1960 Democratic Primary

[Dr. Cynic]

The Scenario:

Adlai Stevenson is no longer a candidate. The Democratic Party is now leaderless against VP Nixon. They are down to four men to lead the party:


JOHN KENNEDY - Charismatic Senator from Massachusetts, whose assests include a great campaigning style, and a popular message. Liabilities include his inexpirence and Catholiscisim.

HUBERT HUMPHREY - Eubillient and friendly, the MN Senator with the rather high pitched voice can overtalk, and tend to be very bombastic, but is considered Stevenson's heir and is a popular man.

LYNDON JOHNSON - Has solid control of the more conservative element. His command of facts and blunt speaking style could endear him to someone more than the shifty, calculating Nixon. Though a liability is almost no Northern organization.

STUART SYMINGTON - This Missourian is one of the steadiest voices in the Senate. Though his introvertedness and lack of color is a disadvantage that none of the other candidates suffer from, he has the support of former President Harry Truman, which is a definate bonus.

[Dr. Cynic]

Please note that Johnson was running on a more conservative platform in 1960. Humphrey and Kennedy were the liberals. I'm stating more or less if your state had all four on the ballot. I'd have taken my old idol HHH.

[Dr. Cynic]

HHH is beating out JFK. That kind of surprises me.

[Dr. Cynic]

Symington probably would have been easiest to beat, but not easy.

[Dr. Cynic]

Kennedy takes the lead.....

[Dr. Cynic]

HHH thought very highly of Nixon, though they didn't become friendly until after 68. When HHH was dying of cancer, Nixon made every effort to be gracious to him, and for that I will always hold Nixon in high regard, no matter what he did at Watergate.

HHH's story is sad and happy at the same time. He is my political hero, and a personal hero. His life proved that one could go into national politics and serve with honesty, decency, and friendliness. Long live his good legacy!

Hubert Horatio Humphrey, Jr. (1911-1978)