Saturday, July 11, 2009
The President Calling
Post your comments about a 15+ minute conversation by one of the Vietnam Era Presidents (Kennedy, Johnson, or Nixon) by clicking on comments. Be sure you include your first and last name with your post. Additionally, identify the president and the topic of the conversation prior to your comments.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
53 comments:
Nixon's Address to the Nation about the Watergate Scandal
Ziyan Song
The address of the Watergate Scandal by President Richard Nixon on April 30, 1973 was very interesting. He acted like he doesn't know who's behind the scandal. By saying "as attorney general, Elliot Richardson, will be both fair and ... fearless in pursing this case ... I am confident that with him in charge; justice will be done", Nixon foreshadowed his own downfall. In addition, Nixon was very ironic when he said that during his term, justice will be carried out; however, justice will never be achieved until the person behind the scandal is found and punished, which can never be done if Nixon's still in office. Listening to the podcast, I still haven't figure out the real motive for the scandal, after all Nixon did won the election of 1972 by a landslide.
Sarah Higbee-Tindell
JFK, James Meredith, and Ross Barnett
LBJ, J. Edgar Hoover, and MLK
Listening to both presidents negotiating and persuading over the phone was a unique experience, very different from the formal addresses most often heard by the public. They gave insight into the minds and the political toolboxes of the leaders.
The conversations between Kennedy and Barnett over the Meredith affair were particularly eye-opening about the ways negotiations are conducted, with both parties being absolutely opposed, but still trying to tread lightly to appease the other.
LBJ's near manipulation of J. Edgar Hoover was quite impressive. Johnson is a president I don't know much about, and it was interesting to hear about some of the issues he dealt with.
Kennedy and Barnett over civil rights crisis.
Ashley Prow
In september 1962,there was a civil rights crisis hapening in Mississippi, where an african american,James Meridith,was rufused acceptance into a University there, even after the Supreme court banned segregation in schools. Kennedyvery much didn't want a riot. His phone conversation with the govenor, wasn't like most president presentations, where it seemed more like a realistic conversation rather than a formal speech by the presidents speech writer. Kennedy persuaded and fought with another politician who's views were completly opposed to his own, and was trying to correct the issues with honor.
JFK and Ross Barnett
Hearing the president negotiate over the phone, often unsuccessfully, with Mississippi governor Ross Barnett gave me a great insight as to what the era was like. I was surprised at how resistant and racist the people and even the governor of Mississippi were. I was even more surprised by how carefully Kennedy dealt with the situation, as if afraid to offend the southern fundamentalists. It often seemed as if the president and the governor did not understand each other and would disagree as to the best course of action in dealing with James Meredith, the first black man to attempt to go to Ole Miss University. While living in the time period, the public probably saw the strong political stand taken by the president, although the phone conversations with Burnett did not make the president seem very in control. In the end, however, Kennedy was the better politician and got his way.
-Sam Cook
JFK and Ross Barnett:
Listening to this type of source was different then what I've usually dealt with in school. It was interesting to hear direct from the president, especially on the phone. A president giving a speech is different from listening to a speech by a president, they dont rehearse what they're going to say on the phone, nor do they have a script for it; what you hear is straight from their minds and you get a feel for how they really work, kind of like a behind the scenes for a movie. Kennedy dealt with the issue in a mature way, he didn't want to upset anyone involved in the issue. He fought and argued his way to deal with the issue but didn't want to make a riot out of it. The fact that Barnett was racist lead to more problems; he and Kennedy did not share the same values or views on the issue and that just made it harder for the issue to be resolved. Finally, James Meredith was accepted at Ole Miss.
-Rebecca Williams
JFK and Ross Barnett:
Listening to this type of source was different then what I've usually dealt with in school. It was interesting to hear direct from the president, especially on the phone. A president giving a speech is different from listening to a speech by a president, they dont rehearse what they're going to say on the phone, nor do they have a script for it; what you hear is straight from their minds and you get a feel for how they really work, kind of like a behind the scenes for a movie. Kennedy dealt with the issue in a mature way, he didn't want to upset anyone involved in the issue. He fought and argued his way to deal with the issue but didn't want to make a riot out of it. The fact that Barnett was racist lead to more problems; he and Kennedy did not share the same values or views on the issue and that just made it harder for the issue to be resolved. Finally, James Meredith was accepted at Ole Miss.
