Part 4 Chapter 25 Summary

Mornings in LBJ's Senate were as sleepy and slow moving as ever, but just before noon, LBJ would push through the heavy double doors, approach his front-row-center desk and take charge. He knew what needed to be done and announced it, without notes. This was his turf, where he anticipated triumphs. At noon, whoever was presiding would bang the gavel and recognize the Senator from Texas. He moved unanimous consent to allow those committees and subcommittees he chose to meet while the Senate was in session. He moved unanimous consent to hold executive (closed) sessions. He shepherded nominations and international treaties through advise and consent. When clerks read Calendar Calls too slowly, LBJ grew impatient and growled, "C'mon, Get going!" He spirited non-controversial bills along swiftly, authoritatively announcing the upcoming schedule, giving pro forma acknowledgment to the Minority Leader's and relevant...