Barry Goldwater the Democrat

[Plumber]

I remember Mo's mother told me one day, "Son, you're never getting anywhere in life as a Republican." And I thought she was right. Sometimes I think she still is! - Barry Goldwater

How would the Democratic Party be influenced by Goldwater's presence? Arizona was almost as Democratic as a Southern state until the 1950s, so Goldwater was one of the first Republicans to break that mold. I could see Goldwater fitting well with the Cold Warrior and social liberal parts of the party.

 

[RogueBeaver]

He doesn't fit in there economically though. Closest fit among contemporary Dems would be, I dunno, John Connally? John McKeithen?

 

[Plumber]

He doesn't fit in there economically though. Closest fit among contemporary Dems would be, I dunno, John Connally? John McKeithen?

He doesn't, but Arizona Democrats were like Southern Democrats: They could do whatever they wanted and get reelected. This started to change in the 1950s, but Goldwater was popular enough not to fear that. Goldwater might draw in more economic libertarians that became Republican IOTL.

 

[vultan]

An earlier Paul Tsongas, probably.

Hmm, what if (ignoring butterflies) JFK picks him as his running mate in 1960?

 

[RogueBeaver]

If so then he has the seat for as long as he wants it, similar to OTL. Can't see his career being too different from OTL's, minus presidential run of course.

 

[RogueBeaver]

An earlier Paul Tsongas, probably.

Hmm, what if (ignoring butterflies) JFK picks him as his running mate in 1960?

Not happening- though they were personal friends IOTL. If JFK is still looking to lock down the South and "ballast up", LBJ's his man.

 

[Abhakhazia]

He's a Dem in TL-191.

 

[vultan]

Not happening- though they were personal friends IOTL. If JFK is still looking to lock down the South and "ballast up", LBJ's his man.

To play devil's advocate, whilst Goldwater's not a Southerner, he was one of the biggest defenders of state's rights and conservatism in Congress, which could play well in the region.

Anyway, this would be more fun if we merged the concepts with McGovern stays a Republican, courtesy of TNF, and Hubert Humphrey stays a Republican, courtesy of myself.