Fear and Loathing in Nixonland (Gameplay Thread)

[KaiserDave]

Senator Hubert H. Humphrey
Sit-Down with TIME

Cut-Down for Conciseness

Hugh Sidey: Senator, you made your return to the Senate earlier this year. How has it been to back in the upper chamber?

Hubert Humphrey: Well it's an immense privilege Hugh, and I'm honored by the confidence the voters in Minnesota showed me and their confidence in me to represent them. I will always be grateful to the voters of my state.

You know Hugh, it's a unique experience, to enter the Senate, to leave the Senate, and then return back to the Senate. Not only am I reconnecting with old colleagues, but I have the chance to mentor a new generation of Democratic leaders. We've welcomed a lot of exciting new leaders into the upper chamber with out strong wins in the recent midterm cycle, Adlai Stevenson and Lawton Chiles come to mind. 1970 was a very important year for our party, and I'm sure 1972 will be even more important.

Hugh Sidey: What makes 1972 so important, in your view?

Hubert Humphrey: I believe this country is at a very important crossroads Hugh. I believe that come November 1972 the voters of this country will have to choose between two starkly defined, different visions for the future. A dark vision of cynicism and division, and a bright future of peace, prosperity, and justice. I sincerely believe that it will be the latter, the vision of the Democratic Party, that will end up on top.

Hugh Sidey: Do you plan on making yourself a candidate for President again?

Hubert Humphrey: I haven't yet decided Hugh, but I've sought the Presidency twice, I've been Vice President, and I believe I am qualified not only to lead this party into a crucial election, but also to lead the country we all love.

The United States needs serious, principled, dedicated leadership for the challenges of the latter 20th century. When the incumbent took office three years ago, he promised us peace in Vietnam, social peace, and prosperity. We've been left with a seemingly endless war, rising crime, and an economy in stagnant condition. The next President will have to willing to aggressively tackle these problems, with a vision, a real positive vision Hugh, instead of cynicism and political gamesmanship.

Hugh Sidey: You sure sound like a candidate Senator.

Hubert Humphrey: (Laughs) Well I'm considering it. I'm definitely considering it.

Hugh Sidey: Well Senator, should you seek the nomination of your party, people are going to have a lot of questions. Especially about the last election.

Hubert Humphrey: Questions I'm certainly ready to answer.

Hugh Sidey: Well then let's talk about it. Simply put, the 1968 Democratic Convention was a violent disaster, it has left a poor taste in the mouth of the voter that lasted to November, and beyond. My question is, what happened, why won't it happen again, and can Democrats be trusted to govern?

Hubert Humphrey: People are right to ask this. There's no two ways about it, it was a travesty, a disgrace, a terrible tragedy. We saw some of the meanest aspects of America, and it certainly damaged the standing of the party, for which I am terribly regretful about.

Hugh Sidey: But Senator, do you take responsibility, or who do you hold responsible? There are very serious concerns here, that you can never lead the party again after Chicago.

Hubert Humphrey: Well Milton Eisenhower's report to the Justice Department was very clear, the violence was instigated by rogue, disorderly individuals in the Chicago P.D. We've known this since December '68, when the report was made public. I believe those individuals should be held responsible, and that furthermore, permits for peaceful demonstrations should have been issued. This is all made very clear in Milton Eisenhower's report, and I place a lot of credibility and respect in him and his impartiality. Noting the lessons of his report, we will never let something like this happen again, that will certainly involve reform in police departments. I regret much about the '68 campaign, perhaps most of all what happened in Chicago, but I do not regret the platform we ran on, a platform of economic opportunity and social justice. That platform is still very relevant.  

The Summer of '68 would have been less violent and we had those social solutions for this country and we resolved the underlying tension that leads to dissatisfaction with the status quo. These are the problems of not only police brutality, but also poverty, of persistent racial segregation, of educational inadequacy, and inequality. These problems still face us today, and most of all, the problem of the War in Vietnam, which President Nixon pledged he would end. Three years later, we've fighting a larger war, and the social problems at home engendered by the war remain with us. Crime has gone up, not down, and economic growth has slowed. America shouldn't accept this.

Hugh Sidey: What solutions would you propose?

Hubert Humphrey: Most of all, we need to disentangle ourselves from this increasingly pestilential war. I can say with confidence, that if I had been elected in 1968, we would no longer be in Vietnam. We would have peace. That said, I wish I had been more clear to the American people in 1968 that a Humphrey Presidency would lead to a quick end to the war. So I'll make myself perfectly clear now.

I believe that the tragic sacrifices of our armed forces are increasingly hollow. It is a cruel reality for our soldiers and their families, but I believe it is increasingly obvious. Not to mention the increasingly obvious horribly destructive and violent effect this whole war is having on the long suffering Vietnamese people. I think middle America agrees that this mess, this quagmire, has to end. The only solution is a comprehensive and complete withdrawal of American forces, which I propose to occur concurrent with a fair peace agreement with the North Vietnamese. I would further put an immediate end to any expansions of American involvement in Indochina, before we know it we will be fighting prolonged jungle wars in Laos and Cambodia as well, and we will never get out of it. Quite simply, we need to get out of Vietnam. I don't think the President has a plan to get us out of Vietnam, I think his plan is to stay indefinitely until there is a consistent stream of positive domestic newspaper headlines, which is not a solution. I won't wait for a battlefield victory to paint over the gaping flaws of the fighting, for me, the first steps for withdrawal should begin on January 21st. Come hell or high water, we will be out of Indochina, and it will be happen immediately.

Peace in Vietnam, I believe, will mean more peace at home, and we can start actually putting in the work to build domestic peace and prosperity.

Hugh Sidey: What would that work look like?

