Well Chandler actually hurts Wallace because he’s not a segregationist and the north won’t vote for him because he’s extreme. I’m going to post the next chapter in a few minutes so stay put.
The Bright Sunshine: The Presidency of Hubert H. Humphrey (OLD)
- Thread starter 20thCenturyBoy
- Start date
Gentleman Biaggi
Banned
He's better than Curtis "What's wrong with nukes" LeMay or Corenel "I made money off your heart attack before it was cool" Sanders
Chapter 8 October
As the election approached the home stretch, things tightened up. Nixon, due to Wallace basically sabotaging his campaign, and Nixon winning in debates, he improved. The albatross was lifted and after what happened in 1960, Nixon was not leaving anything up to chance. He was not going to let any opportunity slip by. He polled now with 49% for Humphrey, 45% for Nixon and just 6% for Wallace. Nixon even began leading in Louisiana once thought to be Wallace territory. While Wallace worried about his chances, the most worried was Hubert Humphrey. Humphrey saw his lead tighten before him. He went from unbeatable to being only comfortably ahead. Humphrey wanted to win as much as Nixon and in some respects maybe more. Humphrey wanted to ensure his victory and had one major advantage that Nixon didn’t have. Humphrey was close with Johnson. They hadn’t communicated in months but Humphrey ad to go to Johnson with a bold proposal. He wanted to ask Johnson, to halt the bombing and ensure Humphrey’s win in November.
Telephone conversation October 17th between LBJ and Humphrey.
Humphrey: hello Mr. President.
LBJ: Hello Hubert. How are you?
Humphrey: I’m fine. You?
LBJ: I’m pretty fine. So, uh why are you calling me?
Humphrey: I wanted to ask of a favor.
LBJ: oh boy.
Humphrey: what?
LBJ: oh nothing nothing. Go on.
Humphrey: alright, as you know, I am leading but Nixon is gaining on me.
LBJ: yes he is.
Humphrey: now it isn’t inconceivable for me to win but it’s also possible Nixon could steal this one.
LBJ: I concur. So what do I have to do with this?
Humphrey: well I need your help.
LBJ: how?
Humphrey: I need you to halt the bombings in North Vietnam.
(Silence for 10 seconds)
LBJ: I swear Hubert, if I were there right now, I would kick your @$$.
Humphrey: what?
LBJ: you heard me. I hear the media. The McCarthy’s, The Kennedy’s, and your Ribicoffs and the Hippies. All of them have been calling for me to grab the bull by the horns and stop it. Now I want to end the war as much as you or anyone else would but I am a man of principle. I am not going to change my position on this issue in order to satisfy your campaign.
Humphrey: but Mr. Johnson, in War, we need to end it. If you don’t, we may lose this, Nixon ends your legacy.
LBJ: my but I know this War. I won’t play politics with a war to elect you. I won’t.
Humphrey: but.
LBJ: no buts. Win is on your own because after your reputation of me, as far as I’m concerned, you can go (convenient audio drop out) yourself. Look I’m busy so I’m going to hang up.
Humphrey: (sighs) alright. Bye.
LBJ: Bye.
Lyndon Johnson was a shrewd man. He was dedicated to winning this war and refused to abide by the media opinion of pulling out. Although he was mad at Humphrey asking him this favor, Humphrey did hit a chord. Nixon ending his legacy didn’t sound right. He didn’t want to but with Election Day in just 3 weeks. He was conflicted. What to do LBJ thought.
As the election approached the home stretch, things tightened up. Nixon, due to Wallace basically sabotaging his campaign, and Nixon winning in debates, he improved. The albatross was lifted and after what happened in 1960, Nixon was not leaving anything up to chance. He was not going to let any opportunity slip by. He polled now with 49% for Humphrey, 45% for Nixon and just 6% for Wallace. Nixon even began leading in Louisiana once thought to be Wallace territory. While Wallace worried about his chances, the most worried was Hubert Humphrey. Humphrey saw his lead tighten before him. He went from unbeatable to being only comfortably ahead. Humphrey wanted to win as much as Nixon and in some respects maybe more. Humphrey wanted to ensure his victory and had one major advantage that Nixon didn’t have. Humphrey was close with Johnson. They hadn’t communicated in months but Humphrey ad to go to Johnson with a bold proposal. He wanted to ask Johnson, to halt the bombing and ensure Humphrey’s win in November.
