What Happened to L.B.J.

Ever since Lyndon Baines Johnson, one of the most energetic and effective Senate leaders in U.S. history, got lost in the vice-presidency, people have been asking: ''What ever happened to L.B.J.?" Last week, on ABC television, Lyndon undertook to supply the answer.

To anyone who recalled the effervescent old Lyndon, the new Lyndon was a revelation. Questioned by three television newsmen. Johnson never once raised his voice above a statesmanlike murmur.

Did he feel that he had suffered a comedown from his days of real power in the Senate? "I have never felt that the vice-presidency was a comedown from anything,'' murmured Lyndon, ''except the presidency."

Has it been a challenging job? ''Yes. I have been very gratified at the opportunities that have come my way."

Could he give a one-sentence description of the Vice President's role? No.

But he did manage in three: "The Constitution provides that he shall preside over the Senate. The law provides that he shall preside over the Space Council, be a member of the Security Council, preside over the Peace Corps Advisory Committee, sit in at the Cabinet meetings at the President's invitation. And then, I would say, do whatever the President asked him to do."

If the day should come, would he be prepared to be President? ''President Kennedy and the members of his staff and his Cabinet have given me every opportunity to be aware of all the important decisions that have been made and to participate in them and to make any recommendation I care to make." His ideas, Lyndon added, were ''considered'' by the President.

A small problem arose when a questioner noted that Johnson "once reached for the presidency" himself and wondered if he might not try again some time. Johnson, who spent much of his time just before the 1960 Democratic Convention desperately buttonholing delegates who might help derail the Kennedy bandwagon, disagreed; he had never ''reached" for the presidency. "My friends put me in the race," said Lyndon. "They felt that they should have representation, and my name should go before the convention." But all in all, Lyndon insisted, life is quite all right. "From a personal standpoint, I am very happy. I have everything a man could want. I have fine relationships with the people with whom I work. I have a lovely family. I enjoy my work. I left my desk after 9 o'clock last night.''

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