Freedom Dies in Darkness: The Story of the 1968 Election and Beyond

[20thCenturyBoy]

Hello everyone. Me and Gentleman Biaggi have been coming up with this idea for a timeline for quite a while. We finally have some time so now we’re going to post the first chapter. We hope you enjoy this timeline.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Chapter 1: The Spark

1968, is agreed to be one of, if not, the darkest years in not just American history, but world history. It was a year that saw devestation, division, and the beginning of “The Age of Desolation” which plagued much of the world.


Historian: the events in 1968 were directly responsible for the events following up to it and many of the problems the world faces today began because of issues that started back in 1968.- The Age of Desolation: The Turbulence Begins, 2018


The year had opened up with a lie. President Lyndon Johnson had opened up the year by assuring Americans that the war in Vietnam was going very well. He assured them that progress was going well and surrender was inevitable. For a while now, people were split on the war. Young students and professors against it but older people and more conservative leaning people tended to be in support of the military action. Eugene McCarthy, a senator from Minnesota, was running as an anti-war candidate but got no serious traction. Overall, it was going well for Johnson. But then soon. It was all to be blown wide open.


On January 30th, on Tet, Vietnamese New Years, the Viet Cong launched a surprise attack on American and South Vietnamese troops. The attack shocked the troops and caught them off guard. The American troops quickly stepped into action and turned back the tide but it was a shock to the American people. The war was not over. Far from it. What they thought was true wasn’t.

American soldiers during the Offensive

What the hell?! I thought we were winning the war. - Walter Cronkite upon learning of the Tet Offensive.


Furthermore, a photo of a Vietnamese man being executed went worldwide and turned the tide against the war. Protests now began to grow larger in scale and longer. Now the years troubles began to multiply. Johnson, who was running for re-election, had to face this setback. Eugene McCarthy now had larger crowds and his poll numbers grew day by day. Soon McCarthy was polling at 40% to the presidents 49%. This would be the final outcome. Johnson, although he had won, he had won a close race. Embarrassing for an incumbent. And now talks were about Robert Kennedy, the presidents rival since 1960, entering the race.

Historian: At this moment LBJ knew he was in for a bumpy ride. It was not going to be an easy chance for re-election. He was in trouble over Vietnam and knew it. - The Age of Desolation: The Turbulence Begins, 2018


LBJ was at a cross roads. What to do about the campaign? The war was sapping his popularity and his legacy. LBJ had to make the decision. A year prior, a doctor had told him another term would kill him. His own family’s heart history was very poor and he was likely next. So on March 30th, LBJ made the announcement:


“I shall not seek and I will not accept the nomination of my party for another term as your president.” - LBJ on March 30th,1968

LBJ during his famous speech.

The announcement shocked the nation and now it was a bit of a free for all. Kennedy was in the race now. McCarthy was also there. Vice President Hubert Humphrey was rumored to enter but he said that he wouldn’t do it unless it was a compromise situation. Most people were happy with the choice of candidates. But Johnson, once the man who was senate majority leader and powerful politician now reduced to nothing. It was over for Johnson.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Chapter 2: Tumultuous Times

A photo taken of Johnson at a meeting the day after he dropped out.


Johnson, just a few days fresh from announcing he wouldn’t seek another term had gone back to being just president Johnson. He was miserable.


“At cabinet meetings, Johnson just seemed so disinterested. So sad. So miserable. And I felt his pain. He was once the most powerful man in the country and now he was reduced to shambles. A broken old politician was all he was and how he would be remembered.” - My Life in Politics. Hubert Humphrey. Written 1977. Published in 2003.


Then just a few days later, a true crisis occurred. On April 4th, Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. The event caused tragedy amongst the African American community. What unfolded were major riots in just about every major city. Chicago, Detroit, Newark to name a few. All cities affected by the riots. It truly ended up being a terrible event causing millions in damage. On Live TV, millions of Americans witnessed burning of major cities. Destruction of stores and homes. It was a disturbing sight to see people reacting this way. LBJ responded by sending out the National Guard. The riots however, continued for days. They eventually would subside but not after a few days of destruction. This really hurt Johnson and his approval ratings. Just as they ticked on the upswing after his drop out, he fell flat. Johnson was most especially upset at how this would elect one of his enemies.

In the Democratic race, Bobby Kennedy had taken a sizable lead in the opinion polls. With Johnson out, with the exception of the Martin Luther King riots, things got better. Protestors never followed Bobby Kennedy or Eugene McCarthy. They reached out to sizable crowds and had the advantages of not being establishment candidates. Both sides campaigned as an alternative to the past advertising themselves as the future of the party with appeals to young voters.

LBJ: he is leading in the polls and thie riots might help him win. This is absolutely terrible. I hate him.

HHH: I know. I know.

LBJ: Hubert, have you thought about running?

HHH: I don’t think I should. I feel the tide is in their favor and I will not sacrifice my political career as a stooge of you. I’m my own man, not an underling.

-Phone call between Johnson and Humphrey.


Johnson was very displeased at the possibility of the republicans or the democrats winning. First of all he wanted power. Second, he wanted his establishment democrats to stay in power. Third of all. The biggest reason was the opponents selected by the people. First there was the issue of dealing with Bobby Kennedy. Rejected by the people, Johnson’s likely successor was Kennedy. He was thought to be the only person strong enough to attack the republicans. Lyndon Johnson did not want his successor to be Kennedy. But Kennedy would not be the only thorn in Johnson’s side. The Republicans were leaning towards an old face. The opponent was someone LBJ never truly liked. He was a man he never had respect for. A person who was a weasel and a bitter man. One he had beaten before but wouldn’t again. The man was none other than Richard Milhous Nixon.

Nixon at a campaign rally.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Chapter 3: He’s Back


Whilst the democratic nomination was now a stoic somber affair. The Republican one was the exact opposite. Richard Nixon, former Vice President and party nominee in 1960, was making his return, Nixon had built up his stock over the years. He was ready to build up a comeback. Gone was the old Nixon. The new Nixon was now ready for the presidency. He united conservatives and liberals within the party. He also faced little opposition within the process. His strongest competitor was Nelson Rockefeller. Rockefeller was making a final go at the nomination. He had support of the northeast but overall couldn’t carry enough to stop Nixon. Also running was new California Governor Ronald Reagan, who although conservative and a talented campaigner couldn’t clinch too many people with Goldwater in ‘64 still fresh. Also there was George Romney. He was strong early on but made a verbal gaffe. Which stopped him. But Nixon liked what he saw. He decided the governor of Michigan would be the running mate to balance his ticket.

Romney was selected as running mate by Nixon despite a verbal gaffe.

Nixon himself was a man motivated not necessarily by wanting to improve the country but one motivated by revenge. Kennedy had won in 1960 thanks to some corruption in Illinois and Texas. Nixon once told a guest at a party that he knew Kennedy robbed the election. But Nixon knew deep down, it was his fault. The economy had been in a recession and Eisenhower, his own boss, provided tacit support at best and nothing more. Nixon was enraged about the loss. Nixon was willing to go to any lengths to win. He had prepared since 1964 to unify the party. In 1966 he campaigned for house and senate candidates and won, 1968 was supposed to be his coronation. His campaign was well organized. Well planned. Nixon thought with Johnson out, he’d face Kennedy and was ready to defeat a Kennedy to cap off his great revenge plot. Nixon would not lose this time.

