These years of Progress - A different 1968 TL

[Deleted member 92121]

Prologue

The year of 1968 was, without a shadow of doubt, one of the most pivotal moments in recent american history. In the spawn of only 12 months, violence, indignation with the status quo and a burning desire for change would bring foward a new era in America.

Only four years earlier, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 had been passed, formally ending segregation. Much can be sad about LBJ and his kind of democrat, but his commitment to the legacy of President John F. Kennedy's vision must be applauded. Change, however, did not seem to arrive as fast as the stroke of the pen. Four years later, open discrimination was still a common sight in america. In the south, racism was ever present, and lynchings were not yet a thing of the past. The so called "southern democrats", or Dixiecrats as history has come to know then, were agains't many of the principles advocated by the late President Kennedy and the act enacted by his sucessor.

By 1968 many of these Dixiecrats had abandoned their support for the Democratic Party in favor of George Wallace and his American Independent Party. The racist rhetoric of Wallace, as well as his firm oposition to the transformation of the Democratic party is still remembered today. In 1964, multiple southern states that had historically benn held by the donkey went for Goldwater in the so called "Southern Strategy". But 4 years later, it seemed that Wallace might steal them from the Republican for his new party of racism.

Race was not the only issue being debated in that election however. The political climate was dominated by one large dark cloud. One topic that divided the country. The war in Vietnam.

President John F. Kennedy himself had been in favor of a growing involvment in Vietnam as part of the fight agains't communism. A relatively small country in southeast Asia, Vietnam was seen as a easy victory for the american way by many in the first years of the decade. They were wrong.

The idea of a quick victory had been shatered with the ever growing Viet Cong resistance. As the years passed, the conflict kept claiming more and more american lives, in most of these cases they were the poor, the disenfranchised, the blacks and hispanics, the ones forgotten by the war machine. The year had started with the sound of gunfire and death. The so called Tet Offensive had been the greatest show of force by the Viet Cong since the beginning of the United States involvment.

The american public asked for change, for a solution to the ever growing pile of bodies in a distant country fighting a invisible enemy. LBJ did not deliver one. To this day, his insistance on the need for american involvment on the Vietnam conflict is seen as Johnson's biggest mistake. This failure to see the writing on the wall is generally believed to be what sparked Senator Robert F. Kennedy's run for the white house. His announcement on March 16th brought hope to many that desired a new mindset in the White House. He wasn't the only opponent LBJ would face, however. Eugene McCarthy of Minnesota had also announced his candidacy at the closing months of 1967. McCarthy was a staunch oponnent of the war in Vietnam, and would prove to be a charismatic candidate to many. By mid-March however, it seemed unrealistic that anyone would take Johnson's nomination from him.

On March 30th, however, a historical surprise would rock the political situation in the country. LBJ would formally announce that he would not seek re-election. After four years of a unpopular war, and carrying out the ideas of his predecessor, this Southern Democrat seemed too tired of fighting his own kind. Following the announcement, Vice President Hubert Humphrey, began his campaign. A man drastically different from Johnson, Humphrey came from Minnesota, and was as far of being a Southern democrat as anyone could. Still, the Vice president stance on Vietnam made him unpopular with many voters.
Shortly after this surprise, another one, this much more tragic, would shock the country. On April 4th, the great reverend Martin Luther King Jr. would be assassinated. His death would spawn national uproar, with riots on multiple cities. It seemed that 1968 would be a year of shock indeed.

The funeral of the Reverend would take place on the 9th of april. LBJ would declare a national day of mourning. More than 300 thousand people would attend the event, the laying of rest of a great man. The service at Ebenezer Baptist church would hold 1.300 people, among them friend and family of the reverend, as well as many dignataries, labor union leaders and civil right's figures. It would be followed by a procession from the church to Morehouse College, where King had studied.

Among those present was Vice President Hubert Humphrey, who attended in place of the president. The official excuse of LBJ was that he had a meeting in Camp David regarding critical developments in the war. In fact, it is generally believed that the old texan was afraid of protests ensuing due to his presence there. This was the man who was sending so many young black americans to die, after all.

The name Hubert Humphrey carried a lot of weight behind it in that evening of April 9th, 1968. Senator, Vice President, Enemy of segregation. Humphrey was known by many people, and for many different reasons. The name William Chasney, however, was known to very few at that point. But in the midst of a national tragedy, with the entire world watching, Chasney would make his name known with a Colt .38 and 5 bullets.

The End and the Beginning of a Era, Marcus P. Edginton

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So people, this is the beginning of my first TL. Most of this chapter was exposition of the context of the time. If you guys have anny opinions or suggestions, please comment, they would be appreciated.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Death in a Funeral

William Horace Chasney, more commonly known as Bill Chasney was born on July 17th 1943 in Memphis Tennessee. Born to a lower middle class family, not much is known about his childhood. When he was 18 he was accepted in the University of Tennessee, where he studied law. It's generally believed that it was during his college years in Knoxville that he first got involved with white supremacist groups. During his softmore year in 1961 he was part of at least two segregationist rallies. His interest in Law soon faded, as he left College in the spring of 1962 and moved to Dallas to live with a cousin who started a refrigerator business. Chasney would live in Dallas until 1965.

It is important to note that, indeed Chasney moved to Dallas shortly before Lee Harvey Oswald moved there, and the two lived in the same city for over a year. However, unlike many cospiracy theorists claim, there's no indication that the two ever met each other.

In 1965 Chasney enlisted in the U.S. Infantry, and was deployed to Saigon. He served a unremarkable tour of duty before returning home, in the winter of 1967 and being discharged. He then proceeded to move back to his hometown of Memphis, where he worked in his father plumbing business for a few months. During this period he voiced strong criticism of the war in Vietnam to a number of relatives.

In April 1968, MLK Jr. was assassinated by James Earl Ray in Chasney hometown, a few miles from Chasney home. This also became another hotspot for conspiracy theorists. However, just like with Oswald, there's no evidence Chasney and Ray ever meet.

What is well known is that the morning following the Reverends assassination, Chasney aquired a Colt .38 revolver.

Unlike with the aforementioned Oswald and Ray, Chasney's motives or even his target cannot be precisely determined. His positioning in the early 1960s seems to point to racism for his attack. If indeed it was the case, the funeral procession was a perfect spot for him, considering the accessibility to so many influential civil rights figures. However, there's no record of Chasney getting involved in any racist activity after he moved to Dallas. This might point to anti-war sentiment as being the reason for the attack. Humphrey was after all, in favor of LBJ's war policy. The procession might thus have been the opportunity for Chasney to attack those he saw as responsible for the war.

In the end, his reasons and intentions will probably remain a mistery, much to the frustration of many historians and conspiracy theorists. What is known is that in the evening of April 9th Chasney and his gun were responsible for 3 deaths, including his own.


America's most notorious killers - Bill Chasney, Walter Penbrooke.

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Only in the tumultuous 1968 could a a day of national mourning, be marked by even more tragedy. There's little doubt today that the events of the evening have shocked the future of the United States. As the procession moved from Ebenezer Baptist Church thousands walked alongside it. From the sidewalks countless more stood in sorrow. Due to the huge number of people joining the procession, it was hard for any kind of security to be properly implemented. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference was responsible for security, while the Atlanta PD offered minimum assistance. But certainly, in such a moment of tragedy, the concern for one's own safety was of little matter. No one could truly disrupt such a moment of course. This was without a doubt the mentality of many of those present.

As the procession moved, William Chasney walked alongside it from the sidewalks, slowly getting closer to the wagon holding the body, and to the family and dignataries present. As the casket arrived at Morehouse College, Chasney aproached the casket from the sidewalks and pulled out his Colt .38. The man did not usher any words, as he raised his colt, at least none heard by the witnesses of the attack. He simply started shooting.

Five bullets were shot, before the crowd restrained him and proceeded to beat Chasney to death. The first bullet would hit Baptist Minister Jesse Jackson in the lower torso. Before he could even hit the ground the second bullet was hitting Anna sarley's, a innocent bystanter watching the funeral, in the head. The third bullet would pierce RFK shoulder, the fourth and fifth bullets would hit Vice President Humphrey in the chest.

The shots would happen in a extremely fast pace, and the reaction of the crowd would be one of immediate outrage. Multiple men would jump at Chasney's second after the first shot, and proceed to beat him. More would join as panic and chaos ruled the day. The secret service would carry the Vice president away, and attempt to move through the crowd towards the shooter. As countless fled and screamed in pain and hatred, the two secret service officers arrived too late. By the time the mob had been forced to give way, Chasney's body was almost unrecognizable.

All the Victims would be rushed to the Grady's Memorial Hospital, the panic and fear was absolute. Anna Sarley would be pronnounced dead almost as soon as she arrived. Bobby Kennedy would suffer only minor injuries, with the bullet passing through his shoulder. Minister Jackson would fall into a coma for two weeks due to his severe injuries. Vice president Humphrey would, along with Jackson, be rushed to the E.R. Unlike Jackson however he would be pronounced dead the following morning.

The last picture of Vice president Hubert Horatio Humphrey before his death on April 9th

RFK in the procession, in front of a movie theater showing the film "Day of the evil Gun"


The End and the Beginning of a Era, Marcus P. Edginton

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Next update will come next weekend. Happy easter to everyone.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Walking on Sunshine

The date of April 10th is today well known as Hubert Humphrey day, or perhaps, Hube day to many of the newest generation. It's a day of celebration and relaxation, as children and adults alike enjoy a work free monday. The first april 10th following the infamous Morehouse Shooting however, was anything but a celebration. In the wake of a national tragedy, in a day where a nation placed a beloved figure to rest, to be "Free at last", more violence had taken yet another great man.

Now, after a night of tension and fear, after looting and violence had sparked once again in cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles, the nation prepared to see the outcome of the hatred. For the second time in less than a week, LBJ would announce a day of National Mourning. News reports would continue to cover the site of the attack and the ongoing police investigation. It seemed clear, however, that the culprit was dead. That did not stop all news networks from interviewing every possible witness on site, and from showing images of the funeral on a continuous loop. Then it was announced that President Johnson would speak in front of congress, to both the government, and the american people.

The famous " Peaceful Warrior" Speech is generally regarded as LBG's greatest discourse during his presidency. If not his most grandiose action, certainly the most appealing to both ends of the spectrum. Democrat and Republican, black and white, young and old, all sought re-assurance in that tumultuous day. Had it been any other moment in american history, and such a speech might have been seen as one of the greatest in Democratic Party history. But the period being what it was, it isn't even regarded as the most famous of the week. The speech was televised to a massive audience. Most television sets had not been turned of since the coverage of the funeral and shooting. People wanted to see the government response.

Being over 25 minutes long, it was meant to heal the wounds of such a catastrophe, the second one in a week. Although the entire speech itself carried great importance to that moment, it was the "Peaceful Warrior" section that gave the speech it's nickname, and it's spot in history


"Hubert Horatio Humphrey was a warrior. A warrior like few others ever seen in these halls of government. He stood for liberty, he stood for justice, and he stood for equality. When so many chose to look the other way to injustice, when my own party looked the other way, Humphrey was there, showing the errors of Segregation. When prejudice and ignorance ruled, Humphrey was there to push for a better future. A future were the rights of all were respected, not based on their color, but on their humanity. The Civil Rights act might have been signed by me, but it was the creation, and the acomplishment of Humphrey. It was inside these walls that he fought his greatest battles. Not violently, for he knew violence in the end cannot bring us victory. He fought with peace. In this dark days of violence and hatred, let us not walk into the shadows of division and inequality. Instead let us follow the example of this peaceful warrior, and all the others that came before him. Let us walk into the sunshine."


