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The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years
One of “Five Best Books about Wartime Presidents”—Michael Bechloss, The Wall Street Journal
From Lyndon Johnson’s closest domestic adviser during the White House years comes a book in which “Johnson leaps out of the pages in all his raw and earthy glory” ( The New York Times Book Review ) that’s been called “a joy to read” (Stephen Ambrose, The Washington Post Book World ). And now, a new introductory essay brings the reader up to date on Johnson’s impact on America today.
Califano takes us into the Oval Office as the decisions that irrevocably changed the United States were being crafted to create Johnson’s ambitious Great Society. He shows us LBJ’s commitment to economic and social revolution, and his willingness to do whatever it took to achieve his goals. Califano uncorks LBJ’s legislative genius and reveals the political guile it took to pass the laws in civil rights, poverty, immigration reform, health, education, environmental protection, consumer protection, the arts, and communications.
President Lyndon Johnson was bigger than life—and no one who worked for him or was subjected to the “Johnson treatment” ever forgot it. As Johnson’s “Deputy President of Domestic Affairs” ( The New York Times ), Joseph A. Califano’s unique relationship with the president greatly enriches our understanding of our thirty-sixth president, whose historical significance continues to be felt throughout every corner of America to this day.
A no-holds-barred account of Johnson’s presidency, The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson is an intimate portrait of a President whose towering ambition for his country and himself reshaped America—and ultimately led to his decision to withdraw from the political arena in which he fought so hard.
From Lyndon Johnson’s closest domestic adviser during the White House years comes a book in which “Johnson leaps out of the pages in all his raw and earthy glory” ( The New York Times Book Review ) that’s been called “a joy to read” (Stephen Ambrose, The Washington Post Book World ). And now, a new introductory essay brings the reader up to date on Johnson’s impact on America today.
Califano takes us into the Oval Office as the decisions that irrevocably changed the United States were being crafted to create Johnson’s ambitious Great Society. He shows us LBJ’s commitment to economic and social revolution, and his willingness to do whatever it took to achieve his goals. Califano uncorks LBJ’s legislative genius and reveals the political guile it took to pass the laws in civil rights, poverty, immigration reform, health, education, environmental protection, consumer protection, the arts, and communications.
President Lyndon Johnson was bigger than life—and no one who worked for him or was subjected to the “Johnson treatment” ever forgot it. As Johnson’s “Deputy President of Domestic Affairs” ( The New York Times ), Joseph A. Califano’s unique relationship with the president greatly enriches our understanding of our thirty-sixth president, whose historical significance continues to be felt throughout every corner of America to this day.
A no-holds-barred account of Johnson’s presidency, The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson is an intimate portrait of a President whose towering ambition for his country and himself reshaped America—and ultimately led to his decision to withdraw from the political arena in which he fought so hard.
480 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1991
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June 29, 2022
A first-hand account of the presidential term of Lyndon Johnson, as written by LBJ's Domestic Affairs Advisor, Joseph A. Califano Jr. Naturally, there's much here that will be of interest to LBJ enthusiasts, with stories of his strong-arming members of congress, shaping civil rights reforms, and his doomed quest to make Abe Fortas chief justice standing out. But oh boy is this a dry book. Califano Jr. may have been a great aide to Johnson, but he's not much of a writer. Robert A. Caro has written around 3,400 pages on the life of Lyndon Johnson in a four-part series (so far) that takes detours into the history of the Texas hill country, the historical form and function of congress, and the methods by which American elections have been rigged and stolen, but The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson still feels longer. It's also disappointing that Califano Jr. scarcely addresses Vietnam, although the nature of his role arguably precludes emphasis on 'Nam (this is a memoir after all; not a biography). You won't find any withering criticisms of Califano's boss either, although he has plenty of that for the Kennedys and poor old Hubert Humphrey. All told, this book is better suited to LBJ completists than the casual reader of presidential history.
July 25, 2020
"[...] I shall not seek - and will not accept - the nomination of my party for another term as your President [...]"
The above is the famous sentence from President Lyndon Johnson's speech on March 31, 1968 when he announced he would not be seeking the second term in office. I vaguely remember the surprised reactions of Polish press and TV (I lived in Poland then and was a high-school senior) and I mainly recall being aware that I was witnessing a historical moment.
Joseph Califano's book The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson. The White House years (1991) is an extremely detailed account of the author's three-and-a-half-year work for the President. Being one of the closest advisors Mr. Califano had the opportunity to talk to the President virtually every day, which explains the tremendous amount of factual material in the book.
The narration begins in July 1965 when Mr. Califano gets a call from the White House and learns that the President wants him to take on the job preparing legislative programs, manage domestic crises, "and act as a general utility infielder on the domestic scene." Two days later Mr. Califano joins the President at the pool in Lyndon Johnson's Texas ranch and gets driven around the ranch.
These are turbulent times for the country. The President issues a statement about escalation of American involvement in Vietnam - 50,000 young men are sent to the war, many of whom will return in caskets draped with American flag. Amidst this tragedy Lyndon Johnson continues implementing his Great Society policies and his push for civil rights: the Congress passes the Voting Rights Act. The list of Lyndon Johnson's legislative successes in 1965-1966, "taking the federal government on the side of the little person," is extremely impressive:
On the lighter side, we read about the President's tendency to micromanage, for instance about his involvement with egg prices, and - on a larger scale - his successful fight against price increases attempted by aluminum, copper, and steel companies. We also read about President Johnson's views of other politicians. Mr. Califano uses three "d's": the President despises Nixon, detests Senator McCarthy, and distrusts Robert F. Kennedy. I will add the fourth "d" - the text makes it clear that he also continually demeans his own Vice-President Hubert Humphrey.
I do not buy the theory that a President should be a paragon of morality and ethics to lead the country. For instance, the ability to convincingly lie on demand is, to me, one of the basic requirements of being a successful politician. If one were to read Mr. Califano's memoir selectively and with a bias, one could form an impression of Lyndon Johnson as an arrogant, cheating, macho scumbag. While I do not share such an opinion, I certainly do not admire Lyndon Johnson as a person. Yet I certainly admire him as a president, in my view one of the better the country has had. And I admire him for his courage and wisdom to step aside.
And as to Mr. Califano's book, despite tremendous amount of information about the highest levels of US politics it provides I am unable to rate it higher than three stars. The reason is that it just overwhelms the reader with zillions and zillions of facts that are not filtered in any consistent way. It is like a huge database of tidbits with just a scant synthesis.
Three stars.
The above is the famous sentence from President Lyndon Johnson's speech on March 31, 1968 when he announced he would not be seeking the second term in office. I vaguely remember the surprised reactions of Polish press and TV (I lived in Poland then and was a high-school senior) and I mainly recall being aware that I was witnessing a historical moment.
Joseph Califano's book The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson. The White House years (1991) is an extremely detailed account of the author's three-and-a-half-year work for the President. Being one of the closest advisors Mr. Califano had the opportunity to talk to the President virtually every day, which explains the tremendous amount of factual material in the book.
The narration begins in July 1965 when Mr. Califano gets a call from the White House and learns that the President wants him to take on the job preparing legislative programs, manage domestic crises, "and act as a general utility infielder on the domestic scene." Two days later Mr. Califano joins the President at the pool in Lyndon Johnson's Texas ranch and gets driven around the ranch.
These are turbulent times for the country. The President issues a statement about escalation of American involvement in Vietnam - 50,000 young men are sent to the war, many of whom will return in caskets draped with American flag. Amidst this tragedy Lyndon Johnson continues implementing his Great Society policies and his push for civil rights: the Congress passes the Voting Rights Act. The list of Lyndon Johnson's legislative successes in 1965-1966, "taking the federal government on the side of the little person," is extremely impressive:
"the war on poverty, health care for the elderly and the poor; aid to education for poor children; voting rights; immigration reform; and regional heart, cancer, and stroke research facilities in every section of the nation [...]"But then comes 1967, when the anti-Vietnam-war protests explode all over the country and the President appears powerless and losing his mandate to lead the bitterly divided country. 1968 is the "Nightmare Year," and Lyndon Johnson decides to do a honorable thing and not seek re-election.