Telephone conversation October 17th between LBJ and Humphrey.
Humphrey: hello Mr. President.
LBJ: Hello Hubert. How are you?
Humphrey: I’m fine. You?
LBJ: I’m pretty fine. So, uh why are you calling me?
Humphrey: I wanted to ask of a favor.
LBJ: oh boy.
Humphrey: what?
LBJ: oh nothing nothing. Go on.
Humphrey: alright, as you know, I am leading but Nixon is gaining on me.
LBJ: yes he is.
Humphrey: now it isn’t inconceivable for me to win but it’s also possible Nixon could steal this one.
LBJ: I concur. So what do I have to do with this?
Humphrey: well I need your help.
LBJ: how?
Humphrey: I need you to halt the bombings in North Vietnam.
(Silence for 10 seconds)
LBJ: I swear Hubert, if I were there right now, I would kick your @$$.
Humphrey: what?
LBJ: you heard me. I hear the media. The McCarthy’s, The Kennedy’s, and your Ribicoffs and the Hippies. All of them have been calling for me to grab the bull by the horns and stop it. Now I want to end the war as much as you or anyone else would but I am a man of principle. I am not going to change my position on this issue in order to satisfy your campaign.
Humphrey: but Mr. Johnson, in War, we need to end it. If you don’t, we may lose this, Nixon ends your legacy.
LBJ: my but I know this War. I won’t play politics with a war to elect you. I won’t.
Humphrey: but.
LBJ: no buts. Win is on your own because after your reputation of me, as far as I’m concerned, you can go (convenient audio drop out) yourself. Look I’m busy so I’m going to hang up.
Humphrey: (sighs) alright. Bye.
LBJ: Bye.
Lyndon Johnson was a shrewd man. He was dedicated to winning this war and refused to abide by the media opinion of pulling out. Although he was mad at Humphrey asking him this favor, Humphrey did hit a chord. Nixon ending his legacy didn’t sound right. He didn’t want to but with Election Day in just 3 weeks. He was conflicted. What to do LBJ thought.
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True, but Chandler in OTL, was inning mate for a short time and it hurt the campaign. They still did well but he ultimately hurt the campaign. However, in this timeline, Wallace is weakened. Chandler + weakness = Hurting
Gentleman Biaggi
Banned
I still think he'd be better nationwide, but I concur.
Great update by the way!
“Hey Hey LBJ
How many kids did you kill today
We’re going to take your toys away
And bring our soldiers home now”
-Hubert Humphrey trying to blend in with the hippies.
How many kids did you kill today
We’re going to take your toys away
And bring our soldiers home now”
-Hubert Humphrey trying to blend in with the hippies.
Thanks. We’re almost at Election Day. I think you know how it ends but the journey there will be exciting.
Chapter 9: Decisons
The ultimate question faced LBJ. What to do about Vietnam. He absolutely supported bombing and promised to not cave in. However, his running mate was suffering as a result. If his running mate lost, his great society programs were likely to lose too. LBJ cared about his legacy very much. He wanted to be revered like his idol Franklin Roosevelt. However, everyone ignored his domestic policy. No one cared about the Civil Rights Act. No one cared about the lowering Poverty rates. No one sees the success. All people focused on was Vietnam. It was October 22nd now. Humphreys lead narrowed even further. 48-45-7. Humphrey was not gaining only because of LBJ. On closer inspection, most people still judged Humphrey on Johnson. LBJ on the one hand, refused to sacrifice his principles. But on the other hand. He did not want to see his legacy be repealed before him. The low point came when on October 23rd LBJ smoked a cigarette. He had not done so since his near fatal heart attack back in 1955. He realized the stress the decision was. He wasn't just playing politics. He was playing with fire. In some cases literally. LBJ after smoking a cigarette thought "Good God. I don't want to, but I need to halt the bombing and start the peace talks. Not for Humphrey. But for me dammit." LBJ planned for a halt soon but had to wait a little bit. He didn't want to waste his one trick early. LBJ decided to release it on Halloween. Johnson now decided to hold his nose and join with the media. He knew it was wrong and regretted the decision but, it was for the greater good. Little did Johnson or anyone else know, Nixon really wanted to win and had a card of his own.
