COLLECTIONS
ABOUT
EXHIBITS
COLLECTIONS
ABOUT
EXHIBITS
Having married LBJ in 1934, Lady Bird Johnson proved a vital source of support and advice throughout LBJ’s political career, especially during their time in the White House. Both remained firmly rooted in Texas, even as they became Washington’s, and the nation’s, first couple. Below are some selections related to Lady Bird drawn from the LBJ and Nixon tapes.
LBJ, Lady Bird, and Senator Richard Russell Talk about Texas Life
On this New Year’s Day call, LBJ, Lady Bird, and Richard Russell reflect on some of their favorite things about Texas.
Nixon Hears About LBJ and Lady Bird
John Scali, a former ABC reporter hired as a press adviser by the Nixon White House, relates a conversation with Lady Bird about LBJ’s presidency.
Lady Bird Comforts Mrs. Rose Kennedy
Just hours after the assassination of President Kennedy, LBJ and Lady Bird call the slain president’s mother, Mrs. Rose Kennedy, from aboard Air Force One on their way back to the White House.
Lady Bird Comforts Mrs. Nellie Connally
Texas Governor John Connally was also shot in the attack on President Kennedy. Calling from aboard Air Force One on the flight from Dallas to Washington, Lady Bird and LBJ comfort Connally’s wife, Nellie.
WH6406_10_3766 : June 17, 1964 : LBJ and Lady Bird
Topics: Dinner plans; Lady Bird says that she is talking on her “talking machine”; telephone calls from Lynda Bird and Luci.
WH6406_02_3617 : June 3, 1964 : LBJ and Lady Bird
Topics: Discussion of dinner plans; upcoming TV program on LBJ’s relationship with the press; special machine needed to watch program.
WH6401_23_1592 : January 27, 1964 : Lady Bird and Bill Moyers
Topics: Arrangements for Lady Bird and Alfred and Nancy Negley to meet LBJ at the White House pool; Nancy Negley accepts invitation.
WH6401_20_1515 : January 24, 1964 : LBJ and Lady Bird
Topics: Evening plans
Claudia “Lady Bird” Taylor Johnson believed a First Lady needed to be a “showman and a salesman, a clothes horse and a publicity sounding board, with a good heart, and a real interest in the folks.” Satisfying these conditions would be a tall order for any woman, and even more so in the wake of the popular and well-heeled Jacqueline Kennedy. But Lady Bird rose to the occasion with an equanimity and a grace that rivaled her predecessor. Like Jackie Kennedy, however, Lady Bird was confident in her direction and her agenda as First Lady. MORE >>