Edit*: He was also a member of the Warren Commission.

Richard B. Russell Jr. served in public office for fifty years as a state legislator, governor of Georgia, and U.S. senator. Although Russell was best known for his efforts to strengthen the national defense and to oppose civil rights legislation, he favored describing his role as advocate for the small farmer and for soil and water conservation. Russell also worked to bring economic opportunities to Georgia. He helped to secure or maintain fifteen military installations; more than twenty-five research facilities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Russell Agricultural Research Center; and federal funding for development and construction. Russell believed that his most important legislative contribution was his authorship and secured passage of the National School Lunch Program in 1946.

Russell battled a field of seasoned candidates to win the gubernatorial election. His victory was attributed to a grassroots campaign and his skill in canvassing voters door-to-door across Georgia.

https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/richard-b-russell-jr-1897-1971/

He has enormous ears, reminds me of Ross Perot.

Face the nation (August 1, 1964) - interview with Richard B. Russell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od0hqcaFyNc

Topics discussed include:

Vietnam decisions of President Johnson ("conventional warfare");

Vietnam blunders

Vietnam compared to Cuba

"domino theory"

effects of the U.S. failure to honor international agreements

appointment of Henry Cabot Lodge as Ambassador to South Vietnam

RBR's relationship with LBJ

RBR's recommendations in re Vietnam

division of responsibility for military service (UMT)

past and projected costs (financial and human sacrifices) of Vietnam

Defense appropriations vs. costs of Great Society

dissatisfaction with military training for Vietnam-bound military personnel

evaluation of McNamara's defense economy program and of McNamara's use of atomic weapons in Vietnam

Voting Rights Bill.