President Lyndon Johnson: 1966 State of The Union Address

Source:The Cold War Archive- President Lyndon B. Johnson (Democrat, Texas) 36th President of the United States (1963-69)

"President Johnson’s State of the Union concentrates on the Vietnam War.  Security is cited as the reason for committing to the conflict long-term, but Johnson also mentions his focus on helping those who want to help themselves.  He pledges continued involvement until the aggression ends.  Johnson also emphasizes his many new goals for progress domestically and abroad, and the further establishment of the Great Society.  He also calls upon Americans to a change their ways and look forward to the improvement of the quality of American life." 

From The Cold War Archive

In January, 1966 President Lyndon Johnson was at the height of his power, just being elected in 1964, with an overwhelmingly landslide where he won something like forty States and 60% of the Popular Vote and an overwhelming Democratic Congress, of around 290 seats in the House, 67 in the Senate. 

Yes, LBJ had the Southern Caucus in Congress but he also had Progressive Republicans as well and with this Progressive Democratic/Republican Coalition, was able to pass the Civil and Voting Rights Act in 1964 and 65, as well as his Great Society. 

President Johnson if anything had too much power, because he wasn't sure what to do with all of it and if anything probably felt untouchable, without a strong Republican opposition in Congress or around the country. And I believe thats where he got trouble in Vietnam, which started in 1965, where our involvement there went downhill. But his popularity tanked in 1966, because of the Vietnam War and Congressional Republicans, as well as potential Presidential candidates like Richard Nixon, who campaigned for Congressional Republicans, in 1966 were rewarded the benefits of President Johnson's unpopularity.