Nixon campaigns in Philadelphia in June.

“That little jackass? He’s a loser. And he’s the best they can offer? And my party can’t even find a guy palatable enough to beat him?” - LBJ upon hearing of Nixon receiving enough support.


“My brother beat him with no name recognition. Imagine my margin of victory.” - Robert Kennedy to an aide.


“Nixon will be nominated at the upcoming convention. Romney will be his running mate. Nixon is going to unseat the democrats in fall. Nixon will win. All of these headlines seemed to be good guesses on the election but of course, we all know that it ended unlike that.” - Nixon’s the one, Published 1987

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

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.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Chapter 5: A Tale of Two Conventions (Democrats)


The Democrats were in a tight spot. First Johnson had lost his re nomination bid. With him out, it was a tough choice. Delegates coalesced around Kennedy. But tragedy struck. After winning the California primary, Kennedy was shot in the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. He was critically wounded and rushed to the hospital. He was very gravely injured and slipped into a coma. But that night, luck was with the Kennedy’s. Robert woke up two days later and was moved to stable condition. But however, he was so injured he felt he was not capable to serve in his condition. He needed time to heal.


“So while it was my dream to serve you all as your president, your champion, and your leader, I’m not able to do so. So I will endorse the only nominee left Eugene McCarthy. May he have luck in beating the republicans this fall. If I could recover, I shall campaign on his behalf where I can. This candidacy wasn’t about me. It was about the injustices which gave American people trouble every day. I accept Eugene McCarthy and to him I say. Good luck.” - Robert Kennedy’s famous hospital bed speech. Often noted as one of his iconic speeches.


Eugene McCarthy was left as the only choice, which pleased most. He wasn’t charismatic as Kennedy but he was sufficiently anti war. It took time but eventually the delegates began to coalesce. All but a few select people. These people? President Johnson and Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago. These two were party bosses who wanted to keep the war effort going. They were willing to do this by any means. They thought of many options but all seemed to fall flat. Soon, Johnson came up with the idea. The idea to stop McCarthy’s coronation. The only way to stop McCarthy, was Johnson himself.


“Daley: Are you mad?

Johnson: no. I’m just preventing these yuppies from preventing our hard work.

Daley: But there is no assurances of your safety

Johnson: I don’t care. I’m the only man who can stop him. -Phone Conversation between Mayor Daley and President Johnson August 25, 1968

Mayor Daley and aides working to re-elect Johnson.

It was dangerous yes, but Johnson knew he had to stop him to save his legacy from being dealt a savage blow. Airforce 1 left for Chicago with a mission late on August 26th. But until Johnson could get there, many pot shots were taken at the president and his policies. A tearful Ted Kennedy famously stood in place of Robert where he gave a speech that Robert would’ve given:


“This illegal war started under false pretenses, has cost Americans millions of dollars and thousands of lives. We must end this carnage to benefit the interests of the American people. What has been done is shameful and absolutely abhorrent to everything my brother stood for. (Applause).”

Many speeches were given slamming the war. As Johnson heard this, his blood began to boil but he was determined for one final display before he went down. On August 27th, nomination day, Johnson arrived. However, protestors somehow found out and surrounded and tossed objects at the presidential motorcade. Secret service had to fight off protestors with the national guard to get the president to the amphitheater. Johnson showed up and was escorted inside. Inside the hall, boos and jeers and cheers and yells were heard thus solidifying Democratic divide. Johnson came in and announced he had put himself up for re election. Many jeers rang out. But they were for naught. Delegates voted for Johnson who had Daley work delegates to secure Johnson’s chances. Johnson’s against all odds had swooped in and took the nomination in an upset. Wayne Morse was giving the speech leading up to McCarthy’s acceptance but Johnson took the spot. Morse, who was enraged, gave a fiery speech which was well remembered.


“Ladies and gentlemen, a crook and liar has been re selected. He has stolen what should have been Eugene McCarthy’s nod away from him. I say we have two options in this fight. We can choose to take it lying down, or we can stand in unanimous opposition to this. (Boos and yells of down with Johnson.) now this is a big announcement but to my friend Eugene, I demand you run a third party candidacy. (Cheers. Rare that evening, had rang.) I say that I would help out. As I can.”


Many agreed. Mike Mansfield, Abraham Ribicoff, Ted and Robert Kennedy to name some. McCarthy himself got a speech and made an announcement in the short speech time he was allotted.


“My friends, I have thought tirelessly about this, and I can say. I will. I will run with Wayne Morse as my running mate. We must oppose the war. Even if this costs democrats the election, it’s morality over party.”- Excerpt of Eugene McCarthy’s speech.

A photo of McCarthy’s speech. One of the few color images from the convention.

McCarthy was now providing some heat for Johnson. He gave the acceptance speech the next day which was accompanied by a presentation about his life.


“You see the convention was held around his birthday so it was supposed to commemorate his life in politics. A presentation was made to accentuate this. But the footage of it wasn’t heard on national tv. There was so much jeering that no one could hear it. The footage is unknown to still survive so to this day no one is sure if it still exists.”- Lost Media: From Real Events to TV Shows, Published 2017.


Johnson’s acceptance speech was so poorly received that with the riots outside and inside, Johnson became the only person is U.S. History who couldn’t finish his speech. He had to give it pre taped from the Oval Office. This shocking show had affected people so dramatically that Nixon gained major traction. Nixon was now looking unbeatable. But there was one man. One man who would stand in the doorway of Nixon’s nomination.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Chapter 6: The Little Governor


In the midst of national division, some could easily forget the third party candidacy of another man. His name was George Wallace. Wallace was governor of Alabama and avowed segregationist. He famously stood in the school door in Alabama to oppose integration. He was very famous in the south for his defiance and fiery rhetoric. In 1964, he made his first go at the presidency. It was in the democratic primaries. He had been wiped out by Johnson but in the few primaries he did surprisingly well. He attracted workers in the north which his union messages. He attracted the south with his segregation point of view. With the help of running mate Ezra Taft Benson, he was looking good.


“Both of these parties are liars, thieves, and scoundrels, if you want to vote for the same old crap. Go for them. But if you want to make the country better, than I advise you can go and vote for us this November“- Typical Wallace speech.

