3 key points about Caro's LBJ bio volume 4

Robert A. Caro's 4th volume of the LBJ bio, The Years of Lyndon Johnson: The Passage of Power, was, at last, our book-group topic last night. Except for a few gaffes, i.e., one couple among us reading the preceding volume of the massive bio, discussion went well. I (M and I were hosting) started off with 3 points that I thought were the most striking elements of Caro's bio, that is, they were new information or a completely new perspective on the well-worn and well-known material: First, the account of the day of the assassination, November 22, 1963, and the days immediately after, the most traumatic American shared moments of history until 9/11, was as far as I know the first time these events have ever been recounted entirely from the POV of the VP. What was particularly striking to all of us: Johnson's (and actually Jackie Kennedy's) capacity to make really important decisions about the protocol of the transition of power under great pressure and with no precedent. That could lead you to think that LBJ knew about or even conspired in the assassination. We did talk about that angle, but there was general consensus - at least, I believe - that had there been any conspiracy at all involving LBJ Caro would have found it: his research has been exhaustive and there'd be plenty of people eager to spill the beans on that rat out LBJ. Second point, I don't think it had ever been reported that part of LBJ's decision to accept the vice-presidential nomination was a calculated examination in which he determined that he could not win a presidential election and the VP was, historically, his most likely avenue to the presidency (further conspiracy evidence?). Third, the essential question of the book is whether LBJ's vacillation about whether to run or whether to declare his candidacy in 1950 through early was smart (though ultimatley erroneous calculation, as his way underestimated the character and the appeal of JFK) politics (LBJ reasoned - I think correctly - that he would have been trounced in primaries outside of the South and would have therefore put himself out of the running - his best shot being to wait on the sidelines and hope for a brokered convention) or whether his vacillation was from his deep fear of defeat and humiliation - he certainly had that fear, and Caro details his relation with his father and his shame at his father's ultimate failures - so I don't discount LBJ's fear, but I don't think his decision not to enter primaries was because of that fear. LBJ was not a popular or attractive figure; he won his elections in Texas only because he cozied up to bosses and to other powerful figures. Getting the Democratic nomination in Texas was all it was about - people didn't vote for him because they like him or even loved him; he was their only choice - and he still almost lost. LBJ knew he was not electable.