LBJ: Triumph and Tragedy Season 1 Episode 1 Part 1: The Accidental President

LBJ: Triumph and Tragedy season 1 episode 1 titled "Part 1: The Accidental President" brings the audience back to a tumultuous time in American history. The episode covers the events and circumstances leading up to Lyndon B. Johnson's unexpected ascension to the presidency of the United States.

The episode highlights the unexpected turn of events that led to LBJ's presidency. The story begins in November of 1960 when John F. Kennedy was elected president of the United States. Kennedy named Lyndon B. Johnson, the Texas Senator, as his running mate to balance the Democratic ticket. However, Johnson was far from pleased with the vice president position as it had limited power and prestige.

The episode dives into Johnson's early life, his political career, and his aspirations. We get a glimpse of his youth, growing up in a small town in Texas, where his father served as a state legislator. Johnson quickly rose through the ranks of the political world, becoming a Congressman in 1937, a Senator in 1948, and eventually serving as the Senate Majority Leader. The episode highlights his impressive political acumen, his formidable negotiation skills, and his love for power and acclaim.

Johnson's dissatisfaction with the vice presidency became apparent soon after Kennedy's inauguration. He was excluded from important meetings and decisions made by the President, which left him feeling powerless and irrelevant. The episode shows Johnson's frustration mounting as he was unable to make any meaningful contribution to the Kennedy administration.

On November 22, 1963, the course of LBJ's life changed forever. The episode covers JFK's assassination in Dallas, Texas, and the events that shaped LBJ's presidency. Johnson was sworn in as the President of the United States on Air Force One, just hours after the assassination. His sudden elevation to the highest position in the country caused a stir in American politics. The episode covers the immediate aftermath of JFK's assassination, including the panic and confusion that followed.

The episode also highlights Johnson's immediate actions as president. He swiftly took charge, consoling a grieving nation, and moving the government forward. He began to place his mark on the Presidential office, emphasizing his "Great Society" programs, establishing civil rights legislation, and other reforms. He viewed himself as a man of the people and was confident that he was the man America needed during this difficult time.

"Part 1: The Accidental President" sets the stage for the rest of the series. The audience gets a glimpse of Lyndon B. Johnson's complex personality, his love for power, and his rise to the presidency. The episode also covers the context surrounding LBJ's presidency, including key events such as the Cold War, McCarthyism, and the Civil Rights Movement.

Overall, "Part 1: The Accidental President" is a well-made, informative episode that sets the stage for an engrossing and educational series. The episode gives us a peek into LBJ's political history, his personality, and the events that led him to the highest office in the land.