Wallace shaking hands with supporters at a rally

Both major candidates began to worry. Nixon was trying to cover a southern strategy which was now hard with Johnson and Wallace in the race. Nixon now had little to work off of. Nixon focused on law and order but Wallace was doing that. Johnson had a proven record on civil rights and the economy. Nixon was out of good choices. He was still leading if only because he wasn’t Johnson but Johnson was working to negotiate the war and blocking some southern senators from endorsing Wallace. But while Nixon was in a bad place, Johnson was worse off. First he had to face off McCarthy and unite the party enough. Second, he had to use his southern roots to stop Wallace. And third, with what he had left, he’d have to stop Nixon. This was a difficult job. But Johnson, with a new lease on life, worked longer and harder for peace just short of an outright call. Humphrey campaigned on Johnson’s behalf for some peace. By mid September, the polls:

CBS news:

Nixon 38%

Johnson 34%

Wallace 18%

McCarthy 10%


NBC news:

Nixon 39%

Johnson 35%

Wallace 15%

McCarthy 11%


The polls showed Nixon leading but with Johnson closing the gap and Wallace and McCarthy attracting niche audiences. Now the networks wanted an old ploy pulled out. The debates. Nixon expected the question and tried to artfully dodge it but when asked by an interviewer after a long day, he said he was game and would even take on Wallace and McCarthy.


Historian: Nixon only consented because he was tired and stressed and didn’t know better. But he now had to fully make up for the loser legacy. A good debate performance was helpful to end the legacy.- The Age of Desolation: The Turbulence Begins, released 2018.

Johnson however did not agree to participate. He felt a debate was a chance he didn’t want to take and decided to skip it. He also wanted to negotiate with North Vietnam and wanted to spend time getting an agreement.

LBJ announcing his intention to not participate in lieu of seeking peace


“Johnson would have probably won the debate if he tried but he wasn’t dicey at this stage of the game.” - Lyndon Johnson: the man who saved and destroyed America. Published 2008


Nixon had not what he wanted but all he could do was the best job he could have done under such circumstances.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Chapter 7: The Strength of the Superpower.


With change blazing in the streets at home, it was easy to forget the international circumstances. The Soviet Union was the other world superpower. They had been trying to increase their strength with some success. They were the giants of Europe and Asia. Plus, with the multiple communist countries allied with them, they seemed unstoppable. While most countries obliged with communism and were happy, some rebelled. First was Hungary in 1956. This rebellion was crushed. But now, in Czechoslovakia, a new man was in power. His name was Alexander Dubcek. Dubcek was not a hardline communist like some other leaders in Europe. He wanted a more liberal type of communism, called “Socialism with a human face.” The purpose was to revive Czechoslovakia with some democratization without overtly going so. This move was met with mixed reactions amongst the eastern bloc. Romania showed support for it but bigger members such as East Germany and the Soviet Union were opposed to it. There were negotiations to curb these reforms but the Czechoslovak government did not comply. In retaliation, the Soviet, East German, Polish, Bulgarian, and Hungary invaded Czechoslovakia in a move which outraged the public. President Johnson, due to resources being used in Vietnam, and not wanting to damage relations with the Soviet Union, ignored it.

A rare color photo of the Soviet tanks crushing the revolution

“The invasion was tragic and the fact so many countries and their people could have consented to do something like that is abhorrent.” - The (unfinished) memoirs (the fight for freedom)- Vaclav Havel, 1977, published 2007.


Outrage was international. Many governments were disappointed at the actions taken by the Soviet government. Many condemned but no one could give action. Johnson desperately wanted to take action but due to being caught up in Vietnam, he couldn’t do anything to stop it. This looked disappointing on the international stage that the other superpower couldn’t respond to the invasion.

“Later on his death bed, he said he should’ve sent aid. It would’ve been the right thing to do. He really wanted to help but the land mine of Vietnam just sapped all will for foreign actions of all kind. One of just many regrets in his life.” - Lyndon Johnson: the man who saved and destroyed America.” Published 2008

The disdain wasn’t just in democratic countries. Fellow Warsaw Pact member Romania and its leader Nicolae Ceaucescu were opposed to it and Ceaucescu delivered an iconic speech against the invasion. As a matter of fact, they wouldn’t be the only pact members in opposition. Albania, a member of the pact and long distant from Soviet influence, had left the Warsaw Pact. but The Soviet Union was indifferent due to its hatred of Albania. But it looked bad to have lost a member. The Mongolian government reached out to the Soviet Union to once again try for membership in the pact. The country wanted to be part of the pact but couldn’t due to the emerging Soviet-Sino split. But Moscow wanted to increase its power on the world stage and Mongolia was the ticket. They long had strong diplomatic ties and there was much to be gained. With the Warsaw Pact strength bolstered by the invasion, a vote was to be held. The countries who invaded Czechoslovakia supported it but those opposed such as Romania, and Czechoslovakia proper, voted for the Mongolia government to be allowed to enter the pact.

Brezhnev meets with the Mongolian leaders and children on September 7th, 1968.

On September 7th, despite the risks involved, Mongolia was officially brought into the Warsaw Pact. This was in spite of some grumbling from China. China had disapproved of the move and gave a strong disapproval. Brezhnev defied the Chinese and said that he wouldn't waver and the Warsaw Pact was a powerful force. This move heightened tensions in the Cold War. This was a scary development in the scheme of things. The Soviets had more influence and China was relatively displeased with them. ‘How powerful is the soviets might?’ Many asked. ‘How powerful can they become?’. The Soviet influence in the world was growing in threat by the day. And people couldn’t stop it.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Chapter 8: The Debates


With the lack of participation on the part of President Johnson, the planned three debates turned into one solitary affair. Although it was an ultimately uninteresting affair about the issues. There were some expectations. That was until the day before the debate, when Nixon dropped out.


Historian: Nixon felt, on one hand, he can redeem himself and prove he can win a debate. But on the other hand, his only competition was a blatant racist and a rejected candidate. It would seem as Nixon can only win when he had worse candidates and the whole event was mocked as the kids table. So Nixon opted out at the final moment. “ - The Age of Desolation: The Turbulence Begins.


Now the only candidates were to be Wallace and McCarthy. Networks wanted to cancel the event, but both campaigns fought to keep the debate alive. Although they disagreed with each other, they wanted the attention and agreed to focus on the issues and form a semi-non aggressive pact. Both sides agreed sticking it to Nixon and Johnson was more important than attacking each other.


“So while Johnson and Nixon are in the mainstream fighting, now Wallace and McCarthy are fighting at the kids table. Who else are they going to invite? Pat Paulsen? (Laughter and applause.) - Johnny Carson opening monologue, September 30th, 1968.


On October 2nd, 1968, the debate was held. Although no major party candidate showed up, Wallace and McCarthy did. And they seized on the opportunity:

Wallace at the debate.

“Anyone can see that during my time as governor that we have cracked down on lawlessness. Alabama has not been tarnished by the riots ravaging the nation. If I’m elected this November, we won’t have riots in this country.”


“I’m running because no one wants to end the war in Vietnam. With all due respect to my opponents who didn’t show up tonight and to the one who did, they have no plan to end the war. One has expanded the war greatly. One campaigned just 2 years ago on expanding the effort. Those two are opportunistic people who want power above all else.”


“The riots and lawlessness in this country isn’t a reflection on the people of this nation. This is a reflection on our flawed leadership. We have leaders who are corrupt and immoral. They don’t care about the working man. They want to allow lawlessness all for their own benefit. This has to end and shall end if I’m elected.”


“The leaders in this country are putting boys to die in a country thousands of miles away. My campaign is based on the principle to end this senseless blood shed and end the violence ravaging our nation as of late.”


