Lyndon JohnsonLyndon Johnson led the country for five years (1963-1968) after President John Fitzgerald Kennedy died from gunshot wounds on November 22, 1963. He formulated many policies and implemented many others which Kennedy failed to complete. It also faced many foreign problems, including the Vietnam War and the Cold War. The way he handled foreign problems placed him last, if not last, in foreign affairs compared to other presidents. Johnson always spoke to tourists and met with journalists informally. He entertained many distinguished guests at his ranch in Texas. Additionally, Lyndon and his wife Claudia (Lady Bird) Johnson held formal and informal dances at the White House. His presidency added much to the history books. If it were not for his leadership and ideas, many parts of society today would not exist. (Peter Lisagor, 148-152) “We have suffered a loss that cannot be weighed. To me it is a profound personal tragedy. I know that the world shares the pain that Mrs. Kennedy and her family endure. I will do my best. This is all I can do, I ask for your help and God's help,” Lyndon Johnson quoted after the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy's friend, colleague and leader. at one o'clock on November 22, 1963 (Peter Lisagor, 151). Johnson assumed the important role of president aboard the Air Force presidential jet at Love Field in Dallas exactly ninety-nine minutes after Kennedy's death. Coincidentally becoming the second vice president with the last name Johnson to succeed an assassinated president and nearly a hundred years later. (Hugh S. Sidey, 1-2 and Hans L. Trefousse, 1-2) Shortly after becoming president, Johnson announced a $500 million budget cut and urged a strong civil rights bill. Both of these had previously been proposed by Kennedy. Furthermore, he proposed a national war on poverty. This included creating new jobs and developing areas where the economy had faltered. This passed Congress without issue. A housing bill passed in 1968 provided five billion dollars in federal funds to help the needy buy homes and rent apartments. Congress also passed a tax cut for both individuals and corporations. (Peter Lisagor, 148-149) Civil rights were an important part of Johnson's presidency. It didn't take him long to develop civil rights laws. A new civil rights law was opened to Negroes... middle of the paper... the bombing of Vietnam was stopped on November 1, 1968. Peace soon followed between the United States and all of Vietnam. (Peter Lisagor, 149- 152) To conclude, President Lyndon Johnson deserved his rank. After all, his great achievement in civil rights and his war on poverty could have been at the top of the list. Unfortunately it all started to fall apart towards the end, mainly due to his involvement with Vietnam. His many successes have left a mark on history. If it weren't for him many civil rights would not exist. He headed two entire Cabinet departments and appointed two of the first Negro government officials. These results have kept him at the top of the list. Many people would consider him the last in foreign affairs because the country's population did not always agree with his involvement in Vietnam. This most likely lowered its rating. References Sidey, Hugh S. "Lyndon Baines Johnson." Microsoft Encarta. 1995 ed. Lisagor, Peter. “Lyndon Baines Johnson.” The World Book Encyclopedia. 1992 ed.Summer, Robert S. "Lyndon Baines Johnson." Internet public library.