The speech succeded in it's main goal. It kept the nation together, it even brought on hope that the future might be brighter than the last days. It seemed like a fitting eulogy for the legacy of Hubert Humphrey, and to many it rejuvenated the image and spirit of the LBJ In the days following the speech there was much speculation about Johnson possibly deciding to run for a second term after all. His successor, after all, was gone.

The next day Bobby Kennedy left his hospital room and gave us his second Aeschylus. And just like that, to many, the future seemed clearer.

Johnson during his "Peaceful Warrior" speech before Congress, April 10th, 1968

HhH- Epilogue, Bobby lewinson
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Got some free time today and couldn't wait for the weekend. Short, but the next one will be longer, and will only arrive on saturday or sunday, ok maybe this friday but no promisses.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Ready, Set, Go!

Shortly after he received the news that the Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on april 4th, Bobby Kennedy decided to alter his speech in Philadelfia. There he would inform many of the audience of the tragedy, something not yet widespread across the nation. He would then give a short speech about how americans should unite on the face of adversity and pain, not give in to hatred, but to cling to hope. In a night full of riots across the nation, Philadelfia stood quiet. This extremely beloved speech would become the first of Kennedy's three Aeschylus, given this name for the quotation of the greek poet, Kennedy's favorite writer. A few days later Kennedy would deliver his second speech. But we're getting ahead of ourselfs. First one must examine the situation of the Democratic Party at that time.

Arleady on the campaign trail, Kennedy desired to take the nomination from Humphrey and McCarthy. When he got into the race, it was unlikely that he would be chosen over the president for the nomination. It was not only a uphill battle to take LBJ's hill, it was a batlle to redefine the position of the democratic party.

From the days of FDR the democratic party had been slowly transforming itself into the party of civil rights. It was not until men like Humphrey and later Kennedy, however, that the party really gained it's reputation. It was a complete turn in the history of the political entity, one of racism and segregation and social conservatism. And this change was clear in the contradiction that the party of civil rights had a huge power base in the south.

The separation between the southern democrats and the northern ones was a ancient affair. In the election of 1860, the party had been split when Stephen A. Douglas was chosen by the northern half of the party for the nomination, and John C. Breckinridge by the south. The result was Abraham Lincoln, the first republican president. Now the south, historicaly democratic was facing a party once again changed. A party that spearheaded the end of segregation. A party who placed a man like Kennedy on the whitesouse. Discontentment was evident for any man who looked.

One man who looked was Richard Nixon, and what resulted was the Southern Strategy. Appeal to racial tension as a way to move the south toward the republican front. It worked well in 1964 for Goldwater, thanks to a lot of efort on Tricky Dick's party. Unfortunately for Goldwater and the republicans, it was the only place that actually voted for the man. The irony of the 1964 election, where a southern democrat won everywhere but the deep south, is not lost to History.

Now it was 1968, and the rift beetwen the south and the north was only greater. By march 31st, the only southern democrat that could possibly win had decided not to run. The race now belonged to 3 northerners, and by April 10th, it belonged only to two. Robert F. Kennedy, and Eugene McCarthy. Both man stood on a campaign of civil rights and a end to Vietnam.

And so we arrive on April 11th, 1968. A Tuesday, and the day after LBJ's peaceful warrior speech before congress and the nation. Kennedy was still on Grady's memorial Hospital, where all the victims of the shooting had been taken. There he spoke to the family of Anna Sarley, one of the two casualities of the shooting. He would visit Minister Jesse Jackson, who rested in a coma, and then, with a bandaged shoulder would adress the massive crowd of reporters still outside.

The second Aeschylus speech need no repetition. In it, Kennedy spoke once more of the need for unity, for peace in America amongst all colors. It praised Hubert Humphrey's accomplishments as well as those of Martin Luther King. Most importantly of all, it pledged to the american people that Kennedy, if elected would do everything in his power to continue the fight for civil rights, end direct american involvment in Vietnam, and above all else, unite the nation.

From that point foward, Kennedy would be in the lead as the democratic nominee to many. As a more established politician, having worked closely in Washington with his brother in the past, and carrying a charisma and aura that only a Kennedy could muster, McCarthy would struggle behind, but by o means give up. A lot of things could happen in August 1968.

Regardless of whom got chosen as the Democratic nominee, it seemed clear that what had become the civil rights party was now also the anti-Vietnam Party. To many, this would bring unity for all americans that desired change, For those that wanted a end to the bloodly conflict, to all whom protested the war in college campuses and D.C., there was only one candidate.

Nixon saw this changes as troublesome but in the end pointless, in November the great silent majority would vote for the Candidate of law and order. The best course of action for the party would be to stand their ground.

Other's in the GOP were a bit more concerned.

Robert F. Kennedy delivering his first Aeschylus speech on April 4th, 1968


History of the Democratic Party, from Jackson to Clinton, Michael A. Cormack

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So, earlier than promised, thanks to a strike on College. Next one will arrive on the weekend and will talk about the GOP. Hope everyone enjoys.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Primary Concern

Since the beggining of 1968, it seemed clear that Richard Nixon would be the Republican candidate for the general election. A conservative and a longtime veteran of the washington stablishment, Nixon was a stable and tested choice.

A former Vice-President, He new the executive well, and had for the last decade sought out the presidency. First agains't democratic nominee John F. Kennedy, and now agains't whatever liberal got to the top, be it McCarthy or Kennedy.

The father of the Southern Strategy, Nixon had secured deep south states for Goldwater in 1964, altering the balance of southern politics for the first time in many decades. This was a man who knew how to get results, and was not afraid of the lines he crossed to get them. By 1968, he was sure that it was his time. Lyndon B Johnson better watch out.

And then in 31st of March LBJ announced that he would not run, and life seemed easier for Nixon. With the president out of the way, his chances improved. The democratic political machine would now be split. And so it seemed for a while. Kennedy had the vote of the hispanics, and the blacks, McCarthy of the young liberals in the colleges, and Humphrey of the old stablishment. The three would break each other apart. The convention would probably be split and a strong republican candidate, himself of course, would take the White House with the vote of the silent majority. And then Humphrey got shot.

The days following the assassination of the Vice-president, LBJ "peaceful warrior" and Kennedy's second Aeschylus were some of great concern for the Republicans. The Democratic party wasn't so split after all. Both Kennedy and McCarthy had a very similar agenda, and that agenda was now unifying the democrats in ways Nixon could not have predicted.

This ideologically united democratic party was in favor of a progressive agenda. A end to Vietnam and deeper support for civil rights was now the battle cry of the party, and perhaps the GOP would have to find a progressive of their own.

Besides Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Nelson Rockfeller where the two other main conteders. Reagan was a conservative through and through. Rockfeller, on the other hand, was the face of the moderate republican. A man that represented the eastern republican stablishment. and was respected by many liberals around the country.

As the primaries began to move, it became clear to Nixon that his support was growing weaker. In states like New Hampshire and Winsconsin he beat Rockfeller with easy, but in Pennsilvania for example, Rockfeller beat him. Them came Ohio.

Firmly held by favorite son James Rhodes, he seemed sure to take his state with ease. A long time power in the state, Rhodes was a well respected figure in the party. 3 days before the primary, however, declared his support for Rockfeller. It was a great surprise that stunned Nixon. Rockfeller ended up taking the state vote with ease.

Around that time it was generally believed that Michigan favorite son George Romney, another powerful moderate, would seek the the vp slot in Rockfeller ticket, delivering another blow to Richard Nixon campaign.

As said before, this change of heart for many on the GOP was caused by the democratic campaign, and it's important to observe how it was developing.

As the months of april and may went by, Kennedy continued to soar in popularity while McCarthy refused to consider droping out of the race. Just like with the republican primaries, favorite sons started to publicly endorse one or the other. On the Ohio primary, Stephen M. Young, a former suporter of Humphrey threw his weight behing Kennedy, giving him over 70% of the vote in that state. On Florida, on may 17th, George Smathers did the same, giving Kennedy a even bigger edge. California was won by Kennedy on June 4th, in a very close race. Still McCarthy refused to drop out. In the New York primary, both candidates would fight ferociously, and McCarthy great support in the city would eventualy give him a slight edge. This gave McCarthy a big confidence booster, wich would be taken away when Kennedy carried Illinois with ease on June 11th. At this point it seemed that for the second time in less than a decade, a Kennedy would be the democratic nominee.

June 4th was a day of victory not only for Kennedy, but for Ronald Reagan as well. The former actor was extremely popular, and was beloved in California, a state in wich he was governor. It was his only victory in the primaries, but California was far from being a small state, and as such it carried a lot of weight. A stauch conservative, Reagan matched Nixon in a lot of political stances.

On June 10th, Rockfeller would proclaim in a speech that "Our involvment in Vietnam must be analysed. Many error have been commited and we must look for new ways to resolve the situation quicly and definitively." To many, this was seem as Rockfeller declaring he desired to withdraw from Vietnam, while to others it meant he just wanted to seek a new aproach. Regardless, it seemed to bolster Rockfeller popularity even more.

As Nixon just barely took New Jersey, and lost Illinois in a much constested primary to Rockfeller, he would seek a way to unite the conservative faction of the party around him once and for all and take the nomination,

On June 12, Nixon would call Governor Reagan and make him a historical offer.


The End and the Beginning of a Era, Marcus P. Edginton

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So, sorry for the delay. Next update will cover the Democratic National Convention. It will either come in a couple of days, or in a week. Aways open and, in fact, entusiastic, about you opinions so far.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Lets win it for the Hump!


The 1968 Democratic National Convention began on August 26st and, unlike it's republican counterpart earlier that month, was a event many believed brought great unity for the party. Held in the International Amphitheatre in Chicago, it attracted a massive number of onlookers and supporters for both Kennedy and McCarthy.

Although the most likely candidate, Kennedy had not yet won. Senator Eugene MacCarthy refused to give up, even after losing most primaries and being considerably behind with the delegate numbers. Although both candidates fought each other with vigor, both agreed about the main issue of their respective campaigns: The Vietnam War. Althought the specifics differed, both men desired a end to the conflict, and that brought a certain degree of mutual respect between the two.

The so called "Host" of the convention was Mayor Richard Daley, a man of considerable power in the party politics, and with some personal connections to the Kennedy family. For Daley, the convention was a way of him displaying the city to spectators from around the country. The mayor desired for the country to know the improvements he had brought to Chicago, and for that, he would pack the city with cameras. And Those cameras would indeed capture Chicago, but also much more.

The Counterculture of the 1960's and early 1970's is believed to have been one of the main forces behind the fight to end the war in Vietnam. Now the Democratic party represented that fight, and the "movement" would show up to support it. From around the country they came, from college campuses, from farms and from cities, they filled the streets of Chicago with posters that showed support for Kennedy, or McCarthy, or both. Parks were covered, streets closed, it was like a great migration.

The so called "Hippies" were not the only ones arriving in the city. Groups representing multiple minorities were also in attendence. These showed up mostly for Kennedy. They were his base of support in this campaign, and they certainly showed it in Chicago.

Minister Jesse Jackson, who, along with Kennedy, had been shot during the infamous Morehouse Shooting, would give a public speech in Douglas Park. It was crowded with people from all colors and all walks of live.

