Sean+H.+-+LBJ+-+FA10

Lyndon B Johnson "LBJ" Born: August 27, 1908 Died: January 22, 1973 Political Party: Democrat Years in Office: 1963 - 1969 Vice President: Hubert Humphrey 1964-1969

President Lyndon Johnson was a well focused genuine leader whom was thrown into office in a time of high tension due to the recent assassination of John Kennedy and the on going Cold War with the Soviet Union physically embodied in the Vietnam Conflict. Johnson was a soldier for anti-poverty legislation, racial reform, space exploration, tax cuts, education and social security although the national trends at the time rivaled his actions. For these reasons I give Johnson a B grade for his time spent in Office.

President Johnson, when actually elected in 1964, ran on the same political platform which elected Kennedy and made him so very popular. The basis of which was tax cuts and strong social reform when it comes to equality of Blacks. Another major triumph of Johnson's Presidency was the huge strides in space exploration by NASA, the foundation of which was laid by Kennedy's bold prediction, which was met in 1969 with the moon landing. Johnson did succeed in at least attempting to reach all his goals, however the unrest of the time made that impossible.

During Johnson's Presidency there was an overwhelming majority of Democrat's in both the House and Senate. With this Johnson could work easily passing through things like the Medicare, Medicaid and major tax cuts as promised in his first state of the union address. Johnson also signed the Revenue Act which reduced income and corporate taxes.

During the duration of Johnson's Presidency much legislation was pushed through congress, however the two implements which stick out as the most positive and also most influential to future generations was most certainly Medicare and Medicaid. These two bills are unlike anything which has previously been introduced in American history. It squashes the trend of American immediate rejection of anything which expanded government role in personal life and also helps thousands of those who need it most with Government money. Also these systems are still in place today, which means it has affected countless lives since its passing under Lyndon Johnson.

The most negative policy of the Johnson administration was the support of the Vietnam War. This conflict not only had drastic repercussions in American casualties but also tore apart at the seams the public opinion of the American public. Although there were countless fervent protests, which often times ended in violence, the fear of the spread of communism kept American politicians in support of this costly war.

In conclusion, Lyndon B Johnson was a good President put into power in a turbulent time. He did pass many extremely helpful and morally outstanding bills which make him above average but the political tension caused by the Vietnam War and race riots all over the country made America a very troubled country during his time in office. That is why I give Lyndon Johnson a B for his overall presidency.

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http://www.presidentsusa.net/ljohnson.html