A key moment was the closing statements:


“Before I leave this stage, I want to say something. Me and my opponent on this stage are opposites of the spectrum. We hold opposing views on most issues but you know what. I think he’d be better than our current crop. Truth be told, I think that I’d rather him then any democrat or republican.”


“To go off what Mr.Wallace said, I too oppose him on many of his views but you know what, this election has two candidates blinded by corruption. This election isn’t about parties anymore. It’s about the candidates. The mainstream options are liars and shams. This election should be a referendum on such corruption.”

In the end, more people tuned in than expected and the result was overwhelmingly positive. Most people liked the message that the other two candidates were immoral and they should vote for their conscience. Even people who disagreed heavily with either side admitted that they felt as if the two minor candidates cared for America. After the debate, both parties received a modest rise in the polls.


Gallup Poll:

Nixon 35%

Johnson 31%

Wallace 20%

McCarthy 14%

After the debate, McCarthy’s campaign used his closing statements as a new campaign promise.


The race had now heated up significantly. So much so that some sources went from likely Nixon win to a dead heat. The debate provided legitimacy to the other candidates. Now both sides were scrambling for a solution to this problem. Nixon had to espouse views not necessarily belonging to him. But Johnson, although in the worst position, had one card. Peace talks. If he could set them up before the election, he could tip the scale and either win outright or bend arms in the House of Representatives and win there.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Chapter 9: War and Peace


As October progressed, Johnson and Nixon weren’t moving inches while Wallace and McCarthy made up ground. It was a practical dead heat. Johnson, thankfully had peace negotiations set up in secret back in May. They were to be held in November after the election. Johnson, was about to cash in on the opportunity at hand.


“My fellow Americans. I would like to say that, soon I will depart for Paris. I will go in order to discuss with the North Vietnamese, conditions for peace and to end the war. As such, I shall order a bombing halt. This country will also try to reduce our presence in Southeast Asia by 1970.” - LBJ speech October 22nd

LBJ working late

“Son of a Bitch.” - Richard Nixon upon hearing the news.


This was the push Johnson needed. This seriously undermined McCarthy’s “One Issue” Campaign. Johnson now won back liberal support. Hubert Humphrey and others who spoke on behalf of the Johnson Administration, received cheers and applause instead of typical boos and jeers. It was a nice change for the president. And the polls reflected this change.


Gallup Poll:

Nixon 38%

Johnson 37%

Wallace 18%

McCarthy 8%


Johnson now was in good position nationally. Even better were statewide polls. Johnson began taking leads in Illinois and Ohio, kept Michigan close, and was keeping the south close but either for Wallace or Nixon. Johnson had the tools and actually believed the talks won him the election.


Nixon was infuriated at Johnson. All his hard work had gone to waste. All that time, all that money, all the fight in him. For nought. Now he thought he would be remembered as “Nixon, the three time loser.” Reduced to nothing more than a punchline. An answer to a trivia question. But on October 27th, Nixon snapped.


“Get Anna to discuss with the South Vietnamese.” - Richard Nixon to his aide H.R. Haldeman.


Nixon’s campaign was helped by Anna Chennault. Chennault was a widow of a war veteran Claire Lee Chennault. Because of this, and her mysterious life, she was well known amongst Republican's. She also had connections to the South Vietnamese government. She had been tasked with a job. Stop the South Vietnamese at all costs. With her connections she did. And soon by Halloween night, the South Vietnamese pulled out of talks and announced on November 1st they refused to join. This was the last propellor for Nixon. This was his ticket. Ironic that it was Johnson’s ticket that became Nixon’s ticket but Nixon had now relaxed and saw his plan working. Johnson, however, found out and was angry at this:


Johnson: that’s treason. He interfered with a foreign country for his own selfish gain.

Dirksen: I know.

Johnson: this is shameful and absolutely disgusting.

Dirksen: I agree. - Conversation between Lyndon Johnson and Everett Dirksen.

LBJ and Everett Dirksen discussing in the Oval Office.


Johnson wasn’t at liberty to reveal the truth for the treasonous effects which came with it. Johnson himself committed some illegal acts in order to get the knowledge. With no more to be done. It was all coming down to the finish. Soon. It was November 5th. It was about to all unfold. What would unfold would change American history forever.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Chapter 10: Election Night.


This is NBC’s coverage of the 1968 presidential election. Live from coast to coast are David Brinkley and Chet Huntley


David: It is 6:30 on the east coast and all we can say is that it’s going to be quite a night. The pre polls had no winner. It is possible that we could have an election go to the house. States are incredibly close tonight so it may be a while before states could be called.


Chet: Yes David. Let’s just look at some of these latest polls.


(Poll on screen)


Nixon 34%

Johnson 31%

Wallace 20

McCarthy 15%


Chet: As we can see, Nixon lead but narrowly. After Johnson and the convention, he lead dramatically but thanks to Wallace and McCarthy and peace talks, Nixon tanked. Johnson hasn’t really changed much. But Wallace and McCarthy’s effect can’t be overstated. They will undoubtedly be kingmakers in this one.


7:00:


Chet: NBC news will now project its first state. Indiana, will go heavily for Nixon. A state that was expected to go for Nixon did. We will also cal, Vermont for Nixon. Two early calls but they are strongholds for Nixon. Virginia will also belong to Nixon. We can also project, that president Johnson will win the state of West Virginia. His first win and some polls don’t predict too many in sight for him. Kentucky is too early to call with Nixon holding a small lead over Governor Wallace. As it stands.


Nixon 28

Johnson 7

Wallace 0

McCarthy 0


7:30

David: So far we’ve been quite conservative tonight. It has been difficult to make these calls. States will be close. Now looking at Ohio.


Nixon 35

Johnson 32

Wallace 28

McCarthy 5


David: A close one indeed. McCarthy won’t last there. But the top 3 candidates will fight hard there. But to stray away from the presidency, we will have John Chancellor go to Senate races. John.


John: Thank you David. It appears now that in Indiana, Birch Bayh has lost to William Ruckleshaus. It was a bit close but we are comfortable to call it early. A good win for the republicans. In Maryland, Daniel Brewster was bagged for bribery. As a result, he lost to the American Independent Party candidate. George P. Mahoney. Also, we need to focus in California. A close campaign throughout, it is a 3 way race between Republican Max Rafferty, Incumbent and Progressive Alan Cranston and Democrat Sam Yorty. Who will win? Well find out. And back to you David.


David: Thank you. We’ll be back.


8:00


Chet: NBC will now project that New Hampshire will go to Nixon. We will also predict that Johnson will win its neighbor and his former boss John Kennedy’s home state Massachusetts. We will also call good news for Wallace. He has carried Alabama with over 60% of the vote. The best showing for a single candidate in one state. His closest competitor is President Johnson with 28%. Nixon got only 9% and McCarthy only 1%. Results look similar in Mississippi. Wallace will win that as well. But speaking of McCarthy. He has carried Washington D.C. Florida is too close. Right now, Governor Wallace leads but Nixon could potentially carry it. Kentucky is still a bit close but Nixon is now 2 points ahead of Wallace. Also in Ohio, Now Nixon’s lead was cut by Johnson.


