Book SummaryFive Days in November, by Clint Hill

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Five Days in November

The final journey of the President and First Lady to Texas.

The meticulously arranged journey to Texas.

The schedule included a diverse array of public events and initiatives designed to garner support for the incumbent's re-election campaign.

President Kennedy's political strategists carefully orchestrated his November 1963 visit to Texas with the goals of securing widespread media attention and public involvement, in addition to bolstering his campaign's financial support. The itinerary featured a range of engagements, including grand entrances aboard Air Force One, parades along the main streets of each city for maximum visibility, and a series of breakfasts, along with meals at midday and evening events intended to attract wealthy donors. The meticulously planned trip aimed to bolster the President's bid for another term, a detail noted by Clint Hill.

The family of Kennedy narrowly triumphed in the 1960 election, and considering Texas was the home state of Lyndon Johnson, its backing was crucial for their chances in the upcoming 1964 election. The itinerary was designed with this knowledge in mind. The unwavering support was especially vital due to the strife within the ranks of the Democratic Party, which stemmed from the bitter relationship between Governor John Connally and Senator Ralph Yarborough. The journey was meticulously planned to heal political divisions and showcase solidarity before the forthcoming election. Hill reflects on the journey, recognizing that although it appeared impartial, it was inherently political—a series of carefully orchestrated events intended to sway voters and garner support for the Democratic ticket.

Context

• Kennedy's visits often included elements that resonated with local cultures and traditions, aiming to connect with diverse voter bases across different regions.
• During this era, television and print media were primary tools for political communication. Kennedy's team aimed to leverage these platforms to project a positive image and reach a broad audience, understanding the power of media in shaping public perception.
• The itinerary was designed to maximize media coverage, ensuring that each event received attention from local and national press, thereby amplifying the campaign's message.
• Presidential campaigns often involve extensive travel and public appearances to connect with voters, raise funds, and increase media coverage. These activities are designed to build momentum and support leading up to an election.
• As Vice President, Lyndon B. Johnson, a Texan, was crucial in maintaining Southern support for Kennedy. His presence on the ticket in 1960 helped secure votes in the South, and his influence remained vital for the 1964 election.
• Texas held a substantial number of electoral votes, making it a key state in presidential elections. Winning Texas was often seen as essential for a successful national campaign.
• The civil rights movement was a significant source of division within the Democratic Party. While some members pushed for more aggressive reforms, others were more cautious, fearing backlash from Southern voters.
• Internal conflicts within the Democratic Party, such as those between different factions and leaders, required careful navigation to present a united front to the electorate.

Mrs. Kennedy set aside her typical hesitance and took part in political events to connect with important voter groups.

During his three-year tenure, Jacqueline Kennedy seldom accompanied her husband on political trips within the country, but she made an exception for the journey to Texas. Hill, being the lead Secret Service agent tasked with safeguarding Mrs. Kennedy, was deeply conscious of her significance. He knew the trip would be particularly draining because they were grieving for their son Patrick, who had passed away just four months prior. Hill harbored concerns for the welfare of Mrs. Kennedy, given the recent emotional toll of her bereavement and the potential effects of a demanding itinerary on her physical condition.

Hill describes the First Lady's participation as a calculated effort to strengthen the re-election campaign of her spouse. He notes her meticulous planning for the trip, which involved examining schedules, focusing on crucial details, and practicing a presentation in Spanish for an event hosted by the League of United Latin American Citizens. Her commitment was clear as she strove to improve and make a positive impact on political endeavors. President Kennedy recognized the growing importance of Hispanic voters, especially in Texas, during his address. Mrs. Kennedy's ability to speak Spanish was seen as a valuable asset because it helped establish a personal rapport with the Latino community.

Context

• The ability to speak directly to voters in their native language can enhance a political figure's relatability and trustworthiness, potentially influencing voter turnout and support.

Other Perspectives

• The focus on Mrs. Kennedy's participation might overshadow the contributions of other campaign strategies or individuals who also worked to connect with important voter groups.
• The characterization of her action as an exception could overlook other instances where she may have engaged politically but were less publicized or remembered.
• The concern for Mrs. Kennedy's physical condition might underestimate her resilience and ability to cope with stress, especially considering that public figures often undergo rigorous schedules.
• Her involvement could have been driven by a sense of duty or commitment to public service, rather than a calculated political strategy.
• Meticulous planning does not necessarily equate to effective execution; unforeseen events can disrupt even the most carefully laid plans.
• The effectiveness of her commitment could be questioned if there were no measurable outcomes from her participation in terms of voter...

