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The Kennedy Assassination--24 Hours After: Lyndon B. Johnson's Pivotal First Day as President
Riding in an open-topped convertible through Dallas on November 22, 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson heard a sudden explosive sound at 12:30 PM. The Secret Service sped him away to safety, but not until 1:20 PM did he learn that John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. Sworn in next to a bloodstained Jackie Kennedy at 2:40 PM, Johnson worked feverishly until 3:00 in the morning, agonizing about the future of both his nation and his party. Unbeknownst to him, his actions had already determined the tragic outcome of his presidency. In November 22, 1963 , historian Steven Gillon tells the story of how Johnson consolidated power in the twenty-four hours following the assassination. Based on scrupulous research and new archival sources, this gripping narrative sheds new and surprising light on one of the most written-about events of the twentieth century.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 16, 2022
Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose
“From the first crack of gunfire at 12:30 p.m. to a hurried inauguration aboard Air Force One and a frenzied return to Washington, THE KENNEDY ASSASSINATION: 24 HOURS AFTER tells the story of the first day of the Johnson administration.”
Gillon’s re-telling of a story that has to be characterized as iconic and unforgettable for most folks around the world aged 70+, is compelling. It’s definitely a page-turner and that alone, in my opinion, places it in the top rank of non-fiction history books. So many history books are a simply, dry-as-dust, turgid recounting of events, times, names and places with little to no character or emotion. This is NOT one of those books. This is a suspense thriller that happens to be true.
That said, I’d also add that I don’t think Mr Gillon managed to add very much to the story that wasn’t already common knowledge among those who pay attention to news and current events. In fact, if anything, I found THE KENNEDY ASSASSINATON: 24 HOURS AFTER, frankly, spectacularly depressing in what it showcased about USA’s political culture and the differences between then and now. In short, there really isn’t any difference at all. The USA has learned virtually nothing in 60 years of history.
In the middle of the 20th century, party politics was sleazy and partisan. It’s much, much worse now. Within hours of his inauguration, Johnson was heard to say:
“I’m going to pass Kennedy’s civil rights bill, which has been hung up too long in the Congress. And I’m going to pass it without changing a single comma or word. After that we’ll pass legislation that allows everyone anywhere in this country to vote, with all the barriers down. And that’s not all. We’re going to get a law that says every boy and girl in this country, no matter how poor, or the color of their skin, or the region they come from, is going to be able to get all the education they can take by loan, scholarship, or grant, right from the federal government. I intend to pass Harry Truman’s medical insurance bill. He didn’t do it but well make it into law. Never again will a little old lady who’s sick as a dog be turned away from a hospital because she doesn’t have any money to pay for her treatment.”
Well, we all know how that worked out!
Eugene McCarthy instilled a pathological fear of Communism into America that has never truly dissipated. Today, progressive liberals are castigated with knee-jerk reactionary accusations of socialism or communism. LBJ was known famously as a near pathological liar. Today? Suffice it to say the USA has gifted themselves with a Trump presidency.
In short, THE KENNEDY ASSASSINATION: 24 HOURS AFTER is definitely recommended but a long, long way from cheerful or uplifting.
Paul Weiss
“From the first crack of gunfire at 12:30 p.m. to a hurried inauguration aboard Air Force One and a frenzied return to Washington, THE KENNEDY ASSASSINATION: 24 HOURS AFTER tells the story of the first day of the Johnson administration.”
Gillon’s re-telling of a story that has to be characterized as iconic and unforgettable for most folks around the world aged 70+, is compelling. It’s definitely a page-turner and that alone, in my opinion, places it in the top rank of non-fiction history books. So many history books are a simply, dry-as-dust, turgid recounting of events, times, names and places with little to no character or emotion. This is NOT one of those books. This is a suspense thriller that happens to be true.
That said, I’d also add that I don’t think Mr Gillon managed to add very much to the story that wasn’t already common knowledge among those who pay attention to news and current events. In fact, if anything, I found THE KENNEDY ASSASSINATON: 24 HOURS AFTER, frankly, spectacularly depressing in what it showcased about USA’s political culture and the differences between then and now. In short, there really isn’t any difference at all. The USA has learned virtually nothing in 60 years of history.
In the middle of the 20th century, party politics was sleazy and partisan. It’s much, much worse now. Within hours of his inauguration, Johnson was heard to say:
“I’m going to pass Kennedy’s civil rights bill, which has been hung up too long in the Congress. And I’m going to pass it without changing a single comma or word. After that we’ll pass legislation that allows everyone anywhere in this country to vote, with all the barriers down. And that’s not all. We’re going to get a law that says every boy and girl in this country, no matter how poor, or the color of their skin, or the region they come from, is going to be able to get all the education they can take by loan, scholarship, or grant, right from the federal government. I intend to pass Harry Truman’s medical insurance bill. He didn’t do it but well make it into law. Never again will a little old lady who’s sick as a dog be turned away from a hospital because she doesn’t have any money to pay for her treatment.”