Hubert Humphrey: Well, in an ideal sense, we need to build upon the tremendous, historic legacies of the New Deal and the Great Society, to eradicate poverty in this country and truly care for the most vulnerable in our society. To that end, I would propose a variety of programs. We need a full employment program, we need a national healthcare system, we need a national childcare guarantee. We need integration in our schools and suburbs. We need to resolve the deep injustices in the ghettos and Hugh, I'd still like to see Taft-Hartley repealed! I'm very optimistic that we can see this through. If Democrats are united, if we are clear, if we are bold, I believe we will win out. I'm already pushing for this agenda in the Senate, but we will need a Democratic President to make it happen.

Hugh Sidey: Are you concerned about the unity of Democrats?

Hubert Humphrey: Oh certainly Hugh. This is a great party, with a lot of great talent and promising leaders, our party workers are dedicated and hardworking, and our partners in labor and civil rights organizations work hard as well. We owe them much. They deserve a candidate that is as dedicated as they are, who is seriously committed to the labor agenda, the civil rights agenda, the disability rights agenda, the women's rights agenda, a real progressive course. I think the vast majority of candidates reflect this, but there are also many candidates who I think cannot effectively unite our party, who err towards opportunism. My goal is to unite our party, our candidates, our officers, and our supporters, to win 1972.

Hugh Sidey: Do you think you could unite the party?

Hubert Humphrey: Yes I do Hugh.

Philadelphia, January 10, 1972
Snow falls in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park as Hubert Humphrey takes the stage to speak to a large crowd of supporters

"My friends, my fellow Americans, working people of Philadelphia. Welcome to Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park here in South Philadelphia. I'm so glad we can come back together today, today, to continue our mission. The mission to make America the best it can be. We here declare that America is not measured by the condition of its political and economic elites, but that America and her government is measured by how it treats those the who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped. Another great man American believed as we do, and that is the man for whom this park is named, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the greatest President we've ever had in this country.

President Roosevelt dedicated his Presidency to the betterment of the conditions of the poor, the elderly, the young, the handicapped. He took office when the condition of these classes had never been more depraved or appalling. He sought change, to bring the shining ideals of compassion and dignity to our halls of government. For this he was called a socialist, for this he was opposed by the entrenched power of concentrated economic and political power, but with the power of the American people, he triumphed! Thanks to him we have public power, public farm supports, social security, deposit insurance, strong and independent labor organizations and more.

Forty years since the great FDR ascended to the office of the Presidency, these problems have reasserted themselves. Thanks to the visionary Great Society of President Johnson, we've made significant progress, but since 1968 it's never been more obvious we have more to do, more progress to make, and more fights to be won. But my friends, we're here because we are not afraid, and we believe in America. We know that we can achieve national health insurance, integration in our schools and suburbs, dignity and safety in our urban areas, clean air and water, and secure the dignity and rights of labor! We are here because we know it can be done.

My friends, that is why I am here today. I know we can achieve this, and I believe I am the man best prepared to get it done. I have been fighting for the equal rights of all people for many years, I have fought for social and economic justice, for compassion, for dignity. That is what I have dedicated my life to. I have been in the Senate, I have been Vice President, I have been in local government. I have seen what it takes to effect change. I know we have fights to wage and fights to win, and I have ready to fight them, with joy, and with enthusiasm, because that is what it is going to take to get it done!

For that reason, I am here to announce that I will seek the Democratic nomination for President, and with your help, we will win!

Today we begin our journey across this country to gain the confidence, belief, and trust of the voters. We will be in parks, in union halls, on factory floors, in town halls and county fairs. We're going to tell people about all the good this country can accomplish when good people come together. The opportunity we can create when we show compassion to our neighbors. That peace at home and abroad is possible, and not just possible, but very necessary for the salvation of our country and of humanity. That work and workers have dignity.

I believe that this campaign is the best hope for those lofty ideals. That's why I'm going to put everything I have into it, and I sincerely hope you all will join me. Thank you Philadelphia and God bless America!

[KaiserDave]

Statement from the Humphrey Campaign

Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (D-MN) will be filing for the Wisconsin and Florida primaries, to demonstrate his ability as a candidate to perform strongly across all sections of the manifold New Deal Democratic majority. Senator Humphrey further urges harmony amongst all Democratic candidates to ensure victory in November.

[KaiserDave]

Statement from the Humphrey Campaign

Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (D-MN), candidate for President, has announced the national leadership of his primary campaign.

Campaign Chairman: Senator Walter Mondale (D-MN)
Campaign Co-Chair: Mayor Kevin White (D-MA)
Campaign Manager: Lawrence J. Hayes
Chief Strategist: Jack L. Chestnut
Senior Advisor: Max Kampelman
Press Secretary: Daniel R. Hackel

Senator Humphrey particularly welcomes his close friend and colleague Walter Mondale onto the campaign as Chairman, and Mayor of Boston Kevin White as co-chair. Both men are strong Democratic leaders who represent the party well in their respective constituencies. Senator Humphrey's campaign is a truly national campaign that seeks to unite all Democrats behind a common cause.

Statement of Principles

The following is an official statement of the Senator's principles demonstrating the vision of Senator Humphrey for the United States, as a nation of opportunity, compassion, and decent content living for all people.

On Jobs: Over five million unemployed Americans need work -- not unemployment compensation, not endless training, not welfare. That's why I've proposed one million community development jobs, retraining of highly skilled unemployed, a national domestic development bank, urban revitalization and greater private investment opportunities to create jobs.
 
On Tax Reform: The time has come for tax justice. We must say to the super rich, big business and the bankers: you must pay your fair share, you cannot have it all. We must close the loopholes and reform income and payroll taxes. We must relieve the heavy property tax burden from the farmer and the home owner.

On Healthcare: There are 40 million Americans without health insurance. This is unacceptable, un-American, and unconscionable. For this reason I propose a program of national health insurance, to be funded by payroll taxes and general revenues.
 
On Cost of Living: Republican price controls are a failure. Food, medical costs, appliance repairs, car and transportation costs are going up. We need a fair control system to protect the consumer. Price violators must be prosecuted.
 
