Let's say that Kennedy was dead, either from the many physical ills that plagued him, or that the assasination happened much earlier. LBJ was President when the missiles were discovered, any thoughts or opinions on what would have transpired in this scenario>?
shareI am currentley reading the new LBJ book 'Passage to Power' by a pulitzer prize winning writer R. Caro.
LBJ had very hawkish views during the crises, he compared the Russians to a mad dog that has tasted blood (after the downed U2 plane) and must be hit. He called JFK's order for a blockade weak and did not like the terms of trading Jupiter missles for the Cuban ones.
Luckily LBJ did not have much power then as VP and his opinion did not carry much weight, otherwise you and I might not be here for this exchange.
I couldn't agree more! Had LBJ been at the helm, World War III would have almost certainly ignited(I think). Kennedy prevented WWIII by the calm, cool and collected way he handled that crisis and not many people realize that or give him credit for it. We definitely had the right man in office during that particular occasion!
shareWe'd be *beep*
shareI think LBJ would have intimidated the Russians at Vienna rather than make them think they could take advantage of him. So they wouldn't have tried this. He could be a rather intimidating guy.
share