Walter Lippmann and the American Century — 42 “A Man for This Season”

1. 1. After Kennedy's assassination, Lyndon Johnson visited Lippmann, appearing humble and overwhelmed, seeking help and listening carefully.
2. 2. Lippmann defended Johnson against Kennedy loyalists who viewed him as an interregnum, urging them to accept Johnson as the rightful president.
3. 3. Lippmann warned journalists to maintain distance from powerful officials, saying there must be 'an air space' between them and presidents.
4. 4. Lippmann endorsed De Gaulle's neutralization plan for Vietnam, arguing it was America's best hope to avoid a quagmire.
5. 5. Lippmann argued with McGeorge Bundy over Vietnam, suggesting a Titoist regime in Vietnam would be better than a communist takeover.
6. 6. Johnson presented Lippmann with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and attended his 75th birthday party, marking the peak of their relationship.
7. 7. Lippmann initially supported the Senate filibuster to protect minority rights, even when used to block civil rights legislation in the 1930s and 1940s.
8. 8. By 1963, after Birmingham, Lippmann reversed his position on the filibuster, calling it unjustifiable for blocking civil rights.
9. 9. Lippmann called the murder of a civil rights worker in Selma a 'national disgrace' and demanded a 'mighty national act of repentance and reparation.'
10. 10. Lippmann described Barry Goldwater as a 'demagogue who dreams of arousing the rich against the poor.'
11. 11. Lippmann endorsed Lyndon Johnson as 'a man for this season' and dismissed the Republican ticket as offering no real choice.
12. 12. Lippmann warned Johnson against expanding the Vietnam War, relaying De Gaulle's view that a million Americans would be needed and victory was impossible.