Lyndon B. Johnson: A Great Politician And TV Character | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Lyndon B. Johnson: A Great Politician And TV Character

The spirit of Lyndon Baines Johnson lives on in the character that is Frank Underwood.

139
Lyndon B. Johnson: A Great Politician And TV Character

Going back through the seasons of House of Cards, I see a wonderful historical connection between Frank Underwood and the late President Johnson. LBJ was ruthless and had the dirt on everyone very similar to Frank Underwood. Johnson also was known for how he intimidated people, he would get in their face or very literally whip his dick out. Frank at one point is reading LBJ's biography by Robert Caro hinting at the idea that there is a connection between the two; Frank also has a picture of LBJ in his office.

(cmcforum.com)

Both men grow up poor in the South from farming families. While Frank lost his father, LBJ lost the family farm due to the Great Depression. They are both very self-made men and Southern Democrats — Frank from South Carolina and LBJ from Texas. Coming into their own, politically, they both became the Majority Leaders in the House of Representatives.

Then they both get stuck into the position of Vice President and feel absolutely powerless. They have all of this drive and are completely stuck in a position that has very little power. Even though neither of them really ever loved the position of Vice President, they both were very successful. LBJ headed a lot of major projects like nuclear negotiations, the space program, and equal rights legislation for minorities. (Spoilers) They both then move very quickly into the presidency and start doing things which is the most amazing part. Frank Underwood represents a President that gets things done, and Lyndon B. Johnson got things done as President.

Lyndon Baines Johnson started his presidency by pushing through several of JFK's programs and a couple of his own including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (biography.com). Johnson then won his presidential campaign by a landslide in 1965 and then started a war on poverty in the U.S. and communism in South East Asia. Johnson pushed a legislative agenda known as the "Great Society," with bipartisan support, Johnson was able to get many of the bills passed that have helped to shape how our society looks today (biography.com). Unfortunately, Johnson had his presidency tainted by the Vietnam War and that is what many people remember, but he was a great president, politician and, now a TV character as spirit lives on in Frank Underwood.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

183440
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

10022
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454418
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24458
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments