LANDSLIDE LYNDON
Between Brothers
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© 2024 Marc Dinkin and Kenny Shea Dinkin
Singers: Senator Lyndon Johnson, RFK, JFK,
John Connally, Walter Jenkins
LYRICS​
After leading the "Stop Kennedy" faction during the 1960 Democratic primary, and then losing to JFK, Johnson is surprised to receive the offer of VP from his recent rival. But only minutes after Kennedy's gesture, RFK arrives at Johnson's hotel room to rescind the offer, claiming the liberal wing of the party would never stand for it. Johnson is distraught, not knowing who to believe, only to receive a phone call from JFK reassuring him that the offer still stands. Minutes later, RFK is back at his suite, telling him it doesn't. Which brother should he believe?! Whatever the outcome, LBJ knows one thing - RFK will not be forgiven...
The scene is Johnson’s hotel room during the 1960s democratic convention.
Knock on the door
Connally: (looks through peep hole) It’s RFK
LBJ: RFK? Send him away...
Connally: He says he needs to have your ear
LBJ: Alright- let him in- but y’all stay here.
LBJ: Bobby…
RFK: Lyndon,
Look I’m not in the habit of rescindin’
Offers made,
But the liberals paid
A little visit to my brother
And they’d rather he picked another
VP
LBJ: You kidding me?
He just asked me 5 minutes ago!
RFK: Losing’s confusing, I know.
But this kind of call - he can’t defend it
I’m not even sure he meant it
He started something splendid
Bringing you along for the ride will end it!
So do you really want to see a fight on the floor?
You’ll end up quite embarrassed I’m sure
Our liberal friends will knock you down
Disgraced, you’ll never show your face in this town.
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LBJ: Do you speak for your brother?
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RFK: I speak for myself and no other
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LBJ: Then get the hell outta here!
Get me JAY FK on the phone
And don’t let RRRRR FK near
CHORUS
This is insanity
Which Kennedy
Am I supposed to listening to?
One brother
Says one thing, the other
Says another
Now what am I supposed to do?
(Into the phone)
Do you want me Jack?
Or r u taking your offer back?
​
Lights up on JFK at opposite stage smoking a cigar on the phone in bed
​
JFK:
Look I admit my brother’s a bit out of it
I’ve made my decision and I’m proud of it
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LBJ: Well good - you should!
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(Opening door to hall and RFK is standing in doorway shaking his head)
​
LBJ: Jesus!
RFK:
I’m not trying to taunt you
But I hope you get
That My brother doesn’t want you
He just doesn’t know it yet
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LBJ:
Well all your liberal friends may doubt me
But how you gonna win the South without me?
I’m not bothered
by you one bit
Now go back to “Hahhvahhd”
You little shit!
​
Slams door in face
To the audience
CHORUS
​
That boy’s gonna pay.
No one talks to the president elect that way!!
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Aide: Uh…that’s vice president elect sir.
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LBJ: Yes of course, vice pres - did I say president?
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Connolly: I mean, you’d have to say “possible vice president elect, sir. You guys would have to win the general...first...sir
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LBJ: I know that Connolly!
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Connolly: No, I mean...that is, IF he even picks you…
​
LBJ: Would everyone just get the hell out of here!!