The ultimate question faced LBJ. What to do about Vietnam. He absolutely supported bombing and promised to not cave in. However, his running mate was suffering as a result. If his running mate lost, his great society programs were likely to lose too. LBJ cared about his legacy very much. He wanted to be revered like his idol Franklin Roosevelt. However, everyone ignored his domestic policy. No one cared about the Civil Rights Act. No one cared about the lowering Poverty rates. No one sees the success. All people focused on was Vietnam. It was October 22nd now. Humphreys lead narrowed even further. 48-45-7. Humphrey was not gaining only because of LBJ. On closer inspection, most people still judged Humphrey on Johnson. LBJ on the one hand, refused to sacrifice his principles. But on the other hand. He did not want to see his legacy be repealed before him. The low point came when on October 23rd LBJ smoked a cigarette. He had not done so since his near fatal heart attack back in 1955. He realized the stress the decision was. He wasn't just playing politics. He was playing with fire. In some cases literally. LBJ after smoking a cigarette thought "Good God. I don't want to, but I need to halt the bombing and start the peace talks. Not for Humphrey. But for me dammit." LBJ planned for a halt soon but had to wait a little bit. He didn't want to waste his one trick early. LBJ decided to release it on Halloween. Johnson now decided to hold his nose and join with the media. He knew it was wrong and regretted the decision but, it was for the greater good. Little did Johnson or anyone else know, Nixon really wanted to win and had a card of his own.
Chapter 10 The ultimate surprise
On October 31st, Johnson appeared before television audiences and announced to America, he would halt the bombing in Vietnam. The results were positive and not only did Johnson’s approval ratings go up, but so did humphreys poll numbers. Once again, Humphrey broke 50% with a showing of 52-42-6. His momentum was enough for Humphrey to keep going. Humphrey was now all but assured the presidency. However, one man had some back channels to the Vietnamese government. Nixon. He was determined to stop Humphrey and was fully intending to do it by any means. He wanted to have his friend Anna Chennault to talk to the Vietnamese Government. Nixon fully figured sabotaging the peace negotiations would hurt the democrats and would hand him victory. He had fully accounted this. If the talks failed, people would be drawn to him and he would win, albeit narrowly. Nixon decided that his back channel was the way to go. But however, while Nixon was a shrewd politician who desired winning like anything else, he knew it was wrong. By doing what would do, he could win. But it was also a violation of the Logan act. Nixon, if caught, would potentially be caught and could be tried. Nixon knew that this was politics with human lives. Nixon, although desiring win, made the decision. He would not sabotage. It was shocking but he’d rather lose an honest man than win as a criminal. Nixon decided, he would lose but hope he had a future somehow. Nixon, in the final days got sad seeing his chance fly by. But, some last second news vindicated Nixon.
Excerpt November 2nd CBS News:
“Good Evening. I’m Walter Cronkite. Tonight’s major story is that the South Vietnamese have decided to not talk peace in Paris. They have claimed that the terms do not make sense to them and they shall not agree.”
This was the official story but the South Vietnamese knew Johnson was playing politics and the negotiations weren’t sincere. This hurt Humphrey and helped Nixon dramatically and now the election was a virtual dead heat. 49-46-5. Humphrey went from being assured the presidency to just narrowly holding on. On Election Day all that was known that it was going to be a nail biter.