"Fight for change!" The minister would proclaim. "Bleed for change, suffer for change, do not surrender until change has been accomplished, and your duty will have been served!". The crowd hearing the speech of course cheered the Minister on. A beloved figure among many, he now used a cane to move, after spending over 2 weeks in a coma following the shooting. Those words meant more coming from him then from most, and it made a impact.

The streets, were not crowded only with supporters, however. Mayor Daley cared a lot for the image of his city, and he would not have it be covered in more violence. Discretly, but surely, the police department moved along the streets and avenues and parks, under express orders not to incite any incidents, but also not condoning any violent criminal activities. Inside the Convention Hall, the great spectacle rolled on,

Many figures would speak during the evenings of August 26 to 29, among then Senator Edmund Muskie from Maine, Senator George McGovern from South Dakota and, maybe more importantly, Senator Daniel Inouye from Hawaii, the first Japanese american to obtain such a high ranking position in american politics. Inouye would give a lenghty speech about the need for change regarding race in the country, and is today considered to have been the keynote speaker of the convention.

Some notably not present were Dixiecrats. The race between Kennedy and McCarthy had left many of the Segregationists southern democrats alienated with the party. Their absence en masse was well noted. And many worried the south would migrate to the Republicans.

It was arleady well know that George McGovern, would trow his support behind Kennedy. It was therefore, no great surprise when it was announced Kennedy chose him as his running mate.

Another great boost for the Kennedy campaign was the workings of Mayor Daley. Arleady stated above as a friend of the Kennedy family, the mayor would go out of his way to lobby for votes for the man.

Eventually, his large lead ahead, combined with these factors was more than enough to take victory from Senator McCarthy sight.

On the first ballot Robert F. Kennedy, brother of a deceased president and senator from Massachusetts would be nominated for the Presidency of the United States.

His Speech would be much more simple than anyone would have expected for a Kennedy. He would accept the nomination and repeat his pledges to fight for change and for a end to the reckless war abroad. He would also, more famously, declare that it was now the democratic party duty to "Win for Humphrey". The catchphrase, along with some variations, would gain popularity.

The convention would thus end in a positive note, with many clamoring change. It would certainly be very different from the caos from it's Republican couterpart earlier that month.

Slowly the legion of supporters that invaded the city left. Many of the "Hippies" would remain for a while, camping in the parks. There's a very popular story in Chicago, as well as in Washington, that when Mayor Daley saw the ammount of garbage and dirt covering the city in national television, he had a minor Heart attack.


History of the Democratic Party, from Jackson to Clinton, Michael A. Cormack

Democratic candidate for President of
the United States


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So, this was the DNC!!! Next week: The republican mess.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

The Republican Way

"Im sorry sir, but i cannot in good mind accept your offer."

"Did you hear me wrong governor? I'm offering you the opportunity to be one step away from the presidency!"

"I have no desire to be vice president sir, i desire to be president. It's as simple as that."

"Ronald be reasonable, you got almost no chance. You carried California on a landslide, i'l give you that. Our home state seems to love you far more then anyone else. But that's it. You cannot win with only one state at your side.."

"I shall gain greater suppo..."

"What im offering you Ronald is a chance to get closer to the white house than you ever would on your own in August. Rockefeller is giving me a fight, i've no shame in admitting that. With you on my side, we could have bring all true republicans together and win with ease. I urge you to rethink it."

"I'm sorry sir, but there's nothing else to it. I'm confident that comes August i shall gain the support of our party. I'm humbled, but the anwser is no. Have a good night sir."

Excerpts of the Nixon Recordings-June 12th, 1968


The 1968 Republican National Convention, more commonly known as the "Republican mess of 1968" would take place at the Miami beach Convention Center and start in August 5th. The knickname, although very hyperbolic, would acurately express the sentiment that took hold of much of the convention: Confusion.

When the year started, the idea of Richard Nixon as the nominee was arleady materializing. The death of Humphrey, the bolstering of Kennedy's popularity to a massive scale with his second Aeschylus speech, and the stance of both democratic candidates agains't the war in Vietnam made the situation very different. Support for Rockefeller grew to the point where, by mid-June, he was fairly close to Nixon on the delegates count. Close enough that Nixon would call Ronald Reagan and make him a offer for the Vice-presidency. The conversation would not become public knowledge for another decade, and it goes to show that Nixon desired to unify the conservative elements of the party behind him agains't Rockefeller. Regardless, Reagan refused.

Now the highs and lows of the Republican party arrived in Miami and made their way to the convention center. The first speech would be that of a very controversial man, Mr Conservative himself would take the stage.

The fact that Barry Goldwater would open the National convention shows how strange this event would become. The man had lost in a landslide in 1964, and nevertheless was still seen by many conservatives as a hero to the party. Four years earlier, Nixon had publicly supported Goldwater, and been largely responsible for his nomination. Now, he would try to repay the favor. Goldwater would start his speech praising Nixon as the man that would restore law and order to the country, and continue the fight agains't communism. Many would applaud him, many others would boo him. "Get out of there!!" Would be a favorite, and Goldwater barely finished his speech.

As the first ballot was counted the obvious became fact. Neither Nixon nor Rockefeller had the 667 delegates needed for a majority. Nixon Held 532 delegates while Rockfeller a even 400 Ronald Reagan was in third place, with 220. The rest was split between darkhorses.

The situation gave hope to Reagan. The two main contestants were tied, and when that happened, a compromise was aways a viable option.

Both James Rhodes and George Romney would give speeches next. And both would continue their support for Rockefeller. In both instances there would be booing and applause.

As new ballots were counted, Reagan got 250 while Rockfeller rose to 465 and Nixon fell to a even 500.

The convention would continue on this stance for many more ballots. No candidate would get enough for a majority and the situation would escalate to a point of considerable tension.

A Nixon supporter from Iowa got in a fistfight with a Rockefeller supporter from New york, a Californian delegate would trown a sandwich at a delegate fro illinois, all this would be televized across the nation.

Senator Frank Carlson from Kansas would give a speech praising Nixon as the candidate of law and order.

Governor Daniel J. Evans of Washington would give one of the most passionate speeches of the convention, praising Rockefeller and his progressive way for the party, while proclaiming that Nixon would be another Goldwater for the party.

Each speech marked a rise or fall in the delegate count for each of the candidates. It was a convention genuinely divided.

It was on August 7th that Clifford Case from New Jersey would proclaim his support for Nixon. Then Mayor Lindsay would speak.

Mayor of New York, John V. Lindsay was a known moderate. Well respected in the party. "I've seen the situation our country's gentlemen. You can see it clearly in the streets of New York. Crime and disorder try every day and every night to take control of my beloved city." It's for that reason that i support the candidate of law and order, the man who will fight for our country, Richard M. Nixon!"

The speech shocked the convention. "Traitor!!" Would be shouted repeatedly by multiple Rockefeller supporters, among them a enfatic James Rhodes. It was a uproar. The facts were simple. Lindsay had Been chosen by Nixon as a moderate. The mayor from the state of Rockefeller, it acted as a personal attack. But as political strategy, it worked wonders.

The fact that Nixon would take a moderate like Lindsay as VP, succceded in moving many delegates to the candidate of law and order. As more and more ballots were counted, Nixon's edge only grew, to the point of almost guaranteed victory. It was at this point that Reagan finally folded. The candidate from California would give a peech at the last night of the convention trowing his support behind the conservative Nixon. It was more than enough, and just like that, Richard M. Nixon was the republican presidential nominee.

In his speech, Nixon would promisse to retake the country from the violence and crime that now ruled it. He would not only restore law and order in the country, but american political status abroad. He would continue to fight communism in Vietnam, and anywhere else it was needed. Not fold to the pressures of the Kremlin like Kennedy and McCarthy were doing.

It was a speech much applauded by conservatives, and much despised by moderates. The general insatisfaction that resulted of the nomination was clear, and many chanted and screamed offenses at Nixon. In the end it made no difference for the imediate moment.

Nixon did not yet knew who he would face in the general election. He arleady suspected, however, that for a second time he would face a Kennedy for the presidency. He had lost to the last one by a thin Margin, he was sure he would not do it again.


The End and the Beginning of a Era, Marcus P. Edginton

Nixon supporters at the 1968 Republican National convention.

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So, long post. Next one next weekend, same as aways.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Everywhere else

It's important, as we talk of this fatidical year, not to forget the events that unfolded around the world in 1968. Afterall, it's a classical mistake to narrow one's view of world events to a single location, forgeting the global picture.

A turbulent year, without a doubt, 1968 saw revolts and a reshaping of the world social-political situation on a massive scale. Be it on streets of Prague or in the avenues of Paris, on Brazil or Argentina, on metropolis of Beijing or New york, change was in the air.

Let us look first to the situation in the Americas. While North America was in many ways a bastion of democracy on the continent, Latin America had began in the 1960's a steady decline toward military dictatorships, in large part due to the foreign policies of it's northern american neighbour.

Brazil had fallen to a military coup in 1964. The coup had the excuse of combating a possible communist revolution, and promissed a return of democratic values in the near future. As it goes, however, armies rarely give up power when they have the option to do the contrary. In 1968 the military hardliners that supported a preservation of the military regime took definitive power, implementing a series of suspensions on costitutional rights and powers of the people. The people and the student movement took to the streets in march. They were, as so many times in latin american history, supressed.

A very similar case took place in Argentina, with a military coup, officialy called a revolution, toppling the goverment and establishing a dictatorship in 1966. The dictatorship was in full effect by 1968, with a Junta holding the country in a tight grip.

1968 was the year that Operation Condor was born, a clandestine military operation that had the logistical support of the United States, Condor was accomplished by the cooperation of these right-wing dictatorships, in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and later most of the continent. It's objective was to repress any socialist ideals in the continent by means of violence. It's important never to forget that the United States, while preeching freedom and a fight agains't tyranny and political violence, did plenty to support tyranny in it's own neighborhood.

Let us move to Europe, where by 1968, the old social structures that controled the continent were starting to crumble. May saw the student movement spring up in Paris, fighting for more social freedoms in the streets of the city of lights. Barricades once again filled the streets, as the student rioters chanted and painted about their new kind of freedom. A freedom from consumerism and american imperialism. The country came to a halt, as the students were supported by labour unions, and a general strike. They were met, just like in most cases, with police brutality and political repression on the hands of President Charles de Gaulle. Gradually the protests faded away, but the memory and the cultural impact that the May Uprising had on the country never did.

In Czechoslovakia, the situation was a little more grim. The election of Alexander Dubcek send shockwaves across the Warsaw pact. His attemps to install a greater degree of political freedom in the country, a attempt that became know as the Prague Spring, was met with violence by the soviets. The soviet socialists doctrines were the only ones allowed by the Russian pylitburo, and any deviation would not be tolerated. In August, a direct intervention by the Warsaw pact begun, with soviet tanks taking and ocuppying the streets of Prague. It was the greatest direct intervention by the warsaw pact yet. The result would be a loss of confidence of many pact members on their soviet backers. A degree of autonomy by the socialist republics of eastern europe was, after all, expected if the pact was to truly work. A month later Albania would leave the alliance, and the Prague Deal of 1969 would also send ripples through the political situation in eastern europe.