Johnson 34

Nixon 33

Wallace 29

McCarthy 4


Chet: as it stands:

Nixon 31

Johnson 21

Wallace 17

McCarthy 3


8:15


David: We can now project that Connecticut and Rhode Island will go democratic providing 12 more votes. Johnson now has 33 votes and is leading Nixon.


8:30


David: we can now project that Governor Wallace will win Arkansas. Right now it’s a thin lead but we are sure it will go up and add 6 more. We will also project Louisiana and Georgia. A total of 28 new votes. We are also sure that Nixon, will carry Iowa. The new totals are


Wallace 45

Nixon 40

Johnson 33

McCarthy 3.


David: we will be right back.


(Commercial)


Chet: Dear God. Wallace is leading. I think I’m going to be sick. - Reportedly Chet Huntley said this during the break. The Audio was leaked recently thus confirming its existence.


Behind the scenes, all sides felt different. Nixon was not as confident as he was previously. His once inevitable coronation became uncertain. Johnson was pleased that he was at one point leading but nervous at Wallace. Meanwhile, Wallace was pleased with the results. He was on track to be the kingmaker who decided the election. McCarthy, although he had low electoral value, was looking in some states to prevent Johnson from winning and looking to be a key oppositional voice. The race was close and still had places to go.

(To Be Continued)

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

9:00

Chet: NBC news now projects that Johnson will carry Maine. It’s 4 votes are in part due to the campaigning of Edmund Muskie. We will also project that Johnson carries Texas. Nixon will also carry Kentucky, finally he’s won that. New Jersey also big for Nixon. Michigan, his running mates state, is too early to call. Nixon will also sweep the Dakotas, and Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Also Delaware. Wallace will also carry Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. New totals.

Nixon 97

Wallace 77

Johnson 62

McCarthy 4


Chet: a close one indeed. Nixon is leading now but it’s still a long night ahead.


9:18

(CBS)


Walter: We will now project that Nixon will carry Missouri. That will bring him up to 109. Still ways to go for the presidency. As the night goes on this path thins out. But now for senate results. In Kansas, Congressman Bob Dole has won his seat. ,In California, the race has intensified. The results shows.


Rafferty 38

Yorty 33

Cranston 29


The race has Rafferty in a lead that is closing slowly.


9:42

(NBC)

Chet: NBC now projects that Nixon will carry Michigan. With 21 more he is currently with

Nixon 118

Wallace 77

Johnson 62

McCarthy 4


Now in Minnesota the results so far.


Johnson 33

McCarthy 31

Nixon 28

Wallace 8


Chet: still too close. More to be announced.


10:00

Chet: NBC news will now project that Nixon carries some states. Including, my home state of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona those states total 30 votes. All for Nixon.


Nixon 148

Wallace 77

Johnson 62

McCarthy 4


10:21

David: NBC will now project that Wisconsin goes to President Johnson. Another state called for him. Rare. But with 12 more


Nixon 148

Wallace 77

Johnson 74

McCarthy 4


10:53


David: We can now project that in Florida, Wallace has won. Now


Nixon 148

Wallace 89

Johnson 74

McCarthy 4


11:00


Chet: NBC news now projects that Hawaii will go to McCarthy its 4 votes are nice additions. He is also leading currently in Oregon. But Johnson will win in Washington with 9 more votes. The gap has widened. California is close currently but Nixon is leading.


“Oh My God. We’re going to lose to Wallace.” - Johnson to his wife.


11:23

David: well it turns out, we are wrong. Wallace ad previously won Florida. But we will now move it back to the too close column. Nixon is behind slightly.


11:54


Chet: McCarthy has won Oregon. Now he has 6 more votes. All in all he has 13.


So now as it stands..


Nixon 148

Johnson 83

Wallace 77

McCarthy 13


12:44

David: We can now project Nixon to carry California. With a 3% lead. Speaking of the state. We will now project that Max Rafferty has won. Also in the House, republicans have the most seats. They have the most but not, a majority.


1:00

(ABC)


Howard: We project Nixon will have carried Alaska and its 3 votes. All in all he has 191 electoral votes.


1:18

Howard: we will project that the president carries New York. The biggest state will give him enough votes to win it.


The total stands:

Nixon 191

Johnson 126

Wallace 77

McCarthy 13.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

1:26


Howard: in tonight’s Wisconsin gubernatorial race. Bronson LaFollete has won. Narrowly but surely.


2:44

(CBS)

Walter: Johnson has won in Pennsylvania. It’s 29 votes make the total


Nixon 191

Johnson 155

Wallace 77

McCarthy 13


3:01

Walter: a big call is to be announced. In Ohio, Nixon has won. The results were close.


Nixon 32.4

Johnson 31.6

Wallace 28.8

McCarthy 8.2


But now Nixon has won it so the total

Nixon 217

Johnson 155

Wallace 77

McCarthy 13


Also we announce Minnesota now after a fierce contest. President Johnson wins the day. He has 165 votes.


4:25


Walter: Johnson won Maryland. 10 more.


It was at 5:00 most anchors realized, the election wouldn’t be won. It was going to the house. But they had to keep a straight face amid all the turmoil.


6:02


(NBC)


Chet: we can now call Illinois for Johnson. With the extra 26. Means 201.

6:15

David: Nevada goes to Nixon and 3 more.

6:30


David: the final state is to be called Florida. Nixon carries it by just under 1500 votes. So the final totals:


Nixon 234

Johnson 201

Wallace 77

McCarthy 13


Chet: it appears that since 1824, this will be the first election to go to the house. Well. How about that.

 

[Gentleman Biaggi]

Chapter 11: The House Elections:

The 1968 House of Representatives Elections would begin a clear trend in the United States. The American Independent Party had originally planned to not run candidates in the downballot races. However, when Louisianan Representative John Rarick switched parties from the Democrats to the AIP, he managed to convince Wallace to run AIP candidates across the nation, and while 9 out of the 11 house AIP members were southern (in fact 4/11 of their seats came from Alabama), their two victories in California and Ohio (when John Ashbrook, the incumbent Republican switched parties) began to show that the party could have national prominence. Meanwhile, the Progressives went from their four defectors, to sweeping up 19 other seats in areas ranging from the Midwest to the Northeast. Meanwhile, the Democrats lost a ton of seats, and they even fell behind the Republicans for the first time in a decade. However, the Republican's failure to gain a majority in the house would not only make the presidential choice a challenge, but also the speakership choice a challenge. The elections of two Independents and the National Democrat (a protest party in Alabama to oppose Conservative, and often segregationist Democrats) showed what the future would hold for small parties...


Results:
Democrats: 248 - 50 = 198
Republicans: 187 + 15 = 202
Progressive: 4 + 19 = 23
American Independent: 1 + 11 = 12
Independents: 0 + 2
National Democratic: 0 + 1 = 1


Due to fears of a deadlocked vote for speaker, there are some questions about a potential coalition between parties. The most obvious one is an AIP-Republican Coalition, however, that would require at least Independent to join, and neither independents will join such a coalition. Because of this, there are discussions of a non-partisan, but respected public official holding the position, but no actual power.

