Lifton on DiEugenio on JFK offering the Vice Presidential nomination to LBJ . . .

[Charles Drago]

So I certainly agree with Charles [DRAGO] that Lyndon was the pivotal player without whom it would not have occurred as it actually did occur! So perhaps we are bridging the divide between us.

"Lyndon was the pivotal player without whom it would not have occurred ... "

... as it occurred.

To be clear on my position: I conclude that, absent LBJ's willing if relatively limited participation in the plot -- which is to say, absent the criminal cooperation of JFK's Texas-born successor -- the conspiracy to kill JFK as we know it would have evolved in a manner quite distinct from what actually took place.

LBJ's importance to the cover-up may be understood via appreciation of this example: Others, as Jim D. correctly notes, set up and ran the WC. LBJ's conspiratorial function was to use the "powers" of the presidency to facilitate (hence his Facilitator role) the hijacking of all federal investigations other than the wholly controlled WC and -- MOST IMPORTANTLY -- lend the imprimatur of the Father State to the "final" verdict.

I write again: TO LEND THE IMPRIMATUR OF THE FATHER STATE TO THE "FINAL" VERDICT.