Africa, so often ignored in modern historiography, would continue as a battleground. The wars of independence of Mozambique and Algeria would shape public view of the continent in the 1960's. As colonialism had it's last breath in the continent, the african nations would begin theirs internal struggles, between the two economic ideologies that defined the cold war.

The focal point in Asia was, of course, Vietnam. The violence of the war there skyrocketed throughout 1968, as the Tet offensive took efect. In China, Chairman Mao would start to suffer severe palpitations, and what was to come would shape East Asia for the following decades.

Returning to the United States, the incoming election was doing a reat job in dividing the country. on one side minorities and liberals. Be these academics or hippies. On the other side the so called silent majority. The "suits", as many were called. The conservative movement as others would name than.

The music scene was notoriously involved in this struggle. Music had been a paramount part of the counter culture of the late 1960's, and in September, Jimi Hendrix would voice his support for the Kennedy Campaign. John Lennon, would make his first political opinion known, claiming that he opposed the Vietnam war and thought that, whoever was going to end it, should be elected. The statement was made less then 6 months before the annoucement that the Beatles were splitting up.

As the year of turmoil unfolded, the election got closer. The rest of the world had it's own problems to worry about, but that didn't mean they were not watching it closely.

The Prague Spring, August, 1968

French students protest on Paris, May 1968.

The End and the Beginning of a Era, Marcus P. Edginton

..............

So, this covered the situation on the rest of the world. Not much change, as the POD did not start to affect the planet yet. But there's a few hints there about what's to come. Next week: The Election!!

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Fortunate son

After months of campaign it was finally here. The 1968 election, bound to happen on November 5th had arrived. The two candidates had gone through a exaustive process of political infighting and baby-kissing. Now one would take the white house, and the other would take nothing.

On one side stood RFK. Champion of the so called forgotten masses, of the civil rights struggle in the political scene, of the movement against Vietnam. He had come a long way from a hopeful candidate facing the democratic incumbent. But with Johnson refusal to run, Humphrey's assassination, and his charismatic Aeschylus speeches, Kennedy had propeled himself to the top of the democratic political machine. His support for a organized end to the Vietnam war took his rival Eugene McCarthy biggest trump card straight out of his hand. As it was stated before, the fact that both candidates stood firmly against the war served to bring many of the young voters to their side. The DNC had gone smoothly. He and McCarthy, after all, agreed on many points. His family political connections also helped considerably. He was, of course, a Kennedy, and Kennedys had friends.

From Mayor Daley of Chicago, to Frank Sinatra to Jimmi Hendrix, the Massachusetts dynasty knew how to get influential support behind them. Come election night, Kennedy was prepared.

On the other side stood Richard Nixon. Hero of the so called Silent Majority, of the return to law and order, of the movement in favor of winning Vietnam once and for all. A titan in the Republican Machine years before kennedy ever rose to prominence in the back of his brother. Nixon had been a governor, a Vice-president to Ike, and a presidential nominee. He had been the man responsible for giving Goldwater his nomination four years ago. He had created the so called Southern Strategy, by appealing to the racist elements in the south. He was a politician in every sense of the word.

The RNC had been a mess. Fighting shouting and booing had led to a brutal event that almost saw a brutal deadlock between Nixon and Rockefeller, with Reagan a close third. In the end, he had won the votes by sheer political exaustion of the delegates. Many influential figures had become disellusioned with the californinan. Many supporters of Rockefeller, might have plans of their own.

But that didn't disturb Richard Nixon. He had the nomination, and now the people would rally behind him. Not the loud few that screamed dreams and delusions, that went around with their drugs and promiscuity. No, the true american people, the workers and business man, those that truly valued the American Way. Come election day, he wasn't worried.

And then election day came and went.

Most of New England went to Kennedy of course. A Democratic stronghold for the man from Massachusetts. Two notable exception were Vermont and New Hampshire.

New York of course, fell to the democrat. Perhaps the biggest center of democratic support in the Country, New York was won by a huge majority. Neighboring Pennsylvania and New Jersey too went to Kennedy, but the latter by a much thinner margin.

In the great lakes region, Nixon secured Indiana, as well as Wisconsin. Kennedy took Ohio and Illinois, however. The first is believed in large part to be the result of Governor James Rhodes. One of Rockefeller biggest Supporter, Rhodes had come to despise Nixon. To the day of his death the popular governor would deny it, but many beleive that he quietly campaigned against Nixon in his state. In the end, it was close, but Kennedy took the whole cake. Illinois, was won by a larger margin. In no small part thanks to the avid campaigning of Bobby Kennedy in Chicago.

The Midwest went entirely to Nixon. Even South Dakota, Kennedy's Vp home state fell to the republican , although not by a very wide margin.

The Conservative Reagan would never let his state fall to Kennedy. The moment he gave up on the convention, his support was entirely behind Nixon. And so, by over three hundred thousand votes, California went republican.

Oregon was also taken by the republican, while Washington was the only democratic bastion in the west.

In the South, Kennedy managed to carry Texas, by very slim margins. Governor John Connaly, once hopeful for the position of Vp, campaigned hard. Some said that he had a sense of duty to candidate's family, given that his brother died by his side in 1963. But to most, that's just a story. The upper south all fell to Nixon, for a while his southern strategy seemed to be working.

And so came George Wallace. The Segregationist managed to take 6 states with his American Independent Party. Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississipi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina all fell to the southener. In the end, Nixon southern strategy failed. The California republican was not as attractive to the south as Alabama's favorite child George Wallace.

And so came Florida. For a while, it seemed it would fall to Nixon. Most political analysts say that the large concentration of Hispanics in the state was what gave Kennedy the edge. Others say it was just the last remnants of democratic loyalty in the south. Regardless, Kennedy took it.

And so, Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy was the next president of the United States.

The End and the Beginning of a Era, Marcus P. Edginton

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Next week, Kennedy's Acceptance speech, and his first year of government!

 

[Deleted member 92121]

My Way


"For too long has this nation been divided. We have let the color of our skin, and the money in our pockets separate us. Hatred and fear have broken this nation in two sides, each seeing the other as a moral evil and a enemy. We cannot afford to make enemies of our compatriots, for there's true enemies we must fight. I do not speak of a ideology, or a foreign power, I’m talking about a much more dangerous enemy. That enemy is inequality.

The poor are send of to die in mindless conflict, while many profit back home. A Black man is barred from a job, or from a shop, or from a restaurant, where he desires nothing more than work, or spend his money, or even just eat, because of his color. A veteran, who suffered for his country, finds little to no aid when he returns home. These are all problems we must overcome. And we must do it together.

Instead of giving in to fear and pain, we must seek to better our country with love and understanding. The poet Aeschylus once said that Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times, and this is one of those times, for the struggles, we go through will be overcome, and from the smallest seed will spring the mightiest trunk. That is what we Americans dream of, that in the end of our pursuit, we shall find happiness."

Excerpt from Robert F. Kennedy acceptance speech. January 20th, 1969.

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It was a cold winter. The room, even with the fireplace burning close to the desk, was still chilly. Of course, in Russia, one is accustomed to such things.

As he sat in his spacious office, he indulged himself some Vodka. It was a small deviation from duty, to drink at work, but not a terrible one. And understandable, considering the cold night. Besides, a man of his station could afford to indulge himself from time to time. As he went through rotine burocratic papers, he felt sleep pile on his eyes. The secretary was preocupied. The situation in Czechoslovakia was tense. Albania had abandoned the pact in protest, and there was little he could do short of an invasion, and that was out of the question. But what was he to do? Allow the deviation from socialist policy that Dubcek had been carrying out? Krushinev had believed in many facets of socialism, and he had fallen. A more centralized economical and political block was needed.

However, the turmoil in Czechoslovakia had left the secretary unsure. He could proceed with the papers he had been drafting. His doctrine. There would be only one socialism. Maybe that would be his legacy, the secretary liked the idea of a well stablished legacy very much.

And then he received a telephone from Washington. The White House. The General Secretary had only spoken to Kennedy very briefly to congratulate him on his victory in the election, days before. He wondered what it was about. Why these calls were always so late? He cursed a little and indulged himself another sip from the Vodka.

When morning arrived, Leonid Brezhnev had a new plan for a legacy, and a headache.


Tales from the Kremlin- Prologue, Georgy Zhulovich

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The first year of RFK stay in the White House was a very busy one. His first 100 days were notoriously active. The end to American involvement in the conflict was, of course, his priority. The cornerstone of the democratic campaign was the end to American presence in the conflict. The conflict, Kennedy knew, was going to continue. The government of South Vietnam would continue it's war, and receive monetary and military aid in the form of weapons and other supplies. Americans however, would no longer be dying in the jungles of Southeast Asia. That was his plan.

Of course, many didn't know how or if that plan would come to fruition. Many found it hard to believe that the US would simply pull out of the conflict. Others wondered if it would be a slow process. Some even considered that Kennedy would go back on his promise.

The Soviets had also been wondering.

Some say it was Kennedy himself that came up with the Prague Deal, Other's that it was Vice president McGovern. McNamara stated in his memoir that it was his idea. Regardless, it became one of the biggest victories for the Kennedy administration.

Czechoslovakia had been under occupation by Warsaw pact forces (mostly soviet) since August. The occupation was extremely unpopular, however, both within Czechoslovakia, and in the Warsaw pact itself. In Prague, unrest was only prevented from turning into riot by the threat of Tanks. The Normalization of the country, as the Soviets called it, was not proving successful.

So why not make a trade?

In the night of November 9th, Kennedy called General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev with a offer: The United States would initiate a immediate organized removal from American troops from South Vietnam, and cease all hostilities with North Vietnam. All Americans would be coming home. The fire bombings would stop. The U.S government would also not sell Weapons to the south Vietnamese government (Of course, others supplies were still in the table, and only the government, would not sell weapons). In Exchange, The Warsaw pact would remove it's troops from Czechoslovakia and allow the government of Alexander Dubcek to return to power in the country. The pact would then pledge to respect the legitimacy of his government and of his economic policies.

It would mean a liberalization that Western Europe had no seen in years. A socialist nation, member of the Warsaw pact, would see itself free from military and economic pressure from the USSR. In return, there would be a speedy end to direct American involvement in Vietnam, which would mean a matter of time until the south collapsed to the Viet Cong and the North. A great victory for socialism in Asia.

It would take weeks of negotiation over the phone, but in the end, Brezhnev took the deal.

And so, by mid 1969, all American troops were out of Vietnam, and all soviet troops out of Czechoslovakia.

Around the same time, on July 20 a man named Neil Armstrong would have a very significant walk for mankind on the Moon. The event would mark the accomplishment of JFK's dream. This would not go unnoticed on Bobby Kennedy's speech to the nation shortly thereafter.

Kennedy would start his endeavor for a universal healthcare plan in the same year. All around, the president had not even completed one year on office, and to the American people he had already ended a war, liberated a country, and placed a man on the moon. Kennedy must have felt on top of the world.

And so, as 1968, a year of turmoil had closed, a year filled with hope had taken its place. The American mindset in 1969 was one of positivity.

History of the Democratic Party, from Jackson to Clinton, Michael A. Cormack

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Hope everyone enjoys. Next week: Pop culture.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Pop Culture Super Fun Time-I

John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix announce new band

Almost a year after the beatles disbanded, Superstar John Lennon announced he's starting a new partnership with none other than famous guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Their new band, The Abbey and the Watchtower, is due to release its new album by august of this year. A massive event in the world of music, Lennon and Hendrix first became aquainted with each other after they both attended President Kennedy's Victory party. Both had been influential voices among young voters and certainly convinced more then a few to support the democratic candidate turned president.