On the lighter side, we read about the President's tendency to micromanage, for instance about his involvement with egg prices, and - on a larger scale - his successful fight against price increases attempted by aluminum, copper, and steel companies. We also read about President Johnson's views of other politicians. Mr. Califano uses three "d's": the President despises Nixon, detests Senator McCarthy, and distrusts Robert F. Kennedy. I will add the fourth "d" - the text makes it clear that he also continually demeans his own Vice-President Hubert Humphrey.
I do not buy the theory that a President should be a paragon of morality and ethics to lead the country. For instance, the ability to convincingly lie on demand is, to me, one of the basic requirements of being a successful politician. If one were to read Mr. Califano's memoir selectively and with a bias, one could form an impression of Lyndon Johnson as an arrogant, cheating, macho scumbag. While I do not share such an opinion, I certainly do not admire Lyndon Johnson as a person. Yet I certainly admire him as a president, in my view one of the better the country has had. And I admire him for his courage and wisdom to step aside.
And as to Mr. Califano's book, despite tremendous amount of information about the highest levels of US politics it provides I am unable to rate it higher than three stars. The reason is that it just overwhelms the reader with zillions and zillions of facts that are not filtered in any consistent way. It is like a huge database of tidbits with just a scant synthesis.
Three stars.
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May 12, 2024Part memoir and part insider look at Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency, Califano is adept at being brutally honest about LBJ's failings while also paying homage to his boss's idealistic goals. This is a good book for those of us who study the 1960s and/or presidential politics. Califano, as a domestic advisor, doesn't discuss the challenges and failures of Vietnam quite enough for the realities we understand now.
January 3, 2018
https://bestpresidentialbios.com/2018...
“The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson” is Joseph Califano, Jr.’s 1991 memoir based on the three-and-a-half years he spent as Special Assistant to President Johnson. Califano later served for almost three years as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Carter. He is the founder of The Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University and the author of about a dozen books.
The scope of this 349-page book is centered upon events Califano observed from his perch in the Johnson administration. Although he occasionally expands the focus in order to observe the genesis of policy matters arising prior to his arrival, at its core this book is a free-flowing first-person narrative where the reader becomes a “fly on the wall” during Califano’s tenure in the White House.
Much of the book’s narrative (and nearly all of its best insight) derives from conversations in which the author was directly involved. But where he has to fill in the gaps with traditional research, he seems to do so judiciously. Many of the policy topics Califano discusses were important issues of the day such as Vietnam, the Great Society and fiscal matters. Others were far less substantive, but offer equally compelling insight into the day-to-day operations of LBJ’s administration.
The most valuable portions of the text include the relatively new twenty-one page introduction, which adds context and perspective to the narrative, and much of the last one-third of the book. In these last chapters Califano covers LBJ’s decision not to seek re-election as well as his perspectives on the Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy assassinations, the Abe Fortas Supreme Court mess and the selection of the 1968 Democratic presidential nominee.
But in the book’s earliest pages it is immediately clear (if not at all surprising) that Califano is a fan of Lyndon Johnson. Readers expecting to encounter meaningful criticism of liberal politics, of LBJ’s brash style or of any of his appalling character flaws will be disappointed. The glass is perpetually at least half-full and Califano almost always gives Johnson the benefit of the doubt.
In addition, serious students of history are likely to find the easy, uncomplicated narrative too breezy and unsophisticated. Policy issues are not rigorously dissected for cause-and-effect or followed diligently through the legislative process. Instead, they are simply the means for monitoring back-room deliberations. The book’s purpose, it often seems, is to provide a full sense of the personalities involved rather than the merits of the matters themselves.
Finally, the narrative all too often feels like a stream of consciousness - almost as though the reader is on LBJ's version of "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" careening through the rugged terrain of late 1960s policy challenges. In the end, the author's ultimate goals seem to be highlighting LBJ's domestic successes, defending his foreign policy failures and arguing for a more favorable presidential legacy.
Overall, Joseph Califano’s “The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson” proves a fast-paced, interesting and generally sympathetic portrait of Lyndon Johnson. Not designed as a comprehensive account of Johnson’s life or even a thorough review of his presidency, its mission is relatively limited. But Califano’s book does provide the reader a unique, engaging window into Johnson’s priorities, personality and style.
Overall rating: 3¼ stars
“The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson” is Joseph Califano, Jr.’s 1991 memoir based on the three-and-a-half years he spent as Special Assistant to President Johnson. Califano later served for almost three years as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Carter. He is the founder of The Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University and the author of about a dozen books.
The scope of this 349-page book is centered upon events Califano observed from his perch in the Johnson administration. Although he occasionally expands the focus in order to observe the genesis of policy matters arising prior to his arrival, at its core this book is a free-flowing first-person narrative where the reader becomes a “fly on the wall” during Califano’s tenure in the White House.
Much of the book’s narrative (and nearly all of its best insight) derives from conversations in which the author was directly involved. But where he has to fill in the gaps with traditional research, he seems to do so judiciously. Many of the policy topics Califano discusses were important issues of the day such as Vietnam, the Great Society and fiscal matters. Others were far less substantive, but offer equally compelling insight into the day-to-day operations of LBJ’s administration.
The most valuable portions of the text include the relatively new twenty-one page introduction, which adds context and perspective to the narrative, and much of the last one-third of the book. In these last chapters Califano covers LBJ’s decision not to seek re-election as well as his perspectives on the Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy assassinations, the Abe Fortas Supreme Court mess and the selection of the 1968 Democratic presidential nominee.
But in the book’s earliest pages it is immediately clear (if not at all surprising) that Califano is a fan of Lyndon Johnson. Readers expecting to encounter meaningful criticism of liberal politics, of LBJ’s brash style or of any of his appalling character flaws will be disappointed. The glass is perpetually at least half-full and Califano almost always gives Johnson the benefit of the doubt.
In addition, serious students of history are likely to find the easy, uncomplicated narrative too breezy and unsophisticated. Policy issues are not rigorously dissected for cause-and-effect or followed diligently through the legislative process. Instead, they are simply the means for monitoring back-room deliberations. The book’s purpose, it often seems, is to provide a full sense of the personalities involved rather than the merits of the matters themselves.
Finally, the narrative all too often feels like a stream of consciousness - almost as though the reader is on LBJ's version of "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" careening through the rugged terrain of late 1960s policy challenges. In the end, the author's ultimate goals seem to be highlighting LBJ's domestic successes, defending his foreign policy failures and arguing for a more favorable presidential legacy.
Overall, Joseph Califano’s “The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson” proves a fast-paced, interesting and generally sympathetic portrait of Lyndon Johnson. Not designed as a comprehensive account of Johnson’s life or even a thorough review of his presidency, its mission is relatively limited. But Califano’s book does provide the reader a unique, engaging window into Johnson’s priorities, personality and style.
Overall rating: 3¼ stars
July 9, 2015
I listened to the audiobook during my morning walks, and found it very well read and easy to follow.
The book, authored by President Johnson's domestic adviser, Joe Califano, is focused almost exclusively on Johnson during the White House years, his domestic policies, his vision for the Great Society, and on his interactions with the author in his role as a chief policy adviser. And of course, the story is told from one usually, very admiring point of view.
Although some of my childhood passed during the Johnson years, the real beginning of my political memories is more from the Nixon years, And so, I found this book just whetted my appetite to learn much more about the Johnson years, his role in Vietnam, and all of his domestic programs.
On to the Robert Caro series...
The book, authored by President Johnson's domestic adviser, Joe Califano, is focused almost exclusively on Johnson during the White House years, his domestic policies, his vision for the Great Society, and on his interactions with the author in his role as a chief policy adviser. And of course, the story is told from one usually, very admiring point of view.
Although some of my childhood passed during the Johnson years, the real beginning of my political memories is more from the Nixon years, And so, I found this book just whetted my appetite to learn much more about the Johnson years, his role in Vietnam, and all of his domestic programs.
