Explanation how President Lyndon B. Johnson interviewed Hubert H.
     Humphrey for the job of Vice President. Also refer to recent
     history, politics, campaign, Democrats, Republicans, Kennedy,
     McGovern, Nixon, Agnew, School for Champions, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
When Pres. Johnson Grilled
                              Hubert Humphrey
                                      
                        by Ron Kurtus (8 August 1998)
     
   The selection process of the United States Vice President follows
   different courses. At one time, the Vice President was selected as the
   person who came in second in the presidential election. In other
   cases, such as how Lyndon B. Johnson was selected as Vice President to
   John F. Kennedy, it is done through back-room politics where party
   regulars try to pick someone who will most likely help the ticket.
   
   Another method is when the candidate selects the best person for the
   job. This is what Lyndon Johnson did when he picked Hubert H. Humphrey
   as his running mate in the 1964 elections.
   
   Johnson was very thorough in his interview of Humphrey for the job.
   This is the story of that event in history.
   
Johnson checks Humphrey

   President Johnson went about the selection of a vice presidential
   running-mate for the upcoming elections the same way an employer would
   go about in hiring an important company manager. He had a background
   check, looked over a resume of qualifications, and held a personal
   interview.
   
   During the interview with Humphrey, President Johnson grilled the
   candidate. He asked him personal questions. Johnson wanted to know if
   Humphrey had a drinking problem, if he had an extra-marital affairs,
   or if he had any "skeletons in the closet."
   
Humphrey incensed

   Humphrey was incensed at the idea of Johnson suspecting him of any
   wrong doings or hanky-panky. He told Johnson something to the effect
   of, "Mr. President. I have been a leader in the Senate for years. I
   resent these types of questions."
   
   Johnson got up close to Humphrey and said quietly, "Hubert. This is
   the big time. If there is anything... anything that you have hidden,
   the press will find out about it and make it an issue."
   
Johnson failed elsewhere

   President Johnson was a professional politician and a realist. It is a
   shame that he did not apply those traits in handling the Vietnam war.
   
Other Vice President selections

   Compare President Johnson's astute handling of the selection of a Vice
   President to how careless other presidential candidates picked their
   running mates.
   
Senator McGovern goofs

   Senator George McGovern picked Sen. Eagleton as his running mate
   without really checking into Eagleton's background. Shortly
   afterwards, the press discovered Eagleton had a drinking problem and
   had a nervous breakdown. McGovern was forced to pick someone else to
   run with him.
   
Nixon picks a crook

   Richard Nixon picked Spiro Agnew as his Vice President without knowing
   that Agnew had been involved in illegal payoffs as Governor or
   Maryland. Agnew resigned the Vice Presidency  in disgrace.
   
In conclusion

   Lessons we can learn from this historical event are:
     * They really play tough in Washington D.C.
     * You should be cautious,  if you want to be on top