Washington Herald, June 2nd, 1969
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Star Trek renewed for season 4

After much speculation it has been announced thet a new season of star trek will be premiering next year. Fans around the globe can relax, as the space adventures of Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise will continue. The show had been under serious threat from cancelation, but, according to show creator and showrunner Gene Roddenberry, the incoming moon landing and the President's support for a continuous space program, changed the network's mind. We have a president that has show tremendous support for space exploration, and we will be getting a man on the moon soon, mark my words! It's no surprise people want to continue to see a show that could be showing us our future, and it could be earlier then you think!" A bold statement that certainly reflects the otimism that Roddenberry and the show as a hole have about the future.

New York Times, February 25th, 1969
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It was a beautiful day of spring, April had just started and with it the heat you could only feel in the south. He sat on his house, in front of his Television set, as comercials went on.

It had been seven years. Seven years since he had seen a stage. Seven years since the public had shouted his name in masses. He was married now, he had a daughter, things had changed. He had gotten bad news last month, his songs were on record lows. No one seemed to care about Love me Tender anymore. What was he doing now? Nothing, absolutely nothing.

He took a look outside, a nice day on Tenessee and he was wasting it. Priscilla was outside with Lisa Marie, just a couple of months old, and he, as usual, was doing nothing. He needed to do something, a comeback maybe. But come back to what? Music had changed, and he seemed like a joke now, a old Relic from the 1950's. It was 1968 now and people only cared about those damm brits!

He would be dammed if he was just forgotten, he wasn't even 35 yet for jesus sake! He went back to his Television set and started to flick the channels, Then he landed on some Breaking News. Bobby Kennedy was coming out of the hospital. It had been a terrible tragedy, the shooting at the Reverend's Funeral. and the killer, they said was from Memphis, his town. That made him very angry. But now it seemed thet Bobby Kennedy was about to make a annoucement.

-Priscilla, honey, get in here!!

His wife came in with Lisa Marie on her arms. He turned on the volume.......

God damm that Kennedy can talk. And look at that crowd, colored folk mostly, considering the circumstances it was to be expected, and there was nothing wrong with it. He knew Kennedy was a big supporter of colored movement, and so was he.

People were hypnotized, people adored him, and he could make a change....

The King though for a moment, the man was only a decade older then him and he was going to be president, probably!

- Honey, could you hand me the phone please? I need to talk to Tom.

She looked puzzeled

-What could you possibly want with the Colonel in a sunday Elvis?

-I just had a idea honey, maybe it's time for some change huh?

Hell, if even Reagan could do it, why not him?
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Next weekend: Kennedy's second and third years, a curious gubernatorial election, a heart attack and who knows?!?! Comments and thoughts aways apreciated.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Let it be

By the beggining of 1970, the Kennedy administration seemed to have a bright future ahead. The victories of 1969 had been plentyful, and the president hoped to continue the course. In the minds of many, the new dacade would be one of great accomplishments, both for America and for the world. The war was over, man had landed on the moon, a young charismatic president was sitting in office, one that seemed to care for the people. What would the 1970's bring? A man on Mars? World Peace? Who knew?! But everyone wanted to find out.

When it comes to the future, they would, as aways, find out.

The Hopes and dream of the 1970's - Prologue, Will Clinton
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By 1970 the Universal Healthcare bill had been fully drafted. It had taken a while, as Kennedy made sure it pleased the party leadership. It would be landmark legislation. Another piece of democratic landmark legislation. One the late president Kennedy had wanted. Of course, the Republicans didn't like it.

Nixon's defeat had left the party broken and bitter. The 1968 RNC had been a historical mess between the progressives and the conservatives. Now, it seemed that a more progressive stance would be what it took for the party to gain power. Progressive legislature was the way for the Republicans to gain popularity in this changing times.

But it would be on their administration, and sure as hell not in Kennedy's.

And so, the Republican party stood like a stonewall against the Healthcare Bill. But what did that matter? Kennedy surely thought that as 1970 rolled in. The democrats had the White house, the senate, the House of Representatives. The democratic party had more then enough men to pass the Bill. And, when it passed, all would be well for them, as they secured their position in defense of civil rights and rolled on by midterms better then ever. That kind of thinking was a bit naive of course.

Regardless of how the popular opinion, or the administration mood, was faring, by 1970 all was not well within the democratic party.

"A foolish Bostonian child who has been undermining everything this party has stood for. A enemy of the southern man, and a enemy of the southern way of life. Such a man cannot be called a democrat!"

This bold words from a democratic congressman from South Carolina expressed quite well the general views of many southerners when it came to RFK. These so called Dixiecrats weren't any news. They had opposed Kennedy since his early campaign. In the DNC, where Kennedy was pitted against Eugene McCarthy, many had refused to show up. Neither candidate suited their ideology. And when the party nominated Kennedy, and shifted strongly towards a civil rights stance, the outrage and frustration was palpable.

The awnser of the south to this frustration came in the form of George Wallace. A former democrat, and a stauch segregationist his whole life, Wallace would abandon the party in 1968 and join the new American Independent Party. Running on a promisse of defending Segregation, Wallace would carry no less then 6 states, stablishing the AIP as a force to be reckoned with in the former democratic stronghold that was the south.

And so, and 1969 rolled on, and then 1970, many Dixiecrats would slowly but surely begin to abandon the democratic party.

It was a midterm year, a year where senators, congressmen, and many governors would either remain in their seats or take the boot. And well, standing by a president not many(including themselves) seemed to like in their districts was not a very attractive option.

It would be a exageration, to say that most southern democrats left the party. Most stayed. And most did everything they could to make Bobby Kennedy's administration suffer. Teaming up with republicans on their opposition to the bill, they would stand resolute on their decision.

And so, after months of filibustering, backdoor deals, favor calling, rousing and agressive speeches, and every other sort of dramatic gesture a politician's mind could come up with, the bill failed. The unholy alliance of disgruntled democrats and republicans ensured that it would fail. It was a great blow to Kennedy, as the president devoted much of his time to fighting for the bill. House Majority leader Carl Albert, one of the biggest supporter's of the bill proclaimed it the greatest failure of his carrer.

A busy year for the Democrats, 1970 would see a unique figure join the party ranks in Tennessee. The figure would be, of course, Elvis Presley.

History of the Democratic Party, from Jackson to Clinton, Michael A. Cormack
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Elvis is running for Governor!

Elvis Presley, has announced this wednesday that he will be seeking the governor's chair in the 1970's election. You read it right ladies and gentlemen, the King want to become a politician. According to him, the idea of entering politics has been floating on his mind for a couple of years, "I desire to make a change, i was once a musician, now i want to make people's life better in another way, and so, i announce with great pride, that i will be seeking the position of Governor of Tennessee come this November."

And the King has wasted no time, as he arleady registered as a democrat. This is certainly a historical day, as one of the most famous singers on the planet, decides he will sing no more.

Los Angeles Times, March 3rd, 1970
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The room was very large. It had been a very warm day followed by a very cold night. A typical summer day in Beijing.

At the center of the Room rested his bed, a spacious and confortable squared thing, it had given him many pleasant nights. He lay in it with a small smile on his face and his hands crossed over his chest. It looked like he was having a good dream, perhaps imagining a perfect future for all of China.

He was also dead.

At a corner of the Room sat a thin man on military regalia. He smoked a cigarete and stared at the dead man in the bed.

There was a knock on the door

A woman came in, she had large glasses on her face, and a face that could freeze a vulcano.

-Madam Mao, it is a sad day for all of China, he spoke.

- It truly is Marshal Lin.

She looked at her husband lying in the bed, then down to the ground.

- I took the liberty of moving him to a more...serene position, i thought that was like you would want to see him.

- I thank you for your kindness Marshal Lin. may i have a few moments alone with my husband now? She spoke with a voice that matched her face.

- Of course Madam. I'l leave you with him, take as long as you need, but please consider that we have much to discuss, this is a historical ocasion.

She looked at him with her stone face for a second, then smiled a pleasant smile

-Of couse Vice-Chairman, she paused, Chaiman Lin, China will need us both at this moment of sorrow.

As Lin Biao left the room, he signaled at the guard to let no one in and no one out of the building whithout his consent. He finished his cigarete.

It will need us both, he agreed, thinking to himself in the dark corridor. For now.
.............
Surprise ninja update attack! So, drink a shot everytime you read the word democrat! You will not end up standing.
I decided to leave 1971 and midterm election results for the next update, as i had a lot to cover on this one. Also, im really enjoying this personal views at characters. What do you guys think of them?
Anyway, Hope averyone is enjoying it.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Country Roads

The death of Mao Zedong in July 24th, 1970 would send ripples throughout China and the East. Mao's second in command and named successor, Vice Chairman of the Communist Party and Marshal of China Lin Biao would move to take command of the country. He would quickly ally with Mao's wife, Jiang Quing, better known in the west as Madame Mao, to establish complete control over China. Purges would soon commence, and would include former allies of Mao such as Hua Guofeng, and Deng Xiaoping. Biao would delcare his "continuous support for Mao's Cultural Revolution, and preservation of his dream of China".

Chairman Lin Biao was one of the most vigorous supporters of the Cultural Revolution. His believe in the superiority of Maoism over Marxism-Leninism was shared among many in the years before Mao's death, and had contributed greatly to the split between China and the USSR. In 1969 the two countries had almost gone to war, and Biao ascension seemed only to make the situation more dangerous.

The government of the United States did not recognize the People's Republic of China as the legitimate chinese government. This, of course, put a great limitation on Sino-American relations. PResident Kennedy would, notheless, send messages to Chairman Biao regarding his stances concerning a number of topics, including the USSR. The responses were often short and direct, and rarely positive. Biao was clearly no friend of Soviet Russia, but his positions towards the west were much more hostile.

Chairman Lin Biao, Paramount Leader of China

China Alone- A history of the Cultural Revolution, Anne Long
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November 1970 marked a very interesting Midterm election cycle. The Democratic party was showing fractures, the Republicans were focusing on a more progressive stance and seemed to have abandoned(if only for the moment) what they perceived as Nixon's flawed Southern Strategy, and the American Independent Party was gaining popularity fast in the Deep South.

Regardless of the ideological fracture in the Democratic household, they would fare remarcably well on the elections for the House, taking 15 seats in total. The Republicans would lose 20 seats in the election, placing the minority party further in the minority. The American Independent Party would achieve 8 seats in the house, a historical victory. This in total ammount to 263 seats for the Democrats, 172 seats for the Republicans, and 8 seats for the American Independents.

In the senate the democrats would not have the same luck, losing 5 chairs, while the republicans would win 3. New York Conservative James L. Buckley would take a seat from the republicans and Independent Harry F. Byrd Jr would take one from the democrats in Virginia. The total take would ammount to 53 Democrats, 45 republicans 1 New York Conservative and 1 Independent.

When it comes to governors seats, the democrats would gain major victories, taking no less then 11 new states while the republicans lost 12. Two elections in particular were, and that's using the definition of the term lightly, historic.

George Wallace, former American Independent Party candidate in 1968, and famous figure for segregation in the south would take Alabama. With 65% of the vote over democrat Albert Brewer, his landslide victory can be easly traced to the discontent of the south with the current Democratic policies. Wallace would proclaim his victory a great step foward for the "Southern american ideals". He would not get a lot of press coverage, however, considering the outcome in neighboring Tennessee.

