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    Richard Goodwin, Crafter Of Johnson's Famous 'We Shall Overcome' Speech, Dies

    Speechwriter Richard Goodwin, a driving force in American politics during the upheavals of the 1960s and the husband of Doris Kearns Goodwin, has died at age 86.
    by Bill Chappell May 21, 2018 3 minutes
    Richard Goodwin (left) worked for John F. Kennedy, first on his presidential campaign and then in the White House. He also wrote influential speeches for President Lyndon Johnson. Goodwin is seen here with Ted Sorensen (center) and Myer Feldman.

    Speechwriter Richard Goodwin, a driving force in American politics during times of upheaval in the 1960s and the husband of presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, has died at age 86.

    Goodwin was a key aide and speechwriter for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, crafting messages about civil rights and equality and challenging America to live up to its ideals.

    Goodwin died of cancer, , citing a statement from his wife. Doris Kearns Goodwin says

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