-Rebecca Williams
It has always been ahrd for me to imagine the president, or any other icon like that, to actually have a personality and feelings. I don't know, they have always seemed like a sort of robot or something. to hear their actual voices in private conversations was interesting. By the way I listened to the Kennedy one. it's interesting to hear the problem that he had getting the governor to agree with him and to get on the same page as him. It makes me realize that the president does not have all the power like we think despite what our teachers have been telling us for years.
Anna Drake-Nixon addresses U.S. on the Watergate Scandal
I think it's so clever of him to begin by mentioning how he wasn't even at the White House when then the stories broke out. He made sure to say how although a large number of his "close, personal" friends and colleagues were resigning, they had nothing to do with the scandal. They just felt that they would muddle up the works with their personal opinions and feelings toward those suspected. I don't really have an opinion on Nixon himself but he was quite good at showing himself as innocent yet still feeling guilty that he didn't see what was happening. What a great politician, eh?
Nixon's character during his presidency
Linda Infinger
During Richard Nixon's presidential campaign he said he stood for order and decency but was found to be cynical, profane, and a liar. In my opinion he was also slightly prejudiced toward African Americans as well. In a practice that ranked racial groups based on their IQ points he said "Africans just can't run things", and although they are good when it comes to athletics and music, they just have a hard time when it comes to "profound rigid disciplines". Personally i think it would be very interesting to see what Nixon would say if he knew that we had an African American as our president today. Lastly, he was also found to have lied to the public about an illegal break in at the Watergate Hotel which caused him to resign as president to avoid impeachment.
Corrine Gottberg-Harris
For the presidential speech assignment I listened to pres. Kennedy. I have to admit it was a bit difficult listening to it, it was well to simply put it boring. Out of the speeches I got out that they were mainly about racial segregation in a Mississippi school and other southern states. The main subject of the debates was a student named James Meredith who wanted to get into the University of Mississippi and was barred from it. While listening to Kennedy debate it didn't sound like he was doing to well. I commemorate Kennedy though and his valient efforts to stop racial seggregation.
Michael Hoffman
Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Scandal
For the assignment I listened to Nixon. It was great. I liked his honesty and concern for the American government. He more concerned in being a good president instead of worrying about politics. He sounded sincere in his interest in strengthening the presidency. I think his ideas would make him good president today. The podcast was great and helped me understand that Nixon wasn’t guilty.
I listened to President Nixon's address regarding the Watergate Scandal and was frustrated. He says he's going to find justice and investigate people left and right when really he was involved in the cover up all along. People put all their faith in their president and Nixon abused that trust. At the end he says he loves America but if that's true, why did he lie to them? In this speech he preaches equality and justice but since I knew that he was guilty before I listened to it, I just got more and more upset that he tried to come off as just another victim. The Smoking Gun tape that proved his involvement must have really let down everybody who still believed in him. It's got to be awful when you're deceived by your own government.
-Taylor Newman
John Kennedy
Shelbi Nelson
First of all, I must say that it was interesting that JFK was the first to suggest having a tap on the White House phones; I would have expected Nixon to have suggested something like that.
The most significant portion of the recorded telephone calls was in my opinion, when Barnett the governor of Mississippi was threatened by JFK with being exposed due to the recordings. I think that the recordings were the only reason that he even allowed the African American student on the university campus; even though desegregation had occurred years before. The whole situation involving racism in this instance reminds me of the issues with the African American professor that called a white policeman racist. Yet again the president is attempting to mediate the situation.
Savannah Bryant
Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Scandal
To me, Nixon's address just seems typical of what any American president would have to say after such a scandal. I don't believe he's being sincere. It all just seems like one big shady cover up. But in Nixon's defense, any president in his position would probably be acting the same way. This address makes it seem as if the government has a lot to hide, but once something they've done has gone public, they pretend as if they had no idea. He says anyone who doesn't cooperate will be asked to resign and he says he's going to investigate everyone involved and everything else; but it just doesn't seem sincere in the least. He doesn't care, all he wants is to clear his name.
