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With all this being said, it was no wonder that McCormack's patience gave out. At a news conference, he was badgered by Newshen Sarah McClendon. Would he resign as Speaker and remove himself from the line of succession? McCormack cried: "I am amazed that you would ask such a question. I was elected Speaker and I'm going to remain Speaker. I'm amazed."
At his press conference last week, President Johnson made it clear that no changes would be made. Asked if he planned new legislation to deal with presidential succession, he replied: "I have no plans. I have already carefully considered the disability matter and taken the action that I thought was necessary and desirable. I have a complete understanding with Mr. McCormack." Under that arrangement, McCormack would become Acting President if Johnson were disabled; Johnson alone would decide when he was fit to resume presidential duties.