The latter part of McCormack 's tenure increasingly focused on the debate over the Vietnam War , which he supported . McCormack 's demeanor changed during these years and he reminded some observers of a kindly elder relative attempting to provide wisdom and guidance to unruly younger family members . According to House members , McCormack 's strength was his personal consideration of members , which inspired them to return his affection and sparked a desire to work with him . His weakness was that the seniority system created entrenched committee chairmen who wielded great power in the House , but could not be controlled by the Speaker . As Speaker , McCormack pursued a national agenda ; he was proud of fighting for passage of farm bills , though he said he did not have " more than five flower pots in my whole district . " Between the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22 , 1963 and the swearing-in of Hubert Humphrey as Vice President on January 20 , 1965 , McCormack was first in the line of succession for the presidential powers and duties , thus he received Secret Service protection
assassination
Assassination of John F. Kennedy
John W. McCormack