1968: The Rise of George Wallace and the South (Lahbas, Historico, Lt. Barnes)

[Historico]

This should be pretty interesting Lahbas, I really don't think a major POD is necessary for Wallace to win the '68 election, if he tamps down the racist rhetoric perhaps and focus more on a Law and Orde platform, he could win several key industrial states that could barely swing the election for him as well as sweeping the entire South. I still think that Governor Jim Rhodes of Ohio, as a former Republican and regular Rust Belt Bad Ass lol would compliment the ticket alot more than "Blow em to the Stone Age Le May." Maybe give the nomination to Rocky just to be sure, thus having Wallace run against two liberal eggheads such as Rockefeller and Humphrey.

[Historico]

Im Going Clean for Gene in the Primaries...That way we can keep Bobby away untill '72 or '76. The electoral map should be pretty interesting if Romney clinches the nomination. Keep it comming

[Historico]

Hmm, Nixon challeging Romney in court...Well this certaintly won't help boost the image of a "New Nixon", as it really is the dirty, underhanded Tricky Dick that will do anything to try to win an election. I hope Eugene somehow pulls off winning the Democratic Nomination.

[Historico]

Keep this timeline coming Lahbas

[Historico]

Let's go Rocky and Eugene lol

[Historico]

Any chance Lahbas, that you could condense the primaries into one post, im not trying to nock your writing style or anything I just think the multiple maps are kinda unecessary and although their important, there not suspense grabbers. I would suggest doing like Ben or I write about the primaries; Tell us who won the states, Tell us Why and What percentage, and then move on to the next state. Cuz im very eager to get to the Convention's and the General Elections.

[Historico]

Oh God Not Gene, Chicago will be even nastier ITTL won't it lol Im just hoping now that despite the nomination being tied, that third time will prove to be the charm for Rocky. I hope you feel better Lahbas

[Historico]

Except for their dislike of Anti-War Protesters, Rhodes and Wallace have nothing in common, Wallace wouldn't pick Rhodes, and Rhodes wouldn't accept.

Not exactly as both Wallace and Rhodes were big proponent's for the creation of Job's albeit in different manner(Lil Geore was a big proponent of the Great Society, while Jim was a classic fiscally conservative Republican). With the economy not being that bad in '68 fiscal issues such as those mentioned wont dominate the General election. 1968 was one of those few elections where the economy has produced it's results, as folks basically saw their county go to sh**t overnight. So just look at the Wallace/Rhodes ticket as a classic unity ticket more in line with the Lincoln/Johnson ticket of 1864 than anything.

btw great installment on the conventions, and I can't wait for the General.

[Historico]

All Systems are go for... Humphrey vs. Rockefeller vs. Wallace (And I think, I know who's going to win lol...How is just the question Lahbas)

[Historico]

Interesting Idea, getting Ronnie to endorse George Wallace, which should help him alot in the Mountain West. The Debates should be very interesting...Keep it comming.

[Historico]

Wow, what an interesting twist Lahbas, youve really turned this idea into your great piece of work. Although Based on Yours and the one IOTL, I would atleast think George would be able to carry Alaska and Kansas which were two of the AIP's best performed states outside the South. Can't wait to see how the Wallace Presidency turns out, and are you going to stay with the New snippet like format or change to a more textbook like format like Ben's or Gio's timelines?

[Historico]

Awesome and therefore arises the Third Party system, with the leaving of the South, Can't wait to see what happens in George Wallace's 1st term.

[Historico]

Awesome Round of Updates Lahbas, It's really cool to see this timeline back on it's feet. Operation Cloudburst doesn't sound to good to me...but It will definatley give Wallace and Rhodes some time to start cracking some Hippie skulls. I wonder will Wallace continue to fund NASA's manned Space Exploration plan? And How will Wallace use COINTELPRO to elminate those in the Black Power and Anti-War movements?...Keep this fantastic Timeline coming

[Historico]

Well, I guess Kerry won't become President ITTL either, any update on Johnny Boy McCain and the rest of the POW's? Doesn't seem like Wallace is going to be capitualte to call's to withdrawl troops anytime soon.  Any updates on what legislation Wallace might try to get passed Domestically? He was pretty a pretty big staunch supporter of the Great Society Programs, so I don't thionk alot of them might go a way but he might streamline them for the war...Keep it comming Lahbas.

[Historico]

I just still thinks its funny how, Turtledove is actually a true Historical Writer ITTL...I wonder how is the American Party seats in Congress doing? Will there be a call for a more parlimentary system of government ariving in Congress? Keep it comming.

[Historico]

I am sorry that I haven't been able to update this as much as I have meant to. I'll try to squeeze one in either tonight or tommorow. I have a number of questions for my viewers, however, which (might) also determine the path of this TL.

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Intersting, I really dont see the economic picture being that sour for Wallace, as things really did start to hit the fan till from about 1973, with the aftermaths of the Yim Kippur War, Oil Crisis etc. Nixon was pretty paranoid about Inflation and non economic growth(He felt like that's what cost him the 1960). So I'm sure that Wallace probably won't index social security, and probably won't be in favor of expanding the Welfare State. He may actually cut funds for black Urban Housing in the north to funnel money to Infrastructure projects to help the South Industrailize.

2) What is your take on the path the Vietnam War will now take?
Im not' to sure, I have to continue to do research on...as Vietnam really isn't my area of expertise in Cold War America.

3) How would Wallace streamline the Great Society, while making it better?
Like I stated above, I have a feeling that he would continue alot of the programs he enacted while Governor of Alabama. He might incur major Tax subsidies for Northern Bussiness to come into the South and help make use of alot of the south's untapped resources(Like the Lumber industry, Sugar Cane ethanol, stuff like that). Education reform may be a hughe Domestic agenda that Wallace wll try to accomplish, he was a big proponet of Junior Colleges...So maybe more Government Grants to help faclitate those schools?

4) What level of infighting is there in Wallace's cabinet?
I would imagine not much, I still think that Wallace and Rhodes relationship would be a very helpful one.


5) Who would Wallace nominate to the Supreme Court (including possibly failed nominations)?
Southern Conservatives mostly, so essentially simmilar to who Nixon tried to put up

6) Can Wallace win Reelection come 1972?
If he wins a strong and clear Victory in Vietnam maybe, I tend to doubt it esp if his abuses of COINTELPRO and Racist Campaign styles continue. Rhodes may have a chance if Wallace is assasinted by Brewer ITTL

[Historico]

Wow, I wonder if Wallace had anything to do with Mao being assassinated? Anyway's awesome latest installment Lahbas, I would have more to comment on but Like i said The Vietnam War really isn't my strong point. When can we expect to see an installment on how things are going Domestically for the nation's 37th President?