After the civil war, why was it considered inappropriate for president andrew johnson to make a series of speeches seeking public support for his policies? president johnson traveled with his own press secretary, the first time a president had used public-relations officials. during the nineteenth century, it was perceived to be undignified for a president to campaign on his own behalf. president johnson did not speak to the general public but instead spoke only to handpicked audiences where he knew he would be favorably received. president johnson's speeches were delivered only in the former confederate states and ignored the north, where he most needed support. president johnson's speeches were the first to encourage women and african americans to become active in politics.