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You Can't Catch Us: Lady Bird Johnson's Trailblazing 1964 Campaign Train and the Women Who Rode with Her
1,682 miles. The First Lady of the United States. One incredible journey.
At a time when political candidates' wives were expected to be seen and not heard, Lady Bird Johnson made history as the first presidential spouse to take a leading role on the campaign trail. Her mission: to aid her husband, Lyndon B. Johnson, in his reelection bid.
Proud of her southern heritage and of what her husband had done for civil rights, Lady Bird undertook an eight-state whistle-stop tour, both to garner votes for Lyndon and to help ease the animosity that had arisen from the signing of the Civil Rights Act.
The "Lady Bird Special," a custom, nineteen-car train, forged headlong into the powder keg of Southern politics, traveling from Washington DC to New Orleans in only four days. Despite the potential dangers, the First Lady, aided by a team of pioneering women, pressed forward, making speeches, shaking hands, and breaking ground.
You Can't Catch Us isn't simply the story of an election campaign. It's the story of a women-led operation and an appeal for understanding and civility. Lady Bird Johnson's monumental journey expanded the role of women in politics and progressed the fight for women's rights--a fight we still continue today.
At a time when political candidates' wives were expected to be seen and not heard, Lady Bird Johnson made history as the first presidential spouse to take a leading role on the campaign trail. Her mission: to aid her husband, Lyndon B. Johnson, in his reelection bid.
Proud of her southern heritage and of what her husband had done for civil rights, Lady Bird undertook an eight-state whistle-stop tour, both to garner votes for Lyndon and to help ease the animosity that had arisen from the signing of the Civil Rights Act.
The "Lady Bird Special," a custom, nineteen-car train, forged headlong into the powder keg of Southern politics, traveling from Washington DC to New Orleans in only four days. Despite the potential dangers, the First Lady, aided by a team of pioneering women, pressed forward, making speeches, shaking hands, and breaking ground.
You Can't Catch Us isn't simply the story of an election campaign. It's the story of a women-led operation and an appeal for understanding and civility. Lady Bird Johnson's monumental journey expanded the role of women in politics and progressed the fight for women's rights--a fight we still continue today.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2026
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4072 people want to read
About the author
Shannon McKenna Schmidt
5 books43 followersReader, writer, traveler. Shannon is the author of YOU CAN'T CATCH US: Lady Bird Johnson's Trailblazing 1964 Campaign Train and the Women Who Rode with Her (March 3, 2026) and THE FIRST LADY OF WORLD WAR II: Eleanor Roosevelt's Daring Journey to the Frontlines and Back. She is also the co-author of NOVEL DESTINATIONS: A Travel Guide to Literary Landmarks from Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West, 2nd Edition and WRITERS BETWEEN THE COVERS: The Scandalous Romantic Lives of Legendary Literary Casanovas, Coquettes, and Cads. www.shannonmckennaschmidt.com
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 3, 2026
Reading You Can't Catch Us felt like I was given the ability to be another member of the team on board the Lady Bird Special.
While I have some background knowledge of the major politics driving the 1964 US presidential election, I have somehow managed to never hear about the incredible work that Lady Bird Johnson and fellow pioneering women did to build and cement support for LBJ in the south. What a tremendous trek in her whistle-stop tour across 8 southern states, with Lady Bird focusing on building bridges, harnessing hope, and undertaking an unprecedented foray into politics for a First Lady.
The book was so detailed about each of the locations she passed through, the speeches and experiences she had at each stop, and how local press and populations reacted to her visits. Plus this book does an excellent job of sharing the backgrounds of the women who made the journey successful through preparations, collaborations, and on the ground support.
When I reached the end and was reminded that all of this took place over a 4 day span, I was honestly so impressed. I learned so much from reading You Can't Catch Us and feel like I was granted a warm, accessible, and comprehensive ride along with the journey of the Lady Bird Special.
While I have some background knowledge of the major politics driving the 1964 US presidential election, I have somehow managed to never hear about the incredible work that Lady Bird Johnson and fellow pioneering women did to build and cement support for LBJ in the south. What a tremendous trek in her whistle-stop tour across 8 southern states, with Lady Bird focusing on building bridges, harnessing hope, and undertaking an unprecedented foray into politics for a First Lady.
The book was so detailed about each of the locations she passed through, the speeches and experiences she had at each stop, and how local press and populations reacted to her visits. Plus this book does an excellent job of sharing the backgrounds of the women who made the journey successful through preparations, collaborations, and on the ground support.
When I reached the end and was reminded that all of this took place over a 4 day span, I was honestly so impressed. I learned so much from reading You Can't Catch Us and feel like I was granted a warm, accessible, and comprehensive ride along with the journey of the Lady Bird Special.