Well, we all know how that worked out!
Eugene McCarthy instilled a pathological fear of Communism into America that has never truly dissipated. Today, progressive liberals are castigated with knee-jerk reactionary accusations of socialism or communism. LBJ was known famously as a near pathological liar. Today? Suffice it to say the USA has gifted themselves with a Trump presidency.
In short, THE KENNEDY ASSASSINATION: 24 HOURS AFTER is definitely recommended but a long, long way from cheerful or uplifting.
Paul Weiss
February 13, 2021
By the fall of 1963, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was a largely forgotten man in his own country. An article in the Texas Observer, "What is an LBJ?", reported that comedians and newspapers were having "a field day" with Johnson's obscurity.
However, it all changed sooner than anyone could have anticipated: on November 22, riding in the fourth car behind the Kennedys' at the intersection of Houston and Elm Streets in downtown Dallas, Johnson heard explosions and was forced to the floor as a Secret Service agent shouted, "My God! They've shot the President."
Although it can't be determined exactly when LBJ learnt he had been catapulted from profound obscurity to the post of U.S President, it was around 1 p.m, after he and Lady Bird were hustled through the emergency entrance of Parkland Hospital, when the head of Kennedy's service detail informed Johnson that the President was dead.
The horrible news sent the world into a state of grief and anguish. ". . . The people of the world grieved as if they had terribly lost their own leader, friend, brother," wrote a White House aide later. That's why LBJ's main goal in his first twenty four hours as President was to comfort a shocked and grieving nation and thus reassure the American people that their government was still functioning. Although Johnson's ambivalent feelings toward JFK and his associates did shape his actions un the immediate aftermath of the assassination – his and RFK's mutual animosity, for example, was notorious – his performance during the first hours and days was excellent, mainly due to his masterful handling of the media. He insisted on immediately taking the oath and allowed a photographer to record the swearing in on Kennedy's plane, Air Force One.
LBJ's rush to take command offended JFK's associates, but in his book Steven M. Gillon is sympathetic to the new president, explaining that this rush came from the desire to calm a frantic people, not to grab the prerequisites of office, and that actually the Secret Service forced a reluctant Johnson to use Air Force One, which in their eyes had stopped to be Kennedy's plane the moment it became known for sure that Kennedy was dead. LBJ's constant need to have approval and esteem was the other reason for his insistence on immediate swearing-in ceremony and on the backing of the Kennedy family. This fact explains his considerable insensitivity toward Robert Kennedy – he called the late President's grieving brother to ask him for legal advice on the taking of presidential power – and toward Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy – he insisted that Jackie stand next to him at the swearing-in ceremony.
These rather tactless acts aside, Johnson spent the first days of his presidency emphasizing the theme of continuity. Despite being seen as an usurper, an unelected and untested replacement for a beloved leader, he tried his best to reassure people at home and abroad that the new President would be faithful to the Kennedy administration. While the genuineness of his statements is questionable (unlike JFK, he remained a Cold Warrior; he didn't end the war in Vietnam as JFK had planned to do after his reelection; he didn't try to negotiate with Cuba, although Fidel Castro made it clear that he was as ready to make peace with the LBJ administration as he was with the JFK; and so on), he "wasted little time turning JFK's death into a rallying cry to pass the slain leader's legislative agenda." He assumed personal control over the fight to pass Kennedy's civil rights bill, and the one he managed to push through Congress was stronger then the initial one. This achievement, together with his unconditional war on poverty in America and aid for urban development, mass transit, and slum clearance, bore his personal brand – just as he dreamt – and helped him expand federal power to an extent unseen since the early days of FDR's New Deal.
THE KENNEDY ASSASSINATION — 24 HOURS AFTER is an interesting and insightful analysis of Lyndon Baines Johnson's decision-making process in the immediate aftermath of Kennedy's assassination. Steven M. Gillon's style makes the book easily graspable and compelling, and keeps the suspense fresh. What I enjoyed the most was the looking-over-LBJ's-shoulder approach to the story. Recommendable.
However, it all changed sooner than anyone could have anticipated: on November 22, riding in the fourth car behind the Kennedys' at the intersection of Houston and Elm Streets in downtown Dallas, Johnson heard explosions and was forced to the floor as a Secret Service agent shouted, "My God! They've shot the President."
Although it can't be determined exactly when LBJ learnt he had been catapulted from profound obscurity to the post of U.S President, it was around 1 p.m, after he and Lady Bird were hustled through the emergency entrance of Parkland Hospital, when the head of Kennedy's service detail informed Johnson that the President was dead.
