The Kennedy Assassination--24 Hours After: Lyndon B. Johnson's Pivotal First Day as President

Front Cover
Basic Books, Oct 6, 2009 - History - 320 pages
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.

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Contents

Title Page Dedication Preface
It All Began So Beautifully
They Do Love This President Dont They?
Theyre Going to Kill Us All
Dave Hes Dead
The Condition Is Not Good
Hes Gone
Mr President
There Was Tenseness on That Plane
Rufus Wheres My Hat?
Youre the Men I Trust the Most
Its Getting Late Mr President
I Remember the Word That He UsedObscene
It Was a Gray Day Fitting the Occasion
Honey You Stay As Long As You Want
Acknowledgements Notes

Anybody Can Swear You In
I Have Only One President
I Do Solemnly Swear
Note on Sources
Index Copyright Page

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About the author (2009)

Steve M. Gillon is a scholar-in-residence for the History Channel and a professor of history at the University of Oklahoma. The author of several books on American history, including the New York Times bestelling America's Reluctant Prince, he lives in Miami Beach, Florida.

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