Chief of Staff : Lyndon Johnson and His Presidency

Rating:
Summary: Interesting, But Too One Sided
Review: Lyndon Johnson has attracted some of the best presidential scolars, such as Robert Caro and Michael Beschloss. His presidency has great highs (perhaps the highest wave of progressive legislation ever, leading with civil rights laws) and great lows (Vietnam). Presidential histories will be arguing about LBJ's place in history for the rest of this century and beyond.

Watson's book is valuable in that it presents the pro-Johnson
view, to an extreme. He agrues against blaming Johnson for Vietnam, claiming that George ball was asked by Johnson to present the anti-administraion view on Vietnam at meeting. If true, it is a major plus for LBJ. But, it is hard to trust Watson. He gets into the political battles between the Kennedy holdovers and the Johnson staff too much. Who knows or cares if Johnson was as strong a Christain as Watson claims. Even the Johnson family has never made such a claim.

Lady Bird Johnson (universally believed to be a very decent person) has been protective of her husband's legacy, cutting off relations with Caro and others who are critical of Lyndon, especially his many relationships with other women. Mrs. Johnson (a month away from age 92) has endorsed this book with quotes and appearances at Watson's readings. Lady Bird is too astute a political figure to be completly happy with this book, but Watson is so devoted to her husband, that she probably had little choice. Johnson's reputation has risen with the release of the WH private tapes (approved by Mrs. Johnson). Caro's final book on LBJ (covering the vp and presidency) is expected to be largely favorable -- the Watson book is somewhat of an embarrassment at this time. The book is a good read, but be warned.