Johnson’s Presidential Career Beats Those of Kennedy and Nixon (Essay Example)

When comparing the presidential careers of John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon, it is clear that Johnson was the best leader of the United States. He rose to presidency during the 1960’s, which was an increasingly turbulent time. The country was divided on numerous issues such as the Vietnam War and Civil Rights. Furthermore, many Americans felt the heavy consequences of poverty, leading to a plethora of issues in health, education, productivity, food security and child care. Johnson’s focus on domestic policy and dedication to improve the lives of Americans is honorable and helped out countless people with these issues. His rise to the presidency was not usual, as he had to enter into a mourning country with a positive outlook on the future and get things done. Nevertheless, Johnson was able to lead the United States into an improved country. Although it was not without fault, he showed his true greatness when striving to better the lives of the people living in it. 

One of Johnson's best qualities was his ability to get laws passed efficiently. His will to pass legislation was known as the “Johnson Treatment”. This made him able to pass a multitude of laws that helped the greater American good. One extremely important law passed under Johnson is the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin in public places as well as federally funded programs. This enabled minorities to break down barriers in society, the workplace, schools, and achieve more than ever thought possible. Johnson’s determination to further civil rights and pass laws that the previous president, Kennedy, wanted to pass before he was assassinated is honorable and makes a great president. 

Johnson’s Great Society programs focused on domestic policy to face issues such as poverty, crime, environment, and education. In 1960, a quarter of Americans were living below the poverty line. To combat this, Johnson created welfare and numerous social programs. For instance, he created Medicare for the poor and Medicaid for the elderly, which help cover health and medical costs. He also passed the Model Cities Act and the Truth-in-Lending Act which require the disclosure of loan cost. This helps prevent unfair billing and allows people to manage their money more efficiently. Additionally, Johnson helped out students and their families by creating programs to alot federal aid to public and some private schools. Over 60% of students to this day benefit from this act through college loans. Furthermore, Johnson created “Head Start” in order to combat poverty from where it starts: with children. This program provides early childhood education and benefits to families and children of low income, which helps children come out of poverty and have equal opportunity. The effects of these programs are still seen today; Johnson’s legacy carrying on and helping out the country still to this day.

Admittedly, Johnson’s credibility is questionable when it comes to the Vietnam War. He repeatedly asked for an increasing number of troops to send into Vietnam, just “50,000 more” a popular song states. There is no question that he deceived the country by stating false claims of our progress in the War. He painted it with a positive picture when that was far from the truth. However, his lies seem minuscule when compared to those of Nixons. Nixon’s administration covered up their involvement in the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Washington, D.C. Watergate Office Building. The break-in was a way to spy and sabotage the other party to help further Nixon’s reelection campaign. Johnson's lie was in order to help protect Americans, and Nixons were to further himself with the cost of other people's jobs. When looking at this, it is clear that Johnson's deception was nowhere near the lies that Nixon put forth. Although misinformation is wrong and should never be dismissed, it should not discredit all of the good that Johnson has done as president.