Sterlin Waters- The President Caling

I listened to the conversation between john F Kennedy and Mississippi Governor Barnett. the conversation was about letting James Meredith into Ole Miss, a college in Mississippi. Listening to this conversation, or reading about segregation and civil rights, reminds me of how much i hated the old days where my color was perceived as a disease of skin, and an embarrassment and mistake to the human race to some....people like Barnett and other prejudice-minded alike disgust me. This is however a great source to learn from as oppose to other primary sources from this time period.

Robert Gitau - The President Calling, JFK

Considering just what JFK was dealing with in the whole Mississippi Crisis shows remarkable strength and political aptitude. On one hand, he needed to support the civil rights of the student trying to attend classes at the Mississippi college in question, but on the other hand, he had to handle the situation in such a way as to not alienate a major voting base or cause even more problems, not to mention that the defiance of Governor Barnett directly opposed the federal government, undermining its authority. Being able to handle such a tense situation without causing massive rioting must have been very tasking, and throughout it all he managed to remain calm. I also liked his speech about the situation, how he clearly defines the problem, why it is a problem, and what he can do to fix it, clearly referencing specific people and laws to justify his actions, as a way to help ease the tension of the area. JFK, at least to me, comes off as an honorable, able president in these tapes.

We Were soldiers- Luke Seay

I am reading we were soldiers. It is about Vietnam war. It follows a commander through one of Vietnams bloodiest confrontations. I wanted to read this book because I liked the movie a lot and I like wartime novels.

Emily Weeden - The President Calling: Lyndon B. Johnson

From Johnson's recorded calls, one can learn that, during his presidency, Johnson used relentless persuasion constantly. For example, soon after Kennedy's death, Johnson tried to convince Richard Russell to work with Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren on The Warren Commission, but he declined. Johnson, however, just announced Russell's appointment and claimed they were in agreement from the beginning.

Additionally, Johnson worked with Martin Luther King during his presidency in order to extend the right to vote to African Americans. Johnson used persuasion when he led Hoover, the FBI Director at the time, to crack down on violence caused by the Klu Klux Klan.
Overall, Johnson used the element of persuasion in order to carry out the majority of his domestic policy.

Tyler Palmer - JFK's conversation with Governor Barnett

           I listened to the taped conversation between President Kennedy and Governor Barnett of Mississippi  The two politicians discussed the issue of James Meredith, an African-American student attending the University of Mississippi. Meredith was convicted of a crime after actively opposing segregation at the University.Therefore, due to a law passed by the Mississippi State legislature, Meredith would not be eligible to attend any institution of higher learning.

          I find this particular conversation within the podcast interesting because it provides valuable insight on the issue of States' Rights. Governor Barnett swore under Oath to uphold the Constitution of the State of Mississippi, whereas President Kennedy sought to ensure that there existed no violation of constitutional rights. The tape truly embodies the charismatic nature of President Kennedy, who was hoping for a non-violent resolution to the sensitive issue. The President was composed, yet persuasive and forthright as he attempted to resolve the problem with the cooperation of Governor Barnett.

Madison Short: The President Calling

I listened to the conversations between President John F. Kennedy and Governor  Barnett. They discussed what to do about James Meredith and the riots that would most likely take place if he was moved back into Mississippi. Kennedy wanted to make sure that the Governor would take all necessary actions to prevent any violence and damage in Mississippi. The Governor asked if the President would address the people and he agreed to. In his speech he discourage any riots and encouraged all the citizens of Mississippi to obey the law even though they may not agree with it.

The President Calling- James Taylor

I listened to the conversation between JFK and Governor Barnett. JFK is concerned about the riots happening due to James Meredith being moved from Ole Miss. JFK says that they can't consider moving Meredith because he may be hurt during the riots. Governor Barnett insists that he can stop the riots by going to them and delivering a speech, but JFK tells him not to say anything or make any decisions before consulting the president.

Maxine Beck: Johnson- Vietnam Dilema

Regarding the dilema in Vietnam, President Johnson seems very uncertain of the outcome of the war, but obviously wants to put forth more effort. Unfortunately for a while he had not acheived a set plan on how to win the war but considered more fighter planes. When talking to his advisor Bundy, he declared the need of more guerrilla warefare and vietnamese on our side. After listening to Johnson's conversation with Richard Russell, I saw him as a meek teenager unsure of what decisions to make and phoning many for their opinions. But immediately i saw a mature side to him when he addmitted "I don't know any other way out". ANd when he spoke to Dean Rusk I was suprised at his confidence. Upon learning that Johnson dropped bombs in Vietnam I was incredibly upset that he could make that decision but then I realized the inevitability of it and swallowed my pride. Johnson faced much criticism and support but in reality he had few options and didn't lightheartedly make his decisions.

Caitlyn Montague-The President Calling

     I listened to and read the conversation between John F. Kennedy and the governor, Ross Barnett, on the Mississippi Crisis which was started because of the disapproval of the admission of James Meredith, a black male, into a university in Mississippi which is referred to as Ole' Miss.
     I really enjoyed the way that Kennedy spoke. He was very sure of himself, he knew exactly what to say to solve the on going situation and how to avoid the possibility of violence occurring in Mississippi caused buy locals who are pro-segregation. I feel as if  Barnett was trying to aim for the same confidence shown by Kennedy by trying to appeal to his political and analytical side, but Kennedy beat him to the punch, so to speak. Kennedy got straight down to business and told the governor exactly how the whole situation was going to occur and that surely the young man, Meredith, was going to be enrolled into that school.
     This tone that was used makes this private phone call very enjoyable and clearly shows the confidence Kennedy embodies.

Caroline Steffy- The President Calling

I listened to Lyndon B. Johnson's tapes concerning Civil Rights and Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma. I think that this man, Johnson, was a very good manipulator and it really is incredible how by exaggerating his own opinions, he can make others believe in his ideas. In the recordings that I listened to, he was fantastic at communication and being able to converse with King and the head of the FBI, who was against King. In the Selma tape, you can really get a feel for how conniving Johnson is because he was taped talking with Martin Luther and he told King that in order to get the blacks the right to vote, he needed to find something that was so racially discriminating. Johnson thought that there could be something so dramatic that everybody could take notice and know that it was wrong. In this way, Johnson helped King extend the vote to African-Americans in Selma.

Lyndon Johnson was a master at his trade of fooling people into changing and molding their beliefs and that's what made him such a fantastic politician. He knew what the goal was and he knew what he had to do to get that desired result. I also heard the accidental tape of him ordering a pair of slacks and giving them detailed descriptions of exactly what he wanted. This is another instance of him knowing what he wants and also living in a very controlled world. He was very precise and in that way, the tailors couldn't get his order wrong which is what he wanted for maximum comfort. This comfort is what he wanted not just for his pants, but for his life.

 

President Calling- Lauren Cramer

I listened to LBJ addressing congress after the assassination of JFK, I think the way that Mr.Johnson adresses JFK's assassination is not just stating the fact of the assassination but he is making it more of a time to honor all of JFK's accomplishments and all the great things he achieved during his presidency such as the issue with segregation and trying to eliminate it. In my opinion Mr.Johnson addressed the assassination in the best way possible by instead of making the moment a time of mourning he made it more of a moment for great remembrance.

The president calling, Berenice Hernandez

I listened to the conversation between John F. Kennedy and Governor Barnett of Mississippi about the segregation of James Meredith from the University of Mississippi. JFK is  concerned about keeping peace. But also John Kennedy didn’t really like the idea of segregation though he still wanted to avoid chaos.. Maintaining law and order was his main goal in this situation. 

