Hello and welcome back to another edition of the presidential election series. Today, we’re diving into the election of 1964, a pivotal moment in American politics. With President Lyndon B. Johnson seeking re-election, the decisions made in this race would reshape the political landscape for years to come. Here comes LBJ!
The Life and Death of President Kennedy
After a narrow victory in the 1960 election, President John F. Kennedy aimed to lead America into a prosperous future. However, his presidency was marred by significant foreign conflicts, including the failed Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis—the closest the U.S. and the Soviet Union came to nuclear war.
Domestically, Kennedy faced a turbulent climate, particularly with the ongoing struggle for racial equality. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining unprecedented momentum, challenging the status quo and demanding legislative action. Kennedy, aware of the urgency, sought to address these concerns by proposing comprehensive civil rights legislation. However, his efforts met significant resistance in Congress, especially from Southern Democrats who were staunch defenders of segregation and Jim Crow laws. Despite these obstacles, Kennedy achieved some progress, notably with the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which aimed to bridge the wage gap between men and women, and he made ambitious commitments like landing a man on the moon by the end of the decade, showcasing his vision for America’s future.
The assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, by Lee Harvey Oswald, abruptly ended his presidency and marked a profound moment of national tragedy. Kennedy’s assassination shocked the world, leaving many to mourn the loss of a leader whose presidency, though brief, was marked by significant historical and cultural shifts. This event also made Kennedy the last sitting president to die in office, an unsettling milestone that highlighted the vulnerabilities and dramatic turns in American political history.
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories over the years. While the official investigation, led by the Warren Commission, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in killing Kennedy on November 22, 1963, many alternative theories have emerged, suggesting other possible perpetrators or conspiracies. Here are some prominent conspiracy theories:
- Multiple Gunmen: Some theorists argue that there were multiple shooters involved, not just Oswald. They point to perceived inconsistencies in witness testimonies and the trajectory of the bullets as evidence of a broader conspiracy.
- The Mafia: Another theory posits that organized crime groups were involved in the assassination. This theory suggests that the Mafia might have been retaliating against Kennedy for his administration’s aggressive stance against organized crime.
- The CIA: Some theories claim that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was involved due to Kennedy’s perceived failure to support anti-Castro Cuban exiles and his alleged soft stance on communism. Proponents of this theory argue that internal disputes and discontent within the CIA may have led to the assassination.
- The Federal Reserve: Another fringe theory suggests that Kennedy’s assassination was connected to his efforts to reform or eliminate the Federal Reserve System. This theory argues that powerful financial interests opposed Kennedy’s monetary policies.
- The Military-Industrial Complex: Some believe that elements within the military-industrial complex, which benefited from ongoing Cold War tensions and arms contracts, might have had a motive to remove Kennedy, who was seen as less committed to escalating the Cold War.
- The Lyndon B. Johnson Theory: A controversial theory alleges that Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson had a hand in the assassination to ascend to the presidency. This theory is based on speculations about Johnson’s political ambitions and his alleged involvement in dubious political activities.
These theories, while intriguing to many, often lack conclusive evidence and are not supported by mainstream historical research or investigations. The Warren Commission and subsequent official inquiries have consistently upheld the conclusion that Oswald acted alone, although debates and speculation continue to fuel public interest and discussion.
The Election of 1964: President Lyndon B. Johnson
Following JFK’s death, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as the 36th president. Despite initial skepticism and mockery from some quarters, Johnson embarked on his agenda with vigor. His “War on Poverty” led to the passage of the Economic Opportunity Act and the Revenue Act of 1964, significantly reducing poverty and unemployment.
Johnson also escalated U.S. involvement in Vietnam after the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, which he used to justify sending more troops. Despite his promises, this decision would have far-reaching consequences.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
Johnson’s most enduring legacy from this period is the Civil Rights Act of 1964. On November 27, 1963, Johnson declared that advancing civil rights was the best way to honor Kennedy’s memory. Despite fierce opposition from Southern Democrats, Johnson’s relentless efforts culminated in the passage of the Civil Rights Act, outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Johnson famously remarked that the Act would likely “deliver the South to the Republican Party for a long time.”
The Election of 1964: RFK vs. LBJ
As 1964 approached, Johnson faced a challenge from Robert F. Kennedy, Attorney General and brother to the late president. The rivalry between Johnson and Kennedy was intense. While many Kennedy supporters hoped for a ticket with RFK as VP, Johnson blocked these plans and surveilled Kennedy’s activities.
The Democratic National Convention saw Johnson secure the nomination with Hubert Humphrey as his running mate. The choice of Humphrey, a staunch civil rights advocate, solidified Johnson’s commitment to civil rights.
Barry Goldwater: The Father of Modern Conservatism
Meanwhile, in the Republican camp, Senator Barry M. Goldwater emerged as a major contender. Initially reluctant to run, Goldwater was swayed by the strong support of conservative grassroots activists. On January 3, 1964, he announced his candidacy, driven by his ambition to reshape the GOP away from its liberal eastern establishment.
Goldwater’s campaign faced off against moderate Republican Nelson Rockefeller, who had previously sought the nomination in 1960. The primaries were contentious, but Goldwater ultimately secured the nomination at the Republican National Convention.
The Election of 1964: Goldwater vs. Rockefeller
Goldwater chose William Miller as his running mate, aiming to energize his conservative base. His acceptance speech included the famous line, “Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice,” setting the stage for a fiercely contested election.
Johnson’s campaign effectively portrayed Goldwater as a radical, using attack ads like the infamous “Daisy Girl Ad” to instill fear of nuclear war. Despite Goldwater’s attempts to moderate his image, he faced significant hurdles.
The Election of 1964: Results
In the election of 1964, Johnson achieved a resounding victory, receiving 486 electoral votes and 61.1% of the popular vote. Goldwater garnered just 52 electoral votes and 38.5% of the popular vote. Johnson’s landslide victory was one of the largest in history, reminiscent of Franklin Roosevelt’s successes.
Awakening the Sleeping Giant
Despite his defeat, Goldwater’s candidacy marked a significant shift in Republican politics. His conservative vision began to influence the GOP, leading to a realignment that would manifest in future elections. The shift continued with many Southern Democrats and conservative activists, including Ronald Reagan, moving to the Republican Party.
In summary, the election of 1964 not only solidified LBJ’s presidency but also marked the beginning of a transformative period in American politics, with consequences that extended far beyond the election itself. The next article will explore the unfolding challenges of Johnson’s administration and their impact on future elections.