The horrible news sent the world into a state of grief and anguish. ". . . The people of the world grieved as if they had terribly lost their own leader, friend, brother," wrote a White House aide later. That's why LBJ's main goal in his first twenty four hours as President was to comfort a shocked and grieving nation and thus reassure the American people that their government was still functioning. Although Johnson's ambivalent feelings toward JFK and his associates did shape his actions un the immediate aftermath of the assassination – his and RFK's mutual animosity, for example, was notorious – his performance during the first hours and days was excellent, mainly due to his masterful handling of the media. He insisted on immediately taking the oath and allowed a photographer to record the swearing in on Kennedy's plane, Air Force One.
LBJ's rush to take command offended JFK's associates, but in his book Steven M. Gillon is sympathetic to the new president, explaining that this rush came from the desire to calm a frantic people, not to grab the prerequisites of office, and that actually the Secret Service forced a reluctant Johnson to use Air Force One, which in their eyes had stopped to be Kennedy's plane the moment it became known for sure that Kennedy was dead. LBJ's constant need to have approval and esteem was the other reason for his insistence on immediate swearing-in ceremony and on the backing of the Kennedy family. This fact explains his considerable insensitivity toward Robert Kennedy – he called the late President's grieving brother to ask him for legal advice on the taking of presidential power – and toward Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy – he insisted that Jackie stand next to him at the swearing-in ceremony.
These rather tactless acts aside, Johnson spent the first days of his presidency emphasizing the theme of continuity. Despite being seen as an usurper, an unelected and untested replacement for a beloved leader, he tried his best to reassure people at home and abroad that the new President would be faithful to the Kennedy administration. While the genuineness of his statements is questionable (unlike JFK, he remained a Cold Warrior; he didn't end the war in Vietnam as JFK had planned to do after his reelection; he didn't try to negotiate with Cuba, although Fidel Castro made it clear that he was as ready to make peace with the LBJ administration as he was with the JFK; and so on), he "wasted little time turning JFK's death into a rallying cry to pass the slain leader's legislative agenda." He assumed personal control over the fight to pass Kennedy's civil rights bill, and the one he managed to push through Congress was stronger then the initial one. This achievement, together with his unconditional war on poverty in America and aid for urban development, mass transit, and slum clearance, bore his personal brand – just as he dreamt – and helped him expand federal power to an extent unseen since the early days of FDR's New Deal.
THE KENNEDY ASSASSINATION — 24 HOURS AFTER is an interesting and insightful analysis of Lyndon Baines Johnson's decision-making process in the immediate aftermath of Kennedy's assassination. Steven M. Gillon's style makes the book easily graspable and compelling, and keeps the suspense fresh. What I enjoyed the most was the looking-over-LBJ's-shoulder approach to the story. Recommendable.
December 29, 2010
This is the first book that really explores LBJ's side of events. The author discovers some interesting things as he goes through material not published before. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone interesting in the JFK assassination and LBJ.
November 26, 2019
Author Steven Gillon was presented with the unenviable job of ferreting the truth out of the claims of two sides who often disagreed in their versions of what happened in the first 24 hours after the assassination of JFK: there were the Kennedy loyalists who hated Lyndon Johnson long before November 22, 1963, and there was Johnson, who was put in an impossible situation. He was largely kept in the dark at Parkland hospital on the goings on in the trauma room just a few feet away. Once he finally learns that Kennedy died, he had to conduct himself boldly but carefully. How does one quickly and decisively take the reigns of the U.S. presidency at a perilous and globally uncertain time (was the assassination the work of the Soviets? Cubans?), while also being sensitive to the wife whose husband’s job has just become yours because he had just been murdered sitting next to her? How do you ask Kennedy’s men to do their jobs while they are still trying to come to grips with the loss of their personal friend? Such was the predicament of Lyndon Johnson.
With admirable skill, the author treats each side fairly. Johnson made his share of mistakes (who wouldn’t?) in those tumultuous 24 hours. Though grieving and trying to be sensitive to the Kennedy family, he was still a politician and often acted like one. The Kennedy people were understandably sensitive to anything that might have been construed as disrespect or insensitivity from Johnson. However, they were never willing to give him the benefit of any doubt, and consistently assigned to him the most of evil of motives, even when the new president’s mistakes were just that.
The chaos of those first 24 hours is a bit unnerving to read about, but I recommend you do. This was a captivating, enlightening, emotional read.
With admirable skill, the author treats each side fairly. Johnson made his share of mistakes (who wouldn’t?) in those tumultuous 24 hours. Though grieving and trying to be sensitive to the Kennedy family, he was still a politician and often acted like one. The Kennedy people were understandably sensitive to anything that might have been construed as disrespect or insensitivity from Johnson. However, they were never willing to give him the benefit of any doubt, and consistently assigned to him the most of evil of motives, even when the new president’s mistakes were just that.
The chaos of those first 24 hours is a bit unnerving to read about, but I recommend you do. This was a captivating, enlightening, emotional read.
April 1, 2020
Very interesting read on the first 24 hours of the LBJ Presidency. Filling in the background on JFK and LBJ, we find two very different men brought together by political expediency. JFK the suave New Englander, a polished, though inexperienced politician, and LBJ, the big Texan. A Crass, though polished political insider, versed on the ins and outs of the Senate and the backroom legislative process.
