An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s

Chapter 9 chronicles Richard Goodwin’s arduous and often humorous attempts to leave his White House position during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration. Despite Richard’s plans to commence his fellowship at Wesleyan in September 1965, Johnson employs various tactics to prevent his departure, highlighting both the president’s dependency on Richard Goodwin and the turbulent nature of their professional relationship.

The chapter begins with Richard recounting his decision to leave government service, feeling that his commitment to stay until Johnson’s legislative programs were underway had been fulfilled. However, Johnson ignores Richard’s resignation letter, and any attempts by Richard to discuss his departure are consistently thwarted by Johnson’s manipulative maneuvers.

The narrative reveals Johnson’s complex strategy to retain Richard Goodwin, including emotional appeals and veiled threats. In one instance, Johnson uses barnyard metaphors to emphasize the importance of addressing the broader economic and social dimensions of racial prejudice, beyond just voting rights. Richard is tasked with drafting a speech on this subject, reflecting Johnson’s desire to lead the nation in addressing deep-rooted racial inequalities.

Despite these efforts, Richard Goodwin remains determined to leave, but Johnson’s persistence is relentless. Johnson even attempts to manipulate external influences, such as arranging for a dinner with Jackie Kennedy to sway Richard’s decision.