alternatehistory.com

February 8, 1968

George Wallace announces third-party bid for Presidency

Former Alabama Governor George Wallace has formally declared that he will run as a third-party candidate in the 1968 Presidential race. This news comes less than a week after former Vice President Richard Nixon tossed his hat into the ring. [1]

Wallace pulled no punches in his announcement speech, attacking both Republicans and Democrats. He promised an end to lawlessness and “crime running rampant in every city in the nation”. Wallace said that he would punish “treasonable acts” that aid the nation’s enemies. He called for a return to constitutional government and a halt to what he described as government interference, creating a “nation wherein our states are able to run their affairs without receiving directions from Washington.” [2]

Wallace enters a field that is already quite crowded. On the Republican side, former Vice President Richard Nixon, Michigan Governor Mitt Romney, and California Governor Ronald Reagan have all announced that they will compete for that party’s nomination. On the Democratic side, President Lyndon Johnson will face a challenge from Senator Eugene McCarthy, known for his strongly antiwar stance. The first primary for both parties will be March 12 in New Hampshire. [3]