what does "echoing the convictions of the correspondents at Parkland"mean? His approach, a Johnsonian trademark, was subdued and noncommittal; he was requesting their opinions without disclosing his own. Jack Brooks, an impulsive ex-Marine, was a partisan of the instant oath. Homer Thornberry countered, "Let's wait until Washington." Albert Thomas sided with Brooks. "Suppose the plane is delayed?" he asked Johnson, echoing the convictions of the correspondents at Parkland. 'The country can't afford to be without a President while you're flying all over the country." Thomas was ignoring the fact that this was no ordinary airplane, and that Jim Swindal didn't fly "all over" any route, but the debate itself was probably of little consequence. Johnson's mind seemed to be made up—he was, Joe Ayres observed, "very much in command." To Thomas he said, "I agree. Now. What about the oath?"