Rare Footage of President Johnson Rehearsing March 31, 1968 Speech

On March 31, 1968, President Lyndon Baines Johnson uttered those now famous words: "I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president."
The LBJ Presidential Library has now released rare footage of Johnson preparing to deliver the speech that ended his presidency. The grainy, black-and-white footage captures Johnson seated in the Oval Office, checking facts, ordering last-minute changes to the historic speech, and practicing his delivery. Aides can be seen scurrying in the background, and reading the teleprompter with Johnson.
To keep his decision a surprise and preserve all options until the last minute, the president did not practice the final words of the speech ("I shall not seek, and I will not accept...") that he would deliver later that night.
For more information: press release regarding the rehearsal footage release: www.lbjlibrary....
Watch the final speech: • President Johnson's Ad...
Text of the final speech: www.presidency....

[@-Toaster-]

9:05
9:40
13:40

[@brianarbenz7206]

1:35 "Gosh I don't know who would do something like this. Looks like they'd see it." Kind of sums up the whole U.S. war in Vietnam.

[@1burnman]

I think you pulled that because Bobby Kennedy was getting in and his health was declining even though he lived until 1973

[@likolobe2274]

I don't think his health began to decline until after he left the White House and began smoking again, drinking heavily, and eating poorly. He actually wanted to re-enter the race and accept the nomination in Chicago that summer but was told his safety couldn't be guaranteed.

[@jayeirons7580]

And that Johnson guy, just goes on like it's no tomorrow as a 60's president, despite the fact, that Kennedy was put down by his cronies so he could step into the presidency by default.
What a travesty! What a travesty to see him talk in front of that camera without a shred of remorse.

[@HardCold-Alquan]

@vitoduval I think that LBJ was ordered to not run again so that the real guy the Bush/bankers were trying to get into the White House could finally do it (after both Kennedy challengers were eliminated...) - Nixon. Nixon, LBJ, Bush, Connelly, etc. were all involved in getting rid of JFK and doo-dooing on the constitution - or from their point of view, taking advantage of it...

[@ribbonsandrainbowsribbonsa2529]

68 born uk.un.

[@mandykhoo2473]

A real politician..covered in dirt and lies and trying to do his best....a deathly burden of transitory power and eternal hell.....who would want the 63-68 burden???!!!

[@rudysalas7622]

AT 19 YEARS FRESH OUT OF NORTH DALLAS HI
RECIEVED MY DRAFT NOTICE--FROM THIS DEVIL