The path to power

“The Path To Power” is the first in Robert A. Caro’s multi-volume “The Years of Lyndon Johnson”.  This one covers Johnson’s family and political backgrounds through his youth, rise to the eve of his successful 1948 election campaign.  

Johnson’s roots ran deep into Texas soil and were nurtured in the political life of the Lone Star state.  Born into a family of more prominence than respect he accompanied his father to the legislature and saw him sink into poverty.  Though a life-long Democrat, the Johnsons were influenced by the People’s Party, a populist movement associated with Williams Jennings Bryan.  Armed with the Bunton eye, Johnson strut, the affection of his father’s colleagues and a deep fear of failure and poverty, Lyndon moved to make his place in the world.

Caro’s theme is of a Johnson who was consistently consumed by ambition and driven to do whatever was necessary to achieve success.  The Johnson introduced at San Marcos Teachers College was the same man seen throughout his career.  He was a man who would use, and dump, anyone when it was expedient.  He would pander to the powerful, weave myths out of whole cloth, cheat in elections and never hesitate to call in chits to get himself out of scandal. 

Johnson initially refused to go to college and tried to make a career in California before returning home and agreeing to continue his education.  At San Marcos he befriended the College president who gave him the jobs he needed and permitted him to distribute patronage that supported his student politics machine.  After college Lyndon became a teacher, and reportedly a good one, leading the debate team to unprecedented success.

The next step up the ladder was to be a congressional aid to Rep. Richard Kleiberg, heir to the King Ranch who was more interested in being a congressman than working and who was willing to let his assistant run the office, serve the constituents and make connections on Capitol Hill.  During this time Johnson was selected Speaker of the Little Congress, an organization of congressional aids through cultivating the votes of elevator operators, mailmen and others not dues paying members of the Congress.

Although Johnson’s efforts to get Rep. Keliberg appointed to another position failed, his fortunes improved when a 1937 special election in his home district presented the opportunity to win his own seat by campaigning as a supporter of President Roosevelt.  His success sent him to Washington as the representative who had received the fewest votes of all.

His service in the House was marked by adherence to the Roosevelt line, constituent service, an unsuccessful Senate race in 1941 and a brief period of naval service during World War II.  

During the time covered by this book Johnson made three associations that would play major roles in his life and career.  This tome chronicles his courtship and marriage to Claudia Alta Taylor, his Lady Bird.  Typical of Johnson’s method, Lady Bird was the daughter of the richest man in town whose wealth and connections would be crucial early in Lyndon’s career.

Sam Rayburn remembered Johnson visiting the Texas legislature.  Lyndon enthusiastically served as the son Mr. Sam never had.  Though also the consummate politician, Rayburn would be a mentor and sponsor for the rest of his life.

Johnson became a favorite of Franklin Roosevelt’s because of his unflinching support, even when others abandoned the president, although Johnson quietly shifted his associations to Texas interests that opposed to the New Deal.

s the daughter of the richest man in town whose wealth and connections would be crucial early in Lyndon’s career.

Sam Rayburn remembered Johnson visiting the Texas legislature.  Lyndon enthusiastically served as the son Mr. Sam never had.  Though also the consummate politician, Rayburn would be a mentor and sponsor for the rest of his life.

Johnson became a favorite of Franklin Roosevelt’s because of his unflinching support, even when others abandoned the president, although Johnson quietly shifted his associations to Texas interests that opposed to the New Deal.

“The Path To Power” is very detailed, deeply researched and well written.  It definitely portrays Johnson as a ruthless political operative whose only morals were to promote his own advancement.  This work is essential to anyone wishing to understand LBJ.