Five Days in November Summary The assassination of President Kennedy.

The killing occurred at Dealey Plaza.

Upon hearing the first gunshot, Clint Hill noticed the president's instinctive reaction.

The author of the book, Clint Hill, had his position on the left flank of "Halfback," the Secret Service car that followed immediately after the presidential limousine. As the motorcade made its way onto Elm Street within Dealey Plaza, there were noticeably fewer onlookers, and the vibrant atmosphere that had marked the masses on Main Street had notably diminished. While Hill was observing the grass-covered incline on the left side of the street, everything seemed ordinary until a sudden, loud noise came from behind him and to the right.

Upon hearing the noise, Hill quickly pivoted to scrutinize the vicinity at the rear of the presidential vehicle. In that instant, he witnessed President Kennedy's frame jerk abruptly to the left while his hand shot up to his throat. Hill instantly understood the severity of the circumstances; it was evident that the president had been shot. He sprang into action and, with swift determination, positioned himself at the rear of the presidential vehicle to shield President Kennedy and the First Lady, having...

Five Days in November Summary The transition in governance and the ensuing investigation.

President Johnson was sworn in as the new leader aboard Air Force One.

Mrs. Kennedy insisted on standing by Johnson's side during the impromptu ceremony.

Ensuring the government continued to function smoothly and without interruption became the highest priority after the tragedy. The constitutional provisions guaranteed that the vice presidency, occupied by an individual other than Lyndon B. Johnson, mandated a swift transition to the presidential role. The presidential oath needed to be administered to him without any delay. This created a logistical dilemma given they were hundreds of miles away from Washington, DC. Before leaving Dallas, the oath of office for the presidency was taken aboard Air Force One.

In the depths of her grief and shock, Jacqueline Kennedy insisted on being present for Lyndon B. Johnson's swearing-in ceremony. She stood by Johnson, still wearing clothes stained from her husband's blood, as he took the oath of office, clutching his Catholic prayer book. This touching gesture not only showed her profound reverence for the presidential role but also highlighted the smooth handover of authority during a period of national turmoil.

...

Five Days in November Summary The nation was deeply immersed in grief while it witnessed the ceremonial honors of the state funeral.

The president's remains were conveyed to Washington.

Mrs. Kennedy endured deep grief in her private moments while close to the casket within the secluded confines of the White House.

Following the conclusion of the autopsy at Bethesda Naval Hospital, President Kennedy's remains were transported back to the White House as the early morning of November 23, 1963, unfolded. The East Room, usually a venue for joyous events, had been transformed into a solemn space where the casket of the president lay on an elevated dais, draped with the American flag. Throughout the following day, a vigil was held where relatives, intimate acquaintances, and high-ranking officials convened to offer their tributes as the honor guards remained resolutely on watch.

During the period of widespread grief and the rush to arrange the funeral, Jacqueline Kennedy looked for a private moment to be near her deceased husband. Jacqueline Kennedy, accompanied by her husband's brother, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, conveyed her desire for one last private moment with the President's remains. They congregated quietly around the open casket, their tears flowing, as they said their final goodbyes....

Five Days in November Summary The author, having served in the Secret Service, was profoundly impacted.

Clint Hill felt a profound sense of duty coupled with a feeling of insufficiency.

He scrutinized his own choices and reactions immediately preceding the incident.

The assassination of President Kennedy had a profound and enduring impact on Clint Hill. He would always be known as the Secret Service agent who sprang onto the back of President Kennedy's car. He bore the title with profound regret, considering it a failure both personally and in his career. The knowledge that he couldn't reach the president swiftly enough to intercept the deadly bullet tormented him.

Hill found himself consumed by feelings of accountability and self-blame after the tragedy. He thoroughly scrutinized the pivotal instances that occurred at the significant site in Dallas, thoughtfully analyzing every detail to identify any possible changes that he might have made in his actions. He was plagued by uncertainty, perpetually wondering whether quicker reflexes or hastier movement on his part might have protected the president before the fatal shot was fired. Whenever the Zapruder film was showcased during educational gatherings, it reignited a wave of troubling memories, forcing him to confront...