Apparently, this was the era of the quotable presidential speech. So why not throw Lyndon B. Johnson's "The Great Society" speech into that mix as well?

Actually, like Nixon's "The Great Silent Majority" speech, this one given by ol' LBJ in 1964 is considered one of the greatest presidential speeches of the 20th century. Also like Nixon's speech, this one took place at a time when the situation in Vietnam seemed to be getting worse and worse.

That's where the similarities end.

When Johnson gave this speech, he had grand visions for his presidency. It's chock full of warm and fuzzy language, like his calls to "enrich and elevate our national life, and to advance the quality of our American civilization" (paragraph 4).

Johnson wanted to see an increase in social welfare programs, federal investment in education, and a restructured medical system as part of his new "great society." Before he could really get any of this done, though, Johnson had to deal with the Vietnam situation.

And that situation, as we all know by now, didn't end up so great, good, or even sort of okay.