On October 31st, Johnson appeared before television audiences and announced to America, he would halt the bombing in Vietnam. The results were positive and not only did Johnson’s approval ratings go up, but so did humphreys poll numbers. Once again, Humphrey broke 50% with a showing of 52-42-6. His momentum was enough for Humphrey to keep going. Humphrey was now all but assured the presidency. However, one man had some back channels to the Vietnamese government. Nixon. He was determined to stop Humphrey and was fully intending to do it by any means. He wanted to have his friend Anna Chennault to talk to the Vietnamese Government. Nixon fully figured sabotaging the peace negotiations would hurt the democrats and would hand him victory. He had fully accounted this. If the talks failed, people would be drawn to him and he would win, albeit narrowly. Nixon decided that his back channel was the way to go. But however, while Nixon was a shrewd politician who desired winning like anything else, he knew it was wrong. By doing what would do, he could win. But it was also a violation of the Logan act. Nixon, if caught, would potentially be caught and could be tried. Nixon knew that this was politics with human lives. Nixon, although desiring win, made the decision. He would not sabotage. It was shocking but he’d rather lose an honest man than win as a criminal. Nixon decided, he would lose but hope he had a future somehow. Nixon, in the final days got sad seeing his chance fly by. But, some last second news vindicated Nixon.
Excerpt November 2nd CBS News:
“Good Evening. I’m Walter Cronkite. Tonight’s major story is that the South Vietnamese have decided to not talk peace in Paris. They have claimed that the terms do not make sense to them and they shall not agree.”
This was the official story but the South Vietnamese knew Johnson was playing politics and the negotiations weren’t sincere. This hurt Humphrey and helped Nixon dramatically and now the election was a virtual dead heat. 49-46-5. Humphrey went from being assured the presidency to just narrowly holding on. On Election Day all that was known that it was going to be a nail biter.
How much of a glimpse will we have at Congressional elections?
Not sure actually. The democrats will still have a majority in both houses like OTL. Perhaps I'll change a few races. I'll try to work that out.
I honestly focused more on the general election and bigger picture that I didn't really focus on congress.
I'll be doing a TL in the 1960s soon, so you've got my interest for this one. I imagine Skip Humphrey won't lose to Jesse Ventura in this TL.
Hello. Quick update. I am posting election night tonight. Just wanted to remind you. I'll post it at 7:00 with sporadic updates mirroring a real election. The final results will be up by tomorrow morning. Afterwards, I will take a small break to work out cabinet picks, the first year (its going to be a while to get through each year.) and other important details. I hope you're all enjoying it. I'll see you (well your comments anyways) all tonight.
Chapter 11: A time for choosing
(Theme Music for NBC)
7:00
Announcer: This is NBC News election night ‘68. Here is David Brinkley.
David: Hello. Welcome to the NBC news desk. If the polls are any indication, it’s going to be a long night so get used to this set. Tonight, Vice President Humphrey is vying for the presidency once again. Former Vice President Richard Nixon is as well. Also trying to hold the college in balance is former Alabama Governor George Wallace. With an analysis of odds, John Chancellor.
John: Thanks David. David, the odds have tightened significantly. In these last few days, Humphrey has but a narrow lead and Nixon has made gains. With the downfall of Wallace and the peace talks, Nixon has caught up. However, polls do show Humphrey is more likable than all 3. It will be a close one that will decide the generation of American politics for quite a bit. Now back to you David.
David: thank you. That was John Chancellor. He will talk more about senate and House races as the night progresses. Now Chet with the first few states.
Chet: NBC News now projects, that Richard Nixon will win Indiana. That is firm republican territory and stayed with Nixon and never was in play. We will also call Vermont for Nixon. Also not in play. Wallace will have some good news in Mississippi by carrying 7 electoral votes there. New Hampshire is too early, Nixon leading. Ohio, the crucial key state opens with a Nixon lead, as you remember he carried that in 1960. Virginia, too early but Nixon leading. West Virginia will go to Humphrey comfortably. 7 electoral votes. As it stands:
Nixon: 16
Humphrey: 7
Wallace: 7
Huntley: as John said, it will indeed be a close one. Maybe even closer than in 1960. Now David back to you.
