Aug. 9, 1964 - Luci Baines Johnson, 17, danced the “Watusi” on a Beverly Hills tennis court last night, nibbled beans at a Texas-style barbecue, and said, “I just love the warm weather here.”
The President’s daughter was guest of honor at a party for 1,100 kicking off the Young Citizen’s for Johnson campaign. It is one of 17 such parties to be attended this month by either Luci Baines or her sister, Lynda Bird.
Guests at the party, held on the grounds of the Jack Hansen home at 610 N. Beverly Dr., ranged in age from 18 to 40.
Miss Johnson arrived at the party accompanied by Sen. Birch Bayh (D-Ind.); Earl Warren Jr., son of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; and two secret servicemen.
At a press conference earlier, Bayh, the national chairman of Young Citizens for Johnson, discussed the possible effects of racial disturbances on the outcome of the Presidential election.
They “could well help” Republican Presidential nominee Barry Goldwater win the election, he said.
The so-called “white backlash” against Negro civil rights efforts “will certainly affect some voters, including some in my own state,” the 36-year-old Senator said.
“However, a reverse backlash against prejudice and bigotry may offset this vote.” He said Democrats “must more than match Republican organizations in getting out the vote if we expect to win.”
At the party, Warren, a Sacramento attorney who switched his party affiliation from Republican to Democratic, said he expected “crossovers” from young Republican groups and said “there are some here tonight.”
The party, however, was more fun than politics.
When the Johnny Rivers Band started playing “Roll Over Beethoven,” a number made popular by the Beatles, Miss Johnson and actor Steve McQueen stepped onto the dance floor to dance the “Watusi,” a popular, twist-type dance.
The President’s younger daughter table-hopped and talked personally to most of the guests.
She also shook hands with servants lined up at the buffet tables and told a reporter she had blisters on her hand.
She sat at a table between McQueen and actress Natalie Wood who, with singer Vic Damone, were the hosts.
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