LBJ: Vietnam
Josh Dennis
Hearing Johnson talk with different senators on their opinion of what should be done in Vietnam was interesting. Johnson wanted to send more troops in to show some force and get things done, but noted some concerns: first, the president was worried that Chinese Communist forces would get involved; second, the American people were opposed to the war, although Johnson commented, "More people die in car crashes in Alabama than soldiers lost in Vietnam."; and third, Johnson was hesitant to send American lives into Vietnam, as he said that every time he thinks about sending in more troops he thinks of sending a father of six children that he knew into the war.
Paul Eugenio on Recordings and the Kennedy Administration
I think that it is just remarkable that the presidents throughout the years have had their phone calls recorded. This shows great integrity and intelligence in the presidents. These recordings allowed for, not only records, but for keeping people to their word. The recordings with the Governor of Mississippi helped the Kennedy Administration with the problems with Oxford. It was smart and well planned.
Blair Crumpler's Response to "LBJ Phones Senator Richard Russell".
Before listening to this recording of former President Johnson and former Senator Russell, I must admit that I knew very little about either of the two. To help myself out I looked up some basic information about them beforehand. Listening to the phone conversation between the two friends was extremely unique. Johnson had phoned Russell to discuss the Vietnam War, and what Johnson should do. This method is not the best way of learning in my opinion, but it was informative. I heard what different people's stances on the war were, how the American public was reacting, and the different international relationships. I also enjoyed getting to experience both men's personalities and true feelings - things that speeches and statements to the press usually don’t have. The downside of this was that I only got to hear two opinions, which were similar. I think in history it is important to hear from an unbiased source, or at least hear both sides. Ultimately, listening to this phone conversation was quite interesting.
Kris Punshon on John F. Kennedy:
When hearing how JFK handled the racist situation at Ole Miss with the Mississippi state governor Ross Barnett he sounds so cool and collected. He was able to demand the attention and respect and get what he needed out of Mr. Barnett without much of a hassle. When it was said in the program that this incident was Kennedy's first with having to deal with racial issues as president I was pretty shocked because he seemed to have handled the situation so well and easily. JFK knew his goals and what he wanted to do and, obviously, how to practically manipulate Ross Barnett into achieving what he needed to.
Personally I think Mr. Kennedy was on the right track with the idea of phone recordings for historic and political purposes, but I don't think he took into consideration what the recordings could do if they fell into the wrong hands or they were perceived the wrong way.
Nick Warnet
"Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Watergate Scandal"
This speech was very interesting. Nixon sounds very promising as he seems to be speaking as a man of honor. He sounds sincere in many ways, such as when he states that going into the 1972 campaign he was going to put presidency first and politics second. Also, he promises that in the future, "such abuses are purged from political processes in the years to come..." speaking in terms of the Watergate Scandal. His goals that he set for his term in office are also of the optimistic nature. Overall, I enjoyed this source mostly because it is from a true and authentic. However, there are numerous other sources that I prefer over this type.
"Lyndon B Johnson Addresses Congress After Assassination"
I chose this speech because I feel that JFK's assassination was a turning point in our Nation's history. My first impressions on Lyndon B. Johnson's address is that it is similar to many presidential speeches which dwell on the topic of tragedy. Using themes of unity and strength, Lyndon B. Johnson beseeches the country to come together in a time to need rather than fall apart. This theme is indeed striking, personally I think our country is never more unified than when a supposed crisis has ensued, no matter how unfortunate that may be. However, there is so much truth in the fact that necessity calls for action. Crisis pinpoints an area of need, and focuses the population on a goal.Universal grief allows for common ground between all to be found. This common ground can then in turn be drawn upon. This is exactly what Lyndon B. Johnson's speech aspires to inspire within America. Humbly professing sorrow, while speaking strongly of unity. LBJ's goal was to reach out to a nation, reflect on what had taken them by storm, and capitalize on the grief of the people as a common thread to draw strength from in a time of need.
-Victoria Durden
David Enfinger
Nixon Addresses Nation About Watergate Scandal
I listened to President Nixon's speech regarding the watergate scandal. And it showed me he was more interested in strengthening his office and all associated with him instead of keeping ones that he had after his winning election that got him into the white house. By this it shows he was more interested in making everything around him in his country strong rather than just getting more votes and making his own case stronger. Through times like now we could use a president like that that cares about the overall strength of a nation.
