Lyndon Johnson is probably the only U.S. President, except Andrew Jack- son, who has been uniquely concerned with gaining and using power. Other Presidents have had other interests than the game of politics and they have indulged them. Other Presidents have also sought relaxation from the tensions of the game in the company of old friends who were not concerned or involved with political relations. Other Presidents have had a private life. President Johnson, in contrast, is exclusively concerned with politics—the business of gaining and using power over human affairs. He is always on, always pursuing his goals, and always actively engaged in negotiations. Professional observers, Johnsonologists if you please, would have us believe that the way Johnson operates is very difficult to understand-—that only the specialists are able to discern the moves and the progress of the game.
However, any number can kibitz in this chess game if the value of the pieces and the ground rules are understood, and there is a sound appreciation of the kind of game that the President plays. Johnson makes this easier than other Presidents because other Presidents often tired of playing and allowed their private personality to dominate their conduct. President Truman, for example, was capable of conspicuous acts of courage that were nonpolitical. President Johnson, in contrast, is probably incapable of a nonpolitical act.
Comments