On to the Robert Caro series...
March 23, 2015
This was gifted to me, and I admit I enjoyed this description of political events I lived through as a younger man. In amongst the vast store of passages cataloging who said what to whom, and when, I did find some interesting and amusing stories well worth telling and reading. It also provided and least one man's insights into the motives and character the the movers and shakers in the Johnson White House and its' environs. But while it did offer me some new understanding of Johnson the man, it was mostly a detailed history of the events that transpired in the years covered. Fairly dry reading.
August 7, 2025
I wanted to like this book a lot. When I saw that Joseph Califano was a member of Lyndon Johnson's staff, I was looking forward to reading his personal account of LBJ's presidency. However, the book was a chore to read. I will be fair and admit a few moments were interesting like some of the behind scenes of policy making and Johnson's micromanaging. However, unfortunately, I struggled getting through this book. It is not a long book at all, but it felt like it was the same length of Vincent Bugliosi's Reclaiming History or War and Peace.
I read one of Robert Caro's books and started two of them, but I had to put them aside because I just did not have the time at the time. I would read his books if I were you to learn about LBJ.
I read one of Robert Caro's books and started two of them, but I had to put them aside because I just did not have the time at the time. I would read his books if I were you to learn about LBJ.
July 27, 2024
This book popped up in a Kindle fire sale so despite the fact that I am patiently waiting for Robert Caro to deliver the last installment of his magnificent series on LBJ I could not resist this book at the price.
Joe Califano had an up close look at how LBJ operated as President, serving as a chief domestic advisor to Johnson. Califano was named in 1965, serving at a time when the most activist Administration in history was enacting the most sweeping legislative program since the New Deal. The legislation enacted during this period changed the country forever. The Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, Medicare, Medicaid, Head Start, and so much more. Johnson, in his sweeping victory in 1964, brought massive Democratic majorities into the Congress. If there was one man who knew how to use legislative majorities it was Lyndon Johnson.
Califano was strictly on the domestic side and hence had no real access to the detail involved in decision making on the Vietnam War. Despite that he could see the exhaustion that came to Johnson as a result of the workload he put onto himself. LBJ’s way was to get involved directly in many matters where there was a need for his people to be guided by his expertise. Even where the outside world may not have perceived Johnson as being involved in so many cases he was directing the action in a way that likely has not ever been matched. Nixon essentially outsourced domestic policy, having no real interest in it. Johnson, having an intimate knowledge of both the institution of Congress and the players serving in Congress, in many respects served as his own Congressional liaison. LBJ did not have a Chief of Staff, so he served as his own Chief of Staff as well. For better or worse LBJ ran the program, and he drove his staff, Califano included, mercilessly.
LBJ has been well covered but no matter how much has been written some great new (to me) LBJ stories always manage to come through. This book has its fair share of them. When LBJ sent Califano over to see wily Senator John McLellan to work out a deal on creating the federal Transportation Department (McLellan was holding out and was a Chairman.) Califano reported back directly to LBJ on his progress, which was non-existent. He reported that McLellan was indicating that he was having serious trouble getting a Committee quorum for the bill markup. After getting fed up with McLellan Califano phoned some of the other committee members, who informed him that McLellan had assured them that their presence was not needed for this matter in Committee. Johnson told Califano that:
"Johnson laughed. “You know something,” he said, “John McClellan is teaching you more about politics in two months than your old boss Tom Dewey III learned in two presidential campaigns.”
Califano Jr, Joseph A.. The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years (p. 157). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.
When Califano finally reached agreement with McClellan on this matter he rushed back to tell LBJ that he had achieved success. He was very proud of himself, and reported the terms of the deal to Johnson. His pride in the deal was soon over:
“When I finally came to an agreement with McClellan on easing standards for Corps of Engineers water projects, I returned to the Oval Office and proudly reported to Johnson that I had a deal and McClellan would move the bill. As I described the agreement, Johnson was sitting behind his green leather-topped desk and I was standing to his left, leaning on the cabinet that encased the AP and UPI wire-service tickers that constantly clicked away in his office. “Open your fly,” Johnson ordered. I just smiled, knowing he wasn’t serious but surprised nonetheless. “Unzip your fly,” he said rising from his green chair, “because there’s nothing there. John McClellan just cut it off with a razor so sharp you didn’t even notice it.” Johnson hit a button on his phone. “Get Senator McClellan for me.” As Johnson was telling me what a bad bargain I’d struck, McClellan got on the phone. ‘John,” the President said, “I’m calling about Joe Califano. You cut his pecker off and put it in your desk drawer. Now I’m sending him back up there to get it from you. I can’t agree to anything like that. You’ve got to realize that the transportation system of this country needs something besides more highways in Arkansas.’ ”
Califano Jr, Joseph A.. The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years (p. 157). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.
For those that might tell you that LBJ was not directly involved in legislative matters that story is but one of so many that show how involved he really was.
LBJ was not only a master legislative technician but the famed “Johnson treatment” made it very difficult to say no to him on matters where folks really did want to say no. When LBJ was putting together the Washington DC local government he ran into a refusal from John Hechinger to accept the City Council Chairman’s position. Johnson put Califano on it, and after Califano reported the refusal LBJ ordered Califano to bring Hechinger to the White House and persuade him. Califano tried to beg off, to no avail.
“At about 4 P.M., Christopher called to say Hechinger would not take the job. When I reported to the President, he told me to get Hechinger over to see me immediately in a White House car, so that he would have no opportunity to talk to anybody between Christopher’s office and mine. I told LBJ that I didn’t know whether Hechinger would come. “You get him to,” Johnson said as he hung up.”
Califano Jr, Joseph A.. The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years (p. 282). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.
Despite Califano’s best efforts Hechinger was dug in pretty hard. With Johnson ringing Califano’s phone every five minutes for progress reports Califano finally had to report failure. Johnson directed Califano to immediately proceed, with Hechinger, to see him.
“With a shrug, Hechinger walked over to the mansion with me. We went up to the living quarters, where, having gotten up from his nap and showered, the President was getting dressed, putting on his tie. “Mr. President, this is John Hechinger,” I said as the President emerged from the bedroom. The President grabbed Hechinger’s hand, and walked him toward the magnificent view from the southwest window of the living room, from which the Washington Monument is visible. Hechinger sighed, “Mr. President, that is a beautiful view.” “Mr. Hechinger,” said the President, “it certainly is, and what I’d like to do as President is keep that view beautiful and make this whole city as beautiful as that part of it is. But I can’t do it alone. I must have help. “This past year has brought to all Americans the importance of the city and the terrible trouble we’ve had in our urban communities. Washington should be a model. I want to do something for Washington which will make the whole country take notice. Mrs. Johnson and I know you can do this job. I don’t need a politician. Walter Washington is doing just fine in that area. I need someone who cares about this city and who is an administrator, a businessman, to chair this council. You talk about the District and the cities but now there’s an opportunity to do something. And you don’t have to worry about anyone cutting you up. There are two people in the District who can pick up the phone and talk to me. That’s you and Walter Washington.” The President turned to me for emphasis, “Do you hear that, Joe?” “Yes, sir,” I replied. “And there’s something else,” the President added turning again to face Hechinger as the two men now sat on the couch backed against the window. “I’ve extracted a pledge from each member of the council that they will work closely with you so that this first pilot government gets off the ground properly and we get full home rule here.” Hechinger was overwhelmed. Johnson glanced down at his folder on the coffee table in front of them. It was stamped “top secret.” Johnson looked deep into Hechinger’s eyes. “Mr. Hechinger, I know this is a very difficult decision for you.” Then he picked up the folder in his hand and continued, “Thank God you don’t have to make the decision that I do in a few minutes. You see this folder. I have to go over to a meeting and make some decisions whether to bomb the docks at Haiphong in North Vietnam. I’m trying to fight a war over there, to bring our boys back as fast as I can. I wish I could spend more time on the problems of Washington, but I can’t. I don’t need you in Vietnam. I need you right here to help me make this city the way it ought to be and the way I want it to be and the way every American wants their capital to be.” “I understand, Mr. President,” Hechinger said. Before he could say anything more, the President grabbed his shoulders and almost lifted him up from the couch as he rose to stand and said, “I knew you would, Mr. Hechinger. Thank you. I’m delighted that you’re willing to help me and serve as chairman of the City Council.” Hechinger didn’t know what had happened. The President pointed him toward the elevator and whispered quietly to me: “Call George. Tell him to get the press in his office, so that they’re waiting for you. Then announce this right away before he can change his mind.” Change his mind, I thought. Poor John Hechinger didn’t know what his mind was with this presidential rush. The President continued, whispering: “When you announce him, tell them no questions, just photographs.” The President moved toward the elevator with Hechinger. I went to the phone in the living room, and with a hand cupped over the receiver, I told George Christian I was on the way with Hechinger, and passed along the President’s instructions. I caught up with the President and Hechinger as Johnson turned to him. “John,” the President said, “for some reason Joe wants to make the announcement this afternoon. Why don’t you just go on with him over to the West Wing and take care of that and then you and I can get together soon for a long talk about the District and about what’s got to be done here. Mrs. Johnson and I look forward to seeing a lot of you and your wife.” With that, the President held his arm, shook his hand, and sent us on our way. Just as we were getting on the elevator, the President casually said to Hechinger, “Oh, by the way. On that tax matter Joe will have the bill at your house in the morning so you can pay it before noon.” Hechinger was so dazed he just said, “Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you very much.”