On Peace: Our military involvement in Southeast Asia should be terminated at once. It's time for total military withdrawal and to obtain a peace agreement to bring POWs and MIAs home. We also must reduce sharply our American military installations overseas. I further propose expanding the G.I. Bill for Vietnam veterans.
 
On Civil and Human Rights: We can only move forward as one people of equal citizens, not as a nation divided into first and second class citizens. We cannot turn back the clock on such civil rights as voting and equal employment and housing opportunities. We must realize the dream of Dr. King, where individuals can live happily on their merits, and not be hampered by either base violent prejudices or laws shaped by discrimination.

On Labor: The working men and women of America are the backbone of the American economy, free and independent labor organizations are a centerpiece of freedom and American life. I will do all I can for the rights of labor, including appoint a man or woman of labor to the Labor Department, and seek the repeal and replacement of Taft-Hartley with a more balanced labor relations law. I further propose increasing the minimum wage and tying it to inflation.

On Women and Families: The women of America are entitled to a decent living and equal opportunity. For this reason I propose appointing more women to the federal bureaucracy, the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, and a new government program to support families specifically on providing low-cost childcare for working mothers.  

On Consumers: America's consumers have had a raw deal, what with inflation, price gouging, and dishonest business practices. I propose the creation of an independent government agency for the protection of consumers.
 
On Youth: We must bring the youth of America into the mainstream of politics and government. As President I will create an office of youth affairs with a cabinet-level chairman to bring youth into government. I have proposed a new national service corps Americans For Domestic Development.

On the Elderly: The older men and women of America deserve dignity, respect, and happiness in their twilight years. Nixon's inflation has reduced the value of social security payments, for this reason I propose a 25% rise in benefits.
 
On Environment: Every American has a right to clean air, pure water and unravaged land. Environmental protection takes strong government enforcement and commitment from industry and consumer. The choice is not pollution or progress. We can have planned and controlled growth.
 
On Education: Quality education means integrated education, modern facilities, increased Federal spending to cover at least one-third of state costs, equalization of state spending among school districts, a Federal educational trust fund and local democratic control of school standards.

On America in the World: America must continue to be a beacon of freedom and opportunity for the world to all people oppressed by totalitarianism, not only by providing an inspiring model of domestic prosperity and justice, but by seeking peace and cooperation across the world, as well as supporting our allies, especially the State of Israel.
 
On Farm Income: The American farmer has suffered long enough. We need a return to supply-management type farm commodity programs: a program of national reserve inventories for crops; legislation to strengthen the farmer's bargaining power in the market place and adequate farm credit.
 
On Crime and Drug Abuse: We must fight the enemy within -- crime and drug traffic. I've proposed a five-point drug cure and control program. We need court and prison reforms, well-equipped police departments, insurance for firemen and policemen and Federal penalties for killing law enforcement officers.

[KaiserDave]

Humphrey Speech to the Miami-Dade County Democratic Party Dinner

My fellow Democrats, it is a pleasure and a privilege to among you this evening. I want to thank you for allowing me to speak to you, and enjoy your company. I also want to congratulate the Florida Democratic Party for their incredible victories in the midterm elections here in Florida. Thanks to the work you put in, we elected a new Democratic Governor, Governor Askew (Applause) and a new Democratic United States Senator, Senator Chiles (Applause). I think you fine folks showed the nation, and President Nixon, and Vice President Agnew, that the Florida Democratic Party is as strong as ever. (Applause, cheers) My hope is that in 1972, we will show them all that the national Democratic Party is as strong as ever.

That is why I am running for President. I said last year that I sought to be a "harmonizer" for all groups within the Democratic tent. As a candidate for President, I still consider myself a "harmonizer." That's why I'm committing to lifting all Democrats up, not putting them down, and I am committed to upholding party unity. We cannot beat Nixon and Agnew without unity. That's why I intend to contest primaries in every region of the country, that's why I've put together a platform that I believe appeals to all of our good Democrats across this country. My campaign for President is a national, harmonizing, and unifying one. That's why I believe I'm best positioned to take on Nixon and Agnew, and deliver victories across the country like the Florida Democratic Party delivered in 1970. It's true, 1968 was a bitter pill to swallow for all of us, but we came oh so close, and I'm convinced with one more heave we will get it done, especially as the public recognizes so many of the President's campaign promises to be exactly that.

Now please, do not mistake my call for party unity and harmony to be the sign of a vapid campaign. I firmly believe I have the strongest and most credible record on policy of any candidate seeking the Presidency. On Medicare, on labor, on human rights, on education, I stand by my record. You have known me as the Happy Warrior because I recognize that making change requires enthusiasm, courage, and joy, and I'm pleased to tell you I stand before you as happy and as ready for the next fight as ever. (Applause)

My campaign's program for this country is badly needed. After almost four years, thankfully soon to be over, of President Nixon, we have higher crime, higher inflation, higher unemployment, poorer schools, and the war in Indochina drags on. I propose we put an end to the war and address badly needed tasks at home. We need a program to create millions of quality union jobs across this country, including here in Florida, including Miami. We need to increase social security benefits, and tie it to inflation as well. I'm watching with horror as inflation eats into the livelihoods of America's aging population, it's unconscionable and I'll put a stop to it. We need a national health insurance program to put an end to the humanitarian crisis of un-insurance. We need more federal funds for education, and we need a new labor relations law, some reprieve for the union men and women who've taken a real beating these days. We need federal funds for childcare, and we need ethics reform in government.  We need more money for police and fire departments, and we also need to address the root causes of crime, which comes in the form of integration and my full employment program.

I can see a lot of eager faces around the room. This is because this is an agenda that unites us as Democrats. It is not an extreme or divisive agenda, it is a common-sense agenda that unites Democrats everywhere. But we can only achieve it even we elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 1972, and I think I am prepared to do the best job of leading us.

