In Depth: Robert Caro (Three Hours of LBJ on C-SPAN2)

C-SPAN2

[PJ-Comix]

One more thing. I get the feeling that politics in Texas is somewhat different than in other states. I mean there is no way the Texas State House would be like a legislative branch in Iowa. Maybe the politicians in Texas are somewhat more eccentric than in other places. And LBJ certainly was eccentric.

[1L]

One more thing. I get the feeling that politics in Texas is somewhat different than in other states. I mean there is no way the Texas State House would be like a legislative branch in Iowa. Maybe the politicians in Texas are somewhat more eccentric than in other places. And LBJ certainly was eccentric.

I've only lived in Texas and haven't studied other states too much, but keep in mind that you are dealing with governments that went through reconstruction after the civil war with in many cases tyrannical government institutions. For example, in Texas the Governor position is relatively weak. The Gov. appoints some 300+ people to various agencies, and has line item veto, but other than that, there isn't too much there. Understanding political history of 1940's Texas gives a great insight to Texas today. Then there was no Republican party, only 3 solid wings of the Democratic party. Soon, the situation will be totally reversed.

[1L]

Your analysis isn't even close. For Sanchez to win, he has to win 100% of the valley, and 50% of the rest of the state. That won't happen. As far as the Bentson family "enthusiastically" supporting Kirk, have you actually read the papers since the primary? Kent Bentson did not come out and support Kirk until a week or two after the primary. Bentson was totally embarrassed that he couldn't beat a relative novice (Kirk, having only been a mayor) and a school teacher who has been creamed in 2 past runs. The RAT party in Texas has some broad named Molly Beth Bubblehead (or something like that) that is truly one of the stupidest party officials I've ever seen on TV. No one could truthfully have her as a leader and it not be a joke.

Your doom and gloom worry is exactly what Rush always preaches against: the notion that success must have been luck, that it won't last and to be defeatest is the only way to go. If you are truly concerned, get out and work, but save the doom and gloom rap because I'm not buying it.

Remember, too many RAT constituents don't vote in off year elections. If Congress or Bush doesn't do something that pisses off the Republican base, Texas will be another state wide sweep and we might even get the state House along with 3-5 more Congressional reps.

[Theodore R.]

It's Molly Beth Malcolm, and she calls herself a "former Republican," meaning she must have voted in some TX Republican primaries in the past. Your optimism, 1L, is nearly as great as that of the Democrats statewide this year. It's Republicans who are ignoring their base; the Democrats have their troops fired up, it seems to me. The Democrats in TX are tired of losing, and they intend to reverse their previous defeats -- by any means possible. If GOP prospects were as bright as you say, then the Democrats would be gloomy, instead of jubilant at their chances in November.

[1L]

Please read my message about your doom and gloom attitude. You can sit around in your self pity if you want to, but I refuse to. You haven't shown anything you said to be true, only unsupported speculation based on how YOU think the RATs are doing. Explain to me how the Democrats are going to reverse all statewide trends and win this year, just by having their "base" energized. While you are at it, provide proof that the base is indeed energized. It sure didn't show during the primary season, otherwise Victor Morales wouldn't have won the plurality he won in the Senate and a no name with a fairly serious ethical problem wouldn't have won the Gov. primary.

I don't know where you get your stuff, but you need to provide sources before I will accept anything. The only thing I can figure is that you simply want to have a bad attitude and are going through with it.

[Theodore R.]

I just don't think the Democrats would be so jubilant if they did not sense a turnaround in their fortunes in TX. They may be thinking that Sanchez's money, Kirk's machine, and Sharp's appeal with "moderate" whites will put the whole ticket over, particularly in that Perry, Corny, and Dewhurst have not yet launched much of a campaign. We shall see just what the Republican ticket has in mind -- or at least I assume they will campaign some and not just take their "elections" for granted. I can tell you in South Texas that every fourth car sports a "Sanchez -- Governor" sign. Some may even think he has already won!!!!

[Verginius Rufus]

If you believe Seymour M. Hersh, The Dark Side of Camelot, Johnson blackmailed his way on to the ticket in 1960 (JFK had intended to offer the VP slot to Stuart Symington). Evelyn Lincoln, JFK's personal secretary, was convinced that Hoover was in on it, supplying LBJ with the information he needed to box Kennedy in. Lincoln told Hersh: "Jack knew that Hoover and LBJ would just fill the air with womanizing."

[Theodore R.]

I read the Hersh book but do not remember the part about LBJ "demanding" to be on the ticket. I think the PR line was that LBJ "answered" the call of service to his party and country and gave up his majority leadership post to serve in the powerless vice presidency. I don't think LBJ was involved in the events of November 22, 1963, any more than I think RN was involved. Remember, RN flew out of Dallas on the morning of November 22, having been in town for a convention.

[1L]

I just don't think the Democrats would be so jubilant

I asked for a source for these blind assertions.

They may be thinking that Sanchez's money, Kirk's machine, and Sharp's appeal with "moderate" whites will put the whole ticket over,

They also think abortion is a right, tax cuts harm the economy, pornography is protected speech, but prayer isn't, etc. So what? Who gives a rip about what they think?

particularly in that Perry, Corny, and Dewhurst have not yet launched much of a campaign.

Since they didn't have any challengers, there was no reason to launch a campaign.

or at least I assume they will campaign some and not just take their "elections" for granted.

You act like a football fan with the game one week away, and you are complaining that your team hasn't scored yet. Your ramblings are absurd.

I can tell you in South Texas that every fourth car sports a "Sanchez -- Governor" sign.

And South Texas makes up what percentage of likely voters?

Some may even think he has already won!!!!

Only you.

[Plummz]

They've played a few short clips from the LBJ and Nixon tapes here and there on TV, but not as regular programming. c-span radio is also on the web and the new XM radio service if anyone outside of DC is interested. The tapes usually air Monday nights with a replay Sat afternoon, iirc.