Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Donald D. Uck, Orlando FL — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:07:16 GMT

The funniest thing in the world will be to watch Obama saluting and reviewing the troops. Talk about a duck out of water.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Positively FM <><><> ...... <><><> ...... — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:10:34 GMT

Who's LBJ? I hate when they use acronyms like that. Oh wait, the story says what LBJ stands for. Lyndon Baines Johnson, eh? Was he a pro baseball player?

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:10:38 GMT

What a lovely story. I must have read a million books over the years on American History, and I have to say that the one president who has always intrigued me the most is LBJ. I remember when President Kennedy was assassinated and the resentment some felt towards the Johnsons.

As I was entering my teenager years I watched LBJ closely. I remember too well the demonstrations against the Vietnam War but what I remember mostly is the look of sadness on LBJ's face almost all the time. Unfortunately, I have only a limited memory when he signed the Civil Rights legislation.

As I grow older my admiration for President Johnson grows deeper. I know he was not well liked by JFK and RFK. But there is a film out there somewhere of LBJ at the funeral of RKF. Again, the sadness on his face is undescribable.

Most of us never really saw him once he left the White House, except when he was driving around his ranch with long hair, smoking, gaining weight. One evening there was some sort of ceremony in his honor. People were shocked when they saw him. He had to walk up about 7 or 8 steps to get to the stage. He had to take each step, one at a time, because of his heart condition. He died a month later.

My eyes have always filled up with tears for this man. I never understood it. Perhaps today with this story, I understand now.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Indie Woman in Denver — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:13:32 GMT

Thank you, Rich for adding so much depth and richness to the moment last Tuesday night, the moment when we finally knew that Barack Obama had won. And a note to your friend: we'll find out soon whether Barack is just another Democrat; I doubt that he is, but only as events unfold will we know for sure.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Charles Olken, Alameda, CA — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:14:53 GMT

I was asked by an English friend of mine if I would have been as ecstatic if it had been an African-American Republican who got elected?

My simple answer was "No". My more complete answer was that I would have been pleased by the milestone of electing a black President but I would have been saddened once again by the election of a Republican.

Fortunately, I have been spared that bittersweet admixture.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Brian M — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:16:39 GMT

That was a beautiful story I as an African American male would like to say this. I think that the statement made by The America people was a very proud day for us all. I grew up in a very well mixed community in CA. So I have always known we could get along. My mom is 76yrs old, she just called me with so much excitement. Her words to me " Baby I am so glad that I have lived to see the day." My views are this for the black youth, they have a real role model to look up to. But he is still a man. To the young children of all races, yes we can means Yes you can do anything you want and succeed. To us grown folks it means that many of us want to hold up our brothers hands and stand as One. We have a great moment we should all take advantages of it.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:17:20 GMT

And, again I am reminded - to work harder towards uniting. I am not good at it, admittedly. I still get bitter and angry when I think about Dick Cheney's, "So!" answer when told that most Americans do not approve of the war and think it wasn't worth it. That one word answer sets my blood boiling. Not just for its callousness; but for its complete and utter lack of leadership. Some of us sore winners are just aghast at how ugly and divisive our government has been. I do not wish anyone ill (except Cheney - and maybe Rumy). I have great compassion for my Republican friends who are in pain. I was once one of them. But this administration and its 'scorched earth' tactics has left our country ripped at the seams. I want to reach out; but I'm tired of being bitten. So I cling to my bitterness and my belief that smart will triumph over ignorance and our nation really can heal. G-d I hope so; because it sucks to be in a political wasteland for eight years. I don't wish that on anyone; except maybe David Anders or Kenn - whichever one told me to 'shut my legs' when I mentioned rape. You two are both a couple of sick f*cks.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Laura L. — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:17:47 GMT

How magnificent to be watching history be made while in the surrounds of a location steeped in same...

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

A-New-America — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:17:53 GMT

"Perhaps the lack of emotion in some like my friend may be testament to the same thing: the nation has begun to fulfill these rights enough so that some see Barack Obama not as the first African-American president, but as just another Democrat." We can only hope this is true. What a wonderful country this will be when ALL see President-elect Senator Obama as just another democrat.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Republicans BOW Before Democrats — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:19:33 GMT

November 4th, 2008: The night the Repugs got OWNED. Bahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

LBJ was a loser, too! ... A one-term president. — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:21:18 GMT

LBJ was a loser, too! A one-termer!

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Connie Craiglist — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:22:51 GMT

The idea of Barack Obama at the tomb of the unknown makes me want to throw up.

Jerr M, CC TX

After Obama screws up, and you all know he will, he will be known as the "Unknown President"

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

R. J. - Texas — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:23:14 GMT

-could have been 12 years earlier- I was struck by how many people said they never thought they would see the day a black man being (though Obama is 1/2 black) elected as President. I firmly believe that Colin Powell would have been elected in the 90's had he decided to run.

