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Chapter 4: The Tale of Two Conventions
Chapter 4: The Tale of Two Conventions (Republicans)
Historian: at the different conventions, the moods could not be more different. It was water and fire. One was standard and straightforward and the other was one of the most significant events of the last century. - The Age of Desolation: The Turbulence Begins, 2018.
The two conventions were just weeks apart and set a tone for the coming election and beyond. The republicans were first at Miami Beach. Nixon, thanks to some assistance from Strom Thurmond, had effectively secured the nomination. The rest of the convention was to focus on renewal and optimism. Many rivals of Nixon spoke on his behalf. Many new faces even spoke for him. Spiro Agnew, the new governor of Maryland made his debut on the national scene. He gave a speech to condemn lawlessness and praised Nixon’s ability as VP and as a politician. It was well received and a highlight of the day. Many in the press praised his speech. There were even talks of making him a running mate but Nixon stuck with Romney. Romney himself had a nice speech at the convention where he was able to advertise for crossover support from democrats. He also praised his own leadership ability and the competence of Nixon and his willingness to work across the spectrum. Then came Nixon himself. Nixon had been planning for this speech. It was his magnum opus. This was to be his finest hour. After holding the label loser. Now was his time to forever destroy the label. And did Nixon deliver:
“Americans have too long suffered because of the Democratic Party. The only republican we have had has been my boss and great friend mr. Dwight Eisenhower. (Heavy applause). And he was a great president. And the democrats talk about their accomplishments but it was the work of Ike that made it possible. And I stand here tonight so that we collectively, can unite and bring us back to the good days. (Heavier applause) Gone will be the division and lawlessness ravaging this country. We will bring back law and order.” - Excerpt of Nixon’s Speech.
Nixon giving his speech.
The speech was very well received. Nixon painted himself as capable of leading and a fighter and not the loser he was previously thought to be. He left his base energized and thanks to support from opponents and dissatisfied democrats. Nixon was on top. No one was poised to beat him. Now it was the Democrats turn to counter the Republicans. But what was expected couldn’t have been farther from what actually happened.
Nominee Nixon, VP Nominee Romney, Nelson Rockefeller, and others celebrate at the convention.
Historian: at the different conventions, the moods could not be more different. It was water and fire. One was standard and straightforward and the other was one of the most significant events of the last century. - The Age of Desolation: The Turbulence Begins, 2018.
The two conventions were just weeks apart and set a tone for the coming election and beyond. The republicans were first at Miami Beach. Nixon, thanks to some assistance from Strom Thurmond, had effectively secured the nomination. The rest of the convention was to focus on renewal and optimism. Many rivals of Nixon spoke on his behalf. Many new faces even spoke for him. Spiro Agnew, the new governor of Maryland made his debut on the national scene. He gave a speech to condemn lawlessness and praised Nixon’s ability as VP and as a politician. It was well received and a highlight of the day. Many in the press praised his speech. There were even talks of making him a running mate but Nixon stuck with Romney. Romney himself had a nice speech at the convention where he was able to advertise for crossover support from democrats. He also praised his own leadership ability and the competence of Nixon and his willingness to work across the spectrum. Then came Nixon himself. Nixon had been planning for this speech. It was his magnum opus. This was to be his finest hour. After holding the label loser. Now was his time to forever destroy the label. And did Nixon deliver:
“Americans have too long suffered because of the Democratic Party. The only republican we have had has been my boss and great friend mr. Dwight Eisenhower. (Heavy applause). And he was a great president. And the democrats talk about their accomplishments but it was the work of Ike that made it possible. And I stand here tonight so that we collectively, can unite and bring us back to the good days. (Heavier applause) Gone will be the division and lawlessness ravaging this country. We will bring back law and order.” - Excerpt of Nixon’s Speech.
Nixon giving his speech.
The speech was very well received. Nixon painted himself as capable of leading and a fighter and not the loser he was previously thought to be. He left his base energized and thanks to support from opponents and dissatisfied democrats. Nixon was on top. No one was poised to beat him. Now it was the Democrats turn to counter the Republicans. But what was expected couldn’t have been farther from what actually happened.
Nominee Nixon, VP Nominee Romney, Nelson Rockefeller, and others celebrate at the convention.
- 20thCenturyBoy
- Word Count: 450