Rontrez Hall - The President Calling

I listened to President Kennedy’s phone call to Governor Barnet. They were discussing the issue of an African American Student, James Meredith being accepted to the college of Ole Miss. At this point in time, segregation of schools had been abolished for awhile, still Governor Barnet denied James Meredith admission because of his race. In my opinion president Kennedy calling Governor Barnet was the right thing to do. He was enforcing the law. Although it was his first serious civil rights problem, the president handled the situation very well. I thought it was smart of President Kennedy to keep contacting the governor making sure the Mississippi police were unarmed so they could not harm the protesters at the college. It was also a good decision for President Kennedy to send federal troops to make sure nothing got out of hand.

The President Calling

Theodore Houston- Days After Assassination

The future president, Lyndon B. Johnson's speech comes on the heels of the assassination the then president John F. Kennedy. During this speech he explains how that he will continue to follow the Kennedy administrations plan to unify the country, and to also infuses the citizens of the United States with a sense of confidence in moving forward after the tragic loss of their leader.

Johnson also goes on to state things that the Unite States would need to lean on moving on. These things include the United Nations and its comrades, the second to none military in the world, and the profitable US dollar.

Johnson challenges the citizens of America to stay strong so that the nation could still be able to thrive. After saying so he then addresses a major issue that the previous administration put much focus on, civil rights. Johnson calls for bills and laws to be applied to the Constitution that would eliminate the segregation of the country.

Another issue that is addressed is the passing of a tax bill that KEnnedy pressed heavily for. Johnson informs the citizens of the USA that this bill will strengthen the US economy and is necessary to further the country's economic status.

Josh Lindsey

I listened to the JFK dispute with Mississippi governor, Ross Barnett, about the situation with James Meredith. John F. Kennedy and the supreme court both ruled that James Meredith, an African-American, would be allowed to attend ole' miss. However, Ross Barnett would not allow James to attend the college as he said it was against Mississippi's segregation laws. One of the top concerns of President Kennedy was riots and how they affected the safety of the people.

Maclean Bassett- The President Calling

I listened to President Lyndon Johnson's address to Congress following the assassination of President John F Kennedy; the speech is the consummate symbol of the goals and aspirations of the Kennedy Administration and provides an account of the country's suffering following the atrocity.  During the speech, he accepts what he calls the burden of the presidency.  However, he asks for the support of the American people who he details must be united through the civil rights act- the act which Kennedy worked so hard to achieve.  This is what Johnson details as the most appropriate memorial to Kennedy- creating a united America that will lead this hemisphere with power in war and compassion in peace.

This was an extremely moving address, however I feel that looking back on it today; we are unable to feel the full effect that this must have had in the respective time frame. The country had become engrossed in the Vietnam war, racial tensions were peaking, and moreover, the United States had suffered the assassination of the President.  I can't imagine the effect this had on the people of this nation.  Using this, President Johnson drew upon the well of emotion projected by the American people to make this a moving speech and a powerful promotion for the goals of the nation.

Amanda Mascarenhas - The President Calling

I listened to the conversation between John F. Kennedy and Governor Barnett of Mississippi about the segregation of James Meredith from the University of Mississippi. JFK is very concerned about following the law while also concerned about keeping peace. John Kennedy didn’t like the idea of segregation but he still wanted to avoid chaos among the people of his country. Maintaining law and order was John’s main goal in this situation and I definitely believe that he had the right idea. I think that it’s always the president’s job to try his best to keep his people happy and satisfied without starting many conflicts. I also agree with his anti-segregation belief because it’s very important for the president to keep the people of his country united. Hearing this kind of source is quite interesting to me since you can personally hear recordings of the president’s opinions and ideas. It makes it a lot easier to understand his point of view. 

President Calling- Noah Brown

I found this tape interesting because it gave an insight into the daily lives of presidents and how they worked. It also showed how presidents can be resourceful, as shown by Kennedy blackmailing Ross Barnett with the existence of the taped phone calls.
Also it kind of humanized these historical presidents. Instead of just hearing their formal addresses and other official reports we got to hear how they acted in normal life and how they conducted their business.

Shannon O'Healaigh: President Calling- JFK

Shannon O'Healaigh: President Calling- JFK
     I watched the segment on JFK in the President Calling. I really enjoyed listening to this source because it is so different and refreshing. So much of history is taught to us through textbooks and dull, monotonous lectures; but I found that through this broadcast I was able to stay awake. Also, a lot of times I find historical figures very distant and un-relatable; this was not the case when I listened to President Calling. I found that this unique portion of history gave insight to the man that was the President; not who he had to be for the public, but who he was. This broadcast was able to show these presidents as people with emotions and not just distant political figures. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this and would not mind doing it again if assigned. 
    While this broadcast was an excellent revealer of history in the making and of the true identity of various presidents it also recorded many important events in the course of history. The character of JFK was evident through his dealings with the civil rights movement in Mississippi. Under pressure he acted fairly and just in upholding the Constitution.

Kathryn Moore- The President Calling

 I listened to most of the pod-casts relating John F. Kennedy and the decision in whether letting James Meredith into the college in Mississippi. Of course, in this time segregation was just being stopped and most colleges were for whites only. The Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett was sneaky and had his own beliefs on the subject. He had negative views on it and I don’t believe he wanted to allow Meredith into the school. You could almost feel Kennedy’s irritation through the conversation with Barnett. Kennedy was willing and he followed through on everything, most of the school down south didn't like the idea of integrated school. After many attempts to get Meredith registered into Mississippi College by having to get the Chief U.S Marshall to escort him; including 538 more men to get him on the campus. This was a fascinating thing to listen too, its history from the past recorded. It isn't scripted like many things. 

Michael Littles~ Robert Nixon

I listened to the series of recordings of Robert Nixon in the "Bombing for Peace". In most of the recordings the word "necessary" always came up. Robert Nixon only does anything necessary to achieve the goal in mind. Also, I noticed that he seems to have trust between him and the people, and will receive compliments and would try to keep the morale up to his companions. Just a little exchange of words, but the people trust him to make the right move in settling things with Vietnam.

Brendan O'Healaigh- Why Did JFK Record Himself?

Brendan O'Healaigh- Why Did JFK Record Himself?

I find it extremely intriguing that presidents such as Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon made secret tapes of their daily conversations ranging from the mundane to the extraordinary. These tapes were made (to my knowledge) to hold other politicians to their word and for memoirs that presidents would write later down the road. This aspect is what makes the tapes so interesting: they reveal everything because nothing was meant to be hidden or screened in anyway.

Out of the three presidents that taped their phone conversations, I find John Kennedy's the most interesting. There are several reasons for this. Kennedy was the first president to start this "precedent;" a forerunner of sorts. John had a brilliant political mind and his idea to hold other politicians to their word by taping them was groundbreaking. This very practice of taping conversations was what allowed him to resolve the crisis in Mississippi involving Meredith's enrollment in "sacred" Ole' Miss. By threatening to release tapes of Kennedy and Barnett's negotiating, John was able to persuade Ross into helping him resolve the conflict without excessive bloodshed.

Brendan O'Healaigh- Why Did JFK Record Himself?

Brendan O'Healaigh- Why Did JFK Record Himself?

I find it extremely intriguing that presidents such as Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon made secret tapes of their daily conversations ranging from the mundane to the extraordinary. These tapes were made (to my knowledge) to hold other politicians to their word and for memoirs that presidents would write later down the road. This aspect is what makes the tapes so interesting: they reveal everything because nothing was meant to be hidden or screened in anyway.

