Nation: The Replacement

With the departure of Walter Jenkins, the White House staffer who emerges as most important is Billy Don Moyers, 30, who, in addition to his own duties, now takes over those of Jenkins.

Bill Moyers (he was christened Billy but dislikes the diminutive) is a slim, pallidly handsome Baptist lay preacher who has directed the intellectual side of L.B.J.'s shop with quiet efficiency since Johnson moved into the White House. He supervises such speechwriters as Richard Goodwin, Douglass Cater and Horace Busby, tosses in the scriptural citations of which Lyndon is so fond. Better than any other staffer, he knows Johnson's mercurial...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!