Elvis Presley, once the world most famous singer, was now a Governor. Beating republican Winfield Dunn with over 78% of the vote, Presley would receive more news attention then any other governor combined. In his innaugural speech, Elvis would proclaim that:

"We need better Schools in Tennessee. We need better Hospitals, better law enforcement, better transportation and better leadership. I believe i can easly provide the later, and with your help, i will provide the rest. It's time for the state to look foward. In full cooperation with the federal government, i do believe we can make Tennessee a symbol for the rest of the country."

Shortly after his election Presley would fly to Washington were he would meet the President and discuss the future of his state. Today it's easy to see that President Kennedy wanted to be seen with Elvis, and most certaily vice-versa. The meeting would be heavily followed by reporters from great newspapers and TV networks to tabloids. These were, after all, two of the most popular figures in U.S. politics.

In the end, the elections proved to be a major victory for the Democratic Party. With gains in both, the House and The states, and minor losses in the Senate, things were looking up. Kennedy would try to take advantage of these victories in the incoming year to pass his Guaranteed Minimal Income Bill and increase funds for multiple programs and organisations that varied from social welfare to NASA. The Southern Democrats stubborn stance against his administration would also have to stop, and Kennedy would quickly learn that negotiating was not optional if he was to keep the party whole and stop the growth of the AIP.

But of course, the southerners were not against all of RFK's policies. Welfare was something many southern democrats supported. Even so, they had proven paramount in deadlocking Kennedy's Healthcare Bill in 1970, even as such bill was popular among many in the south. By early 1971 they were realising that RFK stance would not change, and that fighting the man non stop would only hurt them in the long run. If Kennedy negotiated, they could stop the deadlock.

President Robert F. Kennedy in 1971

Governor Presley and his wife Priscilla, 1971

History of the Democratic Party, from Jackson to Clinton, Michael A. Cormack
.............
And those were the midterms, and a little extra with China. Next weekend i will finnaly talk about 1971. Kennedy's policies, some world events, and the beggining of the 1972 race. Who will run? Who will not? Stay tuned to find out.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

How can you mend a broken heart

Harry Byrd Jr. named Secretary of Commerce

The White House has announced today that recently elected Independent Senator Harry F. Byrd Jr. has been made Secretary of Commerce. The Virginian politician, although a independent, is very closely associated with the Democratic Party. Byrd is the third southern politician to be named to a Cabinet position in the last 2 months, at what many analysts are calling a "necessary reshuffle" of the Cabinet if the Party is to remain strong.

Presindent Kennedy has proclaimed that "the Democratic Party had a great victory last year, and, if we all try too cooperate, this could turn out a great victory to the american people".

If President Kennedy's attempt at obtaining the Southern democrats cooperation after the deadlocks of 1970 is to succeed, only time will tell.

Senator Harry F. Byrd Jr. of Virginia

The Washington Post, March 2nd, 1971
.............

By all accounts, Kennedy was not very happy in early 1971. Having to fire three of his cabinet members and replace then with southern democrats was a blow to his morale. He also worried about how it would play out with the Media. "Kennedy betrays his progressive views in favor of political power". In the end, the reshuffle was a necessary move.

His administration had the Guaranteed Minimal Income Bill in place, besides the Schools of Tomorrow, the Affordable Healthcare proposal, and the increase in funding for a number of different agencies. It would be a couple of busy years, but the realities of politics would continually get in Kennedy's way. Each of this proposals were a grand endeavour on their own. The hope was that each would be passed before elections in 1972.

The GMI Bill would go through numerous drafts. What started as a radical welfare proposal, called a socialist endeavor by many, ended up as a more moderate, if yet quite left-leaning bill. The Bill would ensure that every unemployed citizen that matched a number of criteria such as proof that he seeked a job on a monthly basis, or that had children enrolled on a public school, would receive basic government support.

The Schools of Tomorrow Bill would increase public spending on education, and seek to captivate children's interest on science, through a number of different programs.

The Affordable Healthcare Act was a toned down version of the Kennedy's failed Healthcare bill of 1970. Kennedy still desired a victory on Healthcare. And he would continue to fight for one until he got it.

And besides all of the above, the president still desired to increase funding for a number of agencies, most notoriously, NASA.

Created in 1958, and gaining fame during the administration of his brother, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration had accomplished in little more than a decade, a monumental feat for all of mankind. Everyone remembered the moon landing two years earlier and Kennedy's speech at that historical occasion. Since then the space race had slowed down, but the public interest continued. The so called "Space Age" was a very popular concept in popular culture, present in everything, from tv shows to literature and movies. The near tragedy of Apollo 13 resulted in the famous quote from the president:

"We cannot let the events of the previous days hamper our resolve when it comes to space. The safe return of our three astrounauts from their mission is proof that, when Americans put theirs mind together, they can accomplish anything. We must continue to invest in the exploration of the space if we're to move foward as a society."

As a result, the Kennedy administration would not budge a single inch when it came to NASA.

All of these proposals, of course, would depend on the administration capacity to gain the support of the southern democrats. If it worked, then a large majority in the House and Senate would ensure a easy ride for the bills. If it worked.

And it certainly did.

By the end of midterms, many southern democrats were arleady going back to the fold. Many that did not completly sever their links and moved to the American Independent Party, would come to see Kennedy's more moderate image as acceptable enough. The president proposals were attractive to many, and having southerners in his cabinet proved that the bostonian could play ball. And so, the GMI got passed by May, with relative easy, and the Schools of tomorrow by July. The second one had a much greater support, with public education being a primary concern for many democrats, regardless if they were northern or southern.

Kennedy would face much greater resistance on his Healthcare Bill once again, and the proposal would be delayed to the following year.

Kennedy's victory in securing funding for NASA, ensured that the Agency would continue to operate and advance a number of it's projects. the Apollo Program would continue, along with plans for the first space station.

All considered, if 1970 was a disapointing year for the administration, 1971 was one of considerable success. Groundbreaking legislature had been passed, and by the years end, he was confident that his reelection campaign was going to go quite well.

History of the Democratic Party, from Jackson to Clinton, Michael A. Cormack
................

The schism in the party that had taken shape in 1970, by the end of the following year was far from totally healed. Even if many had gone back to supporting the administration's bills, Kennedy was still far from ideal to many. And so, by November 20th 1971, John Connaly would proclaim he was running for President. The Texan had been serving on private practice since leaving the governors mansion in 1969. He had hoped for a Cabinet position, but had not been chosen. Now he was aiming for the White House, much for the presidents distaste.

Fmr. Governor John Connaly of Texas, 1971.

The American Independent Party would once again support George Wallace, now governor of Alabama. The southerner segregationist announced his Candidature by august of 1971, completely unoposed in the Party. The AIP had grown considerably after the midterms, with representatives on the House and a governorship. Now Wallace seeked to capitalize on the precarious democratic standing on the Southern states. He had taken most of them by 1968, and now he would take all. At least that's what he wished for.

Governor George Wallace of Alabama, 1971

As for the Republicans, there wasn't a doubt about who the frontrunner was. After the debacle of 1968, and the failed Nixon campaign, Nelson Rockefeller and his progressive faction had grown to have a massive support within the party. The governor of New York had announced he would run again in September, and there were very few seriously oposing him. At least, by late 1971.

Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York, 1971

History of the Republican Party, from Lincoln to Cheney, Michael A. Cormack
...........
Sorry for the delay. Here's 1971 on the political scene. Also i apologize to the states of Maine and Pennsylvania for leaving them blank on the midterm elections. They both went for the democrats just like IOTL. next update will come probably wednesday and won't be about U.S. politics. And next weekend i'l focus on the primaries. Suggestions, praise, critiques, all welcome below.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

News, News and more News

Star Trek: The Motion Picture faces serious creative problems

For the last 3 months, production on the movie version of the popular ongoing TV show Star Trek has been halted. Many claim that creative differences between writer Gene Rodenberry and Director Stanley Kubrik are the reasons behind the delays. shooting conflicts between the movie and the tv series are also causing problems for the production that arleady well over-budget.

According to a crew member who prefers to remain anonymous, Roddenberry ranted on set about how: "Kubrik makes a sci-fi movie in the sixties and suddenly he believes he can make a better version of Star Trek then me. I'm the creator, and thing will go my way!"

Director Stanley Kubrik, who passed on the offer of directing the new adaptation of Mario Puzzo's Mobster movie to do this project, has repeatedly threatened to quit.

If the two creative minds will come to a agreement, or if the major motion picture will crash into the atmosphere, remains to be seen.

New York Times, August 3rd, 1971
...............

Relations between China and Soviet Union continue to worsen

Yesterday, Chairman Lin Biao, ruler of communist China, announced a increase in forces around the Mongolian and Manchurian borders. Biao, who since his ascencion less then two years ago has been quite hostile to the USSR, announced that: "The Soviets, traitors to the revolution, continue to threaten the security and well being of the People's Republic of China. We must not tolerate this russian autocrats, that put in risk the very survival of communism in Asia. The plans set foward by our great leader, Mao Zedong, will remain in motion. China will continue to be the bastion of true socialism in the globe."

Since he took power, Chairman Biao has continued to purge officers and burocrats in the Chinese government that he consider's traitors to the "Great Proletaritat Cultural Revolution". according to sources, the violence has been intense in population centres such as Beijing and Shanghai, with mass executions becoming common place. Sentences for those deemed traitorous to the revolution range from compulsory work on the fields to execution.

Biao's policies have been praised by his supporters, among these is Madame Mao, former wife of the late Chairman, and a very influential figure on the Biao regime.

Chiang Kai-Chiek, president of the Republic of China, the legitimate chinese government, has condemmed the violence and repression in continental China: "This level of violence and opression shows the true colors of communism. Be it Stalin, Mao or Biao, the tyranny of communists cannot be accepted by democratic governments!"

The Kennedy administration has also criticized Biao's action's, declaring that such a move only hurt his government reputation, and that the United States would continue to fight for democracy around the Globe.

Los Angeles Times, October 20th, 1971
..............

Protests in Brazil end in violence

Yesterday, a new series of protests took place in Rio de Janeiro against the military dictatorship that has been ruling the nation since 1964. Thousands gathered on the streets to demmand a end to political and imperialist american practices in the country, and call for democratic elections.

The protesters were met with police violence that resulted in the deaths of over 20 protesters and many more injured. This degree of violence has set new levels to wich the U.S. backed Military dictatorship will do to mantain order.

Similar protests have taken place in multiple countries around South America, such as Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. All of these currently under military dictatorships.

Le Monde Diplomatique, February 3rd, 1972
.............

He could hear the commotion outside. He didn't expect so many supporters there, but he sure liked it. The people new who was the right voice for the party, and it was him. He couldn't avoid feeling a bit humbled by the whole thing. He had fought for his country before he went into politics. His work with entertainment had made a diference on morale, he was sure of that. And now he served his nation in a different way, behind a desk.

- Mr. Governor, they are ready for you. That was Mr. wilcox, a pencil pusher and one of his many campaign heads. A bright young kid, if a bit stiff.

- Thank you son. He got up and headed for the door. as the mayor announced him the commotion grew considerably.

-...And next president of the United States! The Mayor said cheerfully for the crowd, as the candidate walked into the stage. It was very bright outiside, blindlinly so.

