Final answer:
President Johnson tells Senator Richard Russell that his unique knowledge of Lee Harvey Oswald's background and Cuban connections, along with his political influence, are crucial for the commission's work on the Kennedy assassination.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Johnson tells Senator Richard Russell that his unique knowledge of Lee Harvey Oswald's background and Cuban connections will provide valuable insight as the commission investigates potential conspiracies behind Kennedy's assassination. Johnson argues that the commission needs a prominent Democrat like Russell to provide political balance and convince the American public that its conclusions are truly bipartisan. Additionally, Johnson brings up the prospect that speculation about Khrushchev and Castro's involvement in Kennedy's assassination could lead to a catastrophic war with the Soviet Union.
Learn more about Importance of Senator Richard Russell's role on the commission