David: thank you. We’ll be back after these messages.
(Theme Music for NBC)
7:00
Announcer: This is NBC News election night ‘68. Here is David Brinkley.
David: Hello. Welcome to the NBC news desk. If the polls are any indication, it’s going to be a long night so get used to this set. Tonight, Vice President Humphrey is vying for the presidency once again. Former Vice President Richard Nixon is as well. Also trying to hold the college in balance is former Alabama Governor George Wallace. With an analysis of odds, John Chancellor.
John: Thanks David. David, the odds have tightened significantly. In these last few days, Humphrey has but a narrow lead and Nixon has made gains. With the downfall of Wallace and the peace talks, Nixon has caught up. However, polls do show Humphrey is more likable than all 3. It will be a close one that will decide the generation of American politics for quite a bit. Now back to you David.
David: thank you. That was John Chancellor. He will talk more about senate and House races as the night progresses. Now Chet with the first few states.
Chet: NBC News now projects, that Richard Nixon will win Indiana. That is firm republican territory and stayed with Nixon and never was in play. We will also call Vermont for Nixon. Also not in play. Wallace will have some good news in Mississippi by carrying 7 electoral votes there. New Hampshire is too early, Nixon leading. Ohio, the crucial key state opens with a Nixon lead, as you remember he carried that in 1960. Virginia, too early but Nixon leading. West Virginia will go to Humphrey comfortably. 7 electoral votes. As it stands:
Nixon: 16
Humphrey: 7
Wallace: 7
Huntley: as John said, it will indeed be a close one. Maybe even closer than in 1960. Now David back to you.
David: thank you. We’ll be back after these messages.
8:00
Chet: NBC News now projects New Hampshire for Nixon. 4 more there. Tenessee, Nixon leads with Wallace in 2nd. Humphrey 3rd. Virginia, Nixon leading. Ohio, Nixon has a bigger lead. He may carry it again. Uh Alabama, will go to Wallace. Alabama’s 10 electoral votes go handily to Wallace. Illinois, too early. Humphrey leading. Florida is too close. It can go either way. Missouri too close. Humphrey leading. Iowa will go to Nixon. 10 electoral votes. Kentucky will go to Nixon and 9. He now has 35. Massachusetts will go handily to Humphrey. 14 votes. Maine will offer one district to Humphrey. As you know they have two different systems for electoral votes. Humphrey gets at least one. Rhode Island will give Humphrey 4. Connecticut gives 8 to Humphrey. Arkansas, Wallace leading but Nixon had a lead in polls shortly before Election Day. So now as it stands:
Nixon 35
Humphrey 34
Wallace 17
Chet: It is a dead heat. It’s going to be a long night. Now with John Chancellor on senate elections.
John: Thanks Chet. Uh in Alaska,Ernest Gruening will win. In Kentucky, it’s close between Marlon W Cook and Katherine Peden. In Maryland, Daniel Brewster is ahead but he has a shrinking lead. He is leading by only 1%. In Missouri, Thomas Eagleton has lost and Thomas B. Curtis has won. This was due to Eagleton having used shock therapy. Ohio, its a close fight, William Saxbe vs John Giligan. It could go either way. In Oregon, Bob Packwood has lost. Wayne Morse has won yet another term. Mike Moroney in Oklahoma is fighting a close one and is behind by 2%. That’s the development of the night. The democrats will maintain control of the senate and gain some seats for a 64-36 lead. The house race will be reported on later as will governors races. David.
David: Thank you. It will be a close one indeed.
