"I Will Do My Best. That Is All I Can Do:" Lyndon Johnson's Speech at Andrews Air Force Base, November 23, 1963

Lyndon Baines Johnson

On this date, November 22, 1963, Lyndon Baines Johnson gave his first speech as President of the United States. It was only a minute or so long. President John F. Kennedy had been murdered just a few hours earlier, and Johnson had accompanied Kennedy's body and his widow back to Andrews Air Force Base on Air Force One. Johnson’s basic point was simple. He acknowledged that he couldn’t lead the nation alone. A burden had been thrust on him – violently and unexpectedly – and he promised to do his best. Many ceremonial speeches contain policy arguments. This one did not. It was not a time for policy. Johnson’s brief speech showed that national leadership continued. 
 

A Simple, Somber Speech

The situation called for a speech. Failure to speak would have meant that national leadership had broken down. Yet, Johnson could not possibly have had much to say. Furthermore, a lengthy speech in that situation would have seemed tasteless. As Kennedy’s body was loaded into a Navy ambulance, Johnson said a few brief words into the microphone, with the roar of engines almost drowning out his voice.

Beginning, Johnson said that the day had been a personal tragedy for him and he expressed sympathy and compassion for Jacqueline Kennedy and her family. He concluded with this brief statement: 

“I will do my best. That is all I can do. I ask for your help. And God’s.”

Asking for Help, not Policy

Johnson didn’t announce a policy. He didn’t say what he planned to do. He acknowledged that he couldn’t succeed alone. Accordingly, he asked for Americans to help him and asked God to help him. Although the sincerity of Johnson’s religious convictions often became a conversation topic, he belonged to the Disciples of Christ and attended services of that denomination and other denominations frequently.

Conclusion

This brief presentation said what needed to be said. Johnson then returned to his office to begin his duties. Terrible history was made that day. Conspiracy theories were already raging. The nation was still stunned by the day’s events. With the help of excellent speechwriters, Johnson said exactly what the nation needed to hear. Sometimes, less is more.

 

Research Note: The indispensable source to understand speeches like this is Lloyd Bitzer, The Rhetorical Situation. 

Image: National Portrait Gallery, via Wikimedia Commons