Source - I worked at the LBJ Library for about a year. I would cue up the tapes on a reel-to-reel player, put on headphones, and, working a foot pedal to rewind, pause, or fast-forward, transcribe interviews that had been conducted with people who had known Johnson at different times of his life.Most of the interviewees spoke glowingly, and fondly, of Johnson; even those who were critical of Johnson... And yet, despite everyone's best efforts, what emerged from this Citizen Kane-like mosaic of interviews was not a pretty picture. For nothing could gloss over the fact that Lyndon Johnson was an overbearing, ruthless, sociopathic, power-mad monster. He was politician enough to know how to charm when he had to, but the mask could easily slip, and often did.
He would dictate letters and conduct meetings while sitting on the toilet. He would fondle other women in front of other people, including his wife, Lady Bird. And, if he were walking past the White House swimming pool, he would suddenly strip naked, right in front of everyone, and jump in.
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The Caro biographies paint a stark portrait of the mad emperor. He was faithless to everyone, especially his friends.
Worst presidents ever for the damage they did:
1. LBJ (Viet Nam, diplomacy, the welfare state, treasonous cabinet members
2. Clinton (surrender to terror, possible alliances with terrorists, you know the rest)
3. FDR (welfare state, surrender of Eastern Europe to the communists, welcoming communists into government)
4. Carter (for giving us Iran) but forgiven for giving us Reagan.