 

[Gentleman Biaggi]

The 1968 senate elections were realitvily business-as-usual when compared to the House Elections. While the Democrats lost 8 seats, that was to be expected after they nominated such a controversial candidate. It just seemed... boring. The AIP won a senate seat by the skin of their teeth, while the progressives basically stayed the same. The election finished with a clear Democratic Majority, and it was clear that Humphrey would be re-elected as Vice President. However, the races had their outrageous results. In California, Republican Max Rafferty narrowly defeated Progressive Alan Cranston and controversial conservative Democrat Sam Yorty. In the end, the Democrats saw their majority greatly decreased, but, they still had a majority, and if the House fell into chaos, they could use that majority to help presumable acting president Hubert Humphrey.

Senate Results:
Democrats: 63-8 = 55
Republicans: 37+7 = 44
Progressives: 3 -0 = 3
AIP: 0 + 1 = 1

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Here’s to our Glorious return!!! Thanks for waiting loyal readers. Now without further ado....

———————————————————————————————————————————————

Chapter 13: The Fight Goes On


America collectively was shocked over the final outcome. Newscasters kept straight faces but were often shocked as the cameras went off. For the first time since 1824, there was no president elect. This meant the race was to go to the house and to the senate. The top 3 were to be the ones who went on to the house. McCarthy was eliminated and gave a concession speech:

“Wayne and I fought hard for the people but we were not selected by the people and we respect that. I am not going to run for re election in 1970. But I will devote every final second of my last term in the senate to oppose Vietnam and all of it's bloodshed. Wayne Morse and I will devote all of our time to ensure this war ends and our boys come home. (Cheers) Believe me, you have not seen the last of the Progressive Party! (Euphoria from crowd" - McCarthy concession speech

McCarthy just shortly after his concession speech.

While McCarthy gave a rousing speech to save his party, the other 3 candidates left gave different speeches.


“Well let me be the first to say that I am disappointed in the results as I imagine you are. But let me just say that we aren’t dead yet. The Republicans have the house in a slim control. I promise you just one thing, we will fight on, for the good of the people. And I trust our fine representatives will pick the honorable choice. They want peace like all of us and they will choose the right man.” - Richard Nixon post election speech


“I have not come in first. This is a shock to me. I did not expect this. But I promise you to my supporters, that the congressmen will choose me. They will choose the party of the working man, the party of labor, the party of all backgrounds, the party of strength, the party of Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy. The Democratic Party.” - LBJ


“Well we’ve done it. Thanks to your votes, we got this election to the house. We have the two party’s at the mercy of the people. And I promise you, no matter what happens or how it happens, I will make sure the candidate selected is the one who will win in Vietnam, oppose these civil rights laws, and will restore a good sense of decency to this riot filled country.”- George Wallace.

Three Candidates gave three speeches to set up events to come. (The photo is missing but it's a photo of Nixon during hid real life victory speech and generic Johnson and Wallace speaking photos.)


The three candidates had made their messages clear in their speeches. Nixon was calm, Johnson was attempting unity, and Wallace was solidifying his base. They all were to go to the house and make their cases to representatives from across the spectrum. But the first challenge was McCarthy. McCarthy was out and refused to endorse Johnson or Nixon. He also said he respected governor Wallace but was ideologically different and thus couldn’t give him an official endorsement. With several free electors, the clock was on. The house and senate had to get together and decide the next president and Vice President of the United States before the electors convened on December 16th. Many Americans were confused and nervous, but there was without a doubt, significant interest into the whole debacle. Whatever happened, everybody knew, this was history in the making, and they would be live witnesses to it.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Chapter 14: The Selection Process


John Chancellor: currently we are outside of the senate building in Washington D.C. today the vote for Vice President will take place. Reportedly, Hubert Humphrey is expected to win but we will wait for the results before making judgement calls.

John Chancellor grew to be a familiar face to America in part due to his post election coverage.


The Senate met in a special session of Congress on November 8th. They were to decide who the next Vice President of the United States was. The two choices were Incumbent Hubert Humphrey, or Governor George Romney. Thanks to a democratic majority in the senate, Hubert Humphrey was selected quickly on the first vote call. Humphrey was officially re elected as Vice President. Although, expected, this was still a happy moment for the Vice President who whilst serving as Johnson’s main surrogate, saw many of the riots and protests first hand.


“I am happy to have been re elected as the second chief in command for 4 more years. It is an honor and I accept the finality of the decision.” - Hubert Humphrey during a press conference


Later during the conference:


Reporter: do you think Johnson will win another term

Humphrey: well I believe that he is and was a good president despite everything and may well use his expertise on issues and win. I truly do believe that.


“Humphrey lied through his teeth but he wasn’t going to get on Johnson’s bad side. Besides, the House was to meet soon and Humphrey didn’t want to sound too negative and affect the outcome.” - The Age of Desolation: The Turbulence Begins, 2018

Humphrey tried to assuage the press and people of fears but he himself couldn’t tell for sure how it would end.

The House met that Monday. November 12th. All 435 representatives met in order to select the president. On the first vote it ended with no candidate selected. For better or worse, the McCarthy states held their nose and went either for Johnson or Nixon as protest. Oregon went Nixon. Hawaii Johnson. And D. C. Johnson. It was narrow. All southern states barring Florida voted for Wallace. Nixon got the support of some moderate to conservative states. Johnson got a few tepid liberals and democrats loyal to party to have state delegations go for him. The first round had failed however. Nixon got the most states but short of a 26 state majority.

Nixon: 25 (CA, AK, ID, WY, NV, MT, CO, AZ, UT, NM, IA, ND, SD, NE, KS, OK, MO, IN, MI, OH, FL, NJ, NH, VT, DE)
Johnson: 16 (OR, WA, TX, DC, HI, MN, WI, IL, NY, MA, ME, RI, CT, WV, PA, MD)
Wallace: 10 (VA, KY, GA, AL, LA, MS, TN, AR, NC, SC)

Nixon lost the most states from his election states having lost Virginia and Kentucky. This cost Nixon the win in this round.

This shook up the race because with the first round not having been as decisive as planned, all bets were off. The orderliness now left. Now, it was a free for all with the prize being the presidency.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Chapter 15: Who Deserves it Most?


Walter: So tomorrow representatives shall convene and we at CBS will have live coverage of the events as it happens. Reportedly, President Johnson, Mr. Nixon, and Mr. Wallace will make their points directly to representatives. And that’s the way it is. This is Walter Cronkite. Speaking for CBS news. Good night.

Walter Cronkite, America’s most trusted news anchor, was always a calming figure during the dark ages having always reported straight faced and unbiased.