On November 22, 1963, Vice President LBJ was a “Bull castrated late in life” a consummate wheeler dealer with nothing to deal or any future in the politics he loved so much. set aside by JFK, hated by RFK, and many Kennedy staffers. All that would change with one bullet. Now thrust into the presidency, a job he coveted, he had to balance the gravitas of the occasion, while comforting a grieving widow, and ensuring a shattered nation that the United States would go on.
The author takes a fairly balanced view of what turned out to be a war of words, for the historians that would write about that day. Each side trying to ensure that their legacy would be the ones buttressed by their actions. Although he handled the immediate aftermath with skill and dignity, LBJ regressed to what he always was, a man unwilling to admit the truth, and always looming for cover. His presidency, which had started with promise, collapsed in the quagmire of Vietnam, and his inability to face up to its challenges.
All in all, an excellent read, highly recommended.
On November 22, 1963, Vice President LBJ was a “Bull castrated late in life” a consummate wheeler dealer with nothing to deal or any future in the politics he loved so much. set aside by JFK, hated by RFK, and many Kennedy staffers. All that would change with one bullet. Now thrust into the presidency, a job he coveted, he had to balance the gravitas of the occasion, while comforting a grieving widow, and ensuring a shattered nation that the United States would go on.
The author takes a fairly balanced view of what turned out to be a war of words, for the historians that would write about that day. Each side trying to ensure that their legacy would be the ones buttressed by their actions. Although he handled the immediate aftermath with skill and dignity, LBJ regressed to what he always was, a man unwilling to admit the truth, and always looming for cover. His presidency, which had started with promise, collapsed in the quagmire of Vietnam, and his inability to face up to its challenges.
All in all, an excellent read, highly recommended.
December 24, 2017
Historian, Steven M. Gillon, chronicles the tragic events of November 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, and Lyndon B. Johnson's response as he suddenly and unexpectedly becomes President of the United States. The book also explores, in detail, the political drama surrounding President Kennedy's visit to Texas, the Johnson/Kennedy relationship, and the relationships and loyalties of the aids and those closest to both President Kennedy and Vice President Johnson.
The detail is amazing. The author offers a more complete picture of President Johnson, the man. When I think about President Kennedy's assassination, my usual focus is on him and the Kennedy family. I tend to think less about what Vice President Johnson's life as Vice President, and what he had to grapple with when, in the blink of an eye, he became President of the United States. I appreciated seeing the personal side of President Johnson a great deal. Not perfect, of course, but nothing like he is often portrayed either. I intend to read more of this author's material, as I like his writing style and presentation.
The detail is amazing. The author offers a more complete picture of President Johnson, the man. When I think about President Kennedy's assassination, my usual focus is on him and the Kennedy family. I tend to think less about what Vice President Johnson's life as Vice President, and what he had to grapple with when, in the blink of an eye, he became President of the United States. I appreciated seeing the personal side of President Johnson a great deal. Not perfect, of course, but nothing like he is often portrayed either. I intend to read more of this author's material, as I like his writing style and presentation.
May 24, 2025
Wow. This was a fabulously written book. It was very readable and concise, yet packed itself with enough information to allow you to paint a full picture of the events that happened that day, and how they applied to lbj.
This book also mentions conflicting accounts very well, comparing them and making a well informed judgement on what most likely transpired in that specific moment.
I picked this one up for a couple of bucks, hoping for a brief summary of an event which has always fascinated me, yet something I know little about. I got exactly that, and more from an lbj standpoint. Definitely recommend
This book also mentions conflicting accounts very well, comparing them and making a well informed judgement on what most likely transpired in that specific moment.
I picked this one up for a couple of bucks, hoping for a brief summary of an event which has always fascinated me, yet something I know little about. I got exactly that, and more from an lbj standpoint. Definitely recommend
January 9, 2024
This was not an aspect to the events surrounding the assassination of JFK, but it certainly is an important part. It got a little in the weeds for me but seemed pretty objective given the animosity between the JFK group and LBJ group.
Tragedy, political intrigue, jealousy, paranoia and personal actions all on display.
Tragedy, political intrigue, jealousy, paranoia and personal actions all on display.
Read
August 11, 2022One word comes to mind, insightful. Looking back at events in this dramatic and tragic time the author seems to report events and the circumstances that resulted as a true journalist reporting without bias or political slant.
November 12, 2024
Insight to the twenty four hours immediately after Kennedy’s death and the decisions Johnson had to make. It is an interesting observation of Johnson but I do wonder why the author thought it necessary to repeat himself so much.
May 6, 2025
The book is really interesting.
For a relatively short book, the book is very detailed and informative following the build up and 24 hours after JFK’s assassination.
I will be planning to read more from the Author.
For a relatively short book, the book is very detailed and informative following the build up and 24 hours after JFK’s assassination.
