WI: President Eugene McCarthy

RFK chooses not to enter the Democratic field in 1968, leaving the primaries to Eugene McCarthy and his challenge to LBJ and Hubert Humphrey.

How far does McCarthy get? Can he snatch the nomination? If he doesn't, does he become the 1972 frontrunner? Can he defeat McGovern? How does he do against Nixon? Etc. etc.
 
Beginning in 1972 nominees were picked in primaries. If you move that change back four years then it is possible. tThat is difficult because the change came in reaction to the 1968 election. mMaybe if Goldwater is denied the nomination and conservatives lobby for reform.
 
McCarthy doesn't get anywhere. A handful of bosses control 75% of the delegates. Won't make it very far in '72 either.
 
What if Humphrey for whatever strange reason doesn't pursue the nomination? A little ASB obviously but we're not getting anywhere with him in the picture.
 
What if Humphrey for whatever strange reason doesn't pursue the nomination? A little ASB obviously but we're not getting anywhere with him in the picture.

Without RFK in the race, Humphrey will never declare his candidature because LBJ push him to enter in the race after his withdraw (and the main reason for LBJ withdraw was RFK's candidature) so without RFK and HHH in the race you have McCarthy against President LBJ
 
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