- Thank you Mr. Mayor, and thank you Florida! That last part got a very big cheer from the crowd. As a Nation, we've faced many trials these past few years. Now i believe it's time for us to turn a new page in our countrie's history. To return it to it's original greatness! The crowd was making quite a ruckus now. Damm, he was really good at this.

- We'l fight to make our country great again, and in November, we will show that to Washington!

As he finished his speech, he couldn't help but wonder about 1968. He refused Nixon's offer back then, and that might have been a mistake. He had divided many republican's back them. But he showed his strength. He was popular and he knew it. Now Nixon wasn't running. With te man's endorsement he could bring the Conservative republicans together and beat Rockefeller and his so called progressives. And then he would smash that son of a bitch Kennedy come November. Surely Nixon would not hold a grudge, and would do what's right for the Party.

As Ronald Reagan left the stage, he couldnt help but admire what a beatiful morning it was.

...............

 

[Deleted member 92121]

You're so vain


As 1972 dragged around the corner, the election time had arrived once again in America. At first, it seemed that this election would be a much more straight up affair then it's predecessor. The 1968 election had been a historical occasion. With the tumultuous Republican stand-off between Nixon and Rockefeller, the death of Vice-president Humphrey, the birth of the American Independent Party and the ascension of Kennedy to front-runner and later president. It had in many ways shaken the United States in a way few, if any, other election had ever before. There was so many ideologies, beliefs and ideas for what america should become (and for that matter what America was in the first place), that the playing field became blurry.

Now, four years later, the image seemed much clearer.

President Robert F. Kennedy had announced his intentions of seeking re-election for a while now, and kept himself busy on the campaign trail. To many, he was not only the best option, but the only option. It was true that Kennedy had accomplished a great deal during his first term. Major legislation had passed, expanding social welfare, education, the space program among others. The president had successfully ended American military presence in Vietnam, fulfilling his biggest promise, in the meanwhile weakening the Warsaw Pact by negotiating Czechoslovakia exit during the Prague Spring. All that coupled with the moon landing, made his image pristine to many.

The fact that Bobby Kennedy knew how to capitalize on all of his administration successes made him a powerful figures. This was a charismatic man, one that could play to his charm, and his name. By expanding the executive support for the Space Program, civil rights, and welfare, he was not only strenghtening his own beliefs, but tying his image to that of his late brother, and by extension the famous concept of "Camelot".

The Democratic Party was not fully united behind Kennedy, however. The President's liberal stance had alienated many southern democrats. This had fueled George Wallace and his AIP, while leading to a near schism in the Party by early 1970. Since then the President had done much to mend the differences. He had appointed noted southern democrats to his cabinet, and toned down many of his proposals. It had, in large part, succeeded. But not entirely.

John Connaly, former governor of Texas, was, from early on the race, Kennedy's main opponent. The Texan represented to many a more moderate and traditional Democratic Party. Connaly had always been an ambitious figure in the party. As governor, he had been very influential, holding a key electoral state, his support for the party had been very important in previous elections, making sure that Texas remained a democratic powerhouse.

Presidents Kennedy – A time and a place, Jason Petersburg

..............

As the primaries arrived in March, things looked good for the president. He won New Hampshire with great ease. Florida went to Connaly by les then 20 thousand votes, and left many worried. The worry, however, seemed to evaporate as Kennedy swooped a large landslide in Illinois. April followed with more victories for the President. Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania al went to President Kennedy by very large margins. May 2nd proved a very important day, with primaries in Washington D.C., Ohio and Indiana. Connaly managed to win Indiana with a fair margin, but would lose both D.C. and Ohio, much to the Texan dismay.

And so, by early May, things looked quite grim for former governor John Connaly. Tennessee had seemed like a possible vitory for him, but governor Presley, in the height of his popularity made sure that Kennedy would have the Volunteer State. Therefore, by May 17th, after receiving news of his close defeat in Maryland, John Connaly ended his run for president.

There are rumors that the Texan had hoped to use his race to force Kennedy into giving him a cabinet position. Some historians even state that Connaly had eyes on the Vice-presidency. His failure to threaten Kennedy's run, however, led to any possibility of a deal evaporating.

When the Democratic National Convention arrived in July 10, there was not really any competition left for the President. Ed Muskie, Henry Jackson, even Eugene McCarthy. These were all names put forward in the ballots. But none was of any actual threat. Muskie was quite confortable in his position of Secretary of State, and intended to remain there for the forseable future. Jackson was one of Kennedy's greatest supporters, even if a critic of the president's policy on Vietnam. And Eugene McCarthy was a spent force and knew it.

Victory came in the first Ballot.

In his acceptance speech, Robert F. Kennedy promised to continue to fight for equality, and fairness in the United States. Not one of his most remarkable speeches, it was quite short, and to many, not specially inspired. Regardless, Kennedy had secured his position in his Party, and now moved on to secure his position in the white house.

History of the Democratic Party, from Jackson to Clinton, Michael A. Cormack

...............

The Republican Party was, to put it in a word, shaken up. 1968 had done great damage, and now, Lincoln's party struggled to keep up. The so-called "Progressive move" of the early 1970's as it's known today was an attempt of the Party to switch to a more moderate stance. The Republican's had faced defeat repeatedly. It seemed that conservatism was not appealing to many. So, right after their loss in 1968, the GOP would tie itself to the image of Nelson Rockefeller and his "progressives" in a attempt to finnaly gain a edge.

Rockefeller's nomination, to the vast majority of the population, seemed as clear as Kennedy's. No one expected the New Yorker to do so well as he did in 1968. Now he would come blow to blow with Kennedy. That was all quite obvious.

To others, it didn't seem such a certain outcome. The conservatives in the GOP still had a voice, and that voice came in the form of Ronald Reagan.

The Californian would announce his run early on. A big surprise in 1968, Reagan had managed to gain quite a number of votes as a third option, before finally dropping out in support of the other Californian candidate. Now he would try again, placing himself as a defender of the "True Republican party" and of traditional American values.

As the primaries took shape, a question remained in the minds of many political players.

Where was Richard Nixon?

History of the Republican Party, from Lincoln to Cheney, Michael A. Cormack

.................

Tis i!!! Sorry for the long wait, finnaly returned from my trip and have once again access to my PC and a proper keyboard. More coming tomorrow!

 

[Deleted member 92121]

You're so vain - Part 2


By 1972 Richard Nixon was a spent force to many. Having lost two elections, twice to a Kennedy. The former Vice-President had spent the last four years on private practice, involved in a series of projects in California.

His voice, however, still caried a lot of weight among many Republicans. He might not have been capable of winning another nomination, or even shown a inclination for trying, but his influence was far from fully diminished. In that context, Ronald Reagan would call him right after winnning the Florida primary on March 15th.

The Nixon-Reagan calls, as they're known today, are quite famous examples of back-door politics that remain part of the political arena to this day.


-Good night Mr. Vice-President. I'm sorry about the time.

-It's not night yet in California Mr. Governor. I heard of your victory there in Florida. I believe congratulations are due.

-Thank you Mr. Vice-President. I believe you know the reason i'm calling you sir.

-Yes Ronald i'm aware. You want my support. My help securing the nomination and getting you to the white house.

-Yes sir, Rockefeller has the support of most of the party, but if we conservatives stick together, we can take it back, from that i'm sure. My victory today proves that there's support for our stance.

-Yes, and you need me to do for you what i did for Goldwater in 64, steal the rug from Rockefeller's feet.

-Your support for Goldwater was paramount for his nomination sir, that's quite clear to everyone. This time we can beat Kennedy and secure the White House for the Party.

- No.

- Sir?

- Four years ago i asked for your support in the primaries. I offered you the chance to be Vice-President, Ronald and you said no.

-Mr. Vice-President i was

-You were proud and ambitious and you led to that stalemate between me and Rockefeller. And now you expect me to support you counting on some grudge i might have against the man. So no Mr. Governor, i will do what's better for the unity of the Party.

-Mr. Vice-President...

Exerpt from the Nixon Recordings - March 15th, 1972
................

The Republican primaries were, in many ways, very similar to the Democratic counterparts. There was a clear front-runner, followed by a contender whom represented a older, more traditional branch of the Party. In this case, Nelson Rockefeller and Ronald Reagan. And much like the democratic primaries, the contender showed little true traction.

Rockefeller would win New Hampshire easily enough. Florida would fall on a landslide to Reagan. But that would prove his only victory. Illinois, Winsconsin, Massachussetts and Pennsylvania would all go to Rockefeller. By late April, with his expected support not materializing, Ronald Reagan ended his campaign.

Many theorize that the reason Reagan decided to end his campaign early was a desire to run again in 1976. The man had arleady been defeated in the 1968 convention, and losing another one might mean wasting his political capital. Better to wait for the right opportunity. It was not until decades later that the Nixon Recordings came to light. The refusal of Richard Nixon to suport Reagan meant that the candidate would have little chance uniting the Party under his views. The GOP would be moving for a more moderate stance after all.

The 1972 Republican National Convention, just like it's Democratic counterpart, would be won before it even took place. Governor of New York, Nelson A. Rockefeller would take the nomination on the first Ballot. For his Vice-President he would choose Michigan Governor George Romney, his choice four years earlier.

His acceptance speech would be, much like his Democratic opponent, fairly unremarkable. There was no place or need for a great rousing speech, however. Rockefeller was not a ideological opponent to Kennedy, like Reagan or Nixon. And the man was popular among many, both in his state as well as around the Country. He could only hope it would be enough to beat Kennedy in the following months.

As the election approached, both candidates would dedicate much of their time to the campaign trail. On one side there was Kennedy, seeking to preserve his seat for another four years, and on the other, Rockefeller hoping that his Party's new stance would deliver it the White house after 12 years of Democratic control.

Time only would tell.

New York Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1972

History of the Republican Party, from Lincoln to Cheney, Michael A. Cormack
...................

 

[Deleted member 92121]

I'l take you there

The 1972 presidential election, much like it's predecessor four years earlier, would attract artists from around the country to support one side or the other.

Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Lennon, Jefferson Airplane, Hawkwind, Bob Dylan, and many others would come out in open support for Kennedy. The President was extremely popular among the musical scene and the collective imagination of the late 60's and early 70's. If four years earlier he had attracted some famous names with strong opinions, now he had a plethora of artists all ready to voice their views. A clear reflection of the politicalization of the Music Business by 1970.

In Holywood figures like Marlon Brando, coming right of his success in The Godfather, would throw his vocal support behind Kennedy and his fight for Civil Rights. Others, like Clint Eastwood would support Rocky and his moderate Republican approach.

The two pillars of the artistic movement, California in the west and New York in the east, would provide a battleground for supporters of both candidates.

George Harrison and Bob Dylan in a Concert in support of Kennedy - October, 1972.

Pop Culture in U.S. Elections - 1972, Sabrina Kent
.......................

The Golden State, home of Governor Ronald Reagan and former Vice-President Richard Nixon, had gone Republican in every election since 1952, with the exception of the Goldwater debacle in 1964. Reagan had been confident that, with a moderate such as Rockefeller running, and his support, it wouldn't be hard to take the State. But as the polls continued to arrive throughout September and October, thing started to look dangerous for Rockefeller. By October 12th two polls indicated 52% Kennedy 45% Rockefeller 3% undecided. These numbers scared the party considerably.