Even then the fight will not be easy, but I've taken up hard fights before. Let nobody forget I took up the task of human rights in 1948, and the task of Medicare in 1949, I took up the fight for the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty a decade before it was passed, I took up the fight for youth job training 7 years before it was passed. I hate to be the man that toots his own horn, but there's a lot of noise on the campaign trail today and I think it's fair to say, that amongst all the candidates for President, I have the most credibility, and the strongest record, fighting joyfully for our common goals as Democrats.

We have accomplished much, and I'm very proud of all we've accomplished, with President Kennedy and Johnson, but there is certainly more to do to address the tasks of 1972, and I humbly ask for your support so that together we may get it done. Thank you very much.

(Applause)

Florida Campaign Advertisement: "Together"

Hubert Humphrey faces the camera in front of a blue background and speaks

Hello. I'm Senator Hubert Humphrey and I'm running for President to solve problems.

To address crime, I propose more funding for law enforcement, and more federal funding for youth employment and our public schools.

To address the effects of inflation, I propose increasing Social Security benefits, and a new price control system that actually prosecutes violators.

For peace in the world, I propose an immediate withdrawal from Vietnam and a new arms control treaty with the Soviet Union, as well as support for our democratic allies, especially Israel.

I believe this is a platform that can unite people from across our country and this state, together, I believe we can get it done and achieve peace and prosperity in our country.

Campaign Logo Appears on Screen, Narrator Speaks

Hubert Humphrey, The People's Democrat, for President.
 

[KaiserDave]

Senator Chiles endorses Humphrey for President

--Jacksonville, Florida

Today at a press conference in Jacksonville Florida, Senator Hubert Humphrey was joined by Senator Lawton Chiles, for an official endorsement of Humphrey's campaign for President. "Walkin' Lawton" declared that "Hubert Humphrey understands the problems of this state, he understands the problems of this country. He's a strong, decent, straight-shootin' Democrat with a good heart. He's a good man and I'm supporting him. I think everybody in Florida ought to do the same."

Hubert Humphrey spoke briefly, saying that "this campaign is centered on what we need in this country. Just like in 1932, when we needed public power, social insurance, and jobs for the unemployed, today we need national health insurance, increased social security payments, and a robust commitment to employing every American." Humphrey emphasized his focus on the "inherent dignity of every individual" and the "compassionate values of the Democratic Party."

Chiles complimented Senator Humphrey, saying that "he is the only man running who is sincerely focused on our nation's problems. He's got no ego on this, for Hubert it's all about the people. You don't see him running his mouth, he's talking about schools, he's talking about social security, he's talking about jobs, and he's been doing it for decades. Don't get confused by all that damn noise on the television, there's only one fella running who is about the little people and not himself, he's standing next to me."

After the press conference, Humphrey and Chiles held events at several locations in Jacksonville, including an old folks home, a majority Black church, an IBEW hall, and a local high school gymnasium.

Frank Sinatra endorses Humphrey for the Democratic nomination

--Los Angeles, California

Singer, entertainer, actor, and personality Frank Sinatra, the "Chairman of the Board" has endorsed Senator Hubert Humphrey for the Democratic nomination for President. The singer politely noted that while he was withholding comment on the general election, given his friendship with President Nixon, he called Senator Humphrey a "great American" who deserved the support of every Democrat for the nomination for President, and said he'd make a "fine President."

The singer, a noted Humphrey '68 backer, will be headlining a major fundraiser for Senator Humphrey tonight in Los Angeles with some of his biggest hits, expected to be attended by much of the biggest names in Hollywood. The Senator is expected to speak, reportedly on the subject of civil rights, the past struggle and continuing challenges. The Senator, like most politicians, reportedly despises fundraising, but such is necessary for a long campaign.

[KaiserDave]

Tampa Bay, Outside the Teamsters Local 79


Reporter: Senator Humphrey, Mayor Lindsay has called you "craven" and "without a shred of decency" over Chicago '68 and the Vietnam War, do you have any comment?

Senator Humphrey: Today we're talking about working people, they're what this campaign is about. People say a lot of mean things on television, I'm focused on jobs and justice. That's what people in Florida want to hear about, that's what this great party is about. Thank you.

[KaiserDave]

Statement from the Humphrey Campaign

Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (D-MN) will be filing for the Wisconsin and Pennsylvania primaries, to demonstrate his ability as a candidate to perform strongly across all sections of the manifold New Deal Democratic majority, especially among labor unions, the backbone of the Democratic Party.

[KaiserDave]

Hubert Humphrey Addresses Labor: Speech to South-Central Wisconsin AFL-CIO (Madison)

Hello friends, today is a real privilege, I get to speak to the labor crowd. Nothing better then going out to a labor hall, in the Iron Range, or in the Twin Cities, or here in Wisconsin, and it gets me all pumped up again, and lets me forget anything that may have gone wrong the day before. So that's why I'm here today. Nothing better than speaking to and with the heroes of the labor movement.

The first thing I want to say to you as individuals and as a movement, to do what we do we have to be proud. Proud of yourselves, proud of the heritage of this historic movement, just like ethnicity or religion or whatever it may be. I've always been affiliated with the labor movement, always. You know when President Johnson was interviewing me to be his Vice Presidential candidate in '64, I told him, that if there was one issue I was totally prejudiced on, it was the issue of the labor movement. I told him I never would have been a United States senator without the labor movement, and I asked him to never, never ask me to do anything that would in any way injure, or cripple, or weaken that movement. I told him I have loyalty, loyalty to this great movement. And I'll tell you why, not because this movement is perfect, not because there hasn't been a scoundrel or two, none of us have never made mistakes, God knows some of us have made many. But we have to judge a movement like this by its overall record. And we judge the labor movement thusly, what it has done to lift the standard of living for millions and millions of plain American citizens, who today have their own home, who today have better working conditions, who today can send their children to school, who today can pursue their creative dreams, that's because of this movement, be proud of it my friends, be proud of it.