Califano Jr, Joseph A.. The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years (pp. 285-286). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.
The Johnson treatment even included forcing Hechinger to pay a disputed tax amount so that there would be no political dirt that could be dug up on him. A long excerpt, but one that shows the LBJ ability to get people on board for tasks that were not on their radar screen until Johnson asked.
Califano was both admiring, and in many ways, awe struck by Johnson. But even so he managed some criticism. As the Vietnam war expanded and became a financial drain Califano was one of the people charged with keeping the Great Society program moving forward in spite of the finances. LBJ did want guns and butter, and he resisted making adjustments that would take funding from the Great Society. Johnson, reluctantly, was forced to support a 10% income tax surcharge to help fund the war and the Great Society.
Califano had a front row seat for the LBJ withdrawal from the 1968 Presidential race. That withdrawal has been much discussed recently, with the Biden withdrawal spurring many to look back at what LBJ did. Different circumstances, but much similarity.
I did note that Califano expressed his view that LBJ did not like or respect Richard Nixon. While they had been rivals for some time the historical record on LBJ’s true thoughts on Nixon is mixed. Califano brought up the Chenault affair, which without question upset Johnson. While we will never really know the truth it is likely that LBJ understood Nixon, and at some level had respect for his political skills. Nixon most certainly respected those skills in LBJ.
For me an excellent Kindle read. Of course we shall wait on Caro, but this book makes the wait easier.
Joe Califano had an up close look at how LBJ operated as President, serving as a chief domestic advisor to Johnson. Califano was named in 1965, serving at a time when the most activist Administration in history was enacting the most sweeping legislative program since the New Deal. The legislation enacted during this period changed the country forever. The Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, Medicare, Medicaid, Head Start, and so much more. Johnson, in his sweeping victory in 1964, brought massive Democratic majorities into the Congress. If there was one man who knew how to use legislative majorities it was Lyndon Johnson.
Califano was strictly on the domestic side and hence had no real access to the detail involved in decision making on the Vietnam War. Despite that he could see the exhaustion that came to Johnson as a result of the workload he put onto himself. LBJ’s way was to get involved directly in many matters where there was a need for his people to be guided by his expertise. Even where the outside world may not have perceived Johnson as being involved in so many cases he was directing the action in a way that likely has not ever been matched. Nixon essentially outsourced domestic policy, having no real interest in it. Johnson, having an intimate knowledge of both the institution of Congress and the players serving in Congress, in many respects served as his own Congressional liaison. LBJ did not have a Chief of Staff, so he served as his own Chief of Staff as well. For better or worse LBJ ran the program, and he drove his staff, Califano included, mercilessly.
LBJ has been well covered but no matter how much has been written some great new (to me) LBJ stories always manage to come through. This book has its fair share of them. When LBJ sent Califano over to see wily Senator John McLellan to work out a deal on creating the federal Transportation Department (McLellan was holding out and was a Chairman.) Califano reported back directly to LBJ on his progress, which was non-existent. He reported that McLellan was indicating that he was having serious trouble getting a Committee quorum for the bill markup. After getting fed up with McLellan Califano phoned some of the other committee members, who informed him that McLellan had assured them that their presence was not needed for this matter in Committee. Johnson told Califano that:
"Johnson laughed. “You know something,” he said, “John McClellan is teaching you more about politics in two months than your old boss Tom Dewey III learned in two presidential campaigns.”
Califano Jr, Joseph A.. The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years (p. 157). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.
When Califano finally reached agreement with McClellan on this matter he rushed back to tell LBJ that he had achieved success. He was very proud of himself, and reported the terms of the deal to Johnson. His pride in the deal was soon over:
“When I finally came to an agreement with McClellan on easing standards for Corps of Engineers water projects, I returned to the Oval Office and proudly reported to Johnson that I had a deal and McClellan would move the bill. As I described the agreement, Johnson was sitting behind his green leather-topped desk and I was standing to his left, leaning on the cabinet that encased the AP and UPI wire-service tickers that constantly clicked away in his office. “Open your fly,” Johnson ordered. I just smiled, knowing he wasn’t serious but surprised nonetheless. “Unzip your fly,” he said rising from his green chair, “because there’s nothing there. John McClellan just cut it off with a razor so sharp you didn’t even notice it.” Johnson hit a button on his phone. “Get Senator McClellan for me.” As Johnson was telling me what a bad bargain I’d struck, McClellan got on the phone. ‘John,” the President said, “I’m calling about Joe Califano. You cut his pecker off and put it in your desk drawer. Now I’m sending him back up there to get it from you. I can’t agree to anything like that. You’ve got to realize that the transportation system of this country needs something besides more highways in Arkansas.’ ”
Califano Jr, Joseph A.. The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years (p. 157). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.
For those that might tell you that LBJ was not directly involved in legislative matters that story is but one of so many that show how involved he really was.
LBJ was not only a master legislative technician but the famed “Johnson treatment” made it very difficult to say no to him on matters where folks really did want to say no. When LBJ was putting together the Washington DC local government he ran into a refusal from John Hechinger to accept the City Council Chairman’s position. Johnson put Califano on it, and after Califano reported the refusal LBJ ordered Califano to bring Hechinger to the White House and persuade him. Califano tried to beg off, to no avail.
“At about 4 P.M., Christopher called to say Hechinger would not take the job. When I reported to the President, he told me to get Hechinger over to see me immediately in a White House car, so that he would have no opportunity to talk to anybody between Christopher’s office and mine. I told LBJ that I didn’t know whether Hechinger would come. “You get him to,” Johnson said as he hung up.”
Califano Jr, Joseph A.. The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years (p. 282). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.
Despite Califano’s best efforts Hechinger was dug in pretty hard. With Johnson ringing Califano’s phone every five minutes for progress reports Califano finally had to report failure. Johnson directed Califano to immediately proceed, with Hechinger, to see him.
