THE PRESIDENCY by HUGH SIDEY: A Real White House Operator

The Presidency

An anxious Cabinet officer was calling, and he asked to be put through immediately to President Lyndon B. Johnson, who was in conference and had left word with White House Phone Operator Mary Crowe Burns that he wanted all calls cut off.

Mary Burns considered the time of day, the people in the meeting, the state of the world and L.B.J.'s frame of mind and tone of voice when he had said, "No calls." Then she put through the call.

When Johnson answered he rumbled, "Woman, do I have to send you a memo? I said no calls."...

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!