Ep 8. LBJ, Part 2

President Lyndon B. Johnson's rise to power and his tumultuous tenure in the White House is explored in American Experience: The Presidents season 1 episode 8, titled "LBJ, Part 2." This second part of the documentary delves deeper into the presidency of Johnson, from his landslide victory in the 1964 election to the quagmire of the Vietnam War and his decision not to seek re-election in 1968.

The episode begins by examining Johnson's landslide victory over Republican nominee Barry Goldwater in the 1964 election, which gave him a mandate to push forward with his vision for a "Great Society" that would eradicate poverty and create a more just and equitable America. However, Johnson's ambitious domestic agenda was soon overshadowed by the growing conflict in Vietnam, as he escalated American involvement in the war in an effort to contain communist expansion in Southeast Asia.

As the war dragged on and casualties mounted, Johnson faced mounting opposition from anti-war activists, civil rights leaders, and even members of his own party. The episode explores the protests and demonstrations that swept the country during the late 60s, as well as Johnson's efforts to quell the unrest through speeches and legislation.

One of the key moments in Johnson's presidency was his decision not to seek re-election in 1968, after a stunning defeat in the New Hampshire primary and mounting criticism from within his own party. The episode explores the political maneuvering and personal struggles that led to Johnson's announcement, as well as the impact it had on the presidency and the country as a whole.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to rare footage and interviews with key players from Johnson's administration, including Robert McNamara, Dean Rusk, and Lady Bird Johnson. The documentary paints a complex portrait of a flawed but fascinating president who was both a visionary and a pragmatist, a champion of civil rights and a reluctant warrior, and a man who left an indelible mark on American history.