Speech

The Great Society speech was written specifically for the University of Michigan's 1964 commencement ceremony. Delivered 6 months to the day after JFK's assassination—and almost 6 months before the 1964 presidential election—it clearly marked a new point in LBJ's administration. With this 20-minute speech, Johnson took ownership of the significant social changes he wanted to make and laid out the platform he'd run on in the fall.

How it Breaks Down

Practice swings (1-24)

Johnson acknowledges the dignitaries in the house and makes a few jokes about coed life at UMich. He ties accomplishments of the past to dreams for the future.

Ball 1: Cities (25-39)

American cities are in trouble. Unaffordable housing, crumbling infrastructure, and unemployment make daily life there a grind. We've got to reinvent our urban areas.

Ball 2: Environment (43-52)

America's a beautiful place, but it won't be much longer if we don't take care of it. (The Once-ler can explain.)

Ball 3: Classrooms (53-72)

American schools are failing, and millions aren't getting the education they need to make this a better place for everyone regardless of race or religion.

Home run (73-98)

The president asks for the graduates' help in making the Great Society a reality.