Thank you for your last paragraph. Some of us practice what Dr. King preached but are now called a racist for doing so.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

voter — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:23:22 GMT

The funniest thing in the world will be to watch Obama saluting and reviewing the troops. Talk about a duck out of water.
Donald D. Uck, Orlando FL

Wasn't Bush and Cheney draft dodgers? They also sent our troops to war and then denied them health services such as treatment for ptsd. They are not addressing homeless vets. Talk about being a duck out of water and clueless as well.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Bob from Va — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:25:56 GMT

Hey Rich -- a niece piece! But your Republican friend is a dipstick. Anyone who witnessed that event from either side of the aisle and wasn't moved has no soul.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

JBL - Houston — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:26:33 GMT

LBJ was the worst President for the last 100 years. Closely followed by Carter, and soon both will be beaten out by Obama.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Rock,Janesville,Wisconsin — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:29:28 GMT

There is no doubt that if LBJ were alive today, he wound be very proud. LBJ took a lot of political, and social risks in his time, however I am sure he would be very politically satisfied with the historical results.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Dan St. Louis, MO — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:30:09 GMT

Excellent reading Mr. Montanaro. What worries me about this is the reaction from Republicans. Yes, you candidate lost, but you cannot deny the greater meaning behind the election of Senator Obama. Unfortunately, many Republicans I've spoken with since the election don't seem to understand the magnitude of that message. Many still seem bitter to the loss of their candidate, many mentioning that McCain never should have lost to "a black man".
It's that kind of ignorance that makes me understand that some Americans still have a ways to go before they will get past "racial" barriers.
I grew up in a totally white county in Indiana. I saw my first black person when I was 10 years old. I remember at that time, I was "scared to death" of that black child (we went to the same summer camp). I told my parents I would not stay at the camp, but my father talked to me, asking how would I feel if someone treated me that way. At that moment, I could not understand what my father was trying to say, but during the next two weeks in camp, I started understanding EXACTLY what my father was trying to say. I'm embarrassed to say that this child was not treated very humanely by others. When I started seeing others avoiding him, I started trying to become his friend. By the end of camp, many of those who at first talked to me, had started avoiding me as well.
Back then, it hurt that other children could be so cruel to each other. After all, if children can't be civil to each other, why should be expect anything different from adults.
That was almost 40 years ago. Today, while I still see signs of racism, our country has made progress. Our country still has quite a ways to go, but it can get better. The only way to do that is to work together, something that seemed to be missing from the last two elections. During this election, I saw people in the Obama campaign working together - men, women, black, white, hispanic, asian, etc. But the work is not done. We cannot stop the progress we've made up to this point. To do so is a slap in the face of everyone who fought the fight for equal rights.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Stephen, Austin, Texas — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:31:10 GMT

What a generous assessment of your friend's reaction. Republicans like to claim Lincoln, but the Republican party of today wouldn't be on his side. Seems like your friend, rather than seeing an historic election, only sees his party collapsing. You can't be moved by much of anything when all you care about is money.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Leslie — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:37:15 GMT

LBJ was a one term president because he himself elected not to run for a second term. The vietman war was devistating to him. Try reading your history books.

It is nice to see that the democrat/Obama haters are still alive and well! What is wrong with these people? Don't they know that we are "one nation, under God"? Or does that only stand when things are going there way?

Hate mongers are disgusting losers.....just ask Palin!

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Eloise, Clearwater, FL — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:38:08 GMT

The idea of Barack Obama at the tomb of the unknown makes me want to throw up.
Jerr M, CC TX

After Obama screws up, and you all know he will, he will be known as the "Unknown President"
Connie Craiglist

----
You people should have been throwing up while Bush was screwing up during the past 8 years...now Barack Obama has to fix the mess that Bush made...so go and stick your finger down you throats immediately...

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Sheryl, Houston TX — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:38:09 GMT

Thank you!!! What a nice read!!! Yes we did!!!

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Diane from Illinois — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:38:46 GMT

LBJ was the worst President for the last 100 years. Closely followed by Carter, and soon both will be beaten out by Obama.
JBL - Houston
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sorry to disappoint you, but George W Bush is going to hold THAT title for the next 100 years. The man has screwed up absolutely everything he's ever attempted to do......especially the presidency.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

kneed knot know — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:42:11 GMT

Everytime I read the responses on these posts, I'm at once reminded how brilliant some people are, and yet how tragically ignorant still others are.

And you know who you are.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Indie Woman in Denver — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:48:36 GMT

Who's LBJ?? Are you KIDDING me? For those of you who weren't alive in the 1960's, or weren't old enough to know what was going on, you seriously need to read some history. And despite the fact that he only served 1 term, LBJ changed the trajectory of the US in terms of civil rights, so in my book he wasn't a loser.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Dan St. Louis, MO — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:49:34 GMT

LBJ was the worst President for the last 100 years. Closely followed by Carter, and soon both will be beaten out by Obama.
JBL - Houston (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 3:26 PM)

I see you have no problem calling out Democrats, but you seem to have forgotten the following Republicans:

Warren Harding - His administration was filled with crooked politicians, wanting to benefit themselves before country and several involved in scandal.

Calvin Coolidge - Led our country through 5 years. At the end of his first full term in 1928, he chose not to run for another term (similar to LBJ) due to what he saw was a devistating economic crisis coming, mostly due to his inaction. And guess what, it came, one year later.

