The book centers heavily on the turn of events in 1965. The author, James Patterson, believes that the transformation of American society in terms of culture and politics occurred during the time. 1965 was the year when political polarization and cultural change escalated, civil rights movement fragmented, violence escalated in Watts area of Los Angeles, and escalation of the military. The protagonist of this book is Lyndon Johnson. Patterson depicts Johnson as the person who plunged American society into chaos. Most of Johnson’s liberal allies turned against him. As well, his allies in the splintered civil rights movement also severed ties with him.
Johnson was regarded as a savior by many people before ascending to leadership. However, people realized that he was not a good leader at the end of 1965. Lyndon Johnson messed everything. Police officers were violently attacking black demonstrators. In retaliation, black protestors started looting and torching people’s private properties. Generally, the southern part of the country was plunged into chaos. The violence and Vietnam War, which were opposed by many people, led to the waning of liberalism and the resurgence of conservatism.
The book explores the hypocrisy and injustice that mars American politics. Liberal had faith in Johnson after J.F Kennedy was assassinated. At the end of 1964, they believed that 1965 would be a happy and optimistic year. However, things went south immediately after Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act. Violence erupted in various parts of Southern America.