In order to shake up the mostly undefined process, it was decided to get the 3 candidates to debate and make direct cases to representatives. Partially a media stunt, partially to decide, a debate would first be held on November 14th. Each side would have an hour to speak and answer representative questions. Any topic was on the table. So at noon, networks pre empted previously scheduled programming for full coverage. The big event was beginning. A bipartisan jury of representatives convened together to ask questions. They included Edwin E. Willis (D-LA 3rd), John B. Anderson (R-IL 16th) Thomas E. Morgan (D- PA 22nd) Gerald Ford (R- MI 5th) Carl Albert (D- OK 3rd) and John Rhodes (R- AZ 1st). The first would be Richard Nixon.


Excerpts from Nixon’s forum:


Edwin Willis: Mr. Nixon, what is your opinion on the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and the admission of Mongolia into the Warsaw Pact?


Nixon: Mr. Willis, I believe that communism is an ever growing threat internationally and as the Soviet Union grows more powerful, we need to contain them. The president is far too hawkish and risks a nuclear conflict and Wallace is even more extreme and I don’t even think he’s fully aware of the situation. I support detente to try and contain the Soviet Union. And I will be vigilant to stop the spread of communism be it in Vietnam or in countries in Western Europe.


John Anderson: Mr. Nixon, what means are your feelings on the recent civil rights protests such as the ones over the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr?


Nixon: I feel it was a sad event that was mishandled by Johnson. His great society plan has made black unemployment higher than before. I believe that we need a more conservative economic program in place to combat this rate of unemployment.Thomas E. Morgan: Mr. Nixon, how would you handle the situation in Vietnam.


Nixon: well Mr. Morgan, I would try to better our position in the war by any means. I am going to again try to seek the peace with honor I pledged during my campaign come to fruition.


Morgan: What is peace with honor?


Nixon: we will not accept some backhanded peace deal just to end the war if it doesn’t benefit anybody in the grand scheme of things. We will only accept an agreement better to our liking.


Nixon’s 1 hour went up and many questions were put upon the former Vice President.


“In that hour, the tension in the room was high, you can cut it with a knife. It was dead silent and the sound of a pen drop was like a bomb by comparison. I prepared for the moment even wearing makeup and hedging on some issues hoping to convince representatives and state delegations to vote for me.” - The Nixon diaries 1968-1975, Richard Nixon, published 1994.


Next to speak was the president Lyndon Johnson. While Nixon was a mostly unknown entity and couldn’t get too many hardball questions, Johnson had the unfortunate honor of incumbency and got many.


John Rhodes: Mr. President, would you say that progress in Vietnam is better or worse than 3 years ago?


Johnson: I do believe peace is at hand. The media may show one story but the numbers are another, America has killed more Vietnamese in this war than American soldiers have been lost. We recently had a peace agreement so we can bring them to the table if we work at it. Overall, progress is more encouraging by the day.


Rhodes: then would you mind explaining to me why the tet offensive happened? If we are winning, then how could it have happened?


Johnson: the tet was a disaster for north Vietnam. We wiped them out despite the surprise nature. It wasn’t a failure like it’s been made out to be.


Anderson: Mr. Johnson, how do you feel about the protestors across the nation. Do you feel you have the brunt to bear for the problems that they protest over?


Johnson: no I do not. If anything, I worked to keep things stable. I have improved the economy, Vietnam is improving by the day. We are making progress.


Willis: Mr. President, why did you not show the slightest hint of care over the Soviet Union? Are you working to contain communism?


Johnson: yes I am. I have worked my entire presidency to prevent the rise of a communist government over the world. I am working with the Soviet Union to contain them. They will be contained.


The most famous moment was the final question asked by Gerald Ford.


Ford: President Johnson, I ask one question. Why do you deserve another term? After all the points brought up in the last near hour, what have you done to prove stable leadership in this tumultuous transitional time in our nations history?


Johnson: Well Mr. Ford, as I’ve said, the war in Vietnam is being won, the economy is currently in the best condition in U.S. history, we are gaining advantages on many fronts and I believe if we want success, that we should keep my policies in order to ensure future success.


The answer however, didn’t satisfy the nation. The nation was angry at the answer because they felt Vietnam wasn’t being won like the president said it was.


“The presidents comments are utter bulls**t. Plain and simple.” - Eugene McCarthy’s famous 9 word response to an interviewer when asked about the presidents comments. Published in many newspapers


Gerald Fords question was focused on and would’ve been a great headline for the papers:

“ ‘Why do you deserve another term?’ Asks House Leader Ford.”

Gerald Ford became a well known figure nationally thanks to his famous question for president Johnson.


That was until George Wallace had his turn to speak. Wallace was always a bit of a free speaker who spoke openly but nobody would expect what was about to happen.


Albert: Mr. Wallace, do you really believe negroes are the problem to this country built on equality.


Wallace: now Mr. Albert, I don’t want to sit here and ramble for an hour on promises that probably won’t be kept due to the elitists like the other fakers before me. All I’ll say is that both parties are crap and we need new men in power. New less corrupt men.


(Gavel bangs for order)


Morgan: Mr. Wallace, when you say corruption, what do you mean.


Wallace: (pauses but then speaks after a moment) notice that during election night, I won Florida but then lost it later on? I found that suspicious. There had to have been a corrupt element in the room.


Anderson: you are saying that you won Florida?


Wallace: yes I am.


The new headline read:


“ ‘I Won Florida!’ Says Governor George Wallace”


At the end of the debate, the deadlocked house was not one inch closer to a new president and time was moving quickly. But now a new story amid all the turmoil: a recount in Florida.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Chapter 16: Florida, Florida, Florida!


On November 15th, George Wallace’s campaign submitted a request for a recount in Florida claiming ballot stuffing of some sort. At first everybody thought it was ridiculous that someone like Wallace was actually seriously pursuing this.


“Everybody thought that a man like Wallace demanding a recount in Florida was a joke and a distraction from the issues. Nobody could believe that after the election going to the house, that Wallace would expand his pot. But yet, he did.” - The Age of Desolation, Episode 1: The Turbulence Begins


Many derided Wallace as a sore loser. But the recount went on regardless. They were counted by hand for all efficiency. The state wouldn’t have made a difference significant enough to help Wallace but a revelation of this proportion could’ve hurt Nixon. For days, Florida, Florida, Florida read the headlines. Nixon initially was improving on his lead but the longer it went on, the more narrow his lead was.

Florida officials counting ballots


Eventually, by November 19th, the recount showed several features. First, dead people were voters. This was obviously ridiculous and since they went for Nixon the blame went to his campaign. Second, some people voted twice. Some thought it was an accident, but it was agreed to have been ballot stuffing at it’s worst. Those two features were damning for Nixon. Even if he won the most votes, it would be rendered and recognized an illegitimate win by the American public. But on November 20th, it concluded. Wallace had won Florida by an incredibly narrow 278 votes. Narrow indeed but the governor got what he wanted.


“See? What did I tell you? The parties are rigged against the independents and the little guy. That’s why the house should choose me. I am not corrupt and will be honest. But they won’t elect an honest president.” - Wallace Press conference about the results.


“I’m gonna be honest with you. That was just talk and rhetoric. I was full well not expecting that result. I’m glad it happened but there was no way I could’ve seen that coming.” - Wallace to a campaign manager after the conference ended.


