Lyndon Johnson
Lyndon Johnson was a big man, standing 6’3″ and was well known for using his size as a part of what became known as the Johnson treatment. Johnson would stand or sit as closely as possible to the person he was trying to persuade, often leaning over the top of the other’s head, forcing them to lean backwards. Retreat was not an option due to Johnson’s grasp of the shoulder or lapel. His voice could be low or harsh, depending less on his mood than on his understanding of the position of his target.
Johnson considered an individual’s space to be his, and he acted accordingly. After his first heart attack in 1955, his wife took a greater interest in her husband’s diet, and his dinner was served omitting many foods which he enjoyed. Johnson was not above reaching across the table to surreptitiously grab a bite from the plate of whomever was within reach, after quickly ascertaining that Lady Bird was looking the other way. When entering the office of an aide or secretary who was having lunch at their desk, Johnson would simply help himself to whatever looked appetizing to him.
Johnson was not a man known to apologize to aides and fellow workers, despite his coarse nature often leading him into indiscretions which were publicly humiliating. Instead LBJ would dispense unexpected gifts, and one of his favorite gifts was an automobile. Johnson gave away numerous cars to aides, employees and political allies over the course of his long career, usually Lincoln’s, which he preferred himself. He also gave out invitations and the two he most valued were to dinner at the White House or a visit to his Texas ranch.
While at his ranch Johnson enjoyed driving his own Lincoln convertible, proudly showing his property to whatever guest was with him as he drove. Even on his ranch LBJ couldn’t stray far from the Secret Service, and Johnson took advantage of their presence by having them follow him in a separate car, to replenish his large plastic cup of Scotch and soda on the rocks from a cooler when he signaled them by holding his inverted empty cup out the driver’s window. Johnson would rocket around the ranch without concern, often terrifying his passengers with his insouciance behind the wheel.
He also terrified ranch visitors with his Amphicar, which could travel on land and water, a fact Johnson didn’t share with his guests before they got in the car. After a time, Johnson would drive towards the lake, feigning panic and shouting that the brakes weren’t working and they were going in the lake, relishing his passenger’s fears. Then he would sedately motor on the water, enjoying whatever hilarity had ensued. Johnson was most comfortable while making others uncomfortable. But he commanded loyalty and hard, long hours from all who worked for him, throughout his career in Congress and the White House.