The pressure would result in a Rockefeller trip through the state, visiting Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco and finally Oakland for a week by mid-October. This trip is seen as having diverted time the candidate could've spent on campaign in other key states such Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois. In many of his speech venues, the Candidate would appear side by side with his ideological opponent within the Party, Governor Reagan, doing all he could to cyphon support from all republican camps, as well as supporters of the governor in General. His heavy campaigning in the State would lead to his recovery in the polls by late October, much to the relief of the party.

New York would prove to be the other scenario of the War for the presidency, and a odd one. A predominantly liberal and progressive fortress, it had been easily won by Kennedy four years earlier. Now, however, his opponent was a the popular governor of the State. Kennedy would campaign extensively there, more then in any other state. His rallies would prove extremely popular. One such instance would show numbers as high as 100 thousand people in his Central Park Rally. That, added with his considerable support in the art scene, helped him become a serious competitor for the state.

Rockefeller would also campaign considerably on his home turf. Rochester, Syracuse, New York city, would all house large rallies for the governor. Polling would prove inconclusive, as some indicated a easy Rockefeller victory, while others predicted a Kennedy landslide. The State would prove a mistery until the last moment.

Both candidates would campaign extensively in the state, in particular in New York City.

Robert Kennedy campaign strategy would be one of intense touring through mostly rural or industrial areas in the Rust belt and upper south. The president would travel through the Great lakes region, as well as states such as Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia in hopes of securing the vote of the "common man". Kennedy's charisma, coupled with his logical connection to JFK, would do wonders to paint him as the simpathetic candidate in these areas, while Rockefeller would be perceived as a metropolitan elitist.

History of the Democratic Party, from Jackson to Clinton, Michael A. Cormack
...................

"....He's a man of great principle, who's been fighting for you and me four most of his life. Four years ago we as a people made the decision of naming him President. It was the right decision, no doubt about that. It was what made me realize that i could make a diference in government. Now folks, we need to make a choice once again. And heck, looking at the other guy, i would say it's no hard choice at all!"

Well folks, that was Governor Presley speech in front of City Hall. I don't know about you folks, but i know whom i'l be voting for. This has been Nick Ruppins, with a special report. Next on WHBQ: some Jailhouse Rock. See you later Memphis.
...............

As Election day rolled in, the nation was ready to see it's new leader.

On New England and the Northwest, President Kennedy would easily carry the majority. New Hampshire and Vermont would be the exceptions, remaining on the Republican side. New York would prove a great suprise to many. One, if not the most contested state in the country would be won by Kennedy with 52% of the vote. New Jersey Pennsylvania and West Virginia would also go to the President. Maryland and Delaware would be won by Rockefeller with stable margins.

The great lakes region would prove to be another of Kennedy's victory grounds. In Illinois Kennedy would secure a easy victory. Michigan would also be won with confortable numbers. Indiana would fall to Rockefeller, but in a very close race, Kennedy would carry Ohio.

In the South both Kentucky and Virginia would go Republican. Tennessee, to the surprise of few, would go to Kennedy. Governor Presley had been campaigning more then any other governor. He would tie his image directly to that of the president, and taking in consideration his popularity, that would guarantee Kennedy the state. North Carolina would also be won by the democrat, proving that the Party still held considerable influence in the South. South Carolina and Arkansas, however, would chose Rockefeller, this time proving that the Republican Party had also made great gains in the region.

Alabama, Mississipi, Georgia and Louisiana would, just like four years previously, fall to George Wallace and his American Independent Party. A victory for the governor in the south, but not as large as in 1968.

The Sunshine state would fall confortably on Kennedy's side. Texas, would prove a very close call. It would, in the end, preserve itself on the Democratic field.

In the Midwest, Rockefeller would sweep the field. Only Minnesota, a traditionally democratic stronghold, and South Dakota would go to Kennedy. The later thanks to much campaigning by Vice-President McGovern in his home state.

And finally we arrive in the West coast. California, another giant on the field, would prove, just like New York, a surprise to many. Rockefeller would carry the state by a close 51.60% of the votes. His heavy campaigning there, coupled with Reagan strong support, are seen as decisive factors. Oregon would also go Republican, while Washington would vote for Kennedy.

Hawaii would be won by the President with ease, whle Alaska would be taken by Rockefeller.

In the end, it was not really a close race. Four very succesful years, a very popular image and a oposing candidate with fairly similar views would ensure that Robert F. Kennedy won by a very good margin.

The President, with 289 electoral votes, and 56.5% of the popular vote had secured four more years.

The End and the Beginning of a Era, Marcus P. Edginton
..............
Well, that's 1972 folks. Got a lot planned for his next four years of Kenedy's term Comments and opinions aways apreciated.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

High Ground


"The Bastards are going to end up blowing us all up"

Statement by President Robert F. Kennedy to Secretary of State Edmund Muskie on November 18th, 1972
..............

Kennedy's victory celebration wouldn't last very long, as international affairs would demand his attention shortly after his reelection.

On November 8th, 1972, a Soviet patrol, reportedly on their side of the Ussuli river would be attacked an killed by Chinese forces. The incident would spark the famous "Second Border Conflict", and nearly trigger a Nuclear War.

In 1969 a very similar conflict had arisen, when Chinese and Soviet troops clashed on Damansky island, on the same same Ussuri river. The conflict had marked a breaking point on the Sino-Soviet split. Fortunately for all, cooler heads prevailed and Chairman Mao and Premier Brezhnev came to a understanding.

Now, however, Chairman Mao was long dead, and Chairman and Paramount Leader Lin Biao ruled the nation. A man whose views on the Soviets was one of open hostility.

Tensions had been rising since his ascension to power on 1970. Large numbers of Chinese forces were being moved to the Sino-Mongolian and Sino-Soviet borders for the last two years, and now, it seemed that a war was inevitable.

The Soviet Union in no way was backing down. Fully aware of the Chinese actions, they would also increase forces on their border significantly.

Soviet troops were diverted to the chinese border

The Soviet Intelligence Aparatus had been following the events in China very closely for years. The death of Mao had triggered fears among the Soviets about a possible successor. Brezhnev had hoped that a conciliatory force might take power, but instead China was now ruled by a Hostile single-minded hardline Maoist.

During the Chinese purges following Chairman Biao ascension, Propaganda would frequently claim a the presence of Soviet spies, and their influence in trying crush China under the "reactionary feet of Russia". History has shown that, in part, they were correct. There was a presence of Soviet spies on China, trying for some time to weaken Biao's position so that another figure might step in. By late 1972, however, the Chairman had secured his position, being responsible for the death and displacement of dozens of thousands of "subersives, spies, and other traitors to the Cultural Proletariat Revolution".

Chairman Biao, aided by Jiang Qing, better known as Madam Mao, would continue to cement his position as Mao Zedong's heir, and defender of the Cultural Revolution.

Propaganda depicting Chairman Lin Biao holding the Little Red Book by the side of his
predecessor, Mao Zedong. The poster reads "Advance victoriously while following Chairman
Mao's revolutionary line"

The incident on the Ussuli river would be called a act of agression by Brezhnev and the Soviet government. Chairman Biao would proclaim that the Soviet soldiers were on the Chinese side of the river, gathering information on chinese defenses. This would be vehemently denied by Soviet authorities.

It is believed today that none of the two leaders had any interest in escalating the conflict any further. Chairman Biao was still establishing his power over China. His seat and life were in no immediate danger, but if a conflict was to spark between his country and the "northern traitors to the socialist revolution", he would prefer it to start in a later moment, when his grip over the country was more complete.

Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev, on the other hand was deeply concerned with preserving the cohesion of the Warsaw Pact in Europe, and preventing the 1969 Prague Deal from resulting in the "liberalization" of further Warsaw members. He wished to make it clear that no further dissent with Soviet doctrine would be allowed, and that Czechoslovakia was a exception, and nothing more. For that reason, continuing to divert men to the Chinese border was far from acceptable to Brezhnev. A possible war with another socialist country, and one with nuclear capability at that, was the last thing the Premier desired.

Both man, however, were too set in their positions to back down. One nation claimed to have been unjustly attacked, and the other that it was simply defending itself. In the end it took a third figure to finally put a end to the conflict.

President Robert F. Kennedy would, on Nobember 19th, 1972, make a official statement, that any Nuclear conflict between the two nations would be unnacceptable, and that it would most likely result in U.S. retaliations against the first agressor. This stance was the same held by him in 1969, and earlier by his predecessors, Lyndon B. Johnson and JFK. The threat of a two way conflict was to both China and the USSR far beyond the acceptable. For that reason, the conflict would begin to die out by late November.

While troop presence in the border would remain quite high, no further blood would be spilled. the Soviet dead would be peacefully returned, and peace would be guaranteed for now.

The event, would be the first international situation wich would draw President Kennedy's attention after his Re-election. It wouldn't be the last, as his second term would in many ways be dominated by foreign affairs.

China Alone- A history of the Cultural Revolution, Anne Long
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Hope everyone enjoys. Interesting stuff in China, and a bit of foreshadowing there in the end.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Killing me softly

As 1973 rolled around the corner, President Robert Kennedy was, for the second time, sworn into office. The world was still recovering from the big scare of the "Second Border Conflict", but the President's strong stance on the situation seemed to please many. This was not, as many Republicans liked to claim, a man without foreign affairs experience. Kennedy had handled the situation with strength and decisiveness, and many compared it to his brother's handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis a decade earlier.

One man who had not handled the situation very well was Premier Leonid Brezhnev. The leader of the Soviet Union had seem in Kennedy's threats of intervention in a Sino-Soviet conflict a direct offence. Four years earlier the two man had negotiated the Prague Deal, bringing to a end the American war in Vietnam and Soviet presence in Czechoslovakia simultaneously. It was perceived around the globe as a great diplomatic breakthrough.

What it had been in fact was a calculated exchange to strengthen each individual foothold on power. It had suited the Premier, but now Kennedy wanted to police the world. Getting his country involved in matter's that did not concern them. The United States didn't even recognize the People's Republic of China legitimated status as a nation. They still clinged to the reactionary tyrant in Taiwan and his delusions. And now they wanted to tell the Chinese and the Soviets what to do?

The young man could become a headache; he would have to learn his lesson sooner than later.

Tales from the Kremlin- Brezhnev, Georgy Zhulovich

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The term Stagflation is a portmanteau of the words Stagnation and Inflation. Up to the 1970's, the two concepts were not seem as interconnected. As a matter of fact, Inflation was, in many ways, regarded as a positive boost for the economy. The idea might seem bizarre to most today, but what we hold as basic economics is, in fact, a relatively new realization on the history of the economical world.

British MP Ian Mcleod coined the term, in 1965. It would, however, only gain prominence in Britain in 1970, when the politician, now lord of the exchequer used it once again to define the economic situation of the country. He would use the term a third time, in March 1973, this time in a interview with Newsweek magazine. Now it would really become popular, and for no small reason.

The beginning of 1973 would see the American economy take a ever so slightly plunge. The term would describe the situation now faced by the United States, were a growing supply of money in face os a economy slowing down provoked adverse and negative effects.

The situation would be downplayed by many, be then politicians, economists or intellectuals. Some, however, would warn that if a external factor was added to the equation, say a decrease on the flow of a certain essential product or material, then the economy could suffer a great shock.

The external factor would come later that year, shocking both the economy, and those that failed to predict it.

The End and the Beginning of a Era, Marcus P. Edginton
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Short update foreshadowing a couple of things. Next update tomorrow!