[Eric in the Ozarks]

Correct in every regard.
More’s the pity we’re not allowed to remember history as it happened.

[abb]

Lyndon Johnson feared complicating relations with the Soviet Union. Liberals feared a replay of the McCarthy period, when the Wisconsin senator inflamed public opinion about fears of domestic communism.

You'll want to read (if you've not already) Taking Charge: The Johnson White House Tapes, 1963-1964. Transcripts of LBJ's conversations with various leader when he was setting up the Warren Commission made that point very evident. I was just last night re-reading some of that book.