Nixon and Watergate scandal
Stephen Flowers
I believe Nixon was speaking as a man of honor of the allegations presented to him. I know he had no idea of what happened and how could he have when he was not there. There is very little evidence of the Watergate Scandal actually occurring and some people had to resign because of all the false allegations getting to them. I personally believe he meant it when he was appalled to hear what happened. And he is serious when he is investigating it and means it when he wants all government officials to cooperate with the FBI. I believe he should not have resigned after this event because even if he was impeached he would have been found innocent because there is no substantial evidence that is why G. Gordon Liddy who was charged 20 years for conspiracy, burglary and illegal wiretapping, only served 4 and 1/2 years because Jimmy Carter wanted it to be fair because they found out he wasnt at Watergate at all. Also because of this scandal, we didnt win Vietnam because if he didnt have to resign because of allegations against him then the promise he made to help the South Vietnamese if they were attacked would have been accomplished and Vietnam would be two separate nations. I found this source to be interesting but i prefer other sources instead.
Nixon addresses Nation regarding Watergate Scandel
Chris O'Kelley
I believe at this particular moment Nixon was speaking as a man of honor he I think he truly wanted to help the country although some of the things he did appeared a bit shady. I think that throughout much of the watergate scandel he was ill informed about how involved some assosciates of his were in the cover-up. I don't think he knew until months later what had really happened. I think that Nixon always did what he thought was best for the country even if it was damaging towards his image, although he made some wrong decisions that ended up hurting the country he thought that they were the right choices at the time he made them.
Megan White
JFK speaking about Meredith vs. Fair
Before I began lstening to the recordings of JFK, I must say that I wasn't too excited about the idea of a podcast, but after I began listening, it was an interesting experience. With the transcripts which I read while I was listening, it was intriguing to follow along, listening to the voices of the different people talking.
I first listened to the three recorded phone calls between JFK and Governor Barnett discussing what was going on at the University of Mississippi (how the university wouldn't accept the application of a man because of his African American race). It almost seemed as if they were arguing, while they discussed the presence of mobs, with the key idea of maintaining law and order on the campus. When Governor Barnett told JFK that he didn't know if he would be able to maintain order, JFK didn't seem too pleased.
After listening to their conversations, I listened to JFK's address to the nation on the problem. He seemed to explain as best he could about what was happening, and noted how he and the government were involved in the case. I also thought he made a good point by thanking the universities that welcomed all races. Overall, I believe JFK handled the racial issue extremely well, despite the opposing views of Governor Barnett.
JFK Civil Rights
I dont know that much about John F. Kennedy, but he did seem to care about civil rights. During the Mississippi Crisis involving James Meredith, Kennedy seemed intent on getting Meredith registered as a student to the university safely and at all cost. I do think that JFK didnt really understand the racist situation in the south. He kept telling Governor Barnett to maintain order, but that is hard to do with a large, armed, angry mob. But it did seem like Governor Barnett cared more about the politics and how he would save face, than the safety of the people. I admire Kennedy for his acts here and cant wait to learn more about him.
-Apiphany Lawyer
Nixon Address Nation Regarding Watergate Scandal
Sami Stevenson
In this podcast President Nixon address the Watergate Scandal. I think that in this podcast Nixon is trying to justify the actions of the Republican Party. He tried to do this by saying all of the stuff that he would do if he was re-elected as president. Even though Nixon had all of these convincing ideas like world peace, equality, and jobs for all he did not have any ways in making the ideas work. I think that he was just trying to get the people of America to not put all of the blame on him anymore so he tried to distract them with his "wonderful" ideas. Although, later on in the podcast Nixon talks about how he wishes to get rid of the campain tactics in which nothing but cheating and blackmail goes on. I found this interesting because that is exactly what he had his men do when the broke into the Democratic National Committee. The men were meant to find something that Nixon could use as blackmail against the Democrats. I think that this entire podcast was just Nixon trying to avoid the scandal and let the people of America think that he was not involved at all. This did not show any leadership on Nixon's part.
JFK negotiates with Ross Barnett
Listening to President Kennedy negotiate with Governor Barnett was interesting. To hear them go back and forth with their opposing views on racial segregation was great. Most of time it seemed like Barnett didn't really care about maintaining a peaceful environment in Oxford. Kennedy did his best though to make sure he could get Meredith into Ole Miss without anyone getting hurt. I think Kennedy was speaking as a man or honor, and in the end he got Meredith into the University of Mississippi.