Out of the three presidents that taped their phone conversations, I find John Kennedy's the most interesting. There are several reasons for this. Kennedy was the first president to start this "precedent;" a forerunner of sorts. John had a brilliant political mind and his idea to hold other politicians to their word by taping them was groundbreaking. This very practice of taping conversations was what allowed him to resolve the crisis in Mississippi involving Meredith's enrollment in "sacred" Ole' Miss. By threatening to release tapes of Kennedy and Barnett's negotiating, John was able to persuade Ross into helping him resolve the conflict without excessive bloodshed.

Tiye Rosier President's Calling

I listened to Lyndon B. Johnson Address Congress Days After
Assassination. I think it's great of Johnson to show some strength in
such a sad moment. He doesn't give the image if mourning JFK. But
celebrating his life. I like that he reinforces that even though a
tragedy occurred that America was still going to push forward to
complete the tasks at hand. My favorite thing about his speech is that
he uses a quote from Kennedy and the projects that he was fighting for
to honor his memory and provide justification for the things that
Johnson himself was attempting to accomplish. I also really enjoyed
how he said that things may not change with him and his staff or even
in his lifetime but that it will eventually. I think that gave
listeners hope for a better tomorrow.   

Caniqua McGowan- The president Calling : Kennedy

I think President Kennedy hadeled the delicate situation in Mississiionppi very well. President Kennedy tried every solutions  before the ultimate decision that could have an violent reation . I think that really speaks about from President Kennedy's character that he was  probally and nice peaceful man. But I only listened to 20 mintes  of him speaking  so i dont know for sure. Also i think that students even being able o hear these taped  conversation is really cool because i never thought something like  this would be possible. I mean we get to here private conversation of our past presidents that awesome .

Kierra V. Mathis The President's Calling JFK

I listened to the John F. Kennedy podcast between him and Governor
Barnett.  Barnett did not want to allow James Meredith, a black,
admission to Ole Miss.  Kennedy on the other hand thought it was only
right for James to be allowed admission and ordered Barnett to control
all of the chaos surrounding the situation.  I like the way Kennedy
handled himself.  He wasn't quite pushy.  He remained calm yet he made
sure he stayed in control. He got what he wanted done without making a
big fuss. He was affective and straight to the point.

David Yu: The President's Calling

On November 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy, one of the most popular presidents in the US was assassinated. Following this event, Lyndon B. Johnson or LBJ addressed the congress on the matter of the assassination and can be heard today on a recording. What made this speech so important was the role it played in uniting a broken country. Shocked by the sudden event, many were left speechless as they mourn for their president. LBJ was the first to speak up, showing that this was not a time to break, but a time to grow stronger with one another. He continues to praise Kennedy, telling millions that his legacy will live on among the history books. LBJ's actions told the story of who he was, a man who earned the respect of countless people based on inspiring words.

Presidents calling

Ryan Pennington JFK

I found the kennedy to be a wise man in knowing that the use of exucative action should only be used in the most dire of times. But he knew even if it drue problems for him self it would be his only course of action.

Elena Chang: JFK's Presidential Priorities

Upon listening to recordings of several phone calls between President John F. Kennedy and the Governor of Mississippi, Ross Barnett, President John F. Kennedy's priorities seemed clear.  I have established that his first priority as a President is to ensure that the people of his country are safe even throughout times of scandal and complete disregard for the law.  His first priority of the people became apparent when he called Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett to order that law enforcement use their best abilities to control the riots that resulted from the current controversial civil rights case in the interest of James Meredith, a student that was not admitted into the University of Mississippi because of racial discrimination.  However, John F. Kennedy tended to stress the concern of abiding by the constitution and law while trying to figure out what the best way to control the Mississippi riots and trying to minimize the amount of casualties. In my opinion, John F. Kennedy was an honest leader, most concerned with the needs of his people above all.

Alex Wagner Presidents Calling

I listened to “LBJ Addresses Congress Days After Assassination.” I chose this speech because I thought it would be inspiring. He addresses this speech after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. In Johnson’s speech he expressed how honored he was to work with Kennedy and how deeply upset he was of Kennedy’s death. I felt like the overall message of Johnson’s speech was to unify and keep the nation strong after the tragic death of a US president. He quotes “These are the United States, with united people, with a united purpose.” These words were spoken with such power and strength. Also Johnson mentions a lot about strength and how even though Kennedy is gone his legacy will still live on. For example he ensures the Congress that the Civil Rights Movement will still continue. Johnson was also a great motivational speaker. He remarks the he “needs the help of all Americans to continue Kennedy’s legacy.” I think Johnson is a very clear and thoughtful speaker. After this speech I also think that the Congress had tremendous respect for him.

Brendan Schneider: The President Calling - Nixon's Bombing for Peace

Brendan Schneider

I find these conversations between Nixon and his advisors to be leagues different from what we see today in politics. This may be caused by the severity of the situation or perhaps just the president himself, but I see a much more intense level of politics involved. Nixon threw around ideas that are frowned upon at this point in time (mining international waters, propaganda, etc.) without much of a second thought. Things were concealed from the media as well: nearly impossible to do anymore.

Despite this, I find a similarity between Nixon's politics and today's: a large portion of the thought process leading to any decision is based on re election and internal politics. Nixon hid things from the media that may have hurt him and planted false supporters to make him seem popular, causing him to be re elected in the end.

Allison Street - The President Calling

I listened to the podcast on the different presidents being taped (on phone calls, etc) during their time in the white house. It was very interesting to experience a more personal side to the presidents, hearing how they act and respond regularly, rather than in rehearsed speeches. Kennedy's taped calls with the governor, I could personally feel the frustration when he wouldn't cooperate with President Kennedy's aims to register Meredith. After Kennedy's assassination, it was intriguing to become fimiliar with Lyndon B. Johnson, a president whom I was not previously aware of. I like listening to this type of source, and wouldn't mind doing it again, because it isn't as mundane, and is more attention-capturing, then merely reading from a textbook.

Kennedy Nelson-The President Calling, John F. Kennedy's Personality

I chose to comment on John F. Kennedy's section on the Presidents calling. In terms of leadership, I Kennedy handles extreme situations very well. During an intense time in Mississippi, Kennedy faced an incoming riot based on the banning of James Meredith who was an African American man. I admired Kennedy's way of talking to others under stress. In this situation, Kennedy spoke on the phone to Mississippi governor Ross Barnet who was in the middle of this mess. Although, he did not exactly had a hand on the problem at the beginning, Kennedy still sounded in command. He helped guide Barnet using his easy to trust vibe. He was never unsure of how to manage. He also was not anxious or bossy. Even in other parts of Kennedy's section, he was still calm and had a great, easy to talk to personality.

Serena Ramos: The President Calling JFK

JFK is persuading Barnett to Maintain Law and Order in Mississippi. President Kennedy is concerned for the well being of the people of Mississippi and he wants to make sure that the police maintain law and order in a discrete and orderly manor so nobody gets harmed and not much if at all no damage is done to Mississippi. This shows that Kennedy cares for his people and wants to protect them and his country.

Ashlee Trusik - The President Calling

                I listened to the conversations of President Kennedy on the Mississippi Crisis. In September, 1962, Governor of Mississippi, Ross Barnet, blocked a black man from enrolling at the University of Mississippi, otherwise known as Ole Miss. Throughout a series of taped phone calls President Kennedy tried to convince Governor Barnett to let Jams Meredith enroll at Ole Miss. He tried to convince him without the use of violence, because that would cost him votes in the South. The word about the situation got around and racist around America grabbed their guns and headed for Oxford. The attorney general eventually blackmailed Barnett into letting Meredith enroll into Ole Miss. I think Kennedys decision to not address the situation with violence the best decision to make, not only because it would cost him votes, but because it would've made the situation worse. When things get violent, everybody gets rowdy and decide to join in and next thin you know you have a violent outbreak on your hands. President Kennedy handles the situation in the best way possible.