I will be planning to read more from the Author.
December 29, 2021
A whole new perspective of that day in Dallas.
April 24, 2022
Very interesting.
March 2, 2024
A powerful and thought-provoking read.
March 12, 2017
An interesting look at the Kennedy assassination through the eyes of President Lyndon Johnson. An easy and engaging read that pulled me in while taking you through LBJ's first 24 hours in office following the assassination of JFK. I highly recommend this book to other history geeks.
March 2, 2019
In the first 24 hours after John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Lyndon B. Johnson made some critical decisions that determined the successes – and failures – of his presidency.
This look at Nov. 23, 1963, was a very enlightening, even to somebody who is pretty well-versed in the assassination literature.
The main backdrop is the rivalry between Johnson and Bobby Kennedy as the keeper of the flame/preserver of the legacy of his brother Jack. You could feel the tension between them as the account of the day continues.
Interesting that this book recounts all the myths and rumors about the day, scene at the hospital, phone calls, etc. It tells all the tales, from all sides, and attempts to sort out the truth.
Ultimately, Johnson is seen as a tragic figure, who had some of it coming to him, too.
OK I admit it, I used to be into all the conspiracy stuff, but I’m not anymore, so the fact that the book didn’t go into the mess of the assassination was a plus. Kind of like how Tony Stark didn’t want to hear Peter Parker’s origin story. It was better for it.
Not for those who want to debate the Grassy Knoll, but for those who want to know about LBJ.
For more of my book reviews, go to Ralphsbooks.
This look at Nov. 23, 1963, was a very enlightening, even to somebody who is pretty well-versed in the assassination literature.
The main backdrop is the rivalry between Johnson and Bobby Kennedy as the keeper of the flame/preserver of the legacy of his brother Jack. You could feel the tension between them as the account of the day continues.
Interesting that this book recounts all the myths and rumors about the day, scene at the hospital, phone calls, etc. It tells all the tales, from all sides, and attempts to sort out the truth.
Ultimately, Johnson is seen as a tragic figure, who had some of it coming to him, too.
OK I admit it, I used to be into all the conspiracy stuff, but I’m not anymore, so the fact that the book didn’t go into the mess of the assassination was a plus. Kind of like how Tony Stark didn’t want to hear Peter Parker’s origin story. It was better for it.
Not for those who want to debate the Grassy Knoll, but for those who want to know about LBJ.
For more of my book reviews, go to Ralphsbooks.
October 12, 2013
Since I was young I had always been drawn to the events surrounding both the life and tragic death of John F. Kennedy. But not until now have I ever read anything about the day of his passing. After viewing the televised version of this book on the History channel I became even more curious to the events of the day and decided to pick up the literary version of the TV special. Even though the title, and the general premise, of the book is the 24 hours after the assassination, the book expands the story to the events that led up to the murder and the actions taken while the crime was being committed.
While researching other books on the subject it became very clear that the vast majority of the Kennedy assassination books revolved around LBJ and the man he was both before and after the events in Dallas. There are many books that straightforwardly accuse the Vice President of having a direct hand in the assassination itself. While this book does focus on LBJ quite extensively it also presents events and actions taken by more unknown people throughout both JFK and LBJ's camps. It presents background information into who the main players were and how their personalities impacted their reactions to the historical event.
While the writing is very good and the descriptions of the events are presented well I found the book to be a cliff note version of a much larger story. For a beginner like me the book was a smooth introduction to the events, the main players and the general feel of the political and national atmosphere at the time. However the book doesn't delve to much into the overall story of the day. Its main focus is on LBJ and the viewpoints of more little known characters like secretaries and aids that were there as eyewitnesses to the killing but skirts over the actions of Lee Harvey Oswald, his history and actions that led him to killing a beloved president, or the many theories of organized crime or FBI/CIA involvement. True theories like that have never been proven but at some point people within the two camps had to at sometime thought that the assassination was more than just a possible soviet plot to cut the head of the snake of US government.
Overall the book is well written and is a very good introductory piece for someone like me who wants to learn more about the tragic events of that day. Plus many of the quotes and facts presented are sourced in the back providing the reader with a list of works that can be researched later.
While researching other books on the subject it became very clear that the vast majority of the Kennedy assassination books revolved around LBJ and the man he was both before and after the events in Dallas. There are many books that straightforwardly accuse the Vice President of having a direct hand in the assassination itself. While this book does focus on LBJ quite extensively it also presents events and actions taken by more unknown people throughout both JFK and LBJ's camps. It presents background information into who the main players were and how their personalities impacted their reactions to the historical event.
While the writing is very good and the descriptions of the events are presented well I found the book to be a cliff note version of a much larger story. For a beginner like me the book was a smooth introduction to the events, the main players and the general feel of the political and national atmosphere at the time. However the book doesn't delve to much into the overall story of the day. Its main focus is on LBJ and the viewpoints of more little known characters like secretaries and aids that were there as eyewitnesses to the killing but skirts over the actions of Lee Harvey Oswald, his history and actions that led him to killing a beloved president, or the many theories of organized crime or FBI/CIA involvement. True theories like that have never been proven but at some point people within the two camps had to at sometime thought that the assassination was more than just a possible soviet plot to cut the head of the snake of US government.