-Keyur Patel
Garrett Rady:
"Lyndon B. Johnson's Conversation with Senator Richard Russell Pertaining to the Vietnam Dilemma"
I found this conversation quite interesting. First of all, I thought it odd that the Senator cut off the President while he was talking. I've always thought that whoever is talking to the President they give them the upmost respect. Also, I found it interesting that in the beggining of the conversation President Johnson says he got his information from the news. . . I would've thought he would get his information straight from the source. Thirdly, it must have been a tough time to be president because there didn't seem like too many moves to do without having a negative effect. President Johnson seems like he is trying very hard to be apart of the solution and is getting involved in everyway. Overall I feel like President Johnson was a good president in this conversation he weighed out all his options and made plans for the future. He seemed well aware of what would occur with whatever decision he chose. I also didn't know that the American allies weren't very supportive of the US. I would think that they would be open to helping one of the strongest countries in the world in case they ever needed help. Lastly, I like the fact that he didn't automatically think warfare would solve the problem. Overall I like President Johnson from this phone call.
Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Scandal- Richard Nixon
I found this recording interesting. I've heard of the Watergate Scandal before, but I had never known what is was about. President Nixon was trying to cover up the scandal. Nixon did not sound very convincing to me. He was trying hard to sound innocent, but it just made everything sound like lying. Through the whole recording, he was emphasizing cooperation with the investigation and truth and fairness. He addressed the resignations of some of his good advisers which made them sound innocent. He sort of contradicted himself because he first made everything seem like a false scandal, but later he said he would take full responsibility for everything.
~Jane Xiao
Nixon Addresses nation about Watergate Scandal
I listened to Nixon addressing the Watergate scandal to the nation. I believe in this podcast Nixon knew that he and his friends got caught of there illegal scandal. He said that the people in the White House was corrupt. He had also said that he had to make one of the most difficult decisons by accepting the resignations of two of his closest friends in the White House. Also, I believe at this time that Nixon knew in a matter of time that he was going to get and impeched or that he had to resign soon. Also, he was talking about that every one in the White House that was accused of being involved in this scandal were starting to resign. He also stresses that justice will be persued during his presidency. Also he stresses that the American people should know what has happened and who was involved and that the people do not derserve the corrupt White House.
-Bradford Oliver
Amy Looper-
First I listened to the recording of President Kennedy addressing the current issue of race at Old Miss. He negotiated a lot with the governor Ross Barnett. He sounds very flustered and annoyed. The governor sounds more relaxed about the issue and is not intimidated by the President. It sounds to me like the governor is trying to manipulate Kennedy. While the governor is up front against blacks Kennedy seems neutral on the issue and just doesn’t want a big uprising and was playing the part of a politician rather then a man with firm belief in giving blacks equal rights. I also listened to Johnson who sounded confident and comfortable. You could tell that he was completely in control. The phone conversation of Johnson ordering his pants was not prestigious and respectful. Johnson was very firm in the desire to follow threw with Vietnam War and not just give it up as a lost cause.
Lindsay Mindlin
Kennedy on Meredith
I found it intriguing that in the 1962 civil rights problem in Mississippi, President Kennedy seemed to be being manipulated by Gov. Barnett. At the beginning of the issue, the phone conversatons were more informal, but as time progressed, Kennedy started to show his power over the Governor. He stood up for what he had to, and did not back down, even when the Governor wouldn't take direct responsibility for what would happen.
Susanna Moore
Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Watergate Scandal
I chose the Watergate Scandal. I hadn't heard of it before, so I researched its background before I listened to the podcast. I felt like Nixon was trying too hard to sound innocent. Just the way he talked, it sounded fake. There was one part in the address where he picks up a piece of paper and reads it. I thought the way he made a big show about taking out the piece of paper and reading it was very contrived. Also, towards the end of his speech, he started to deflect the serious nature of the speech to a more positive show of his intentions for worldwide peace. Throughout the speech, I felt like he was implying that America would not be able to manage without his leadership, regardless of what went on between his staff members.
Sean Rady- Mississippi Crisis Kennedy
President Kennedy wants to approach the matter with cautionous whereas Ross Barnett is just really racist. He thinks that 475 unarmed officers will solve the fear of no rioting. Ended up a policeman got killed. President Kennedy handled the situation professionally whereas Ross Barnett was in the mind set of more like a child. Robert F. Kennedy also knew that Barnett's announcement of declination to James Meredith to college would start a riot, and sure enough it did. President Kennedy handled the matter to the best of his abilities in my opinion. Ross barnett did not however.
Christopher Weeden
Nixon Addresses nation regarding Watergate Scandal
I listened to Nixon as he tried to defend himself against the accusations of the Watergate Scandal. I believe that Nixon was trying to cover up the illegal actions he had taken to defend his position in the White House. Nixon was trying to speak as a politician try to keep the public opinion in his favor so he didn't get ridiculed even more for some of his actions in the Watergate Scandal. Also, when the resignations started to appear, they seemed to be pushed by Nixon to cover up himself and pass the blame to others keeping his picture clean like most politicians try to do so that they may be reelected if they have only served one term. It was interesting to listen to this source because it wasn't just the presidents in their taped conversation, but a podcast with a lot of narration that uses snips of the recordings. This could lead to the narrator to sway the opinion of the podcast to one side or the other just by how he words ideas or what portions of the taped recordings he uses allowing bias to be used. This is why other sources might be preferred over the podcast.
Preston Donaldson
on Richard Nixon:
I found it interesting that the audio recordings during Nixons term were used as evidence later on to prove his role in the watergate scandal. the tapes also espose him as a very profane and vulgar person, while also showing him as someone who generally tried to do what was best for the nation. The tapes also show him to be someone with prejudices against African-Americans, but that he also is sympathetic to their struggle. The recordings as a whole work to humanize the president, and allow us to see him without the barriers he puts up in public.
Gabrielle McCray
Kennedy, James Meredith
I wasn't to intrigued to be listening to a podcast on politics. But when the conversation began to start between Kennedy and Barnett I began to like. The topic that was discussed is allowing an African American, James Meredith, into the University Of Mississippi. Kennedy wanted to avoid riots and allow Meredith to go to the University. Barnett was against the idea and didn't care about the public's opinion.
Thomas Drawbaugh
Nixon and Watergate
I wasn't surprised at how much recording went on in the Nixon White House. Its quite ironic how his election campaign encouraged unity, but some of his tapes suggested the opposite ("Africans just can't run things!") His TV speeches seemed to make him come off as deaf-and-dumb to what was really going on, and his stressed, lonely personality seen in his probably-drunken conversations afterward were definitely interesting. Overall, I thought this was an interesting political podcast, and allows deeper learning than a simple textbook chapter.
Chris Bozik
Nixon and the Watergate Scandal
I myself have never been a fan of politics and presidential scandals essentially prove my point as to why. Everybody always has a different opinion about whether or not a president was guilty and his motives and such. When it comes to politics I have always kind of been a fence sitter on most political issues. The Watergate scandal is a perfect example. Many people find that Nixon was guilty and in a sense cheated America. My opinion is that this is somewhat a naive statement. Yes the Watergate scandal was a low point for Nixon's campaign yet before this many people, though not all, liked him. I feel that i should voice my opinion. I feel that people shouldn't chastise Nixon because he got caught. There have probably been presidential scandals with each and every president. Although not all of them become public doesn't mean they don't exist. Everybody is human and everybody has their vices. Sometimes presidents hold back information because they feel it's for the great good.
Keeha Levitan
JFK and Ross Barnett
Just in general, listening to the presidents actually speaking on something as ordinary as a phone makes them seem a lot more human, instead of just some strange robotic figure somewhere supposedly controlling what one can and can't do. It was interesting listening to the actual emotions and first hand reactions of the presidents to the crisis's, even if the information they were discussing was already known by the presidents previous to the phone call. The president seemed likable, and completely competent as a president, or as much as one can tell by just listening to how they talk. It seems kind of ridiculous to be able to solve the crisis purely by telephone though, face to face talk is much more effective. The president's desire to avoid sending out troupes is good, because war is bad internally, and avoidance of that is more likely to convince the people to do what the president wants them to do.
LBJ Addresses Congress Days After Assassination
I found this speech by Lyndon B. Johnson to be very interesting. In the opening minutes of his speech, he addressed the assassination of JFK and his feelings on taking on the burden of being the new President of the U.S. Then he went on to discuss the problems that the country was facing and how he planned on fixing matters such as the economy, foreign affairs, and civil rights in the U.S. The thing that caught my attention the most was when he admitted that he could not handle the pressures of being the new President alone and when he called on the help from the people of America. Overall, I thought his speech was very interesting and probably very comforting to the people of America who were suffering the loss of their leader.
-Julian Havlicak
While listening to Nixon during the time of the Watergate scandal he came off as the stereoptypical politcian lying to cover-up any mistakes that he made. It was very interesting to hear the tone of his voice and how he came across as confident but also gave the feeling that he was trying to cover something up, which truly he was. Also while listening to him, the way he was trying to clear his image of this scandal was something that I found interest in, even though I am not one to participate in politics. I didn't like the podcast because of the way it was narrated it was interrupted and you heard bits of the taping and then the narration which personally changed my opinions of the taping.
-Deanna Hamm
LBJ Addresses Congress Days After Assassination
Shelby Grossman
I chose to listen to Lyndon B. Johnson because I've recently become very interested in learning about the Kennedys. My original thought was that I would listen to a podcast by JFK himself, then I discovered this recording. The beginning of this podcast is a beautiful speech by the new president about his predecessor. LBJ calls John F. Kennedy the "greatest politician of our time". My favorite part is when LBJ says that he would give everything to not be standing where he is....the man has just become president but would gladly give it up if it would bring John back.
Once I got past the beginning and LBJ starts talking about what he will do as a leader and what we can do as a nation I started to hear about some very familiar topics which worries me a bit. It makes me think that we will never find an appropriate health care plan. If this optimistic and, as far as I know, wonderful man can't figure out this health care issue then who can?
I also like when he says that he is here today to ask for help. He has been given the awesome burden of presidency and he needs the "help of all Americans throughout America."
My favorite quote from the entire recording- "The strong can be just"
LBJ Addresses Congress Days After Assassination
This speech was made days after JFK's assassination and I think it was probably exactly what the American people needed to hear. President Johnson keeps on reassuring the people, while consoling them at the same time. Recently I've been studying leadership skills and one of them is utilizing repetition and imagery when giving a speech. Johnson does well to stick with each point long enough to repeat it in many ways, so that it will relate to the majority of people. He also sticks with the uplifting image of unity as a nation to help rebuild after such a terrible tragedy. Based on this recording and no other information, I would guess that LBJ was a very effective leader, which is exactly what America needed at this point in history.
-Lindsey Grossman
Wonmi Lee
President Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Scandel
After listening to President Nixon's speech, I was moved. Nixon's eloquence was strong and touching, and I'm sure that the citizens of the United States during the Watergate Scandel would have agreed too. From only this speech, I can feel that Nixon is just but merciful, and very responsible. Quoting, 'I want these to be the best days in America's history, because I love America. I deeply beleive that America is the hope of the world.', I think that Nixon really did love and hoped for the best for the United States, dismissing many of his fellow workmen. He knew what he had to do and instead of searching for a hole out, he took the harsh but right road and punished those who did wrong, but 'didn't place the blame on subordinates' saying that the 'man at the top must bear the responibility'. He didn't look for a way to sneak out of this situatio but just awknowledged it and accepted it. I truly admire his morality and ethics. He has brilliant judgement and fantastic eloquence. Most speeches more than 15 minutes long bore me, but President Nixon's kept my attention and did not make me fall asleep; instead, his speech touched me and influenced me. I hope that we will learn more about Nixon during our AP US HISTORY class.
-Wonmi Lee
Mary Katherine Tebo
Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Watergate Scandal
In his speech addressing the nation at large, President Nixon skillfully mixes the seriousness of the issue of the Watergate Affair while simultaneously downplaying its importance when compared with Nixon's goals and plans for the nation and the world at large. I do not think anyone can deny that he speaks calmly in what does seem at times to be a truly remorseful tone during his speech. I found it interesting how Nixon does ultimately take full responsibility for what had occured and yet it is in a way that still hints that it was not really he that did anything illegal. By saying that he will take the blame for what supposedly only his subordinates had done, he almost appears to be attempting to present himself as a selfless hero. Always wanting to believe the best in people, I am truly torn when it comes to Nixon and the Watergate Affair. This speech is very good at persuading me to want to believe that Nixon really only wanted what was best for America and its people when chosing his course of action, and yet I cannot help but feel skeptical. Nixon does not outright point the finger of blame at any named individuals, suspiciously tip-toeing around who is the true culprit. From this speech, I get the feeling that Nixon is a man of honor who makes mistakes just like anyone else but, unfortunately, being the president, his mistakes were on a somewhat grander scale. However, I do not think my opinion should be based solely on one source of information, particularly a speech which was written solely to present Nixon in a good light.