March 7, 2026
3.5 stars. FLOTUS Lady Bird Johnson found herself at the turning point of US Culture as she rides the 1964 Campaign Train for her husband’s presidential campaign. Trailblazing with her daughter and campaign team, they traveled from city to city amidst the Civil Rights Movement, garnering votes for Lyndon Johnson, advocating for equality, and empowering a generation of women to be more than just a quiet, pretty face.
This book could not be more timely with the political climate of today. Lady Bird’s use of Thomas Jefferson’s famous quote really stuck out to me: “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past” (though the book was “better than the history that never was”).
Narrated by Suzanne Toren, this book was very informative and enjoyable, though I felt there were some repetitive parts that could’ve been shortened.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This book could not be more timely with the political climate of today. Lady Bird’s use of Thomas Jefferson’s famous quote really stuck out to me: “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past” (though the book was “better than the history that never was”).
Narrated by Suzanne Toren, this book was very informative and enjoyable, though I felt there were some repetitive parts that could’ve been shortened.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2026
A very detailed book about a rather unusual presidential campaign organised and ran by a First Lady - Lady Bird Johnson.
On one hand, I found the idea of such a campaign quite impressive. I hadn’t heard about it before, so it was interesting to learn more. I’m always particularly interested in stories that show how women can influence events and create change when they are given the opportunity. Their creativity and problem-solving abilities often stand out, and this book certainly provides many examples of that.
On the other hand, the level of detail makes the book extremely repetitive and, at times, rather boring. The campaign itself lasted only four days, but it included more than 40 rallies and speeches. Most of these appearances were just 5–10 minutes long, yet each involved dozens of local guests, large crowds, and background stories about the towns visited. Perhaps it’s my own limitation, but reading about yet another small town with a handful of residents over and over again quickly became tedious. For readers deeply interested in political campaigning this might be fascinating, but for someone looking for a broader historical perspective it felt excessive.
I also kept wondering how a five-minute speech could truly be a game changer. One person comes, says a few words, then another does the same — and people decide their vote based on that? The more I read about each stop on the tour, the more frustrating this aspect became. Perhaps this reaction simply reflects my own distance from political campaigning, but by the end it made it difficult for me to fully enjoy the book.
Still, it was undeniably an interesting and unusual campaign.
On one hand, I found the idea of such a campaign quite impressive. I hadn’t heard about it before, so it was interesting to learn more. I’m always particularly interested in stories that show how women can influence events and create change when they are given the opportunity. Their creativity and problem-solving abilities often stand out, and this book certainly provides many examples of that.
On the other hand, the level of detail makes the book extremely repetitive and, at times, rather boring. The campaign itself lasted only four days, but it included more than 40 rallies and speeches. Most of these appearances were just 5–10 minutes long, yet each involved dozens of local guests, large crowds, and background stories about the towns visited. Perhaps it’s my own limitation, but reading about yet another small town with a handful of residents over and over again quickly became tedious. For readers deeply interested in political campaigning this might be fascinating, but for someone looking for a broader historical perspective it felt excessive.
I also kept wondering how a five-minute speech could truly be a game changer. One person comes, says a few words, then another does the same — and people decide their vote based on that? The more I read about each stop on the tour, the more frustrating this aspect became. Perhaps this reaction simply reflects my own distance from political campaigning, but by the end it made it difficult for me to fully enjoy the book.
Still, it was undeniably an interesting and unusual campaign.
March 6, 2026
On October 6, 1964, a decked out nineteen car train left Washington, DC for a four day journey through eight states involving forty-seven stops ending in New Orleans: this was the Lady Bird Special. Lady Bird and her two daughters (Lynda accompanying her for the first two days and Lucy for the final two days) accompanied by as many as 300 people and all the campaign paraphernalia for the various stops to be handed out by recruited college girls and women at the various stops. Liz Carpenter, a former journalist, was Lady Bird’s press secretary and staff director and she chaired the committee to organize this political jaunt in only one month’s notice. Why was this trip thought to be necessary? It was election year, 1964, and LBJ had signed The Civil Rights Act of 1964 while the administration thought they would win the election but knew much of the South could be a problem. Therefore, they sent their best asset out to campaign—a first for a First Lady to do the campaigning without her spouse Various democrats from the state they were journeying with along their spouses were invited to ride on the train or to speak at the chosen stops. Author Shannon McKenna Schmidt and her index of notes is overwhelming but would be beneficial for information on campaigning or for those interested in American campaigning. Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for a digital ARC of this book; this is my personal opinion.
March 7, 2026
Politics (particularly American Politics) is not normally my jam, but the idea of a train full of trailblazing women campaigning in 1964 had me intrigued. And I'm glad I found this fascinating book.
