EthosYou'd think that, being the president and all, LBJ didn't need to establish his credibility with the audience. He didn't waste time emphasizing that he's the leader of the free world or that h...

SpeechThe Great Society speech was written specifically for the University of Michigan's 1964 commencement ceremony. Delivered 6 months to the day after JFK's assassination—and almost 6 months be...

The Great Society SpeechNothing tricky about this. It's a speech about President Lyndon Johnson's plans to fix some problems in America and build a more just, equal, and fair place to live. He call...

This university has been coeducational since 1870, but I do not believe it was on the basis of your accomplishments that a Detroit high school girl said, "In choosing a college, you first have to d...

Those who came to this land sought to build more than just a new country.They sought a new world.So I have come here today to your campus to say that you can make their vision our reality.So let us...

(2) Sea LevelLBJ didn't go in for a lot of fancy talk. The language is basic, but the idea is huge.

LBJ liked to let it all hang out. He brought up the idea for the Great Society speech while swimming with two advisers—naked. (Source)LBJ went nuclear on his opponent, Barry Goldwater, in the 196...