Contrary to "Selma," tapes of LBJ show cordiality with King
The new movie "Selma' took in more than $11 million at the box office this weekend, second only to "Taken 3."
There as been a lot of controversy about the historical accuracy of "Selma," especially its portrayal of President Lyndon Baines Johnson. We checked the record.
Six months after witnessing President Lyndon Johnson outlaw segregation in July 1964, Martin Luther King, Jr. was back at the White House seeking support for voting rights protections. In the movie "Selma," Johnson and King's relationship is confrontational.
Historians agree the men challenged each other. But Julian Bond -- who organized protests in Selma at the time -- says Johnson was a key ally for King.
"He was a strong person, helping Dr. King and suggesting to him, do this, do this," said Bond. "You can tell that by listening to the tapes, the White House tapes."
During his time in the White House, Johnson recorded nearly a dozen phone calls with King. He first called him after hearing King's comments on the death of John F. Kennedy.
"I want to tell you how grateful I am and how worthy I am going to try and be of all your hopes," said Johnson on the recording.
"Well thank you very much," replied King. "I am so happy to hear that ..."
A year later as tensions over voting rights began to boil in the south, Johnson can be heard encouraging King to bring more attention to injustices.
"...If you could find the worst condition that you run into, and get it on the radio and get it on television, get it every place you can," said Johnson. "Pretty soon the fellow that didn't do anything but follow, drive a tractor, he'll say "well that's not right. That's not fair."
In one recording though, Johnson tells his press secretary to downplay his collaboration with King.
"If they ask you if I've seen him, you tell them you don't know," said Johnson. "Don't get in there that I'm in continuous touch with him."
HIstorians say both Johnson and King had to appear independent of each other in order to reach their common goal: the right to vote for all Americans.
"Johnson needed King and King needed Johnson, said professor Kent Germany who helped transcribe the tapes. "And they were both worried about the other. In the end, what they needed was the power that both of them held in their hands, and were willing to make sacrifices."
Sacrifices which helped pass an historic bill.
"We have some great challenges and opportunities ahead," said King. "And we are all with you."
"Thank you, doctor," said Johnson. "Thank you so much.
A bill changed a nation's future.