This is thoroughly researched, detailing each day on the four day, eight-state whistle-stop tour in October 1964. I felt like I was right there on the custom, nineteen-car train, aiding Lyndon B. Johnson, in his reelection bid. They made 47 stops and travelled 1682 miles, shaking hands, making speeches, and ignoring the hecklers in a tumultuous time, amid the animosity that arose from the signing of the Civil Rights Act three months earlier.
LBJ's wife, Lady Bird, sounds like an absolute cracker of a woman. She reshaped the role the First Lady in politics, as did her two daughters, Luci and Lynda, who were both impressive in their ability to draw a crowd and speak publicly. But this book is not just about the politics, it's about the fight for women's rights. So many women who rode 'The Lady Bird Special' had wonderful background stories, pushing to be seen in male dominated workplaces.
We’ve come a long way, and these pioneering women helped pave that road. A fascinating, inspiring read.
I listened to this on audio, courtesy of Netgalley and RBMedia and the narrator, Suzanne Toren, did a wonderful job.
This is thoroughly researched, detailing each day on the four day, eight-state whistle-stop tour in October 1964. I felt like I was right there on the custom, nineteen-car train, aiding Lyndon B. Johnson, in his reelection bid. They made 47 stops and travelled 1682 miles, shaking hands, making speeches, and ignoring the hecklers in a tumultuous time, amid the animosity that arose from the signing of the Civil Rights Act three months earlier.
LBJ's wife, Lady Bird, sounds like an absolute cracker of a woman. She reshaped the role the First Lady in politics, as did her two daughters, Luci and Lynda, who were both impressive in their ability to draw a crowd and speak publicly. But this book is not just about the politics, it's about the fight for women's rights. So many women who rode 'The Lady Bird Special' had wonderful background stories, pushing to be seen in male dominated workplaces.
We’ve come a long way, and these pioneering women helped pave that road. A fascinating, inspiring read.
I listened to this on audio, courtesy of Netgalley and RBMedia and the narrator, Suzanne Toren, did a wonderful job.
March 10, 2026
"You Can't Catch Us" was a fun way to kick off Women's History Month! I am not too familiar with the history of President Johnson's administration or family, so to listen to the story of his wife's involvement and her insistence and political acumen was an excellent introduction.
This story follows Lady Bird Johnson as she takes the train with her own trusted companions and 'advisors' for lack of a better term to states and areas where Pres. Johnson's campaign insisted were "not worth it" because they were "a lost cause". Living through the heartbreaking defeat of Hillary Clinton's run in 2016, and the disinterest they shows states they assumed were "locked in" only to lose, it felt that Lady Bird was before her time insisting on being seen, regardless of assumptions, and talking to everyone. After listening of her campaigning, it felt like Lady Bird would have been just as interesting as Eleanor Roosevelt to speak with (another First Lady known for her involvement, boundary pushing, and political, economic, and social acumen).
The narrator, Suzanne Toren, was perfect. It felt like she spoke for that time period and made the reader feel like they were along for the journey. I would absolutely listen to more narrated titles from Suzanne Toren.
I recommend this title for anyone who is interested in U.S. Women's History and the involvement and work of the First Ladies.
This story follows Lady Bird Johnson as she takes the train with her own trusted companions and 'advisors' for lack of a better term to states and areas where Pres. Johnson's campaign insisted were "not worth it" because they were "a lost cause". Living through the heartbreaking defeat of Hillary Clinton's run in 2016, and the disinterest they shows states they assumed were "locked in" only to lose, it felt that Lady Bird was before her time insisting on being seen, regardless of assumptions, and talking to everyone. After listening of her campaigning, it felt like Lady Bird would have been just as interesting as Eleanor Roosevelt to speak with (another First Lady known for her involvement, boundary pushing, and political, economic, and social acumen).
The narrator, Suzanne Toren, was perfect. It felt like she spoke for that time period and made the reader feel like they were along for the journey. I would absolutely listen to more narrated titles from Suzanne Toren.
I recommend this title for anyone who is interested in U.S. Women's History and the involvement and work of the First Ladies.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am not normally a non-fiction reader, so I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. This book moved quickly, and read more like a narrative than a simple recounting of events, which I enjoyed. I am Canadian, so I had very little knowledge about Ladybird Johnson, or Lynden B. Johnson for that matter, before reading, and I learned a LOT. I listened to the ARC via audiobook, and I also thought the narrator did a great job. She had almost a transatlantic accent, which made me feel like I was listening to an old Hollywood movie script. Overall, I would definitely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book for review. All ratings and thoughts presented in this review are my own :)
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book for review. All ratings and thoughts presented in this review are my own :)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a highly informational read that I enjoyed from the start. This is the first book that I have read by Ms Schmidt and she did not disappoint. This book while informative was also upbeat and at times made me long for the days of political campaigns of that era. I also felt at times that I was on the campaign trail with Mrs. Johnson. Overall, this was an enjoyable quick read that I enjoyed from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews