LBJ TAKES PRESIDENTIAL OATH, JFK LIES IN REPOSE IN EAST ROOM
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On November 23, 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson, 36 President of the United States "ran the government from his old Vice-Presidential office across the street from the White House."
LBJ's predecessor, John F. Kennedy, was assassinated the previous day in Dallas, Texas. JFK's body "lay in repose in the East Room."
Mr. Johnson had taken the oath of office aboard AF1 in Dallas less than two hours after President Kennedy was pronounced dead. In a brief speech at Andrews Air Force Base upon arrival in Washington, LBJ said...
"I will do my best. I ask for your help and God's."
At the White House situation room, LBJ met with McGeorge Bundy, national security adviser & later met with Dean Rusk, Secretary of State & Bob McNamara, Secretary of Defense, in his old v-p office.
Back in Dallas, Lee Harvey Oswald continued to deny the charges of murder of a police officer & the President of the United States.
JFK+50 NOTE
President Kennedy was pronounced dead at 1 p.m (CST). President Johnson took the oath of office at 2:25 p.m. (CST). While customary to take the oath of office "asap" LBJ for all practical purposes became POTUS at 1 p.m. (CST).
Lee Harvey Oswald was shot & killed on Sunday morning, Nov 24, 1963. He not only never admitted guilt, LHO told reporters "I'm just a patsy."
SOURCE
"President Johnson Takes Over, Kennedy Lies In White House," by Garnett D. Horner, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 23, 1963.
LBJ Takes Oath Aboard AF1
