FL 38: Claudia “Lady Bird” Taylor Johnson (Lyndon B. Johnson)
As Lyndon B. Johnson would continue and expand programs and policies
initiated by his predecessor, John F. Kennedy, like wise his wife, Lady Bird Johnson,
would carry on intiatives begun not only by Jacqueline Kennedy, but other preceding
First Ladies. Lady Bird continued renovating the White House, producing, with National
Geographic, a historic account of the presidential mansion. As “Second Lady” she had
often substituted for Jackie Kennedy who avoided as many public events as possible,
thereby developing her hostessing and speaking skills.
Lady Bird used this experience to campaign in her husband’s 1964 presidential
campaign. Due to LBJ’s support of civil rights, he was in great danger to losing the
south’s electoral support, and Lady Bird was dispatched to on a goodwill mission to
assure public support. She made 47 stops, spoke to hostile audiences, met with key
political figures, and ultimately no doubt helped to minimize LBJ’s voting losses in the
area. Lady Bird was one of the few people who could criticize LBJ, and often advised
him on his speeches, when she was not giving her own.
Famous for her commitment to the “beautification” of the country, Lady Bird’s
program encompassed a much greater goal than simply removing ugly billboards and
planting flowers. Indeed, it also included the preservation of historic sites, the
conservation of natural resources, and the promotion of environmental protection. She
particularly focused on revitalizing the inner city by building city parks and playgrounds.
She also drew attention to the accomplishments of working women and supported a
number of her husband’s Great Society programs, especially Headstart a preschool
education program for the working poor.