“With a shrug, Hechinger walked over to the mansion with me. We went up to the living quarters, where, having gotten up from his nap and showered, the President was getting dressed, putting on his tie. “Mr. President, this is John Hechinger,” I said as the President emerged from the bedroom. The President grabbed Hechinger’s hand, and walked him toward the magnificent view from the southwest window of the living room, from which the Washington Monument is visible. Hechinger sighed, “Mr. President, that is a beautiful view.” “Mr. Hechinger,” said the President, “it certainly is, and what I’d like to do as President is keep that view beautiful and make this whole city as beautiful as that part of it is. But I can’t do it alone. I must have help. “This past year has brought to all Americans the importance of the city and the terrible trouble we’ve had in our urban communities. Washington should be a model. I want to do something for Washington which will make the whole country take notice. Mrs. Johnson and I know you can do this job. I don’t need a politician. Walter Washington is doing just fine in that area. I need someone who cares about this city and who is an administrator, a businessman, to chair this council. You talk about the District and the cities but now there’s an opportunity to do something. And you don’t have to worry about anyone cutting you up. There are two people in the District who can pick up the phone and talk to me. That’s you and Walter Washington.” The President turned to me for emphasis, “Do you hear that, Joe?” “Yes, sir,” I replied. “And there’s something else,” the President added turning again to face Hechinger as the two men now sat on the couch backed against the window. “I’ve extracted a pledge from each member of the council that they will work closely with you so that this first pilot government gets off the ground properly and we get full home rule here.” Hechinger was overwhelmed. Johnson glanced down at his folder on the coffee table in front of them. It was stamped “top secret.” Johnson looked deep into Hechinger’s eyes. “Mr. Hechinger, I know this is a very difficult decision for you.” Then he picked up the folder in his hand and continued, “Thank God you don’t have to make the decision that I do in a few minutes. You see this folder. I have to go over to a meeting and make some decisions whether to bomb the docks at Haiphong in North Vietnam. I’m trying to fight a war over there, to bring our boys back as fast as I can. I wish I could spend more time on the problems of Washington, but I can’t. I don’t need you in Vietnam. I need you right here to help me make this city the way it ought to be and the way I want it to be and the way every American wants their capital to be.” “I understand, Mr. President,” Hechinger said. Before he could say anything more, the President grabbed his shoulders and almost lifted him up from the couch as he rose to stand and said, “I knew you would, Mr. Hechinger. Thank you. I’m delighted that you’re willing to help me and serve as chairman of the City Council.” Hechinger didn’t know what had happened. The President pointed him toward the elevator and whispered quietly to me: “Call George. Tell him to get the press in his office, so that they’re waiting for you. Then announce this right away before he can change his mind.” Change his mind, I thought. Poor John Hechinger didn’t know what his mind was with this presidential rush. The President continued, whispering: “When you announce him, tell them no questions, just photographs.” The President moved toward the elevator with Hechinger. I went to the phone in the living room, and with a hand cupped over the receiver, I told George Christian I was on the way with Hechinger, and passed along the President’s instructions. I caught up with the President and Hechinger as Johnson turned to him. “John,” the President said, “for some reason Joe wants to make the announcement this afternoon. Why don’t you just go on with him over to the West Wing and take care of that and then you and I can get together soon for a long talk about the District and about what’s got to be done here. Mrs. Johnson and I look forward to seeing a lot of you and your wife.” With that, the President held his arm, shook his hand, and sent us on our way. Just as we were getting on the elevator, the President casually said to Hechinger, “Oh, by the way. On that tax matter Joe will have the bill at your house in the morning so you can pay it before noon.” Hechinger was so dazed he just said, “Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you very much.”
Califano Jr, Joseph A.. The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years (pp. 285-286). Atria Books. Kindle Edition.
The Johnson treatment even included forcing Hechinger to pay a disputed tax amount so that there would be no political dirt that could be dug up on him. A long excerpt, but one that shows the LBJ ability to get people on board for tasks that were not on their radar screen until Johnson asked.
Califano was both admiring, and in many ways, awe struck by Johnson. But even so he managed some criticism. As the Vietnam war expanded and became a financial drain Califano was one of the people charged with keeping the Great Society program moving forward in spite of the finances. LBJ did want guns and butter, and he resisted making adjustments that would take funding from the Great Society. Johnson, reluctantly, was forced to support a 10% income tax surcharge to help fund the war and the Great Society.
Califano had a front row seat for the LBJ withdrawal from the 1968 Presidential race. That withdrawal has been much discussed recently, with the Biden withdrawal spurring many to look back at what LBJ did. Different circumstances, but much similarity.
I did note that Califano expressed his view that LBJ did not like or respect Richard Nixon. While they had been rivals for some time the historical record on LBJ’s true thoughts on Nixon is mixed. Califano brought up the Chenault affair, which without question upset Johnson. While we will never really know the truth it is likely that LBJ understood Nixon, and at some level had respect for his political skills. Nixon most certainly respected those skills in LBJ.
For me an excellent Kindle read. Of course we shall wait on Caro, but this book makes the wait easier.
August 13, 2008
Good book on the ultimate politician. Interesting to read of the inception of social programs that continue today.
June 8, 2024
Before this book, Lyndon Johnson was, in my eyes, a president not to be liked. Whenever my parents talked about him, they always recounted how they hated his increased involvement in Vietnam, and how he was such a jerk to others around him. Yet, whenever the subject of programs like Head Start, PBS, or The Civil Rights Act came up, my parent’s opinions would change, acknowledging his accomplishments, but not letting go of his issues with Vietnam. So when I had to read a biography on him for my presidential biography challenge, I wanted to see a balanced opinion of him, understand who he is, and what made him want to help others so much. Did I get that? No, but for this book, that can’t really be helped.
Firstly, this book is less a biography, and more of a memoir of the author, who served as a top aid to Johnson during his terms in office. As such, we get to see Johnson’s decision making process as he considers what to do on everything from domestic policy and working toward his Great Society programs, to the constant ache that is the war in Vietnam. One element that struck me was just how adept he was at understanding politics. For better or worse, LBJ knew how to work the political system in a way that politicians today can only envy. He knew what to say and do within his own style, so he could get the bills he wanted. Today, we have many different public works programs including PBS, and Head Start, and the Civil Rights Act. Much of this was accomplished due to LBJ’s careful planning and political maneuvering.
Without exception, Vietnam will always be known as Johnson’s war, as it would serve as a constant headache for him throughout his presidency. What I found most interesting, having heard accounts of the men on the ground, and those who lived through that time, was seeing the war from LBJ’s perspective. He had to consider how pulling out of Vietnam would look to both the Russians, and the allies of NATO, as well as to those at home. This seems to be his one major area of weakness as he, like Kennedy before him, and Nixon after him, could not solve the problem of Vietnam with either brute military force, or subtle political maneuvering.
And this is the book's biggest strength. We really see the presidency of LBJ as it happened, with many emotions, both good and bad, from different people in the White House during this time period. This makes for a very well done historical account, as far as the challenges facing LBJ.
Yet, that leads me into this book's biggest weaknesses. While there are accounts from the author about what LBJ did in office, such as the Civil Rights Act and other bills of his Great Society, there is very little analysis of the impact these bills would have. We do not see what these laws and programs have become in the intervening years, nor what ones would prove unsuccessful. It is as though we are a fly on the wall in many scenes, where Johnson talks about wanting to get X done and to call Y senator and the author then describes how Y senator did not want to do X, and Johnson had to bully him into it. All this means that while there is a recounting of interesting events that happened, the lack of analysis can leave some readers wanting more.
And on that note of Johnson bullying people, this book also seems to have a kinder portrayal of him than what history would demand. Johnson was crude, rude, and brash, with both senators and secretaries alike. He would often make them deliberately uncomfortable (such as LBJ swimming naked in a pool, and asking a senator to jump in) in order to help impose his will on whomever he wanted. What would become known as the ‘Johnson treatment’ is a famous tactic that is brushed over, at best. If it is mentioned at all, it is within the guise that this is for the greater good of X Great Society bill he wants passed. His famous affairs and sexual exploits are also almost wholly ignored as well.
Couple this with the fact that there is no explanation as to how Johnson got this way. Why does he seem to care so much about African Americans? This author doesn’t say. What drives him to help the poor and disenfranchised? The author is silent. This made me want to go looking elsewhere for an explanation. Perhaps this is a case of me wanting this book to be more than it is, but still, I find it frustrating that the motivations of LJB are absent from this book.