Remember this, the history of the labor movement ought to be taught in every school in this great land. We have to remember our roots, who we are, how we got here, where we come from. This nation wasn't built because someone sat behind a table and finagled and even financed, important as finance is, and it is important, important as planning is, and it is important, important as design is, and it is important, ultimately it was the worker. It was the worker who built the railroads, dug the tunnels, that dredged the rivers, that built the ports and the huge skyscrapers, put in the highways, and built the homes. America is a living testimonial to what free men and women, organized in free democratic trade unions, can do to make a better life, and we ought to be proud of it! Just remember that!

(Applause)

And remember this, the first thing that any authoritarian or two-bit dictator does when they take power is abolish free labor. Long before they got to expropriation of land, or even put into jail so called "political prisoners" they abolish the free labor movement. And in America, thank God, we're not going to abolish free labor we're gonna strengthen it. And workers today that aren't organized, many in the Deep South, many who do not have the conditions they ought to have, are gonna have a better chance to get organized, to vote, and if they win the vote in their plant fairly and squarely as they surely must, they get recognized, and they won't have to deal with this nonsense of delay and litigation and obstruction such that has prevented the legitimate growth of the labor movement of the United States. That's exactly what will happen when I take office in January 1973 and we repeal the Taft-Hartley law, that never should have been passed to begin with, and if we had a few more Democrats we could have upheld President Truman's veto, I was there, I was part of that fight, and I have not given up!

(Applause)

You know anytime somebody gets a little bit better wages because of the labor movement, I hear from the other side, "inflation", when interest rates go up though, then I hear "sound monetary policy."  Oh what has collective bargaining meant, meant for working conditions, for our families, for grievance procedures, for job security. What is has meant for recreation so families can travel across this great country, what it has meant for pensions, what it has meant for healthcare. How many millions of families today have health insurance because union representatives have sat down in negotiations with employers, and fought for and worked out deals so that families could have healthcare. Not because the government has fought for it, because we've been too chicken to do it! But because of collective bargaining. Unions mean average folks can have the best healthcare, the best pensions, the best doctors and hospitals, isn't that a marvelous thing? Who does that hurt? The Doctors get their money, the hospital get their money, the community is better off, the family survives. It is abundantly, abundantly clear, the overwhelming positive effect of the labor movement on this country and its people. And I stand by this movement entirely, always have, always will.

(Applause)

Now, as we go forward. We need several new policies, of course we need a new labor relations act and a higher minimum wage, but also we need the government of the United States, to make, by official declaration, our official policy the policy of full employment and economic growth, to provide credit to private enterprise to do so, and the creation of public works to that end. We need a comprehensive educational training program, more aide to cities, more for the youth employment program. We've got a persistent problem of unemployment in this country, and I tell you unless we push for full employment, unless you solve this joblessness issue, you will never cut the crime rate, or drug addiction, or solve any of the social and economic questions of the day. I tell you today, I promise that I will make as much of these jobs as possible to be union jobs, and be part of this great, historic movement. Together, I believe we will get this done.

Thank you! Thank you. And I hope to see you all at the polls come primary day!

(Applause)

Hubert Humphrey To Mediate Mississippi Schism

In keeping with his stated role as a "harmonizer", Senator Hubert Humphrey (D-MN) has met with Governor Bill Waller of Mississippi to discuss how Senator Humphrey can assist the Governor's good work in bridging the divide between factions of the Democratic Party in the state of Mississippi. Senator Humphrey has offered himself as a mediator between disparate groups in his capacity as a statesman and leader of the Democratic Party, Senator Humphrey is hopeful that an agreement can be reached in the best interests and for the benefit of all.

[KaiserDave]

Per Daniel Hackel, Press Secretary for the Humphrey Campaign

Senator Humphrey's position on continued American military involvement in Indochina has been totally clear since day one of this campaign, he is totally opposed to it.

On Peace: Our military involvement in Southeast Asia should be terminated at once. It's time for total military withdrawal and to obtain a peace agreement to bring POWs and MIAs home. We also must reduce sharply our American military installations overseas. I further propose expanding the G.I. Bill for Vietnam veterans.

Regarding other statements from Senator Muskie, they do not merit a serious a response, and therefore will not receive one.

Senator Humphrey can be found today at the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, in Tallahassee, Florida, where he will be discussing civil rights and equality. He will return to Washington tomorrow for work in the Senate, and will certainly be available then.

[KaiserDave]

Senator Humphrey on Busing in Tallahassee


Senator Humphrey was asked by a concerned Afro-American voter in a town hall in Tallahassee Florida on his position on school busing. He responded thusly.

"Thank you sir, that's an excellent question, and it's something that is increasingly salient in our national discussion. We need to integrate education in this country, by bringing children of all races together, we will create a country in which we can all be free and happy together. This is why I support public education, this is why I support the labor movement, this is why I support our armed forces. These are all institutions that create a better society by closing the distance that exists in our society. So I have many comprehensive, long-term proposals, that I've made on the campaign trail and in the U.S. Senate, to address the question of school integration. More then anything, the federal government has to take a greater funding responsibility for education, we are seeing serious shortfalls in education, especially in areas with high black population, so I've proposed higher equalization payments. We are seeing persistent residential segregation in cities and suburbs, I've proposed measures to integrate those areas, and I think we should have a serious investigation into non-property based revenue streams for education. These are long-term solutions. I do not believe that mandatory busing is an effective long-term solution, in fact I think it could pose serious problems for achieving the long-term desegregation of education. Busing is a tool, that at times can be sparingly applied when absolutely necessary, but when it is disruptive, when it divides communities, when it distracts from the crucial task before us, I oppose it. I hope that answers your question, but if you have a follow-up, I'd be happy to take it."

[KaiserDave]

Senator Humphrey on the Debate


Senator Humphrey was participating in a meet and greet in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, when he was asked for his thoughts about the recent Democratic debate in New Hampshire.

