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“You’re Mr. Poverty”

 

Photo credit: Yoichi Okamoto

Conversation Details

In the first of several calls that day to Peace Corps director R. Sargent Shriver, President Johnson implored Shriver to accept a second role as head of the War on Poverty. Shriver repeatedly begged off the assignment, but Johnson persisted. By the end of the day, the President had worn down Shriver and secured his acquiescence. 

 

Date:
February 1, 1964
Topic:
Economic Opportunity Act
Location
Oval Office
Conversation
WH6402-01-1804

Conversation Participants