The Political Turmoil of Johnson and Nixon: Ideological Differences and Power Plays
The relationship between Richard Nixon and Lyndon B. Johnson was always complex, often defined by mutual political rivalry and personal animosity. While they were not close friends, they shared a common background as wartime Navy veterans and successful political careers. Their political dynamics were governed by the larger context of party differences and personal grievances, particularly in the midst of the intense ideological turmoil of the early 1960s.
Political Alignment and Ideological Differences
Lyndon B. Johnson's identity was deeply rooted in the Democratic Party tradition, especially the legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR). Johnson admired and emulated FDR's power and strategic acumen, aspiring to become the president himself—a dream he pursued relentlessly throughout his political career. On the other hand, Richard Nixon, despite his later Republican affiliation, came from a Democratic background. Nixon initially believed that aligning with the Republican party would give him a better chance at the presidency, a strategy that ultimately backfired.
Despite their political rivalry, the mutual disdain between Johnson and Kennedy, and Kennedy's brothers (especially Robert F. Kennedy) and Johnson, was palpable. Johnson's hatred of Kennedy is well documented, with his statements indicating a strong determination to undermine him. This personal animosity was significantly influenced by the election of 1960, where Johnson was initially considered for Vice-Presidency, only to be replaced by Nixon. Joseph R. Kennedy, father of JFK, chair of the Democratic National Committee, and his wife Ethel, were involved in the decision to choose Nixon over Johnson.
Political Alliances and Personal Rivalries
Lyndon Johnson's suggestion to Kennedy to endorse a space race with the Soviet Union can be seen as a strategic move to shift public attention from the Bay of Pigs fiasco. This move was aimed at demonstrating Johnson's political prowess and his ability to handle crises effectively. However, these alignments were more about leveraging political power than about genuine friendship or cooperation.
The Kennedy brothers viewed Johnson with suspicion, believing him to be involved in unethical tactics, including potential blackmail. This unhealthy rivalry was exacerbated by Johnson's association with J. Edgar Hoover, who had a large file on Kennedy. Johnson was seen as a man who disdained the Eastern establishment, yet he was deeply rooted in it, making him a complex political figure.
Power Struggles and Personal Feuds
Nixon's path to the presidency was indeed a product of a dark political cabal. Major oil companies and "kingmakers" were behind his rise to national prominence, using him as a pawn to regain certain federal perks and avoid taxes. Nixon's involvement with various interest groups, such as organized labor and the Mafia, further complicated his political standing and reputation.
While Johnson was also involved in various power plays, his political aspirations were more about achieving the presidency than engaging in corrupt practices. His relationship with labor was more genuine, reflecting his efforts to secure support from a powerful constituency. Johnson's advocacy for civil rights and social welfare programs demonstrated a more liberal element in his policies, although this was in contrast to Kennedy's more corporate-friendly agenda.
Both Johnson and Nixon were part of a larger network of powerbrokers who operated beyond the simple binary of left and right. The complexity of their relationships and the manipulation of power are best understood in the context of the emerging Cold War era and the turbulent political landscape of the 1960s.
Conclusion
The enmity between Johnson and Nixon was driven by political ambition, ideological differences, and personal animosity. While they were not close friends, their paths crossed in a way that was more about power and influence than genuine camaraderie. Understanding their relationships within the larger context of early 1960s politics helps shed light on the complex dynamics of power in American politics.