Overall the book is well written and is a very good introductory piece for someone like me who wants to learn more about the tragic events of that day. Plus many of the quotes and facts presented are sourced in the back providing the reader with a list of works that can be researched later.
January 24, 2010
This book is the companion piece to the recent program that aired on The History Channel. Dealing exclusively with the 24 hours that followed the death of President Kennedy, Gillon has dug up conversations, and melded old interviews with survivors of that day, weaving an interesting tale of paranoia, jealousy and intrigue.
In short, after the arrival of the presidential party to Parkland Hospital, LBJ was hustled off to a separate area by the secret service to await events. The Secret Service, not knowing if the killing of President Kennedy was part of a larger plot, was eager to get LBJ out of Dallas. Indeed, the agents with LBJ didn't even know if Kennedy had expired or not.
A couple rooms away, doctors tried a futile attempt to revive President Kennedy. Most of those who saw Kennedy after he was shot agreed that he was dead by the time the limo pulled up to the hospital, such was the extent of his head wound.
After JFK's death became known, a battle of wills developed between Kennedy's aides and LBJ. LBJ, extremely sensitive to his image and how it would look should he too aggressively grab the reins of power, tried to manipulate the Kennedy aides into agreeing he take the oath of office in Dallas. LBJ would argue with attorney general Robert Kennedy about the details (afterwards both would deny the other's allegations.)
By the time Air Force One took off with two presidents, one dead and one alive, LBJ was setting the stage for the transition of power. He implored Kennedy aides to stay on with him to give the appearance of a seamless transition, as well as keep any possible critics within his ranks.
In the end, most of Kennedy's most personal aides would see LBJ as a usurper and wholly undeserving of the office. Most were gone by the end of 1964 (of course Kennedy's cabinet secretaries stayed, including Dean Rusk and Robert McNamara at State and Defense, respectively.) LBJ, who had been laughed and made fun of by the Kennedy people only a day before, was now president. The one main intention of this book is to shed light on all of the confusion that ran rampant immediately following JKF's death.
In short, after the arrival of the presidential party to Parkland Hospital, LBJ was hustled off to a separate area by the secret service to await events. The Secret Service, not knowing if the killing of President Kennedy was part of a larger plot, was eager to get LBJ out of Dallas. Indeed, the agents with LBJ didn't even know if Kennedy had expired or not.
A couple rooms away, doctors tried a futile attempt to revive President Kennedy. Most of those who saw Kennedy after he was shot agreed that he was dead by the time the limo pulled up to the hospital, such was the extent of his head wound.
After JFK's death became known, a battle of wills developed between Kennedy's aides and LBJ. LBJ, extremely sensitive to his image and how it would look should he too aggressively grab the reins of power, tried to manipulate the Kennedy aides into agreeing he take the oath of office in Dallas. LBJ would argue with attorney general Robert Kennedy about the details (afterwards both would deny the other's allegations.)
By the time Air Force One took off with two presidents, one dead and one alive, LBJ was setting the stage for the transition of power. He implored Kennedy aides to stay on with him to give the appearance of a seamless transition, as well as keep any possible critics within his ranks.
In the end, most of Kennedy's most personal aides would see LBJ as a usurper and wholly undeserving of the office. Most were gone by the end of 1964 (of course Kennedy's cabinet secretaries stayed, including Dean Rusk and Robert McNamara at State and Defense, respectively.) LBJ, who had been laughed and made fun of by the Kennedy people only a day before, was now president. The one main intention of this book is to shed light on all of the confusion that ran rampant immediately following JKF's death.
November 26, 2012
Steven Gillon has a very solid look at one or two "small" corners of Jack Kennedy's assassination.
The first is, about transition of power worries of the first, and so far only, assassination of a president in the nuclear age. Contra to some people who say, "What's the big deal whether Jack Kennedy" officially was declared dead at 1 p.m. or at 12:53 p.m., if Oswald HAD been part of either a Soviet or a Cuban conspiracy, this would have been HUGE! And, as Gilliam shows, Johnson and just about everybody else was thinking this was at least a possibility.
The second corner is that Jack's assassination ripped the mask of politeness off the RFK-LBJ angst, and rubbed salt in it. Gillon shows how a variety of LBJ worry about Bobby's reaction to decisions of his, LBJ's natural duplicity, the Irish Mafia's snobbishness and more, all contributed to making reasonable decisions into tragic grand opera, or comic opera or a bit of both. Gilliam makes a good effort to get past the "spin" both camps put on some of their decisions and largely succeeds.