"I was listening to it on the radio and Muriel told me I had to turn it off, and you know, she was absolutely right. We candidates need to do more to listen to the advice our wives. My God, it was the worst of politics. Screaming, shouting, and nastiness. Some of these political stunts and games are just absurd. The Democratic Party deserves better, and I won't involve myself in these kinds of personal squabbles. We need a united party to beat Nixon, and I want to beat Nixon. The voters deserve better from us Democrats. Here in Wisconsin, we're talking about jobs. President Nixon has failed the American worker, and people can tell. I think Democrats can provide a better option, I think my platform is the right alternative. We can do better than this nastiness, I'm all about joy, and I want to bring back joy to politics."

Senator Humphrey was then asked about Senator Muskie's allegation that his position on the Vietnam War is the same as President Nixon's.

"I don't know what's gotten into Old Ed. We ran on the same platform in 1968, and until this year we were getting along just fine. We respected each other as Democrats and as statesmen. My position is clear as day, the War in Vietnam is a disaster, many good Americans, including myself, put their faith in President Nixon to end this war. He has totally, and completely disappointed us. When I'm elected, we begin our withdrawal on January 21st, and we'll secure an agreement with Hanoi to get all our POWs returned home. I think everyone has had enough of this conflict which never seems to end, we need full employment in this country, we need jobs and justice. I'm here in Wisconsin to tell folks what I want to do about it. Without full employment we cannot move forward."

[KaiserDave]

Statement from the Humphrey Campaign

Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (D-MN) will be filing for the Massachusetts primary, in addition to the Wisconsin and Pennsylvania primaries where he has already filed. Mayor of Boston Kevin White, in addition to serving as a national campaign co-chair, will serve as Chairman of the Massachusetts for Humphrey campaign. South Philadelphia Congressman William A. Barrett will serve as Chairman of the Pennsylvania for Humphrey campaign. Senator Humphrey will continue to prove he is the only candidate capable of uniting the Democratic Party by performing strongly across all sections of the manifold New Deal Democratic majority.

Senator Humphrey thanks Senator Muskie for his participation in the primary.

[KaiserDave]

The Road to Victory: Florida

Florida, the Sunshine State, is where the Humphrey campaign truly begins. So far the campaign has been waged behind the headlines and away from the brightest lights, and in doing so it has been entirely successful in meeting its goals. Humphrey has dethroned Kennedy as the frontrunner and shrugged off desperate assaults from Muskie. He has proven his resilience in an electoral format to which he is historically not disposed to.

But now comes the true test of credibility, of whether Humphrey can survive the new world of primaries. That test is in Florida. Humphrey, very wisely, dodged the New Hampshire slugfest, giving him an opportunity to build his campaign operation in the Sunshine State, far more delegate-rich and in an electoral environment more predisposed to his coalition. In the time since the Humphrey campaign began, much effort has been dedicated into building a functioning machine in this state by cultivating longtime local allies in labor leadership, the African-American community, the Jewish community, and others to generate a strong turnout for primary day. Combined with Humphrey's strong and long-running presence in the state, a strong second place finish, or perhaps if everything goes absolutely perfectly, even winning outright, is the goal.

Senator Humphrey's pivot on busing was the real spark that lit the campaign here. By positively acknowledging the anti-busing perspective, Humphrey has aimed to give cover to moderate white voters who might have been otherwise hesitant to support him, while buttressing it with strong civil rights and integration credentials to preserve strong numbers with African-Americans and liberals. Of all the candidates in Florida, only Humphrey is the voice of reason after, the candidate of regular Democrats uninterested in radical demagoguery from either side. Whereas Senator Kennedy previously occupied this lane, he has ceded it with his new single-minded emphasis on busing. Humphrey is the only candidate of the time-clock men and women, who are concerned with paychecks and meat and potatoes, not the extreme ends of cultural debates.

Consistent with his position on busing articulated in Tallahassee, Humphrey is supporting Governor Askew's position on ballot measures, supporting a NO vote on #1 and a YES vote on #2. The official reasoning behind this position is opposition to a blanket constitutional amendment as unreasonable and unnecessary, while still supporting robust alternatives to mandatory busing. Nonetheless, Humphrey continues to generally oppose mandatory busing and will not emphasize this issue.

The Humphrey campaign is laser-focused on the following issues to promote while campaigning in Florida.

• Support for a Full-Employment Program to comprehensively address the entrenched social problems of this nation amplified by a war which must end
• Support for the Rights of Labor and Humphrey's credentials on this issue
• Support for increasing Social Security benefits and tying it to inflation
• Support for a new price control scheme that is far more aggressively in prosecuting violators
• Support for protecting the gains and successes of racial integration
• Support for America's allies-in-democracy, especially Israel
• Support for re-funding America's public education system

Senator Humphrey will be spending much of his time in Florida, traveling up and down the state, often with Senator Lawton Chiles. The Humphrey Campaign Ad "Together" will be broadcasted statewide. Senator Humphrey will also be attending a campaign event in Orlando where Frank Sinatra will give a concert to supporters and where Humphrey will give brief opening remarks on his friendship with the singer. Senator Humphrey will spend primary day in Orlando and Tampa Bay speaking to labor, the backbone of his coalition and of the party at-large.

Humphrey's message to Florida Democrats is simple, Humphrey stands with the common man. Of all the great progressive causes of the common man, Hubert Humphrey has been at the frontlines, even when it was novel and unpopular. If you are looking for a regular Democratic candidate, a reliable, decent man of character who you can trust not to err to the extremes of irresponsibility, who stands with average people, Senator Humphrey is your man.

[KaiserDave]

The evening prior to the Florida Democratic primary, this advertisement is aired in all the main television markets of the state

Florida Campaign Advertisement: "I am Asking"

Hubert Humphrey faces the camera in front of a blue background and speaks

Tomorrow, Florida Democrats will go to the polls to make their voice clear on who should be the Democratic nominee. I'm Senator Hubert Humphrey and I'm asking for your vote tomorrow.