Kristin Cohea: The President Calling

I listened to Nixon speak with John Mitchell, specifically focusing on his relationship with the press. While I didn't know much about Nixon and his terms in office besides the Watergate incident and that he was the only president to resign, shortly before he was the only president to be impeached at the time, I was curious as to why this man was so disliked. The specific podcasts I listened to was his conversation- presumably private- that he had with Mitchell about 'duping the press' after they had gotten hold of the names he intended on appointing to the supreme court. He told Mitchell to send them 'twelve more names, just to keep them confused'. But it wasn't so much of the subject that got my attention, it was the president, and the way he talked about it, that irked me. Half the time Mitchell began to speak, Nixon interrupted. He threw words around that seemed extremely rude to me, calling some of the people he intended to give the press 'sanctimonious assholes', telling Mitchell to send the media names of 'Jews or women, I don't really give a damn who.'
From the very beginning of the conversation he just sounded manipulative.

Jake Vancore- Presidential Calling JFK

I decided to listen to the podcast of JFK and Governor Barnett discussing the conflict of James Meredith enrolling into Ole Miss. Their discussion was about James Meredith, an African American man, not being allowed to register to Ole Miss. People were protesting and not letting the young man register and President Kennedy called up Mississippi Governor Barnett to cooperate with the federal order President Kennedy was given to tell Governor Barnett to let the man register. Governor Barnett however told JFK that he had to abide with his own state's law and wouldn't comply. JFK then called him and discussed what to do make things work. I liked the way JFK handled this situation because he made it as most non-bias as possible so that Governor Barnett felt like the President was just being forced to comply orders. He also made it sound like he just wanted to make sure everything would be safe and that no harm would come to anyone. President Kennedy did a good job in my opinion of containing the situation and not having excessive violence break out.

Erin Goad- The President Calling

 I chose to listen to President Lyndon Johnson's phone call to Jackie Kennedy, Richard Russell, and Robert McNamara. By listening to these phone calls, one is able to determine that Johnson was very influential. When talking to Russell, Johnson flat out told him that he was now part of the commission despite what he said to decline. After talking Johnson is able to convince Russell that he will do a good job based on the fact that he is an American. Another phone call to Jackie Kennedy shows Johnson skill in talking to people and interacting with them. To me, this is a very important quality in a president, to be able to speak to a crowd and make them believe you.

Mallory Glenn- The President Calling

I decided to listen to the podcast  between John F. Kennedy and Governor Barnett of Mississippi. Their conversation was about James Meredith, a colored man who wasn't allowed admission into Ole Miss. President Kennedy wanted Governor Barnett to allow Meredith into Ole Miss and to control the raging crowds of people who did not want an African American to attend the university. I admire how President Kennedy was able to make Governor Barnett do what he wanted him to do without causing any conflict. At the beginning of the "secret agreement" between the president and the governor, Kennedy felt like Barnett was trying to take advantage of him by not doing what he wanted; but when President Kennedy threatened to expose their "secret agreement" he was able to get Barnett to do what he wanted. I admire President Kennedy's ability to do this because he was able to make Governor Barnett follow his instruction without making the governor unhappy.

Hunter Scott- Mississippi Crisis

I listened to the Mississippi crisis, a dilemma regarding the federal and Mississippi state powers verbally disputing whether or not to let  James Meredith, a young African American man, register for Ole' Miss college. President John F. Kennedy and the supreme court had both decided that Mr. Meredith was to be allowed to register for Ole' Miss but the Mississippi Governor, Ross Barnett, had other plans. Governor Barnett said that the supreme courts decision to let Mr. Meredith register went against Mississippi's segregation laws. This was the point in which President Kennedy decided to intervene, where he had many phone calls with Governor Barnett. In these phone calls Kennedy and Barnett both came up with solutions to their dispute through words instead of violence. My opinion is that the solution that they came to agree to was the best possible as James Meredith was aloud to register and no one was hurt.

Justin Bartell- The President Calling: Richard Nixon

I listened to Richard Nixon's Bombing for Peace Callings.  These were a variety of conversations over the issue of the Vietnam War.  The first three conversations (with Melvin Laird, Ken Rush, and Thomas Moorer) was simply a discussion of Nixon's new war decision: to mine the Hanoi and Haiphong Harbors.  Before these conversations, he gave a speech to the public discussing the rationale of this wartime development.  The first three people all agreed with Nixon in his new plans and zeal to be more aggressive with the Vietnam War.  Melvin Laird was the Defense Secretary and was told by Nixon to be more "hawkish" even more than Nixon himself.  Laird simply agreed to everything Nixon said and promised his support.  Ken Rush was the Ambassador to Germany who also agreed with Nixon's speech.  Nixon told Rush how to specifically word his defense on the mining and counter-offensive efforts.  Thomas Moorer was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  Nixon simply stressed that the bombings be executed flawlessly and that there is no excuse that it shouldn't be executed perfectly.  Through these first three calls Nixon's zeal in the Vietnam War was displayed, as he kept pushing everyone to get the public on his side and to the success of the counter-offensive.  Additionally, he kept interrupting these three people when they were on the phone.  This displayed how he always got quick to business and further supports his zeal in the war.

The morning after these calls (and after his speech), he talked to Attorney General John Mitchell about the public reaction to his speech.  Mitchell discussed how there was a resounding agreement from the public in Nixon's speech and reaction.  He then discussed getting the support of other men.

A week later, Nixon talked with national security affairs advisor Alexander Haig about propaganda.  Nixon simply asked what everyone was doing in the regard of scaring the enemy through bluffing.  He talked about how it isn't the time for truth because this is war.  Nixon discussed how the propaganda side of this war effort has been very weak and therefore needs to be used since the tide of war might be turning.

His conversations all displayed the need to manipulate the throng of people through language and positions.  He worried about the public opinion and how to specifically word the counter-offensive to win public opinion and wanted more focus on propaganda.  These all display his political, manipulative tactics so that the war effort may be strengthened and continued, displaying his power in manipulation through political language.  The entire conversations were interesting to listen to as it displayed that the Presidents talk just as normal people do and allowed me to try to understand Nixon and his behavior, even after all these years.

Hunter Sheffield - The President Calling LBJ MLK

I listened to President Lyndon B. Johnson talk to Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr. and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. During the conversation between LBJ and MLK they seemed to discuss how to get the voting rights bill passes. Johnson asked for King's help in getting Americans to see the wide discrimination against blacks that wanted to vote so they could see that it wasn't right and would want to make a change. So Martin Luther King Jr. organized a march to Montgomery from Selma, which resulted in "Bloody Sunday." Even after this occured MLK still had more marches organized and on one of these marches led to the death of a women named Viola Liuzzo, a white women. She was killed by some members of the Ku Klux Klan while she was driving a black man home from one of the marches. After her death, President Lyndon B. Johnson and J. Edgar Hoover talked about how the FBI caught the people that killed her. In my opinion it was good that MLK had these marches in order to stand up for the wide discrmination against blacks and to give them voting rites as well.

Kathleen "Haley" Jacobs

I listened to the JFK Mississippi crisis, where he discussed with Governor Barnett the issue of enrolling James Merideth, an African American student, into the University of Mississippi. The U.S. Supreme Court had already ruled in Merideth's favor and allowed for him to enroll into the school but Barnett argued that he "would not surrender to the evil and illegal forces of tyranny." It was Kennedy's job to argue with Barnett using vocalization rather than the harsh and forceful methods of violence so that he would not lose precious voters support in the south. It is my opinion that Kennedy handled this matter fairly well because he was able to sway Barnett over a series of multiple phone calls and got him to concede and allow for Merideth to attend Ole' Miss.

