In this exploration of a historic moment, we delve into President Lyndon B. Johnson’s distinctive lunch with the executives and editors of The New York Times on February 6, 1964. This event marked a rare occasion as Johnson, a Texan known for his robust personality, typically held the Eastern establishment in disdain while recognizing the importance of cultivating its leaders.

Unprecedented Presidential Luncheon

President Johnson, uniquely, was the only sitting president to have a meal with the prominent figures of The New York Times. As he made his way to the lunch meeting at 229 West 43rd Street, where The Times was headquartered at the time, he reached out to his friend Frank Stanton, the president of CBS, seeking advice on how to navigate the encounter.

Presidential Second Thoughts

During a recorded phone call with Stanton, President Johnson expressed concerns about The New York Times being “pretty anti-Johnson.” He admitted that the lunch arrangement was a mistake, orchestrated by someone else without his oversight. Johnson sought guidance on how to approach the situation and discussed the possibility of maintaining a general reserve and aloofness during the lunch.

Key Players in the Lunch Meeting

At the lunch, President Johnson found himself seated between The Times’s publisher, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, and the company’s chairman, Arthur Hays Sulzberger. John B. Oakes, the editor of the editorial page and a longstanding acquaintance of Johnson since his days as the Senate majority leader, was seated across the table. The president signed a guest book, now housed in The Times Museum, and praised the chef for the roast beef and shrimp.

Speculations on the Off-the-Record Conversation

Because the conversation was off the record, the details of President Johnson’s interaction with The New York Times remain unknown. Interestingly, nine months later, The Times’s editorial page called for his election, not necessarily due to affection for Johnson, but out of fear of Senator Barry M. Goldwater, the Republican candidate. The Times perceived Goldwater’s victory as a potential triumph for the radical right and a defeat for liberalism.

The Ongoing Relationship Between President Johnson and The New York Times

Despite the initial reluctance and concerns, the relationship between President Johnson and The New York Times continued to evolve. The complexities of political dynamics and the delicate balance between the press and politicians became evident as time progressed.

Assessing the Impact

Looking back at this unusual lunch encounter and its aftermath, it raises questions about the dynamics between the media and political figures. The off-the-record nature of the conversation adds an air of mystery to the event, leaving historians to speculate about the impressions and discussions that transpired that day.

Sources:

• The New York Times