Hello and welcome back to another edition of our presidential election series. Today, we’re diving into what may be the most unpredictable and chaotic election of the late 20th century: the Election of 1968. Conflicts continued to rage both at home and abroad, a political realignment was underway, influential figures were being gunned down, and on top of all that, a presidential election was on the horizon. So, with that said, let’s get into it.
LBJ’s Presidency
After defeating Barry Goldwater in a landslide in the 1964 election, President Lyndon Johnson pushed forward with domestic policies, leading to the passage of Medicare and Medicaid, the creation of programs to aid lower-class Americans, and the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting.
These legislative achievements were part of Johnson’s “War on Poverty,” designed to reduce poverty in urban areas while improving education, health, and employment opportunities for many middle- and lower-class citizens.
However, while Johnson implemented policies to aid the impoverished, issues that had been pushed to the background for years began to dominate the political landscape, particularly those concerning race relations. Despite Johnson’s efforts, his signing of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act alienated many Southern and conservative Democrats, who were already uneasy with the increasing federal government under presidents like Franklin Roosevelt and now LBJ. This dissatisfaction led to many Southern Democrats shifting their loyalties to the Republican Party, a trend highlighted by the results of the 1966 mid-term elections.
Tensions escalated after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. King’s death, occurring on the balcony of his hotel room in Memphis, Tennessee, dealt a severe blow to the Civil Rights Movement, sparking race riots in cities such as Harlem, New York; Detroit, Michigan; Washington, D.C.; and the Watts District of Los Angeles, California.
As domestic turbulence mounted, the international situation worsened, particularly with the escalating Vietnam War.
The Vietnam War
During his bid for re-election in 1964, LBJ promised not to escalate the Vietnam conflict, which began under his predecessor. However, this promise was soon undermined, notably by the ‘Tet Offensive’ early in 1968. This surprise attack by the North Vietnamese during the Tet holiday caught U.S. forces off guard and exposed cracks in the perception of American dominance in the war.
As American casualties mounted and anti-war sentiment surged, a growing movement emerged with many young people burning their draft cards and protesting in the streets. Chants like “Hey, Hey LBJ…How Many Kids Did You Kill Today?” were heard just outside the White House, reflecting the deepening crisis.
Amidst these challenges, Johnson’s health deteriorated, and facing mounting pressure, he announced on March 31, 1968, that he would not seek re-nomination for a second term. This decision led to a chaotic split within the Democratic Party, setting the stage for a tumultuous Democratic Convention.
Who Will Be the Nominee (Part 1)
Despite the numerous calamities surrounding his presidency leading up to the election of 1968, LBJ initially believed he could secure his party’s nomination. However, he was challenged by junior Senator Eugene McCarthy from Minnesota, who emerged as the anti-war candidate. McCarthy’s strong performance in the New Hampshire primary indicated Johnson’s waning control over his party.
Following McCarthy’s surprising success, Robert F. Kennedy, now Senator from New York, entered the race, ultimately forcing Johnson to withdraw from the race. This opened the field for Hubert Humphrey, the Vice President, to enter the fray with support from the party establishment.
Kennedy’s assassination in June 1968, just after winning the California primary, added further tragedy to an already chaotic election season. With Kennedy out of the race, George McGovern from South Dakota entered as a candidate for Kennedy’s supporters. McGovern’s candidacy further split the anti-war vote, benefiting Humphrey.
The 1968 Democratic National Convention
The Democratic Convention, held in Chicago, became a symbol of the party’s division. Mayor Richard J. Daley struggled to manage the chaos as anti-war protests escalated. Protesters outside the Conrad Hilton Hotel faced violent crackdowns by police and military personnel, as captured in graphic detail by TV news cameras.
Inside the convention hall, delegates witnessed disorder and dissent. Despite the turmoil, Hubert Humphrey emerged as the Democratic nominee, with Edmund Muskie as his running mate. Humphrey’s nomination, however, was overshadowed by the violent events in Chicago and his association with the unpopular Johnson administration, leaving him to navigate a deeply divided party.
Who Will Be the Nominee (Part 2)
In contrast to the Democratic chaos, the Republican convention saw former Vice President Richard Nixon, after a period of political obscurity, making a comeback. Nixon, alongside key supporters, secured the GOP nomination despite challenges from George Romney, Nelson Rockefeller, and Ronald Reagan.
While the Republican convention was less chaotic, it was not without issues. Protests and riots occurred, highlighting the broader national discontent. Nixon, leveraging Southern support and a conservative base, was positioned as the frontrunner.
George Wallace Enters The Race
Adding to the election drama, former Alabama Governor George C. Wallace ran as a third-party candidate for the American Independent Party. Wallace’s campaign aimed to capitalize on Southern discontent and split the electoral vote to potentially influence the outcome in the House of Representatives.
Wallace’s initial choice of running mate, Happy Chandler, fell through, and he eventually selected Curtis LeMay, a former Air Force general. Wallace’s campaign garnered significant attention but also faced scrutiny, particularly regarding LeMay’s controversial views on nuclear weapons.
The Campaigns & Polling Data
By August 1968, Nixon led in the polls with 45% compared to Humphrey’s 29% and Wallace’s 18%. Nixon’s campaign emphasized a “secret plan” to end the Vietnam War and a call for ‘law and order,’ appealing to Southern voters through his ‘Southern Strategy.’
Humphrey, despite increasing support after a key speech in Salt Lake City, struggled with anti-war protesters and a tarnished image. Wallace’s campaign, initially strong, faltered due to the controversy surrounding his running mate.
Vietnam Peace Talks
With peace talks in the balance and Johnson halting bombings, Nixon’s team, aware of the shifting dynamics, engaged in covert actions to disrupt the negotiations. Nixon’s interference, which violated the Logan Act, aimed to delay peace talks and secure his electoral victory.
The Results
On Election Day 1968, Richard Nixon was declared the winner, becoming the 37th President of the United States. Nixon secured 301 electoral votes, while Humphrey received 191. Nixon’s popular vote win was narrow, with 43.4% compared to Humphrey’s 42.7%, making this the first election since 1912 without a major candidate winning over 50% of the popular vote.
George Wallace, coming in third with 46 electoral votes, managed to win several Southern states. The election of 1968 was notable for its unprecedented turmoil and the last time a candidate could win without competing in primaries. And that was the election of 1968. It was an unpredictable and chaotic contest that saw the Democrats deeply divided and Richard Nixon making a significant political comeback. Can Nixon turn things around during his presidency? Be sure to check out our article on the 1972 election to find out.