Lauryn Gressel-The President Calling

I listened to, “Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Scandal”. In this speech Nixon talks about the Watergate scandal, which happened in the year 1972. As Nixon starts off his speech he talks about the election and how appalled he is when he hears that White House members could have been involved. After stating that he goes on and talks about how he will do everything in his power to find the White House member who were involve, and says that anyone who refuses to cooperate has to resign.  He then says that two of his close workmates have already resigned. To start out the investigation he hires Elliot Richardson to collect all the facts and report them straight to him. All he wanted was peace for America, and peace for the World. Many people looked at the Watergate scandal as bankruptcy for America, but Nixon had a different view, he looked at it as illegal acts and bad judgment by many individuals. He wanted to protect the innocent and convict the guilty. He said that Elliot would be fair and fearless when taking on this case.  At the close end of the speech he told the listeners how many days he had left in office, 1361, and he wanted those days to be the best days in America’s history. He closes his speech with, “God bless America and God bless each and every one of you.”

My opinion on the situation that Nixon had to deal with is that he dealt with it in a fair way and did what he had to do to get the guilty party. As Nixon’s career went on, he ended up resigning in the year 1974, after he had heard that Congress was going to impeach him.

Tori Holloman: The President Calling

I listened to President Lyndon B. Johnson talk to Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr. and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. During the conversation between LBJ and MLK they seemed to discuss how to get the voting rights bill passes. Johnson asked for King's help in getting Americans to see the wide discrimination against blacks  that wanted to vote so they could see that it wasn't right and would want to make a change. So Martin Luther King Jr. organized a march to Montgomery from Selma, which resulted in "Bloody Sunday." Even though "Bloody Sunday" occurred, King decided to organize more marches and one of these marches led to the death of a women named Viola Liuzzo, a white women. She was killed by some members of the Ku Klux Klan while she was driving a black man home from one of the marches. After her death, President Lyndon B. Johnson and J. Edgar Hoover talked about how the FBI caught the people that killed her. In my eyes, it was a good idea that MLK organized more marches after "Bloody Sunday" even though many people tried to stop him. The marches seemed to help with the passing of the voting rights bill and it thought it was interesting how the FBI caught the murders of Viola Liuzzo.

Katherine Maxwell- JFK

I decided to listen to  the podcast with President John F. Kennedy and Governor Barnett of Mississippi discussing James Meredith, a colored man denied acceptance to the University of Mississippi. The Supreme Court decision was causing all kinds of uproar and President Kennedy wanted the Governor to control the riots to prevent violence. Next I listened to the President addressing the nation about the problems in Mississippi, he was very concerned about the well being of Meredith and the safety of the citizens of Mississippi. This showed me that Kennedy was a kind man and really cared about civil rights, he wanted his country to be safe and all the people to have equality.

The Presidents Calling - Gabrielle McCray

I chose to listen to the conversations between President John F. Kennedy and Governor Barnett. These conversations were based upon the subject of James Meridith and the problems concerning segregation in Mississippi at that time. Because Kennedy was against segregation, Kennedy tried to implement his executive power to ensure that Meridith was peacefully accepted in the midst of the violent crowds. I think Kennedy handled this situation well because he was able to get Meridith accepted into college without causing such a violent uproar.

The Presidents Calling - Sean O'Halloran

I listened to the conversations between JFK and Governor Barnett of Mississippi regarding Merideth who was trying to attend the university of Ole Miss. I found it interesting how these conversations showed the colliding powers of the state and federal government. Although they were both callborating for a common goal, they had to do so while fulfilling the obligations of their branch of governement. I think Kennedy should have put more trust into the Governor in those situations instead of undermining his ability to resolve issues within his own state.

Kyra Samaha- The President Calling

I chose to listen to President Nixon's telephone conversations because I feel like he was a very important figure and leader during the 1970's. During his conversations he isn't afraid of masking what he wants to say; and emotions thereof. Especially in his discussion with Alexander Haig on military tactics for the Vietnam War, President Nixon clearly states that he wants to terrify the Northern Vietnamese with more B52 planes, all to aid the Southern Vietnamese. It was a bold call, and he made it without any hesitation; therefore, he knew what would help the Anti-Communist countries the most. Nixon also decided that in order for the battle to turn, the level of propoganda had to increase in order to have the best result for the Vietnam War. President Richard Nixon was considered a controversial figure in America and around the world.

Kimberly Greenwood - The Presidents CAlling - LBJ speaks to Congress

I listened to LBJ speaking to Congress. LBJ talked about justice and equality after first saying a few words about JFK. He spoke at length about finding strength in the differences instead of weakness and then calls upon the American citizens to help him in reaching the goals and show that they are capable of 'decisive action' and in even so soon after the assassination of JFK they will derive strength and not weakness and he then dedicates the US's support to the United Nations and makes a firm promise to defend their allies and also keep the stability of the dollar, expand international trade and make America and its allies stronger. He speaks about continuing JFK's course and 'fulfill the destiny history has set for us.'
He spoke very clearly and very well in order to affirm the American people and the members of Congress, trying to motivate them to continue after JFK's assassination. He continually uses the idea of strength and continuing JFK's legacy as a motivator to rid the US of discrimination against races. He tactfully proposes the bills and calls Congress to action in swiftly accepting the bills. JFK's legacy and the strength of the US is the fulcrum of his speech in order to motivate Congress. He was a very good speaker and seemed very firm in his beliefs. He clearly made a profound impression on Congress.

Jodi-Ann Bradley- The Presidents Calling JFK

I listened to John F. Kennedy and the Mississippi crisis, I saw that many people easy persuaded John F. Kennedy's hand in many issues. For example when he had the conversation with Eisenhower about the possibility of the Cuba starting a nuclear war with the U.S if they were to invade, John f. Kennedy was easily persuaded by Eisenhower to believe that the Cubans wouldn't start a nuclear war if they were to invade. Instead of defending his ideas on the situation he chuckles and says I will still keep me men on alert. Although he did not get persuaded when he sent lightly armed US marshals with suites and gas mask to Mississippi.   Also I found that he was being controlled by General Barnett up until the point when General Barnett does not keep order in Mississippi and secretly negotiates with the Kennedy's to step aside when Federal Marshals arrive with Meredith and General Barnett gives a disobedient speech on September 29th at a football game  before he steps down. Though John F. Kennedy handled this situation nicely when he threatened to tell the world that Ross Barnett was negotiating with the Kennedy which would kill him politically. This all causes John F. Kennedy to take back control when he had Barnett stand down and forced the troops into Mississippi to kill the riots which caused James Meredith's registration to the University of Mississippi.  

Shane Smith - The President Calling Comment

I chose to listen to the podcast clip titled “Lyndon B. Johnson Addresses Congress Days After Assassination,” because I felt that it would be the most intriguing.  It is a recording of Lyndon B. Johnson’s speech to Congress following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.  Throughout listening to the podcast, I felt that the overall message conveyed in the speech was very unifying due to the tragic event that precluded the remarks by Lyndon B. Johnson in his speech.  Lyndon B. Johnson conveyed to his audience the accomplishments of President Kennedy throughout his time in the White House, as well as his accomplishments on social issues pertinent in America during that particular time period, such as race and equality.  He then acknowledged that those accomplishments of President Kennedy would be honored throughout his own presidency.  Lyndon B. Johnson stated that the assassination of President Kennedy would temporarily vex the civil rights movement in the United States, but being as the people of the United States are spirited, rational people, the movement would continue to progress.  As we look at race today, it is evident that he was correct.