This is a bit pricey as a book, even for today, and might be more four-star than five, if my review were the only one. But, as at other times, reviews are a blog of sorts, and sometimes, a review's star-weight needs bumping upward, or downward, to counter the current average.
The first is, about transition of power worries of the first, and so far only, assassination of a president in the nuclear age. Contra to some people who say, "What's the big deal whether Jack Kennedy" officially was declared dead at 1 p.m. or at 12:53 p.m., if Oswald HAD been part of either a Soviet or a Cuban conspiracy, this would have been HUGE! And, as Gilliam shows, Johnson and just about everybody else was thinking this was at least a possibility.
The second corner is that Jack's assassination ripped the mask of politeness off the RFK-LBJ angst, and rubbed salt in it. Gillon shows how a variety of LBJ worry about Bobby's reaction to decisions of his, LBJ's natural duplicity, the Irish Mafia's snobbishness and more, all contributed to making reasonable decisions into tragic grand opera, or comic opera or a bit of both. Gilliam makes a good effort to get past the "spin" both camps put on some of their decisions and largely succeeds.
This is a bit pricey as a book, even for today, and might be more four-star than five, if my review were the only one. But, as at other times, reviews are a blog of sorts, and sometimes, a review's star-weight needs bumping upward, or downward, to counter the current average.
February 7, 2016
The Kennedy assassination in Dallas in 1963 has been analyzed from innumerable possible angles, however one aspect of the story often neglected is that of the transition of power. Never in American history had the transfer of power occurred so suddenly or unexpectedly. And yet the transfer went smoothly and without incident. At the center of the transition was the new President, Lyndon Johnson. In this book, Steven Gillon sets out to show us how Johnson handled the transition of power with sensitivity that was out of character and conniving that was typical. In the 24 hours following the assassination, the new President gave a glimpse of the kind of man he was and the kind of President he would be. In his deference to Jackie Kennedy and in his handling of his new Presidential staff, he was brilliant. In his paranoia (not completely unjustified)of the Kennedy clique led by Bobby he was at his worst. Under the circumstances, Johnson performed as well as anyone could, and certainly better than anyone in the Kennedy camp believed he could or would ever give him credit for. Gillon presents a balanced and at times breathless narrative of the events of the the 24 hours following the assassination, as well as giving the reader insight as to the motivations of the various characters in the story. An excellent addition to the canon of the Kennedy assassination.
August 27, 2011
This book is sufficient, but is a rehash of many other books with very little new or insightful information. As an example, only 67% of the volume is the book itself while the other 33% is comprised of end notes, tables of references, and a glossary. Its major "point" is the delay in the notification of President Johnson of President Kennedy's death while at Parkland Hospital. It compares several first party accounts and highlights ten to fifteen minute discrepancies in various memories. I didn't feel that the issue was all that important considering the magnitude of the event which was occurring. While there may have been a "power vacuum" for 10 minutes, even if the Soviets were aware of the plot it would have been extremely difficult to capitalize on the weakness due to the limited communication and technology of the times. I thought while the author made some attempts to be balanced, the book was tilted toward the Johnson perspective and against the Kennedys. It portrayed many of them as vengeful and vindictive in the hours after the assassination when i doubt they cared much what Lyndon Johnson thought or felt due to their own overwhelming grief and shock. Overall, a quick read worthwhile only if you have an interest in the mechanics of the Kennedy assassination.
October 31, 2011
Really enjoyable, if you could use that word in connection with this subject. Reads like a fast-paced thriller -- with entire chapters covering time spans of as little as 15 minutes. Also superbly researched with a strong and successful effort at achieving balance, including presenting the reader with contradictory evidence along with a judicious weighing and balancing of that evidence.
As the title indicates, the book focuses on the President Johnson's first day in office, starting with being thrown to the ground in his limo by his alert secret service protection and ending with a series of photo-op meetings with his team in the Oval Office and what appears from the pictures to be the Roosevelt Room. In between, Johnson has to make rapid judgments under enormous uncertainty -- while balancing the need to project continuity with the importance of not appearing greedy or ambitious to a nation deeply in mourning for Kennedy.
As the title indicates, the book focuses on the President Johnson's first day in office, starting with being thrown to the ground in his limo by his alert secret service protection and ending with a series of photo-op meetings with his team in the Oval Office and what appears from the pictures to be the Roosevelt Room. In between, Johnson has to make rapid judgments under enormous uncertainty -- while balancing the need to project continuity with the importance of not appearing greedy or ambitious to a nation deeply in mourning for Kennedy.
