Nov. 27, 1963 | LBJ Speech to Congress

Nov. 27, 1963 - The first Southerner to become President since Woodrow Wilson called today for the “earliest possible passage” of a civil rights program that would remove “every trace of discrimination and oppression” in the nation. President Johnson, appearing before a joint session of Congress, made this the high point of an address that surprised even his admirers with its force, eloquence, and mood of quiet confidence. He opened with a tribute to President Kennedy. “All I have,” he said in a voice almost inaudible at the rear of the chamber, “I would have given gladly not to be standing here today.” With somewhat more volume, he continued: “The greatest leader of our time has been struck down by the foulest deed of our time. Today, John Fitzgerald Kennedy lives on in the immortal words and works that he left behind. He lives on in the mind and memories of mankind. He lives on in the hearts of his countrymen. No words are sad enough to express our sense of loss. No words are strong enough to express our determination to continue the forward thrust of America that he began.” Here, Mr. Johnson was interrupted for the first of many times by applause. Later, many of those in the chamber of the House of Representatives were moved to tears as Mr. Johnson, in a slow, deep voice, paid tribute to President Kennedy and called for the translation of his “ideas and ideals” into “effective action.” He called for quick action on tax reduction and virtually every other point of the Kennedy legislative program. He left no doubt that he wanted Congress to move ahead now rather than in January. “Our most immediate tasks are here on this hill,” he said. “This is no time for delay; it is a time for action.” Mr. Johnson will speak again on national television at 6:15 p.m. tomorrow. The White House said the speech, to be delivered from the President’s office, would not be a repeat of today’s performance but a “personal message from the President to the American people” on Thanksgiving Day.

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