Ryan Ohlin - The Last of the Mohicans

I am choosing to read The Last of the Mohicans because I am interested in the Frenh and Induand war. This book and movie combination also looks like the most entertaining of the summer reading choices.

Rozsa Gomory: The President Calling JFK

I listened to John F Kennedy and the segregation issue at the University of Mississippi. Former air force     veteran and African American man, James Meredith tried to register police blockaded the school and he was unable to register. President Kennedy saw this as an absolute crisis because the United States senate had outlawed segregation in schools eight years previously. Meredith was blocked from registration by the governor of Mississippi himself,  Ross Barnett. Eventually Meredith was able to attend the University of Mississippi. I think President Kennedy was acting as a man of honor because he was fighting for what he thought was right, he was fighting for an air force veteran to attend a university. I also really enjoyed listening to this information on a podcast because I thought it was very interesting and informative.

Marjory (Natasha) Junkermeier-Kennedy

I listened to Kennedy's speech first, and I thought he sounded very unemotional and that he didn't really care about the issue even though it is a very controversial, emotional, important issue. His tone made me feel like the issue didn't matter and that he didn't care which way it went.

I definitely changed my mind when I heard the phone conversations because he was speaking faster and interrupting Barnett. He wanted to make sure he got his point across. Barnett seemed to oppose everything Kennedy was saying. He didn't seem enthusiastic about doing what needed to be done to get Meredith into school, like her really just wanted to end the violence as fast as he could and he didn't care if that meant going against the constitution.

Florjena Sulollari- The President Calling

  I chose to listen to, and read the transcripts for, the discussions between both Bobby and John F. Kennedy and Governor Barnett and his aides regarding the Mississippi Crisis. I have always found John F. Kennedy to be a fascinating president, as he served at a pivotal time in American history, with segregation finally coming to a head, the "threat" of communism, space exploration, as well as his untimely demise. Politically, JFK always seemed to be a man of great morality, although his private life was of course very tainted, as so many modern politician's lives are. The Mississippi Crisis was quite interesting as well,I had seen images of James Meredith being escorted onto campus, but had never realized all of the back story behind it.

Calvin Carlson- The President Calling

I listened to Nixon addressing the nation after the Watergate scandal. Throughout the speech, Nixon names off various people who resign from their positions due to this scandal and how those people are very good at what they do and Nixon is saddened by their leaving. This makes the listener wonder about how much the individuals close to the scandal know about what really happened and if those people are resigning on the fact that they want to leave before more information leaks about what happened or before they are forced to leave. To me, these people that are leaving know what is going to happen and are just trying to get out as soon as they can before matters get even more out of hand.

Connor McClellan- The President Calling

I listened to President John F. Kennedy negotiate with Ross Barnett, as he debated the conditions of James Meredith's admission to the University of Mississippi. Kennedy's interests were maintaining law and order in Mississippi, to prevent riots and unnecessary violence. Kennedy took multiple, careful measures to achieve his goals, no matter how the negotiations with Governor Barnett went. The secret recordings of the phone conversations between Kennedy and Barnett were a fallback for the president to use if he could not successfully come to a reasonable agreement. While talking to Barnett, Kennedy kept a calm and confident attitude. He respected the governor's opinions and position but made it clear that, as president, he had duties and responsibilities to carry out as well, and he was intent on enforcing the Supreme Court's ruling. As soon as Barnett strayed from the agreed upon course of action, Kennedy immediately threatened to publicly release the negotiations between himself and the governor. Doing so would have put Barnett in a compromising position, as his selfish interests of popularity with his state would have been exposed. However, releasing the tapes would have put Kennedy in a position of power. The people would see him as a man of honor, preserving the integrity of the nation and attempting to prevent any bloodshed. This skillful move by Kennedy made it clear to Barnett that he had lost, and had to comply to preserve his position in government.

Grace Choi - The President's Calling

I listened to the speech given to the congress by Lyndon B. Johnson. He addresses the nation's loss of Kennedy, after his assassination. Johnson really makes recognition of the great late president. All of Kennedy's achievements through out his position in office is recalled by Johnson, from the race to space and partnerships across the seas, education to all children and more is spoken of. Continuing on Johnson speaks of how the nation really was affected by Kennedy being in office and his great over comings for the better of the nation. While listening to this speech one thing came to mind, and that at this exact time of the speech, how the people felt when losing a great president. If on man had made a  nation so different through great accomplishments that the whole nation would have pride in, then nothing should have the nation to stop and only remember the past, but really to look forward like Johnson said during the majority of the end of his speech. It was a heartening speech that Johnson have to congress to honor the late president as well as encouraging to move forward for America shouldn't just stop and fall apart.

Andy Asher: The President Calling

I listened to president John F. Kennedy consult the governor of Mississippi Ross Barnett, about admitting James Meredith into the University of Mississippi. Meredith, who was African American, caused some controversy amongst citizens in Oxford who didn't want an African American attending Ole Miss. It was interesting to hear the president talking to Barnett because this showed how Kennedy dealt with the situation and avoided mass bloodshed. Kennedy was able to convince Barnett to allow Meredith into Ole Miss by threatening to reveal details of their "secret" agreement.

Breanne Gottberg-Harris; Johnson

I listened to Johnson's recordings about sending more troops to Vietnam and well as him foreseeing failure in Vietnam with the treaty that they had going on. Johnson seemed like he was more honorable than he was politician because in the first recording I listened to, Johnson  didn't want to send in troops if they were just going to end up dying, without a real reason. In the second recording, Johnson seemed concerned about how he was going to get his troops out of Vietnam. At a point in the second recording, his politician "came out" while his secretary, McNamara, and he were discussing who they could send to Vietnam, to sort out the treaty issues as well as him being worried that the American public being critical of them. Johnson seems like he was an honorable politician, a mix of both traits, that we don't see in many politicians anymore.

Sean Isenberg President Calling

The way Nixon acts during his interview lends nothing to his credibility whatsoever. He makes no effort to try and hide his emotions which is pretty wrong considering he has to make these decisions and stick with them because thats his job.  He seems to be kind of matter-of0fact about the whole bombing thing and the laughs at the end made me confused about what he thought about them at all. This is why no one likes Nixon

Erik Isenberg President Calling

It was really cool to see all tree different reactions to the vietnam war. Of the three, I like nixon the least because all the stuff he says is just manipulative and he only seems to be looking to cover himself and not what's good for the country.

Leah Langston- The President Calling

President Nixon: Bombing for Peace
Initially, President Nixon seems to be very curt and dry. He sounds sullen and stressed while discussing the release of an announcement regarding a bombing that is to take place. Nixon saw the Vietnam war as unwinnable and was, at first, very obviously unhappy, as he should have been, to be making a move in a war that he saw no end to. Just by listening to his voice, the anxiety and pressure involved in being the President is obvious. Nixon repeatedly references an inauguration, I believe he is referring to his own inauguration into his second term as President. This bombing was not a first, nor would it be a last. Nixon instituted carpet bombing, bombing large areas between North and South Vietnam repeatedly. As the recording continues Nixon seems to be taking the topic more lightly and is more concerned with the possibility of dampening the mood of his inauguration than he is about the havoc the bombings will reap on Vietnam. Carpet bombing was very controversial among Americans, and Nixon did not want his bombings to sour the “flavor” of his inauguration, so the release of the news of yet another bombing was being planned around the event. As the conversation progresses, Nixon throws in a chuckle or two, which could be viewed as extremely inappropriate considering the topic at hand. The entire conversation is cloaked in deceit.

Abby Ellingsen: President Calling podcast

I decided to listen to 15 minutes of JFK and his phone conversations with Ross Barnett about the Mississippi Crisis. When I realized that these phone conversations I was listening to were all secretly recorded I found it to be kind of an underhanded move by Kennedy, but when listening to more I found that it was a good idea on his part. All the time when he was talking to Governor Barnett, Kennedys main focus was the safety of Meredith and the safety of the state police and to make sure at all times that no mobs were formed. Unfortunately in one of the phone conversations we found out that one state police officer was killed because of a riot while trying to remove Meredith from the university. When Kennedy addresses the nation about the final decision of Meredith being accepted into the university and being allowed to study there, he seems to have some sympathy in his voice towards the people who didn't want Meredith going to an once all-white university, but then tells them that this is a step in the right direction for the nation and that with this the nation can grow.

Maryl Pritt- The President's Calling, John F. Kennedy.

I listened to phone conversations between President John F. Kennedy and Governor Barnett. These phone calls were about James Meridith who was a colored man  whom had applied for college at the University of Mississippi. President Kennedy handled the situation very well and made many smart decisions such as not bringing in armed troops in hopes to keep the uproar to a bare minimum. President Kennedy was against segregation, so he had a determination to get Meridith into college, making him the first black man to be accepted into college. I did not like listening to a podcast though due to my short attention span and inability to only be able to listen to the podcast, instead of see it.

Patricia Walker- The President Calling

I listened to President John F. Kennedy’s discussions with Governor Barnett about the riots that are happening in Mississippi. John F. Kennedy was aware that there were riots in Mississippi and wanted Governor Barnet to take control of the situation to prevent violence. James Meredith was denied access to the University of Mississippi and people began expressing their opinions toward the situation. Kennedy noticed that the Supreme Court’s decision was affecting the actions of the people of Mississippi and he wanted Governor Barnett to have authorities to take control of the riots and keep peace in Mississippi. I also listened to the discussion when Kennedy addressed the nation about the issue in Mississippi. I think this shows that he was a man of honor and that he cared about the safety of the U.S citizens.

Loren Rykard- The President Calling

 

I listened to the discussion with President John F. Kennedy and Governor Barnett about the decision to ban James Meredith. I believe that Kennedy was a man of honor because he wanted to understand why the decision to not allow Meredith into the University of Mississippi was made and what the governor was going to do about the situation. I also listened to the discussion about Kennedy wanting Governor Barnett to have the authorities to take control of the riots and violence.  To me this conversation shows that Kennedy wanted something to happen that made the situation better and caused less violence.

Steven Wright: The President Calling

For The President Calling podcasts I chose to listen to Lyndon B. Johnson and his conversations about the Vietnam Dilemma on May 27, 1964. Just like the opinions of men like Senator Richard Russell, I would be against the continuation of the involvement in Vietnam. If we began to send American troops in for attack, as Russell pointed out, then it would lead to a full ground war in an environment our soldiers are not comfortable with. Not to mention the possibility of going to war with China if it came to it. I think Johnson should listen to the majority vote of his peers and avoid making a larger footprint in Vietnam. This delay of action not only has lead to the deaths of American soldiers but has even got Johnson worrying about involvement in Laos as well. Although pushing with guns would make America and LBJ look powerful from a world view, it would cost a grave fortune of money and lives.

Lisanne van Engelen - The President Calling

I listened to the podcast called “Nixon Addresses Nation Regarding Scandal”. This was the first time that he directly addressed the Watergate Affair, and it can be seen that he does not want to talk about it. After talking about the scandal for the first 15 minutes of the podcast and how “appalled and shocked” he was to hear about it, Nixon begins to talk about his goals and plans for his second term. He was really acting like a politician, in saying that he “immediately ordered an investigation” into the scandal and that “the truth should be brought out, fully, no matter who was involved”. Later on in the podcast, Nixon says “I must turn my attention to the larger duties of this office.” By saying this, he shows that he does not want to discuss this subject. This is the first time that I have listened to a podcast like this, and I actually enjoyed it. I found it interesting to learn more about this topic, and in such an easy way.  

Christopher Draper, Richard Nixon,President calling

Christopher Draper-President Calling

In "President Nixon's telephone conversation with John Mitchell" it shows Richard Nixon plan to send a fake list of candidates from a position on the supreme court, after his first list was leaked and the public opinion though that he was picking people because of what they are and not their skill level. This shows that Nixon is willing to lie to the public, and this plan will probably fail since the list is fake no one will get picked on it, and people will notices that and Nixon will get called out on it. In "President Nixon's telephone conversation with John Mitchell" they disused William Mulligan, a candidate that is being pushed onto the president because the want for a Catholic on the supreme court. President Nixon likes the candidate since he is not from Harvard who Nixon believes is producing soft lawyers. However Nixon declines the candidate from what appears to be the fact that he did not like how the candidate was forced into him.

Colby Vaughan- The President Calling, Lyndon B. Johnson

I chose the podcast "LBJ Addresses Congress Days After Assassination," which was a recording of President Johnson's speech to congress following the death of President Kennedy. I chose this topic because it coincided with my summer reading book, Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody. She was a civil rights activist in Mississippi when Kennedy was assassinated. The murder of the president who was supposed to create equality despite race brought the civil rights movement she was a part of to a dramatic halt. That one event undid her years of work, and the work of others, in a few seconds. Anne described the major impact the assassination had on her, and how she felt like the movement had been crushed in that instant. Johnson, on the other hand, described the impact this had on the future of American society. He recognized that the assassination would be a major speed bump on the path to civil rights, but he continued to instill hope in the hearts of Americans by promising that the murder of President Kennedy would not prevent the civil rights movement from winning its battle. 40 years later, we can see that President Johnson's word was honorable, and that incredibly influential leaders of the civil rights movement, Mrs. Moody included, were way to dedicated to fail.

Erin McCord - The President Calling

I listened to President John F. Kennedy's conversations with Governor Barnett of Mississippi concerning segregation in the state and more specifically the nationalized issue of James Meredith, a colored applicant denied admission into the University of Mississippi. I also listened to Kennedy's nationwide address about the issue and I think he handled the situation very well. He was concentrated on keeping peace in Mississippi while riots broke out about the Supreme Court's decision to allow Meredith acceptance into the University. Kennedy opposed segregation and wanted, most of all, order and security amongst the citizens for their own safety and for the safety of Meredith on the campus. He reacted as a man of honor, I believe, in wanting the best for the citizens of his country as well as equality and safety among them. This type of source is unique and more interesting than alternative mediums such as listening to a lecture or reading the information and because of that, I find it easier to concentrate on and less of a burden to complete. I appreciated being able to hear, somewhat firsthand, what the president had to say about the matter and how the conflicts of those days were dealt with.

Elisabeth Gardner - The President Calling

I listened to 'LBJ Addresses Congress Days After Assassination' from The President Calling, which is about twenty-five minutes long. In the recording, Lyndon B Johnson speaks to the United States Congress a few days after President Kennedy's assassination. He tells Congress and the American People of the great loss of JFK and how they must use this grief to come together as a nation to bring into law what President Kennedy had been pushing for earlier that year - laws for racial equality. LBJ's speech is very compelling and his grief for the country's loss is easily heard in his voice. The speech overall was very interesting to listen to due to the great tragedy that had only occurred days before and to hear LBJ's plans for social reform during his presidency.