I have spent my entire career advocating for the good people of this country. I am in politics not to enrich myself or to ingratiate myself with others, but because I believe it is the best thing I can do to help my fellow Americans.

I am running for President to increase Social Security benefits, to increase the minimum wage, to strengthen the hand of the working man. To improve our schools and make this country safe and prosperous again.

If you want a decent Democrat of the Franklin D. Roosevelt type, untainted by scandal or the stench of cynical, negative politics, a man who says what he means and means what he says, then I believe I'm the man for you. I'm Hubert Humphrey, and I am for the people.

Campaign Logo Appears on Screen, Narrator Speaks

Hubert Humphrey, The People's Democrat, for President.
 

[KaiserDave]

Humphrey Redoubles Legislative Efforts in Washington on universal healthcare, housing

Washington D.C. - Senator Humphrey, after a second place performance in the Florida Democratic primary, has made noticeably more appearances in the United States Senate, speaking on the floor, in press conferences in the halls of the capitol, and meeting with various advocacy organizations. Running for President, Humphrey says, is no excuse to slack off on his day job of representing 3.8 million Minnesotans.

"While I seek the high office of the Presidency so that we may address the great many issues facing this country, there is still a great many things we can do right now, here in Congress," says the now three-time presidential candidate. Humphrey's efforts have gone into to initiatives primarily, pushing for the Kennedy-Griffiths Bill for universal healthcare, which remains mired in committee, and Humphrey's new initiative to expand the funding and scope of FHEO, the federal body responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws in housing.

"Every American should be entitled to medical care as a right of citizenship. The idea that any American, a citizen of this Republic, should suffer or even die for lack of medical care is appalling, it should horrify all of us. I believe the Kennedy-Griffiths bill is a great plan to rectify this great injustice." Regarding housing, the Senator said after meeting with advocates on the issue, "every hard-working American, regardless of race, is entitled to a roof over their head, and this should not be negated based on racial discrimination. We have more to do." Senator Humphrey has also noticeably raised the issue of healthcare on the campaign trail, speaking to an audience in Madison exclusively on the subject.

Despite Senator Humphrey's efforts, proposals with his support remain mired in committee, in a chamber where Republicans and conservative Democrats remain very strong.

[KaiserDave]

Statement from the Humphrey Campaign

Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (D-MN) will be filing for the Indiana, Washington D.C., Ohio, Nebraska, and West Virginia primaries, in addition to future contests yet to be announced. Senator Humphrey performances will prove he is the best candidate for uniting the Democratic Party and win the presidency.

Senator Humphrey thanks Senator Kennedy for his participation in the primary and his past, present, and future contributions to the Democratic Party and the United States.

[KaiserDave]

Humphrey Campaign Event: Philadelphia

At Overbrook High School in West Philadelphia, Senator Humphrey has organized an intimate campaign event with Martin Luther King Sr. and A. Phillip Randolph.

One of the most arduous aspects of the campaign trail is the repetition of certain events, it definitely has the capacity to take the enthusiasm out of the campaign cycle, so I thought it was a good idea to re-center today, and that's what I want to do by bringing us together today in a smaller space, so we can more easily talk to one another, and I want to sincerely thank Reverend King and Mr. Randolph for joining me today, as well as for this support in this primary.

Today I want to discuss a major battle in the civil rights movement which has unfortunately lost attention in the political media of today. That is the Freedom Budget for All Americans, which was conceived in part by Mr. Randolph, Mr. Bayard Rustin, and also by the late Dr. King. If we go back further in our history it was remembering that before the Great Society of President Johnson, the poor in our society did not identify themselves as poor, as a group united by deprivation. As a result, society did not see them, government was insufficient in addressing their concerns. While we had great visionaries such as Franklin Roosevelt and Jack Kennedy who identified how the American Dream was not afforded to this class, it was not until the Great Society that "poor people's issues" entered our national language, that the concerns of the poor were directly addressed.

It was at this time that the Freedom Budget was put together. It proposed, essentially, that President Johnson's Great Society be fully implemented. That demanded that the New Deal of Franklin Roosevelt, be fully implemented. That Harry Truman's Fair Deal be fully implemented. That being, the abolition of poverty, guaranteed full employment, fair prices for farmers, fair wages for workers, housing and healthcare for all, the establishment of progressive tax, and fiscal policies that respected the needs of working Americans. Unfortunately, due to the victories of the Republican Party in 1966 and 1968, the Freedom Budget has not been implemented.

But I think we still need the Freedom Budget today. We still have failing schools, we still have social discontent, we have joblessness, we have lawlessness that is terrible for communities here in West Philadelphia. Since 1968 we seemed trapped in a spiral towards stagnation, and I do not believe that President Nixon is willing to undertake the serious reforms needed. So that's why I'm running, I'm running to resurrect the Freedom Budget. We will not have peace and safety on our streets until we have full employment, until we have conquered poverty. I am resolved, as strongly as ever, to conquer poverty, and to make history what President Johnson called the “inherited gateless poverty" of the Black American people. I'm asking you to join me and Reverend King, and Mr. Randolph to get this done. I believe we stand at a historic turning point, where so much can be achieved. So I'm asking you to join me in the conquest of poverty, so that every American may live in dignity, freedom, and decency.

Thank you.


Senator Humphrey was asked outside, after the event, by a reporter what he made of other candidate's comments on President Johnson, among other things.

Senator Humphrey, you mentioned President Johnson much in your speech today, what do you make of comments by Mayor Lindsay that any Democratic candidate reject the endorsement of President Johnson?

I thought they were very unserious. People do all kinds of things to get attention in a campaign, but I thought this was too much. I think we as Democrats cannot be afraid to campaign on our accomplishments, President Johnson has done more for the American people than any other President this century save for President Roosevelt. Thanks in large part to the leadership of President Johnson we have the Civil and Voting Rights Act, we have Medicare, we have the Head Start program. I brought up President Johnson today because I know what his leadership has meant for this country, especially for Black people. If I am elected President, I'll try and finish the job of creating a truly decent society for all people.

