This post isnt meant to ignite a poltical firestorm as it seems many of my posts unintentially do :/..... anyways I was hoping some Americans here  could give me some insight on this poll taken a few years ago about the American public and its views on Presidents since 1960. Without question rather you agree with what they did or not, Kennedy, Reagan and Clinton top the charts, to be expected as I said love or hate them they have a strong following. However, this comes to Lyndon Johnson... How is it Americans view him so poorly. I mean he did civil rights act of 1964 and 1968, voting rights act of 1965, medicare, aid to education, enviromental regulations, went out of his way to make sure a qualified African American sat on the Supreme Court, the great society act and finally fixed immigration polices in 1965 to make it easier for non-Europeans to go into the United States.

Was the Vietnam War really that extremely polarizing that it tarnished what good things he did do, or is there more during his administartion I am not aware of? I just fine it odd that not only is he behind Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, but his popularity couldnt even crack a majority. Again, this is not to start a poltical storm of opinions, but rather gain porspective on the average Americans view of LBJ. Please only post civilly . Thanks!

    John F. Kennedy (85% approval/10% disapproval)
    Ronald Reagan (74% approval/24% disapproval)
    Bill Clinton (69% approval/30% disapproval)
    George H. W. Bush (64% approval/34% disapproval)
    Gerald Ford (61% approval/26% disapproval)
    Jimmy Carter (52% approval/42% disapproval)
    Lyndon B. Johnson (49% approval/36% disapproval)
    George W. Bush (47% approval/51% disapproval)
    Richard Nixon (29% approval/65% disapproval)

At the time, much of the United States didn't care much for the great society or other programs LBJ worked on to establish a legacy. Yes, the Vietnam War was that polarizing and if you study the history a bit more you will discover that war protesters were camped out in front of the White House much of his second term. He had promised he would not escalate the war and latter was accused of following Barry Goldwater's campaign promises. His decision not to run for a third term was announced at the same time he order a massive escalation of the war (see operation rolling thunder).

Now you have your answer, the topic is locked