Howard Berman: “even as a young child, Jack Valenti showed signs of great leadership and oratory skills. He was a debate champion at his…”

“even as a young child, Jack Valenti showed signs of great leadership and oratory skills. He was a debate champion at his high school. Making good use of his natural ability to persuade and his interest in entertainment, Jack worked as a movie theater usher before enrolling in the University of Houston. After receiving his B.A., he enlisted in the Army Air Force where he participated in 51 flying missions and was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following his time in the armed forces, Jack graduated from Harvard University in 1948 with a Master's degree in business administration. Jack Valenti entered the political arena when he was invited to a reception at a Houston Hotel to meet his future mentor and friend, Lyndon B. Johnson. He was immediately inspired by Johnson, who at the time was the U.S. Senate Majority Leader. When Johnson was selected as Kennedy's running mate in 1960, Jack worked on their media campaign. He remained close to Johnson after he became the Vice President. Following the tragic Kennedy assassination in Dallas, TX, Jack was asked by then-President Johnson to accompany him to Washington where he became a special assistant and close confidant to the new President. After defending Johnson through criticism of the Vietnam War and conspiracy connecting Johnson to the Kennedy assassination, Valenti was offered a lucrative job by MCA Inc.…”