Lyndon B Johnson's Let us Continue speech and legacy

Lyndon B. Johnson and his "Let us Continue" Speech

Commonly known as LBJ, Lyndon Banes Johnson (1908-1973) climbed the political ladder all the way up. First a member in the House of Representatives, then a Senator, Lyndon eventually became the 37 Vice President of the United States, serving under President John F. Kennedy. Upon the assassination of Kennedy, Lyndon was instated the country's 36th President. After this term ended, he participated in elections and won another mandate at the White House.

Johnson's agenda was focused on the creation of a better society for the American citizens. The future endeavors were organized under what is called the Great Society legislation, and referred to efforts for improving the educational system, the healthcare system, the media or the environment.

At the same time, international tensions raised from Vietnam, a country broken down in two, with the northern part of the country being communist and fighting to instate communism, and the southern part of the country fighting for freedom. Johnson feared that communist victory would impede with his internal plans, as well as denigrate the global position of the United States. He as such became decided that the U.S. should be more involved in the Vietnam War, and continually sent troops there, for the growing concern and discontent of the population. At one point, people would intone: "Hey, hey LBJ, how many kids did you kill today" (Stubbs). Deeply affected by the outcome of his actions, the President closed himself up to public, making only rare appearances. He died at the age of 64, due to a heart attack.

Upon being instated as United States President for the first time, Johnson faced a difficult task -- he would have to get through to a mourning and grieving society, still in shock from the assassination of Kennedy. Chances were the people would not pay much attention to this new president, come to replace what they have perceived as the best. Johnson was aware of the challenge and he strived to get the people on his side, by making an emotional speech, the first in his presidential career. The speech is called "Let us continue" and was held on the 27th of November 1963, five days after his appointment as United States President, and before a Joint Session of the U.S. Congress.

Johnson began his speech by referring to the sad loss of JFK, "the greatest leader of our time [who] has been struck down by the foulest deed of our time" (Johnson, 1963). He pointed out that he would give anything to not be put in the position of having become president because of the death of Kennedy. This beginning was a natural one in the given circumstances, in which people were still grieving the death of Kennedy, and not mentioning it in a speech would have been insensitive and inappropriate. So Johnson virtually capitalized on the emotions raised by the assassination of the former president. It should not be understood that he did not himself mourn the loss, just that he was able to appeal to the same feelings in the audience to capture their support and attention.

The new president then moved on to argue that the best thing to be done was that of continuing the plan instated by Kennedy, through which he planned on making the United States a better and more prosperous country. "And now the ideas and the ideals which he so nobly represented must and will be translated into effective action" (Johnson). As most political analysis would argue, the continuation of the previous plan is not only a strategy to gaining popularity, but also one which stands the most chances of retrieving successful outcomes, due to consistency and the ability to capitalize on the investments which had already been made.

Johnson continued his speech by appealing to the pride of being an American, which was raised by the reiteration of the American goals, strengths and commitments. The country would continue its efforts to make the world a better place, and would offer its support to friends and allies. "This Nation will keep its commitments from South Viet-Nam to West Berlin. We will be unceasing in the search for peace; resourceful in our pursuit of areas of agreement even with those with whom we differ; and generous and loyal to those who join with us in common cause. […] Those who test our courage will find it strong, and those who seek our friendship will find it honorable. […] We will serve all the Nation, not one section or one sector, or one group, but all Americans. These are the United States -- a united people with a united purpose" (Johnson).

The new president then revealed a vulnerable side, that of a man mourning the loss of a friend and a great man. And he said that Kennedy's death put the immense burden of presidency upon his shoulders, and that he could not do it alone. By speaking these words, he revealed his human side, getting as such the compassion of the audience, as well as their support and dedication.