Johnson and Biden

Similar decisions announced in very different style

Yesterday, on a Sunday afternoon, people browsing X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, were the first to read a statement from Joe Biden announcing that he won't be the Democratic nominee for president in November.

It was bombshell news, the stuff of history. But it wasn’t the first time an announcement of its kind had been made. More than half a century ago — as we have all been reminded this week — Lyndon Johnson made and announced a decision that was remarkably similar.

But in terms of style, it couldn’t have been more different.

On the evening of Sunday, March 31, 1968, Americans sat down to watch the enormously popular TV shows in that time block.

They were surprised to find them pre-empted. The president was about to speak.

Looking somber, Johnson detailed a plan for curtailing the war in Vietnam, a war which had grown to consume his presidency and divide Americans to an extent not seen since the Civil War.

Then he shifted the tone and subject. Tension rose. There was something more to the address than a plan to end the war.

Sitting on sofas and La-Z-Boys, the nation leaned forward.

Throughout my entire public career I have followed the personal philosophy that I am a free man, an American, a public servant, and a member of my party, in that order always and only.

For 37 years in the service of our Nation, first as a Congressman, as a Senator, and as Vice President, and now as your President, I have put the unity of the people first. I have put it ahead of any divisive partisanship.

And in these times as in times before, it is true that a house divided against itself by the spirit of faction, of party, of region, of religion, of race, is a house that cannot stand.

There is division in the American house now. There is divisiveness among us all tonight. And holding the trust that is mine, as President of all the people, I cannot disregard the peril to the progress of the American people and the hope and the prospect of peace for all peoples.

So, I would ask all Americans, whatever their personal interests or concern, to guard against divisiveness and all its ugly consequences.

Fifty-two months and 10 days ago, in a moment of tragedy and trauma, the duties of this office fell upon me. I asked then for your help and God's, that we might continue America on its course, binding up our wounds, healing our history, moving forward in new unity, to clear the American agenda and to keep the American commitment for all of our people.

United we have kept that commitment. United we have enlarged that commitment.

Through all time to come, I think America will be a stronger nation, a more just society, and a land of greater opportunity and fulfillment because of what we have all done together in these years of unparalleled achievement.

Our reward will come in the life of freedom, peace, and hope that our children will enjoy through ages ahead.

What we won when all of our people united just must not now be lost in suspicion, distrust, selfishness, and politics among any of our people.

Believing this as I do, I have concluded that I should not permit the Presidency to become involved in the partisan divisions that are developing in this political year.

With America's sons in the fields far away, with America's future under challenge right here at home, with our hopes and the world's hopes for peace in the balance every day, I do not believe that I should devote an hour or a day of my time to any personal partisan causes or to any duties other than the awesome duties of this office--the Presidency of your country.

Accordingly, I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President.

But let men everywhere know, however, that a strong, a confident, and a vigilant America stands ready tonight to seek an honorable peace--and stands ready tonight to defend an honored cause--whatever the price, whatever the burden, whatever the sacrifice that duty may require.

Thank you for listening. Good night and God bless all of you.