate the global position of the United States. He as such became decided that the U.S. should be more involved in the Vietnam War, and continually sent troops there, for the growing concern and discontent of the population. At one point, people would intone: "Hey, hey LBJ, how many kids did you kill today" (Stubbs). Deeply affected by the outcome of his actions, the President closed himself up to public, making only rare appearances. He died at the age of 64, due to a heart attack.

Upon being instated as United States President for the first time, Johnson faced a difficult task -- he would have to get through to a mourning and grieving society, still in shock from the assassination of Kennedy. Chances were the people would not pay much attention to this new president, come to replace what they have perceived as the best. Johnson was aware of the challenge and he strived to get the people on his side, by making an emotional speech, the first in his presidential career. The speech is called "Let us continue" and was held on the 27th of November 1963, five days after his appointment as United States President, and before a Joint Session of the U.S. Congress.

Johnson began his speech by referring to the sad loss of JFK, "the greatest leader of our time [who] has been struck down by the foulest deed of our time" (Johnson, 1963). He pointed out that he would give anything to not be put in the position of having become president because of the death of Kennedy. This beginning was a natural one in the given circumstances, in which people were still grieving the death of Kennedy, and not mentioning it in a speech would have been insensitive and inappropriate. So Johnson virtually capitalized on the emotions raised by the assassination of the former president. It should not be understood that he did not… READ MORE

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