Senator Humphrey, do you think President Johnson made mistakes?

Of course! There's not a leader in our history who hasn't made a mistake, and this is no less true with President Johnson. But I'm very proud of the work I did with him as Vice President.

And the war?

Well, I just ought to remind people that it was President Johnson who was negotiating an end to the war in 1968, now it's 1972 and the war goes on. We ought to end this war, but some of my fellow Democrats seemed more concerned with rallying a storm over the past then what is the present, that President Nixon has expanded the war, and it has no end in sight. The negotiations that President Johnson was close to to concluding successfully have gone on for years with the new administration.

Senator Humphrey, do you support Senator Hart's newly proposed Soup Kitchen Act?

Emphatically. And I'm looking forward to working with Senator Hart to make this a global program at some point in the future, I want to make America a leader in abolishing global hunger.

[KaiserDave]

The Road to Victory: Wisconsin

Wisconsin, the Badger State, is where the Humphrey campaign faces a major test. Senator Humphrey has survived the first filter of the primary which felled Ed Muskie and Ted Kennedy, and has become the undisputed frontrunner, but whether this credibility can last is yet to be determined. Wisconsin will be a major testing ground.

The Humphrey strategy in Wisconsin is in many ways the same as it has always been, the regular Democrat. The regular Democrat holds close to the ideals of the Great Society and the New Deal, the regular Democrat strongly supports desegregation, the regular Democrat believes the War in Indochina has dragged on for too long, but the regular Democrat frowns above wild attacks on Democratic leaders and the excesses of the New Left, the regular Democrat wants a regular Democratic Party, and Senator Humphrey is their man.

In Wisconsin there are two primary constituencies of the regular Democrat, labor and Black Americans. These are the two constituencies that will bring Senator Humphrey to victory.

Regarding labor, Senator Humphrey has the most sterling credentials on the rights of labor, that's not an opinion, that's a fact. Senator Humphrey will campaign strongly on this message in Wisconsin, with language similar to his address to the state AFL-CIO. The message is clear, Senator Humphrey will end the Taft-Hartley Law, increase the bargaining power of labor unions, and grow union membership through his full employment policy. Making Senator Humphrey the Democratic nominee gives labor a shot to elect the most pro-union President in the history of the United States. Whatever pretensions other candidates are making now, and in fact many of them have extremely dubious records on this, Humphrey has the record of struggle to back it up. Senator Humphrey will hammer this message home in union halls across the state and in print and radio advertisement, as well as direct-mail.

Senator Humphrey has the most sterling credentials on the desegregation issue of any candidate running, that's not an opinion, that's a fact. He will be working hard to remind voters of these credentials, and the Senator's plans to complete the work of desegregation, especially in housing, and to increase federal funding to public schools to address years of inadequacy. Senator Humphrey will not change his stated position on busing, which is a great reluctance to use it and a preference for other tools for education desegregation, as it is key to a strong position with other voting blocs, but Senator Humphrey will not hesitate to campaign on the civil rights issue and to meet with the black community. Nobody will be able to accuse the Senator of ignoring their concerns.

But the real wedge issue in Wisconsin will be the legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Senator Humphrey will press hard in defense of the Great Society. Senator Humphrey will tie his expansive social welfare proposals to completing the work of the Great Society, as well as tying it to ideas like the Freedom Budget, especially with Black voters. Other candidates have made very hard attacks on President Johnson, but President Johnson remains popular with about half of Democrats [1] and his Great Society is even more popular. This is especially true with Black (especially older) voters and ethnic white workers. Senator Humphrey will seek to make the legacy of President Johnson a major wedge issue in this primary. Mayor Lindsay has sought to build a coalition of students, ethnic whites, and Black voters, this wedge issue will be a test of how durable it is.

Senator Humphrey's position on the War in Vietnam remains entirely unchanged, immediate withdrawal, and he will not hesitate to emphasize this issue, especially in the context of attacking President Nixon for expanding the war and in the context of refocusing on key domestic issues like inflation and unemployment.

Key issues emphasized by Senator Humphrey in Wisconsin will be

• Support for the Great Society and the historic legacy of President Johnson
• Support for repealing the Taft-Hartley Law
• Support for a Full-Employment Program to comprehensively address the entrenched social problems of this nation amplified by a war which must end
• Support for the Rights of Labor and Humphrey's credentials on this issue
• Support for increasing Social Security benefits and tying it to inflation
• Support for a new price control scheme that is far more aggressively in prosecuting violators
• Support for housing desegregation
• Support for federal farm supports and constructing a modern New Deal farm policy
• Support for re-funding America's public education system

Senator Humphrey will be spending much time in Wisconsin, especially campaigning with Bronson and Doug La Follette who have endorsed his campaign. He will spend primary day in Madison and the evening in Milwaukee.

Senator Humphrey will also neglect the farm vote. Senator Humphrey has fought for years on issues concerning farmers and constructing a modern New Deal farm policy that supports those making their lives out on America's vast farmlands, which are especially prominent in Wisconsin. Let nobody doubt that Senator Humphrey stands with the farmer, and has stood with them for decades alongside Franklin Roosevelt, Adlai Stevenson, and Lyndon Johnson.

Humphrey's message to Wisconsin Democrats is simple, Humphrey stands with the common man and the regular Democratic voter. Of all the great progressive causes of the common man, Hubert Humphrey has been at the frontlines, even when it was novel and unpopular, and he defends the legacy of the Great Society. If you are looking for a regular Democratic candidate, a reliable, decent man of character who you can trust not to err to the extremes of irresponsibility, who stands with average people, Senator Humphrey is your man.


[1] I don't have a figure on this, but he ended his term at about 50% approval, so it logically follows he has (probably by a decent margin) majority approval amongst Democrats.