Chet: NBC News now projects New Hampshire for Nixon. 4 more there. Tenessee, Nixon leads with Wallace in 2nd. Humphrey 3rd. Virginia, Nixon leading. Ohio, Nixon has a bigger lead. He may carry it again. Uh Alabama, will go to Wallace. Alabama’s 10 electoral votes go handily to Wallace. Illinois, too early. Humphrey leading. Florida is too close. It can go either way. Missouri too close. Humphrey leading. Iowa will go to Nixon. 10 electoral votes. Kentucky will go to Nixon and 9. He now has 35. Massachusetts will go handily to Humphrey. 14 votes. Maine will offer one district to Humphrey. As you know they have two different systems for electoral votes. Humphrey gets at least one. Rhode Island will give Humphrey 4. Connecticut gives 8 to Humphrey. Arkansas, Wallace leading but Nixon had a lead in polls shortly before Election Day. So now as it stands:
Nixon 35
Humphrey 34
Wallace 17
Chet: It is a dead heat. It’s going to be a long night. Now with John Chancellor on senate elections.
John: Thanks Chet. Uh in Alaska,Ernest Gruening will win. In Kentucky, it’s close between Marlon W Cook and Katherine Peden. In Maryland, Daniel Brewster is ahead but he has a shrinking lead. He is leading by only 1%. In Missouri, Thomas Eagleton has lost and Thomas B. Curtis has won. This was due to Eagleton having used shock therapy. Ohio, its a close fight, William Saxbe vs John Giligan. It could go either way. In Oregon, Bob Packwood has lost. Wayne Morse has won yet another term. Mike Moroney in Oklahoma is fighting a close one and is behind by 2%. That’s the development of the night. The democrats will maintain control of the senate and gain some seats for a 64-36 lead. The house race will be reported on later as will governors races. David.
David: Thank you. It will be a close one indeed.
9:00
David Brinkley: We can now project Arkansas for Nixon. He picks up 6 more votes. Tennessee, still too close. Wallace is gaining speedily. Virginia, will go to Nixon. Safely Republican and 12 votes to boot. Ohio, Nixon has slightly shrunk in the polls but not significantly. Humphrey, will win Minnesota, his homestates 10 electoral votes. He also won Maine’s other district giving him all 4. Michigan, Humphrey leading narrowly. Wallace may be the difference up there. Illinois, Nixon is holding on narrowly but there’s still time for a Humphrey win. And Wisconsin is narrowly Humphrey. Pennsylvania leading for Humphrey. New Jersey, Nixon lead. As it stands:
Nixon: 53
Humphrey: 47
Wallace: 17
Now John Chancellor has an update.
John: Thanks. John Giligan has won in Ohio. The democrats have won a good seat there. This looks good for the democrats and maybe Humphrey will steal it from Nixon. Mike Moroney has lost in Oklahoma. Katherine Peden has won the Kentucky election. Democrats have a majority which may be good for Humphrey. Now in the house, the democrats will keep control. In Connecticut, Donald J. Irwin has won the 4th district. George W. Meeker will win Kansas’s 1st district. And in the governorship, I’m Delaware, the only race we know, Charles L. Terry will hold on. That’s all.
David Brinkley: We can now project Arkansas for Nixon. He picks up 6 more votes. Tennessee, still too close. Wallace is gaining speedily. Virginia, will go to Nixon. Safely Republican and 12 votes to boot. Ohio, Nixon has slightly shrunk in the polls but not significantly. Humphrey, will win Minnesota, his homestates 10 electoral votes. He also won Maine’s other district giving him all 4. Michigan, Humphrey leading narrowly. Wallace may be the difference up there. Illinois, Nixon is holding on narrowly but there’s still time for a Humphrey win. And Wisconsin is narrowly Humphrey. Pennsylvania leading for Humphrey. New Jersey, Nixon lead. As it stands:
Nixon: 53
Humphrey: 47
Wallace: 17
Now John Chancellor has an update.
John: Thanks. John Giligan has won in Ohio. The democrats have won a good seat there. This looks good for the democrats and maybe Humphrey will steal it from Nixon. Mike Moroney has lost in Oklahoma. Katherine Peden has won the Kentucky election. Democrats have a majority which may be good for Humphrey. Now in the house, the democrats will keep control. In Connecticut, Donald J. Irwin has won the 4th district. George W. Meeker will win Kansas’s 1st district. And in the governorship, I’m Delaware, the only race we know, Charles L. Terry will hold on. That’s all.