The Nixon campaign was in a negative spot. They lost an air of legitimacy in the whole affair. And they wanted badly to press a recount but they could not without losing face. Some people were even calling for a deeper investigation of Nixon’s campaign. Nixon had to make a long and hard decision. If he pressed on, he could’ve gotten Florida back but would’ve been open for further investigation and possibly some arrests that would hurt his campaign. But if he didn’t, he’d have less electoral power and would actively run the risk of losing more to a third party than a main one. It was pride over integrity. Both decisions essentially hurt Nixon’s political career. No matter which path he went down, Nixon would’ve run into bad options.


“I will be honest and truthful. I did do some bad things. My campaign did some bad things. With this in mind, few options left us with a better standing than when we came in. The few options at our disposal could’ve risked us opening for federal investigations and I didn’t want that. That would’ve handed Johnson or Wallace the election. So ultimately, I decided not to. I made Pat Buchanan accept responsibility and go to jail.” - The Nixon Diaries: 1968-1975 Published 1994


On November 21st, Pat Buchanan was arrested for electoral fraud. But this wasn’t enough for some:


“I feel if Mr. Nixon wants to be an honest president, he should be investigated. If he did nothing wrong, what should he worry for?” - Wayne Morse (D-OR) ABC News interview.


Nixon would ultimately spend more time fighting off charges than he wanted or cared too but it was for his presidential ambitions.

The New Electoral map after the recount. Not accounting for any decisions made in the House of Representatives.


Meanwhile, President Johnson was happy. With Nixon beginning to self implode, and Wallace not having the ability to win over a majority, he seemed to be the favorite. It seemed like a long shot, in August but now he had great odds going for him. What could’ve stopped him? Many asked. After Thanksgiving, the House was to meet on Monday, December 2nd. Johnson was largely expected to win. But then, at that moment, someone from Johnson’s past was going to speak out. He bought one half an hour of air time on TV. In Primetime. It was someone Johnson had forgotten about and now it looked as it would bite him and bite him hard in the butt.

 

[20thCenturyBoy]

Chapter 17: The Dream Can’t Die.


“Good Evening to all you folks at home. Tomorrow, the representatives of the United States will convene to select the next president of the United States of America. Right now, as it stands, it looks as if your representatives will vote for another term of Lyndon Johnson. I bought airtime on all three television stations to tell all of you, why Johnson should not be re elected.”- Robert Kennedy speech opening.


Robert Kennedy had survived the attempt on his life. It wasn’t easy at all. He had to endure physical therapy and abandon a presidential run. He saw on TV from home the re nomination of Johnson. It infuriated him. “I should’ve won. Not that bastard.” he thought. He saw as the election went by, Johnson got close to winning. Kennedy had stayed silent in the process. He was weak so he couldn’t campaign often. He supported McCarthy even though he loathed him and hated to have voted for him. When it ended up in the house, Kennedy got annoyed. He was happy with the deadlock however. But then, between a recount, a possible investigation, and a morally corrupt president, Kennedy decided and reportedly said “Enough is e fu**ing nough.”

Bobby Kennedy preparing for the speech

The most memorable excerpts of the speech:


“President Johnson is a divisive figure in this country. He increased commitment of troops in Vietnam where there was no need. This bloodhpshed ad carnage done by a singular President is unparalleled and akin to mass murder of not just Vietnamese, but to our own soldiers. He can say we have won or we are winning. But collectively, we need to ease the situation in Vietnam. Southeast Asia should not be ours to intervene in. If we bring back home all of our boys, this country can make the conciliatory steps to fixing this fractured nation.”


“President Johnson claims to care for the well being of our lower class citizens and colored people who due to the injustice of segregation, still struggle to get ahead. But unemployment is highest among blacks who he says he cares about. He’s once again lying to the American people. He is no different from Mr. Nixon and his criminal campaign. Johnson is just as criminal and a serial liar who will say anything to win. He only cares for himself. He would send any man to Vietnam if it boost his chances of getting a vote. As president, one needs certain devotion and attentiveness to needs of the people he has power over. But Johnson is not that. He is a different branch altogether. He is one of the most corrupt people in Washington.”


“My third point is that we’re in the House election. You might say that’s not Johnson’s fault. But it is. Think about it. If Johnson had not divided the country with Vietnam, would Nixon have been powerful? Would Wallace have gotten some voters? No. If Johnson had just followed the morally right decisions and done what was right for the country and not the electability, we would not have a situation like this. The fault is Johnson’s and Johnson’s alone.”


“Now, most of you watching this speech at home, are not members of the House of Representatives. That I can guarantee. You may have listened to this speech and felt helpless to stop this. But you can stop it. The representatives are the ones voting. And you can get into contact with your local representatives. If we can get enough representatives to hear us, they will know better than to vote for the criminal acts of Johnson. Because America is smart enough to learn from its mistakes and I assure you, we will not be duped into making the same mistake again.”


Robert Kennedy’s speech was viewed by 15 million households. A disappointingly small number. But that was all he needed. People called their local representatives and spread the word to neighbors and friends. Friend would call friend and spread the word. However, phones became less helpful because soon, most of the country was calling local representatives urging them, to never vote for Johnson and to stop Johnson from getting it opting for another tie than Johnson. Phone lines for representatives were jammed obscenely and excessively. Even those in states like Nevada or California where they weren’t at home, people found ways to call Washington hotels and get their message across. Many representatives couldn’t sleep because the phones rang a lot. It was known as “The Night the Phones Wouldn’t Stop Ringing.” By the next morning, the campaign had worked in contacting representatives but would it stop Johnson?


The representatives convened and commenced at 12:00 PM the next day. To a large crowd at home, the answer was just moments away. The first few voted for Johnson. But then they went for Nixon, and then it got scrambled. Johnson ended up with depressed vote totals. By the end, he was still very short of an absolute majority. After some serious deliberation and a long pause, the last one, Edwin E. Willis gave his states vote


“Wallace.”


By another vote, no one had won in the House yet again. Johnson had been once again denied a win as had the others. In part due to Robert Kennedy.


“If I ever find that Kennedy boy, I’m going to beat the little jackass.” - LBJ to Hubert Humphrey in a recently released audio tape.

LBJ making a phone call after finding out the results. Apparently he was growing increasingly upset at the results.

Results:


Nixon: 18 (VT, NH, NJ, OH, IN, MI, IA, ND, SD, NE, KS, CO, AZ, UT, MT, ID, WY, AK)

Johnson: 20 (ME, CT, MA, RI, NY, PA, MD, DE, WV, IL, MN, WI, TX, NM, CA, WA, OR, HI, DC, NV)

Wallace: 13 (FL, AL, GA, LA, MS, KY, AR, OK, TN, NC, SC, MO, VA,)


Nixon had lost more than his fair share of states in no small part due to his campaign improper conduct and Wallace gained even more from Nixon’s states. Johnson even got some new places into his fold. The house of Nixon’s cards was falling apart.


The house grew more impatient and fractured. The electoral college was to meet in less than 2 weeks. The situation was more tense than usual. Time was running out, and at least one more vote was to be held. It would be a now or never moment that could change the history of the country, and the world, as we know it.