January 10, 2010
This is a fascinating look into the hours immediately following the shooting of JFK, but it focuses on LBJ. This book answered many of the questions I've always had, such as where was LBJ, what/when did he know, what kinds of fears/concerns did he have, what did people notice [if anything:] about his overall demeanor? The book also provides some details about Jackie that I'd not seen before...what she actually said at the moment of the fatal head shot; and why she kept the pink suit on for so long. One of the most interesting aspects: because of TV, the world knew of JFKs condition before LBJ did, even tho LBJ was sitting in the room right next to the dead president. There was a **lot** of chaos...it's to LBJs credit that he made the American public feel safe, immediately following the assassination
July 18, 2017
4.7 -- Extremely fascinating account of [mainly] LBJ's perspective before, during, and after the assassination of JFK. A lot of terrific details; a lot of surprising things, particularly the way he was treated by the Kennedy camp afterward. As admirably as he acted upon taking oath on board the Air Force One, Johnson's glaring flaws-- namely, his paranoia and deceitful tendencies-- ultimately would outshine any heroics he showed flashes of in those first several hours.
I'm glad I picked this one up at the library. I learned some stuff about many of the key people who were around the events of that tragic day in Dallas, especially Lyndon Johnson and Robert Kennedy. It whet my appetite for other books on those 2 men, and the inner-workings of U.S. politics in the volatile 1960's.
Very good read. I highly recommend.
I'm glad I picked this one up at the library. I learned some stuff about many of the key people who were around the events of that tragic day in Dallas, especially Lyndon Johnson and Robert Kennedy. It whet my appetite for other books on those 2 men, and the inner-workings of U.S. politics in the volatile 1960's.
Very good read. I highly recommend.
December 19, 2009
Quick, informative piece about the power of the media and the insane actions of the major players in Dallas on that dark day. I especially liked the strange coincidences and occurences that foreshadow the outcome of JFK's death. Growing up with the hype and legends surrounding his assisination,I haven't paid much attention to Johnson. Until this book. Though I think it is hard to judge a person in a moment of tragedy, Johnson did have the eyes of the world on him for what seems to be the first time in his political career.I think many of today's politicians wouldn't have been able to come off looking so heroic. In those first 24 hours, Johnson kept a nation calm,bowed to the wishes of Jacqueline Kennedy and the Kennedy clan and came out on top. At least for awhile!
August 31, 2013
Steven Gillon's book is well-researched and fairly balanced. It's a fairly quick read and is riveting at times. Gillon's analysis is superb as Johnson's actions in the hours after JFK's assassination provide a window into the achievements and failures of Johnson's presidency.
What is also sadly apparent in the book is the pettiness of some of Kennedy's aides toward Johnson. Johnson is also guilty of some of the same sophomoric behavior but to a lesser degree during those first 24
hours. The book also shows the compassionate side of Johnson, particularly toward Jackie Kennedy and his desire to help comfort a grieving nation.
I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking insight into JFK's death.
What is also sadly apparent in the book is the pettiness of some of Kennedy's aides toward Johnson. Johnson is also guilty of some of the same sophomoric behavior but to a lesser degree during those first 24
hours. The book also shows the compassionate side of Johnson, particularly toward Jackie Kennedy and his desire to help comfort a grieving nation.
I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking insight into JFK's death.
March 16, 2010
I have read literally dozens of books on the Kennedy Assassination. This is the first book that concentrates solely on the transfer of power from Kennedy to Lyndon Johnson and all of the drama and miscommunication between the Kennedy and Johnson camps.
A lot of this drama was known before. LBJ was not viewed by the Kennedy camp as a worthy successor to JFK. The feelings between Robert Kennedy and Johnson have been covered in other books as well, but this book concentrates only on the 24-hour period from when the shots were first fired in Dallas. RFK comes off badly so fans of the late president's brother may want to avoid reading it.
A lot of this drama was known before. LBJ was not viewed by the Kennedy camp as a worthy successor to JFK. The feelings between Robert Kennedy and Johnson have been covered in other books as well, but this book concentrates only on the 24-hour period from when the shots were first fired in Dallas. RFK comes off badly so fans of the late president's brother may want to avoid reading it.
February 8, 2011
A somewhat thin synthesis of the 24 hours from the JFK assassination to noon the following day. Except for the discussion of Kennedy's time of death, there didn't seem to be much new information here. The "revelation" that the seeds of LBJ's problems as president were evident in those 24 hours didn't seem like much of a revelation either. Anybody who knows anything about LBJ through reading Caro or Dalleck or Woods would know those behavioral and power issues were evident for a long time before that.
August 9, 2014
This book deals with the assassination of JFK and the assumption of power by LBJ. The Kennedy people had never really liked LBJ, particularly RFK. The story of the transition is therefore tainted by whose side the person involved supported JFK or LBJ. The author does a good job of presenting all sides of the events and letting the reader judge what is true. Both camps and the people involved tried to shape the facts to make them look good and the others to be lacking. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone interested in the events around the assassination.
November 16, 2009
I enjoyed reading Steven Gillon's The Kennedy Assassination - 24 Hours After: Lyndon B. Johnson's Pivotal First Day As President. If you are looking for an detailed, in depth examination of the 24 hour period after President Kennedy's assassination this may not be the best book. However, if you are looking for a quick read that provides you with a few broad, general details this is the book you want.
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