Megan Ramba- The President Calling

John F. Kennedy has always been an extremely respectable man in my mind, listening to these phone calls to fight for Meredith's acceptance into Ole Miss, despite the white segregationists and Governor Barnett's lack of cooperation, shows how much Kennedy valued fairness and equality for his country. Although Kennedy tried and tried to refrain from anything that would create blood-shed, the protestors of Mississippi continued to keep Meredith from being able to register at Ole Miss until Kennedy had to send to armed forces, ending with 2 killed.

Nathan Morse - The President Calling

I listened to Lyndon B. Johnson’s address to Congress after Kennedy was assassinated. It was a very well-written speech full of potential quotes for the history books. I thought that Johnson did a great job of trying to unite the country with this speech in this time of mourning and racism. Nowadays, the country is split down the middle on every issue, but Johnson indirectly asserted that we are all on the same team, and those who were against civil rights wouldn't be able to hold on much longer. At first I was thinking that Johnson was being redundant and saying the same thing over and over again in different ways, but the more I listened, I realized that this was such an important topic that Johnson did it just right. He was firm yet diplomatic and forward moving.

Megan Greenwood-The President Calling

I listened to President Richard Nixon talking about the executive decision to appoint Russell to Warren Commission. When I first listened to it, it seemed that Nixon was forcing Russell into a corner by making him feel guilty about not serving his country. However the second time I listened I found myself siding with Nixon more because Russell seemed to be just trying to get out of it, so he wouldn't have to work someone he didn't like.

Summer Reading Assignment

Theodore Houston
I chose "The Devil in the White City" because of the appeal of a mystery novel. This novel also caught my attention because it investigates a scandal that involved murder and confusion at the time of one of the world's greatest events, "The World Fair". Another aspect of the book that drew me to it is that it takes place where some one my family members are currently living.

The President Calling

Jeremy Pennington I listened to President Nixon's speech addressing the Watergate scandal. I have never listened to another one of his speeches before, but my evaluation of him, as a speaker, is that he sounds confident enough, but lacks a certain charisma that you'd expect from a president. He is not a poor speaker, but his voice didn't catch my attention by itself. During the speech, he spent most of his time protecting himself and claiming that neither he, nor any of his staff that were implicated, knew anything of it, or that they had anything to do with it. He condemned the action, saying that it was wrong, but he did not throw anyone under the bus from his administration, at least, not in the fifteen minute portion to which I listened. This type of speech is not something that was easy for me to give my full attention, so it's a good thing that there is a transcript that I could go back to and read the parts that I missed.

Daniel Keller - The President Calling

Daniel Keller- I listened to president Kennedy speaking with the governor of Mississippi about segregation laws in the state. I believe that Kennedy's choices were very wise and he seemed to be a very cautious man. It was a smart choice to not send any heavily armed troops to protests in order to prevent any serious violence. I also believe that its very respectable that Kennedy would be against the segregation laws despite the ruthlessness of southern racism. Additionally, I thought this type of source was interesting because it involved no reading. I just realized that I'm way too used to reading these sorts of things in books rather than listening to recordings.

Rachel Patel:The Things They Carried

I chose to read The Things They Carried, I am still in the process of reading this book. i chose this book because it has to do with O'Brien's life throughout out the war. At some points in the book it gets alittle confusing but it is interesting.

Jake Vancore, Devil in the white city

I chose this book because I am very interested in murder mysteries and because I wanted to learn about the Chicago world fair and it's impact on american culture. My dad also recommended this book to me and my family already owned it so I took advantage of what I had and it turned out to be a very good book about something I did not know much about.

Maxine Beck: Grapes of Wrath

I blindly chose Grapes of Wrath, as I was ignorantly unfamiliar with the text. Fortunately I found it to be a powerful story that authentically captured the Great Depression. The Joads, just like every other family are trying to make something out of nothing, so they head out to California with big hopes while battling the issues within the family. The amount of empathy and relatibility I had towards the characters shocked even me. To be honest I cried a few times while reading this book, because I am an emotional person and because of the genius plot. But regardless of the plot, Steinbeck's attention to details , namely nature, is what really impressed me. This book is a symbol of the Great Depression, struggles caused by it, and every American family. But most importantly it reminded me of my grandmother, Bonnie Milikan who grew up during the Great Depression and lived with nothing, but I grew up in the late nineteen-nineties and had everything. I have everything.

Maxine Beck: Grapes of Wrath

I chose Grapes of Wrath because I was familiar with the title, but not the contents.

Caniqua McGowan : THe Age OF INNOCENCE

I chose this book out of our possible books to read for several reasons. The fist reason is as i read the titles of the book on our book list this was the only one caught my attention .the i read the summary for the book online which just increased my curiosity and made me want to read the book even more.after i read the fist two senteces of the plot overview online and I will one hundred percent admit the word adultery in the first paragraph of plot made my final decision and indedd this was an great book after all

Noah Brown: The Last of the Mohicans

I am reading this book because I have easy access to it and I hear it is a good book from my family. It also seems to have an inserting and engaging plot line. It takes place during the French and Indian War and follows the last two members of the decimated Mohican tribe.

Erin McCord, The Grapes of Wrath

I chose to read The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck because I am a fan of Steinbeck and have read other texts written by him such as The Pearl and The Red Pony. Aside from familiarity and fanaticism with the author, The Grapes of Wrath interests me because it tells a story of the struggles of moving west among the Dust Bowl migration on an intimate level while the experience is also portrayed in an almost surreal-like fashion to me because I am so unfamiliar with even nature in the west, let alone the struggle to survive and travel in it. There is a sense of relation and intimacy with the Joads as I read about their endeavor. This subject and style interest me and, if we're being honest, a friend recommendation helped seal the deal on my choosing this book. At times the story gets confusing and the dialogue is written in such a way that it must be read aloud in order to understand what is being said underneath such a heavy southern vernacular.

Austin Cowan- Uncle Tom's Cabin

I read Uncle Tom's Cabin this summer because I have always been told it is a very wonderful and emotional book, and I really was curious as to what all the fuss was about. I've found it more than lives up to it's reputation as a truly touching novel. Tom really dies a martyr's death.

Sean O'Halloran- Grapes of Wrath

I chose the book The Grapes of Wrath because it's an American classic and I am interested in the conditions our ancestors were forced to live in. It is sad how the Joad family had to quickly uproot themselves and be forced to migrate West and try and survive the best they can. It makes me wonder how many other families actually had to struggle with similar life threatening conditions in this time period. I am not much of a reader, so I am struggling with the syntax of this book, but what I have understood is giving me some good insight into a day in the life of the great depression era.

Abby Ellingsen: Age of Innocence

I choose this book because when I looked up a description online I found out that its setting and time was in the 1920's and it made me think about the roaring Twenties and that time period has always interested me so I decided to read this book.

Maryl Pritt - Catch 22

I chose the book Catch 22 because I am really interested in World War II. I like the book because it shows the issues of the world war through a crazy man named Yossarian. I am having a hard time keeping up with the plot.

David Yu: We Were Soldiers

As a big fan of Vietnam era books and movies, We Were Soldiers was a perfect choice for my summer reading. Having already seen the movie and a big fan of it, the book would allow me to gain an in-depth view of what it was truly based on. This book was written by Lt. General Harold G. Moore (Ret.), who was the actual leader of the operation that landed 400 of his men in the "Valley of Death". Rarely, does anyone get a first hand account of what happened and who better to tell the story than the man who was part of this history. This book is filled with compassion and tells the hardship of the first major battle during the Vietnam war. Landed in a recently attacked US military camp, Lt. Col. Moore led his men with little Intel into the La Drang Valley. Here, they suffered through days and nights of fighting, which led to the death of over 72 Americans, half which were killed in the largest ambush during the war. This book separated the glory of war from its horrors, creating a heart-pounding story that has pleased me and other to come.