Michael Johns
Lyndon B. Johnson
The Vietnam Dilemma
In this conversation, I realized that Johnson is a very humble man, yet he still knows he is president, and exercises his power as he sees fit. In the mess of the Vietnam War, he is well aware of the public opinion, and this conversation truly shows it. He is the man behind the trigger, and not many people realize that, about any president, and taped calls from the president just goes to show us that he or she is only human, and that they are doing everything they see fit to help their country. It humanizes them. Especially in this conversation, I see that he is plagued by the viewpoints of the people, and the fears of war.
I believe that not many people actually comprehend just how much the president must deal with, and that he is only one man, and he is not perfect.
Brice Reinman
Nixon; watergate
This is ironic information, but I expected as much. Because the president knows that practically everything he says is being recorded, I would imagine that he would be very careful of what his exact words are. However I do not think he was planning on releasing these tapes to anybody besides his personal staff so he would still speak his mind to a greater degree. It is very ironic how he brought the blame on himself. However, on the other hand the tapes still showed that Nixon had a difficult job to handle and was doing his best for his country (with a few mistakes)
Kirsten Brown
Kennedy's Handling of Governor Barnette
I found the progression of the conversations betwen John F.Kennedy and Barnette particularly interseting. In their first conversation, Barnette was in complete control. He constantly interuputed the president. In fact, I'm not sure Kennedy was ever able to complete a sentence before Barnette cut himm off and began to complain. Kennedy is very obviously uncomfortable and insecure about the situation. The next conversation has to do with Kennedy sending Federal marshals instead of troops. Kennedy seems to have a bit more control and talks strictly to Barnette. Barnette unconvincingly states that he will try his hardest to prevent bloodshed when in fact, he promotes it. Eventually Bobby Kennedy steps in and has to threaten Barnette. At this, Barnette begs not to be exposed. In the last conversation, Barnette still tries to take Merideth off of the campus. The president flat out rejects his idea and tells Barnette to call him back once he is actually gotten to where he is going to make a speech. Kennedy is in complete control. I admire Kennedy's ability to finally supress Barnette and to run the country like he should. I was suprised that Bobby Kennedy had to step in though. I do not believe that John Kennedy would have been able to control Barette without the help of his brother.
Franchesca Jenkins--Response to--
Richard M. Nixon "Naked To His Enemies"
I thought that Nixon did an okay job with his speech. He talked about the Watergate incident. I think that it was very embarassing to try and hide something from the nation and then when it all came out, he had to apologize to the United States. If I were him, I don't know how I would be so calm and casual. He was speaking like he was out for tea on a asunday afternoon. He seemed somewhat humble. I think that it is very cool that we have this kind of history.
Thomas Geeker -JFK on civil rights
President Kennedy tries to convince southerners to open up and allow a black man, James Merideth, to attend the University of Mississippi. The governor of Mississippi bans the man from attending and causes the Kennedy administration to be put under a lot of pressure. In the 3 podcasts that I listened to, President Kennedy tries to convince the governor to change his mind. Kennedy is speaking as both a man of honor but also as a politician. He promised democratic rights in his campaign and if he wouldn't have done anything it would have hurt his reputation. As a man of honor, President Kennedy thinks that everyone should have equal opportunities in America.
Emily Phelan
Johnson The Sudden President
I thought that the two conservations between President Johnson and J. Edgar Hoover were interesting. They talked about the primary suspect who killed John F. Kennedy and that Johnson should bulletproof his car. In both conservations Hoover was the primary speaker. Johnson only said a few sentences in both conservations. I think that it was a good thing that Johnson and Hoover had a close relationship. It really shows that they are not afraid to speak their minds. I think that it was amazing that Hoover told Johnson that he need a bulletproof car everywhere he went because anyone can assassinate you at any time.
Post a Comment