'You’re Goddamn Sure Going to Serve'

'You’re Goddamn Sure Going to Serve'

In two conversations on 29 November 1963, President Johnson entreated Sen. Richard B. “Dick” Russell Jr. [D–Georgia] to serve on the commission investigating the assassination of John F. “Jack” Kennedy. Russell opposed working alongside the head of the commission, Chief Justice Earl Warren, and declined the President’s request. Johnson persisted and announced the members of the Warren Commission on this day, informing Russell of his inclusion after the fact. 

Location: Oval Office
Tape Number: K6311-05-07; K6311-06-14-15-16