Overall, Johnson can be described, at best, as a Presidential anti-hero. A man whom many personally would dislike, his accomplishments exceed many Presidents both in his time and after. This book is also the same way. While it may be an excellent account of Johnson’s time in the White House from the viewpoint of an aide, I found the author’s softer portrayal of LBJ to be more unsatisfying than the author intended. I give it a three out of five.
Firstly, this book is less a biography, and more of a memoir of the author, who served as a top aid to Johnson during his terms in office. As such, we get to see Johnson’s decision making process as he considers what to do on everything from domestic policy and working toward his Great Society programs, to the constant ache that is the war in Vietnam. One element that struck me was just how adept he was at understanding politics. For better or worse, LBJ knew how to work the political system in a way that politicians today can only envy. He knew what to say and do within his own style, so he could get the bills he wanted. Today, we have many different public works programs including PBS, and Head Start, and the Civil Rights Act. Much of this was accomplished due to LBJ’s careful planning and political maneuvering.
Without exception, Vietnam will always be known as Johnson’s war, as it would serve as a constant headache for him throughout his presidency. What I found most interesting, having heard accounts of the men on the ground, and those who lived through that time, was seeing the war from LBJ’s perspective. He had to consider how pulling out of Vietnam would look to both the Russians, and the allies of NATO, as well as to those at home. This seems to be his one major area of weakness as he, like Kennedy before him, and Nixon after him, could not solve the problem of Vietnam with either brute military force, or subtle political maneuvering.
And this is the book's biggest strength. We really see the presidency of LBJ as it happened, with many emotions, both good and bad, from different people in the White House during this time period. This makes for a very well done historical account, as far as the challenges facing LBJ.
Yet, that leads me into this book's biggest weaknesses. While there are accounts from the author about what LBJ did in office, such as the Civil Rights Act and other bills of his Great Society, there is very little analysis of the impact these bills would have. We do not see what these laws and programs have become in the intervening years, nor what ones would prove unsuccessful. It is as though we are a fly on the wall in many scenes, where Johnson talks about wanting to get X done and to call Y senator and the author then describes how Y senator did not want to do X, and Johnson had to bully him into it. All this means that while there is a recounting of interesting events that happened, the lack of analysis can leave some readers wanting more.
And on that note of Johnson bullying people, this book also seems to have a kinder portrayal of him than what history would demand. Johnson was crude, rude, and brash, with both senators and secretaries alike. He would often make them deliberately uncomfortable (such as LBJ swimming naked in a pool, and asking a senator to jump in) in order to help impose his will on whomever he wanted. What would become known as the ‘Johnson treatment’ is a famous tactic that is brushed over, at best. If it is mentioned at all, it is within the guise that this is for the greater good of X Great Society bill he wants passed. His famous affairs and sexual exploits are also almost wholly ignored as well.
Couple this with the fact that there is no explanation as to how Johnson got this way. Why does he seem to care so much about African Americans? This author doesn’t say. What drives him to help the poor and disenfranchised? The author is silent. This made me want to go looking elsewhere for an explanation. Perhaps this is a case of me wanting this book to be more than it is, but still, I find it frustrating that the motivations of LJB are absent from this book.
Overall, Johnson can be described, at best, as a Presidential anti-hero. A man whom many personally would dislike, his accomplishments exceed many Presidents both in his time and after. This book is also the same way. While it may be an excellent account of Johnson’s time in the White House from the viewpoint of an aide, I found the author’s softer portrayal of LBJ to be more unsatisfying than the author intended. I give it a three out of five.
October 8, 2020
If one morning I walked on top of the water across the Potomac River, the headline that afternoon would read: 'President Can't Swim.' ~ LBJ
The Triumph and Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years by Joseph A Califano is an insider's look at the LBJ presidency. Califano, a Harvard Law graduate, served time in the navy and Defense Department. At the start of the Kenedy Administration, he was selected by Robert McNamara to become one of the "whiz kids" in the Defense Department. His work did not escape notice as LBJ appointed him Special Assistant to the President in July of 1965.
There have been plenty of biographies of LBJ, but this one is written by a man very close to him. More than just facts and numbers, Califano brings a personal side of LBJ into view. LBJ was president and he was determined to let people know he was their president. He was very Machiavellian in his politics and that is meant in the traditional sense of the word. Machiavelli was brilliant in manipulating people to achieve a goal, and that goal was generally for the good. LBJ, like Machiavelli, tends to get a bad wrap in contemporary history. LBJ is best remembered for the war in Vietnam, the draft, and the Chicago riots.
Califano tells how LBJ used people in a very divided Democratic Party and his political opponents, the Republicans, to achieve his goals. Califano tells of swimming with LBJ at the ranch in Johnson City. In the middle of the lap, LBJ stops and talks to Califano. Califano is treading water struggling to stay afloat as LBJ talks to him jabbing his finger as he goes. LBJ is clearly in power here not only is he the president, he knew exactly where to stop so that his feet were firmly on the floor of the pool. LBJ made an ally in Everett Dirksen the Republican Senate Minority Leader. Dirksen was able to gather support for LBJ's programs when Southern Democrats refused. LBJ did not pander to the other party, he did not hide his dislike for House Minority Leader Gerald Ford. "Ford is so dumb he can't walk and chew gum at the same time." Johnson once said about the future president. The example in the book of Ford reviewing LBJ's Vietnam options is used to support that claim.
Johnson always seemed the gruff old man to me. Califano shows the opposite is true in both cases. Time on the ranch showed Johnson to be a fun person at times and very human. The other point surprised me also. Johnson was 55 when he became president and left office at 60.
What was the purpose of LBJ's politics? What did he really want his legacy to be? Civil Rights, The Great Society, and equality. Johnson worked hard for civil rights and fought many in his own party over the issue. He talked and met with Martin Luther King. Johnson saw poverty first hand as a school teacher in Texas. He wanted to see the end of poverty in this country and an end to discrimination. This can be seen in both the programs he proposed and the people he appointed. He tried to make the draft fairer by drafting 23-year-olds first nullifying the college deferment for the rich. He wanted to save America's natural beauty. LBJ pushed for environmental protection acts and beautifying the highway system.
Although probably best known for gathering of political support, arm twisting or otherwise, LBJ was not afraid to cross party lines. He met at least twice with Eisenhower for advice. His legacy still remains Vietnam. He didn't want the war, but we were there and leaving would be a sign of surrender to the Soviets. He really believed that American boys should not be doing what Asian boys ought to be doing for themselves. The Triumph and Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson is a detailed and revealing book about the 36th president of America. It is the story of what he fought for, what he faced, and how he lived. An excellent biography of a historically misunderstood man.
The Triumph and Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years by Joseph A Califano is an insider's look at the LBJ presidency. Califano, a Harvard Law graduate, served time in the navy and Defense Department. At the start of the Kenedy Administration, he was selected by Robert McNamara to become one of the "whiz kids" in the Defense Department. His work did not escape notice as LBJ appointed him Special Assistant to the President in July of 1965.
There have been plenty of biographies of LBJ, but this one is written by a man very close to him. More than just facts and numbers, Califano brings a personal side of LBJ into view. LBJ was president and he was determined to let people know he was their president. He was very Machiavellian in his politics and that is meant in the traditional sense of the word. Machiavelli was brilliant in manipulating people to achieve a goal, and that goal was generally for the good. LBJ, like Machiavelli, tends to get a bad wrap in contemporary history. LBJ is best remembered for the war in Vietnam, the draft, and the Chicago riots.
Califano tells how LBJ used people in a very divided Democratic Party and his political opponents, the Republicans, to achieve his goals. Califano tells of swimming with LBJ at the ranch in Johnson City. In the middle of the lap, LBJ stops and talks to Califano. Califano is treading water struggling to stay afloat as LBJ talks to him jabbing his finger as he goes. LBJ is clearly in power here not only is he the president, he knew exactly where to stop so that his feet were firmly on the floor of the pool. LBJ made an ally in Everett Dirksen the Republican Senate Minority Leader. Dirksen was able to gather support for LBJ's programs when Southern Democrats refused. LBJ did not pander to the other party, he did not hide his dislike for House Minority Leader Gerald Ford. "Ford is so dumb he can't walk and chew gum at the same time." Johnson once said about the future president. The example in the book of Ford reviewing LBJ's Vietnam options is used to support that claim.
