Lady Bird Johnson

The former first lady died this afternoon at the age of 94.  I recently read the Beschloss book on the Johnson tapes.  Much of the book confirmed my thoughts about the people around LBJ.  That is, all but Lady Bird.    The most striking case in the book was with the Walter Jenkins case.   Jenkins was caught in a pretty striking sexual indiscretion and LBJ wanted to cut him loose, but according to the tapes, Mrs. Johnson reminded her husband of Jenkin's loyalty and long history with LBJ. In the tapes you hear a very resolute Lady Bird telling LBJ that he could not do what naturally comes to many politicians.   I suspect that was not the only instance of her courage but I was impressed deeply with that one.