Johnson Thanks California Governor Pat Brown For Placing His Name in Nomination at the 1964 Democratic National Convention

At the Democratic National Convention in 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson was nominated for his own term as President, and he selected Senator Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota as his running mate for Vice President. It was a popular choice. Both John Connolly and Governor Edmund G. (Pat) Brown of California made speeches placing Johnson’s name in nomination. After Brown finished, the strains of Happy Days Are Here Again thundered from a giant pipe organ, and a 25-minute demonstration for Lyndon began. It had more noise (klaxons, foghorns, etc.) and color (yellow balloons, tiny parachutes with American flags, sunflower posters for Kansas, gold-foil sunbursts for California and real corn for Iowa) than most such extravaganzas.

Typed Letter Signed, on green White House letterhead, Washington, September 15, 1964, to Brown, tendering his gratitude for the part Brown played at the convention. “There are many memories I will always cherish. But at the head of the list, I shall always be personally grateful to you for you participation in placing my name in nomination before our convention. The nation knows – and respects – the leadership you are giving to our largest state. I could not be more proud than to have your confidence and friendship for the work we doing here and the work we do together.”

On the last day of that convention, a moving film was shown about the life of John F. Kennedy, preceded  amidst tears by an address by his brother Robert Kennedy. Then Humphrey delivered a strong acceptance speech mocking the Republican nominee, Barry Goldwater, to the delight of the gathered delegates. Finally, Johnson spoke to end the festivities, saying “Tonight we of the Democratic Party confidently go before the people offering answers, not retreat; offering unity, not division; offering hope, not fear or smear.” Victory was in the air and the Vietnam War was in the future.