Johnson always seemed the gruff old man to me. Califano shows the opposite is true in both cases. Time on the ranch showed Johnson to be a fun person at times and very human. The other point surprised me also. Johnson was 55 when he became president and left office at 60.
What was the purpose of LBJ's politics? What did he really want his legacy to be? Civil Rights, The Great Society, and equality. Johnson worked hard for civil rights and fought many in his own party over the issue. He talked and met with Martin Luther King. Johnson saw poverty first hand as a school teacher in Texas. He wanted to see the end of poverty in this country and an end to discrimination. This can be seen in both the programs he proposed and the people he appointed. He tried to make the draft fairer by drafting 23-year-olds first nullifying the college deferment for the rich. He wanted to save America's natural beauty. LBJ pushed for environmental protection acts and beautifying the highway system.
Although probably best known for gathering of political support, arm twisting or otherwise, LBJ was not afraid to cross party lines. He met at least twice with Eisenhower for advice. His legacy still remains Vietnam. He didn't want the war, but we were there and leaving would be a sign of surrender to the Soviets. He really believed that American boys should not be doing what Asian boys ought to be doing for themselves. The Triumph and Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson is a detailed and revealing book about the 36th president of America. It is the story of what he fought for, what he faced, and how he lived. An excellent biography of a historically misunderstood man.
November 20, 2018
The 1960’s were my teen years. I learned of President Kennedy’s assassination during an 8th grade English class. The Johnson presidency and that tumultuous decade formed the backdrop to my own coming of age. Joseph Califano’s memoir of his years as advisor to the President bring back a flood of memories, recapture so much of the time, and paint an intimate picture of LBJ, the man, the consummate politician, the President, and an insider perspective on the events and politics of the time. For me, this is a well-written “wow” book well worth your time whether it is your first “LBJ book” or one of many that you’ve read. Califano provides us a clear view of both the forest and the trees, a portrait of what was during one of the most influential and consequential presidencies in our nation’s history.
As seen from inside the White House and Johnson Ranch, Califano gives us an understanding of LBJ’s underlying principles and motivations, a fascinating view into his incredible energy and talents as a politician, and a crisp tour through the political history of the rise of those years – civil rights, poverty and the legislative creation of The Great Society, summers of race riots, the tragic impact of the Viet Nam War, the economics of a “guns and butter” policy, the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia, LBJ’s announcement that he would not seek re-election and the 1968 election. Califano was a participant or observer of much of the action reported in his memoir. His characterization of the President and his Presidency are given touching endorsement in a thank-you letter from LBJ’s daughter, Luci Baines Johnson, who notes that her father “jumped off the pages.” If you are interested in politics and presidents, you’ll enjoy this tour!
As seen from inside the White House and Johnson Ranch, Califano gives us an understanding of LBJ’s underlying principles and motivations, a fascinating view into his incredible energy and talents as a politician, and a crisp tour through the political history of the rise of those years – civil rights, poverty and the legislative creation of The Great Society, summers of race riots, the tragic impact of the Viet Nam War, the economics of a “guns and butter” policy, the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia, LBJ’s announcement that he would not seek re-election and the 1968 election. Califano was a participant or observer of much of the action reported in his memoir. His characterization of the President and his Presidency are given touching endorsement in a thank-you letter from LBJ’s daughter, Luci Baines Johnson, who notes that her father “jumped off the pages.” If you are interested in politics and presidents, you’ll enjoy this tour!
May 1, 2018
“The Triumph & Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson” is Presidential Aide Joseph A. Califano’s account of the Administration and personality of its subject. A Kennedy appointee, Califano planned to leave Washington until Cyrus Vance persuaded him with the promise that “This town has never seen a President like Lyndon Johnson.” He stayed through to the end.
The strength of this tome is the insight into the day to day White House whirlwind that can be provided only by one who has lived it. The clashes between the White House staff and Department Secretaries, such as Robert McNamara under whom Califano initially served, and the relationships between Administration figures, including Dean Rusk, Hubert Humphrey and Robert Kennedy shine new lights on our history. Johnson’s candid assessments of Robert Kennedy (ruthless, ambitious), Ramsey Clark (“If I had ever known that he didn’t measure up to his daddy I’d never have made him Attorney General”), Gerald Ford (one of the least thoughtful and most partisan Republicans in Congress), Richard Nixon (hated him, chronic campaigner) and Nelson Rockefeller (one of the nation’s ablest and most dedicated public servants) present informed evaluations of actors of his era.
Some of the anecdotes are entertaining, such as visits to the LBJ Ranch when Califano was made to tread water while LBJ stood in the deep end, was taken on the tour of sites and taught how to tie a neck tie. Readers are left with an impression of a man who needed to dominate those with whom he worked.
The author tells the big story leavened by personal memories to keep the story interesting. I recommend it for anyone desiring an understand of Johnson and his Administrations.
The strength of this tome is the insight into the day to day White House whirlwind that can be provided only by one who has lived it. The clashes between the White House staff and Department Secretaries, such as Robert McNamara under whom Califano initially served, and the relationships between Administration figures, including Dean Rusk, Hubert Humphrey and Robert Kennedy shine new lights on our history. Johnson’s candid assessments of Robert Kennedy (ruthless, ambitious), Ramsey Clark (“If I had ever known that he didn’t measure up to his daddy I’d never have made him Attorney General”), Gerald Ford (one of the least thoughtful and most partisan Republicans in Congress), Richard Nixon (hated him, chronic campaigner) and Nelson Rockefeller (one of the nation’s ablest and most dedicated public servants) present informed evaluations of actors of his era.
Some of the anecdotes are entertaining, such as visits to the LBJ Ranch when Califano was made to tread water while LBJ stood in the deep end, was taken on the tour of sites and taught how to tie a neck tie. Readers are left with an impression of a man who needed to dominate those with whom he worked.
The author tells the big story leavened by personal memories to keep the story interesting. I recommend it for anyone desiring an understand of Johnson and his Administrations.
October 18, 2022
I grabbed this book because I needed an LBJ bio and it was available on audio. I was a little concerned when I realized it was just one of LBJ's aides recounting his experiences and not a researched biography. Fortunately Joe Califano's position seemed to offer a front row seat to the LBJ administration and Joe Califano seemed to provide a very candid, warts and all account. The results are wonderful, maybe the closest I've ever felt to being inside a president's administration.
And what an administration! I had no idea how prolific LBJ's administration was. I figured this would be all civil rights and Vietnam, but Johnson passed Medicare and Medicaid, governmental reorganizations, clean air, social security amendments, loads of housing and safety regulations, even fought the billboard lobby for highway beatification. And he tried for much more. None of those fights came easy, the 1960s were possibly more polarized than modern times, and this book does an excellent job of showing you how LBJ worked and wove his influence through Washington to get what he wanted.
You also get a good sense of LBJ as a person in this book, incredibly kind and good natured at times, but a complete monster at others, willing to drive himself and his staff to exhaustion and use all kinds of dubious if not completely wrong or illegal means to achieve his ends.
And what an administration! I had no idea how prolific LBJ's administration was. I figured this would be all civil rights and Vietnam, but Johnson passed Medicare and Medicaid, governmental reorganizations, clean air, social security amendments, loads of housing and safety regulations, even fought the billboard lobby for highway beatification. And he tried for much more. None of those fights came easy, the 1960s were possibly more polarized than modern times, and this book does an excellent job of showing you how LBJ worked and wove his influence through Washington to get what he wanted.
You also get a good sense of LBJ as a person in this book, incredibly kind and good natured at times, but a complete monster at others, willing to drive himself and his staff to exhaustion and use all kinds of dubious if not completely wrong or illegal means to achieve his ends.
