All the Way (1 Viewer)

[Combat]

An excellent HBO movie on LBJ's first year as president following the JFK assassination. Anyone who has read the books by Robert Caro should enjoy. He makes a good case that this was one of the most important and productive periods of any US president since Lincoln. The movie captures the complexities of LBJ. In modern terms, it highlights how it is possible to get things done even in the face of intense opposition. LBJ's fight on behalf of the Civil Rights Act may be an unsurpassed example of political leadership in modern times. He certainly had many faults that ultimately got the US sucked in the Vietnam morass, but that first year was a shining example of leadership.

 

[lancer]

Enjoyed this show quite a bit, mainly because Bryan Cranston nailed the part so well. -- Al

 

[Combat]

Enjoyed this show quite a bit, mainly because Bryan Cranston nailed the part so well. -- Al

He was great. Not only captured the look but also the mannerisms and insecurities. Johnson was a master manipulator. He would lie, insult, bully, praise, bribe, or do just about anything to get the votes he needed in Congress. He never relied on the merits of a bill to carry the day but worked his backside off to get it passed. That's how things get done in the face of opposition. A lost art. He was certainly also a character with the pulling of his dog's ears, going to the toilet in front of his aids or on his front lawn while giving a press conference. A different world for better and worse. I had a chance to visit the Johnson ranch and that is a real throwback to the era. Johnson was born within walking distance of his ranch. What a transition from his dirt poor upbringing to president. Anyone who hasn't read the Caro books should give them a go. They are probably the best non-fiction in recent times even if you have little interest in Johnson.

 

[hotel3alpha]

All,

Yes, loved it and I was shocked at Cranston's performance...it was outstanding! Yup, you guessed it I am a big LBJ fan and next year my daughter will be attending LBJ High School...as in Lady Bird Johnson. I am glad to see LBJ finally get a good movie about him that shows his funny ways, his fury and certainly his faults. His "Johnson Treatment" was legendary.

I wish there was a Part II.

John from Texas

 

[gk5717]

I will never forget. I was sitting on a couch at my mother in laws house when LBJ stated he would not run for president. This was March of 1968, I was in the Army Reserves and scared to death LBJ was going to activate the reserves. Not that it could not happen but for whatever reason I felt a whole lot better.
Gary

 

[Combat]

All,

Yes, loved it and I was shocked at Cranston's performance...it was outstanding! Yup, you guessed it I am a big LBJ fan and next year my daughter will be attending LBJ High School...as in Lady Bird Johnson. I am glad to see LBJ finally get a good movie about him that shows his funny ways, his fury and certainly his faults. His "Johnson Treatment" was legendary.

I wish there was a Part II.

John from Texas

I always get a laugh from "King of the Hill" that Hank's dog is named Lady Bird. That poor woman certainly had to put up with a lot. Have you read the Robert Caro LBJ books?

 

[hotel3alpha]

I always get a laugh from "King of the Hill" that Hank's dog is named Lady Bird. That poor woman certainly had to put up with a lot. Have you read the Robert Caro LBJ books?

Hey Combat!

Not that series, but the book of choice by one of my Professors at UT Austin was Dallek's Flawed Giant coupled with his personal experience on LBJ's campaigns. That is where we were introduced to "The Johnson Treatment".



He used everything in his arsenal to get what he wanted out of people and if that meant getting up in your face, then so be it. He was the epitome of using the "power of persuasion" and would cajole you to death until you caved. I have always ranked him as one of the best Presidents on the century.

John from Texas