Later in 1964 Johnson took his ideas to the American people. He ran for the presidency on his own against conservative Republican Barry Goldwater. "All the Way with LBJ" was his election slogan. And he got what he wanted: the biggest percentage of the popular vote ever—and a congress that was Democratic and would vote as he wanted them to vote. He had an opportunity few presidents have ever had. He had his vision of a Great Society; he had support from the people to get things done; and he had the ability and energy to make it all happen. A Senate assistant named Ralph Huitt could attest to that. "Johnson said the only power he had was the power to persuade," he said. "That's like saying the only wind we have is a hurricane."