Herbert Hoover - This is the president who, less than one year after taking office, was in charge when the Great Depression of 1929 hit our country. During his remaining 3 years, he did virtually NOTHING to help the country get back on it's feet. It wasn't until FDR won in 1932 that the country finally started on it's way to pulling itself out of the depression.

Richard Nixon - Do I really need to cover anything about him? Ordered spying on the Democratic Party, recorded conversations with his team, then lied, erased, and tried to hide his illegal actions. Also, was one of three presidents to face impeachment (Andrew Johnson, another Republican and Bill Clinton were the others) and was the only President to resign from office. But not before his own VP Spiro Agnew, resigned for similar reasons.

If you read up on history, you would have known all this. Obviously, you have not. I could mention other presidents who were not good presidents, both Democrat and Republican. The point is that no one knows for sure what kind of president a person will make until they've had the opportunity to serve the American people. Barack Obama hasn't even had that opportunity yet, and you've already passed judgment. What is it that Christians preach about? The Bible. What does it say about judging in the Bible? Judge not, lest ye be judged. Even Jesus Christ spoke about the evils of judging others.
Wait a minute, this is starting to sound like an oxymoron. Republicans talking about their Christian beliefs, then turn around and slander anyone who doesn't act or believe as they do? I guess some Republicans never learn. Or practice what they preach.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Cheryl, Westfield, MA — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:49:52 GMT

Thank you for sharing this, it is truly a wonderful story.

Now, please, can we stop the hateful rhetoric. From an Independent: Dems, you've won, be magnanimous in victory. It is just as important as not being the sore loser. For Repubs, wake up, stop the hate, that very hate played a big role in your loss this year. The divisiveness you encouraged was despicable. If you can't see that, your party will fade away into nothingness. This country is in an enormous financial crisis, in the midst of two wars, let's concentrate on giving our president elect the help and support he needs to set things right.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

My New America — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:55:42 GMT

I just have a feeling that BO will be remembered for his military/national security successes instead of the economic ones. I believe he will do well with both. But, he is going to realign the world to make it safer for all of us. However, the conservatives will disagree with this premise.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Republicans are going...going.. — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:55:52 GMT

Your friend IS a republican...he barley has a heart much less 'feelings'.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Nashville_fan — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:56:09 GMT

Nice post - thanks for sharing it - felt like I was there on Election night instead of at home with my hair tied up in a silk scarf, bounding up the stairs to tell my kids (who I had just put in the bed) that Barack Obama was our new PRESIDENT ELECT!

The smiles and whoops coming out of their sleepy faces were so priceless - and well earned - because my daughters did not blindly follow my loyalty to Senator Obama - they made their own decision - first backing Senator Clinton - then deciding they were tired of politics - and finally deciding that John McCain only talked about Barack Obama and Senator Obama talked about the issues.

Barack Obama had to EARN the support of my 7 and 9 year old - and I am PROUD of that as well!

YES WE DID!

Obama/Biden '08/'12 (I just like to write that!)

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

The Bushes ain't gonna be no grunts!! — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:56:23 GMT

Yeah, Jerr, I know the feeling. I had it myself today watching Bush and Cheney, two high-class draft dodgers, talking about the sacrifices of real heroes. Bush said they inspire him? Obviously, not enough to want to try and be one!

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Grannie Annie, Knoxville, TN — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:01:21 GMT

Thank you! This 75 yo white woman tears up again. Beautiful word picture of history unfolding.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Dookie — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:03:32 GMT

Allow me to give some perspective from the Republican side here. I voted for and supported McCain, as did 50+ million other Americans. My reason for voting for McCain was simply that I agreed with his policies more than Obama's. It had nothing whatsoever to do with race. I like to think of myself as colorblind. So, when I look at the election results, I am not excited, because all I see is the man that I didn't vote for winning. Doesn't that speak volumes about how far our country has come? I consider Obama a Democrat first and foremost when it comes to voting. Don't get me wrong, I certainly appreciate the history of it. And if this moment in history can make anyone in America believe that they can one day be President, I think that is a great side benefit. But, at the end of the day, I am not really going to be celebrating. I will respect the man as President and wish him well. But, because I'm not celebrating, does that really mean that I don't have a soul (as one poster above said)?

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

Rob, from Iowa — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:04:04 GMT

I, too, am a Republican. Yes, I was moved. Understanding the history. If you don't, then you have no heart, no soul. I always knew we would have a black President, I was just unsure who it was going to be. Being from the Party of Lincoln, which was formed by Horace Greeley to oppose the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 whcih would have extended slavery into the West, I was hoping he/she would be a Republican. Colin Powell, or perhaps Lt. Gov. Steele of Maryland.

But bottom line, this dude is now our President, black or not. When I see Barack now, I don't see a black President, I see our President.

I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and give him a chance, but I will disagree on policy. I just believe he, and Reid and Pelosi have the wrong prescription in this teetering economy. Raising taxes on those providing jobs is the wrong prescription.

Witnessing Obama through LBJ

teopa — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:08:35 GMT

to 'kneed knot know'

I second that answer!