June 7, 2019
Joseph Califano has a clear bias in favor of Johnson, considered he worked for him the entire Administration it’s not surprising. It does however prevent clear and unbiased analysis of the policy of the Johnson years. He hardly talks about Vietnam at all, mostly to cover Johnson’s skin for his enormous failures on the issue. He prefaced the book by saying that it’s time to analyze this administration while looking past Vietnam, which is the equivalent to saying let’s analyze the Nixon administration while looking past Watergate, or the Bush administration while looking past Iraq. He instead decided to cover strictly domestic policy, he is fairly comprehensive about a lot of the economics and trade issues during the 1960s but without Vietnam, and with a clear bias in favor of Johnson the book is hardly comprehensive. The book scores points for his vivid description of Johnson, and you can clearly see his character which was interesting. This book is more for people who either love Johnson and don’t want to hear criticism, or for people deeply involved in economic and other domestic affairs.
July 4, 2019
TITLE: The Triumph and Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years
WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK: It is part of my quest to read about every US president
REVIEW: I am not sure if I like the reader or not. He had an unusual voice that sticks with you but was also distracting. This biography was written by a Lyndon Johnson aid, so it has a slant to it. Not that the author doesn't present Johnson warts and all, but the author is forgiving of Johnson's faults. I had not realized, or forgot, that Johnson came from humble beginnings, and was a man who fought his way to the top. He could be direct, and crude not wanting to put on airs, and caring more about getting things done, than the niceties of the thing. He is a man who evolved, and truly wanted to make a more just society and alleviate suffering. He actually did accomplish substantive things with his Great Society. He was wrong on Vietnam although that was not a situation he created just one he allowed to endure. A very fascinating guy. I learned a lot but definitely will need to read more from a less biased perspective.
WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK: It is part of my quest to read about every US president
REVIEW: I am not sure if I like the reader or not. He had an unusual voice that sticks with you but was also distracting. This biography was written by a Lyndon Johnson aid, so it has a slant to it. Not that the author doesn't present Johnson warts and all, but the author is forgiving of Johnson's faults. I had not realized, or forgot, that Johnson came from humble beginnings, and was a man who fought his way to the top. He could be direct, and crude not wanting to put on airs, and caring more about getting things done, than the niceties of the thing. He is a man who evolved, and truly wanted to make a more just society and alleviate suffering. He actually did accomplish substantive things with his Great Society. He was wrong on Vietnam although that was not a situation he created just one he allowed to endure. A very fascinating guy. I learned a lot but definitely will need to read more from a less biased perspective.
June 7, 2022
This book had so many interesting details about all the great social achievements and programs that were passed under the Johnson Administration—Medicare, Social Security Disability, Food Stamps, affirmative action programs, civil rights—Lyndon Johnson was last democratic President to pass so many beneficial things that enriched the lives of the poor in the U.S. Back when this country was only in one war, and the media did not manufacture consent for wars like they do today, the Viet Nam War (a war he inherited from President Kennedy) was the worst part of the Johnson Administration. So many of these programs like Head Start really gave the working poor a chance and the middle class was also lifted up. I liked reading about how Johnson got Senators to vote for his bills, how he worked tirelessly instead of taking golf holidays like Obama and Trump. Parts of this book were slow reading because of all the details and the way it was written, but I’d love to read more about Lyndon Johnson and his journey to the presidency.
May 22, 2025
An Insider’s Account of How a Master Politician Played the Game
This is a book that will appeal to people fascinated with the personality and astounding domestic accomplishments of the LBJ presidency. It is in some ways less exciting than other biographies because it highlights not so much what LBJ accomplished (the macro) but the inside details about how he accomplished those things (the micro). Califano, a close aid to the president from 1965 to the end of his term, details President Johnson’s legislative and political genius by giving specific examples of LBJ’s ways of dealing with members of congress, the press, governors, business and union leaders, and of course his staff. It shows a passionate and tireless president focused on using government to help the weakest and most vulnerable members of American society while also getting further drawn into a war he did not want. This is a fascinating record of how politics is (or at least used to be) done at the highest levels. Despite his many flaws, Johnson was arguably the last political genius to occupy the White House.
This is a book that will appeal to people fascinated with the personality and astounding domestic accomplishments of the LBJ presidency. It is in some ways less exciting than other biographies because it highlights not so much what LBJ accomplished (the macro) but the inside details about how he accomplished those things (the micro). Califano, a close aid to the president from 1965 to the end of his term, details President Johnson’s legislative and political genius by giving specific examples of LBJ’s ways of dealing with members of congress, the press, governors, business and union leaders, and of course his staff. It shows a passionate and tireless president focused on using government to help the weakest and most vulnerable members of American society while also getting further drawn into a war he did not want. This is a fascinating record of how politics is (or at least used to be) done at the highest levels. Despite his many flaws, Johnson was arguably the last political genius to occupy the White House.
June 23, 2020
Is this book biased by the fact that its author was closely associated with Johnson and almost certainly shared his political views and viewpoint? Of course it is. However, when examining a president who is so often casually crucified for his handling (mishandling? your call) of the Vietnam War, it's extremely useful to gain another lens into what Johnson was trying to do, at least ostensibly: balance an aggressive homeland agenda against a perceived threat to global democracy. Regardless of your take on LBJ, his politics, or the war, this memoir is a vivid picture of a president whose time in office was tremendously meaningful to the social, political, and cultural landscape of America. A compelling read from start to finish.
August 10, 2020
Exceptional book. The pace was frantic making you feel like you were in the White House and dealing with the style and demands that LBJ expected. There were times you were in awe, times when you were pissed off and times when you couldn't fathom what it was like to live the authors life during that time.
Really critical look at a weird set of circumstances that propelled more legislative accomplishment then most Presidents would ever dream of. Not to mention the understanding that you need the other party and you need to do what's right for the nation, above what's right for you, to be President.
Really critical look at a weird set of circumstances that propelled more legislative accomplishment then most Presidents would ever dream of. Not to mention the understanding that you need the other party and you need to do what's right for the nation, above what's right for you, to be President.
December 19, 2021
I randomly stumbled upon this book while looking for books about the Johnson presidency. This book is incredible because it is an insider's perspective on LBJ, the legend that includes all his flaws during the most politically progressive legislative in American history in the midst of the Vietnam ramp up. My only complaint is that Joseph Califano didn't include more details about more bills and that he didn't start working with LBJ in 1963 after the Vice President took over following the Kennedy assassination. But none of that was possible..
September 29, 2025
A sycophantic hagiography. While the author offers an interesting behind-the-scenes look at LBJ, there's little critical analysis beyond noting "the tragedy" that Johnson’s domestic agenda suffered due to the Vietnam War. The scope is narrow—focused almost entirely on his presidency and domestic policy. This wasn’t what I was looking for: I wanted a more dispassionate assessment of LBJ’s full political career. Still, it might serve as decent prep before diving into a more balanced biography.
October 28, 2017
Really enjoyed this book that focused on President Johnson's time in the white house, in spite of the narrow vision of this narrative. The author highlights the social highlights that the president instigated. However, these were choked for funds to make way for the Vietnam war that had priority over everything else.
February 11, 2019
For what this book is...a recap of the Presidential years by a staffer...it is good. It kept me interested and gave me a good idea of who Johnson was. The organization is not great, as it is mostly just a plunge through time, and the writing isn’t stellar, but it still works.
October 2, 2025
A very interesting account of the johnson administration that shows the man in all of his glory, although califanos perspective does mean it sometimes feels a bit uncritical and some passages are very dull as he recounts the various provisions and story behind passing bills
February 7, 2018
I’m so into LBJ.
May 5, 2018
Great insight into the President.
July 9, 2018
Well written, though obviously biased, account of LBJ in the White House.
August 12, 2020
Truly triumphs and tragedies indeed. Good memior.
March 20, 2021
Interesting account of a president who achieved a lot of social progress through his astute handling of the US congress, but sullied his legacy by how he handled the Vietnam war.
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