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

[Lahbas]

I nearly am ready to launch this timeline, and have to tie a few loose ends before I due. I give credit both to Historico and Lt. Barney, both of whom have helped me establish this timeline, and I hope will continue to aid me. I leave you then, with this little quote.

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George Wallace, 1962 Governor's Inaugural Address

[Lahbas]

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George Romney on the Lou Dobb's Talk Show, WKBD-TV Detroit

Current Polls show Nixon in the lead, though there is a large amount of undecided Republicans

Gallup Poll of Republican Voters:September 15th
Richard Nixon                    36%
George Romney                24%
Nelson Rockefeller            18%
Undecided                        22%

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Eugene McCarhy annoucing his run for the 1968 Democratic nomination for President, Senate Caucus Room, Washington D.C., November 30th, 1967

Gallup Polling of Democratic Voters:December
Lyndon Johnson              41%
Eugene McCarthy            19%     
Undecided                       40%

Edit: If anyone knows why some parts of McCarthy's speech are being white'ed out, can you please explain. For those that want to read it, just pull the blue sheet over the type as if you were copying and pasting. It keeps it revealed until you scroll it off the page.   

[Lahbas]

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New York Times, December 18th 1967

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Washington Post, December 20th 1967

Gallup Poll of Likely Republican Voters:December 20th
Richard Nixon              37%
George Romney          26%
Nelson Rockefeller      22%
Undecided                  15%

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New York Times, December 20th 1967

Gallup Polling of Likely Democratic Voters:December 20th
Lyndon Johnson               42%
Eugene McCarthy             28%
Undecided                        30%

[Lahbas]

State of Union Address by President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

[Lahbas]

<sub>Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the Congress, and my fellow Americans:
I was thinking as I was walking down the aisle tonight of what Sam Rayburn told me many years ago: The Congress always extends a very warm welcome to the President-as he comes in.

Thank all of you very, very much.

I have come once again to this Chamber-the home of our democracy--to give you, as the Constitution requires, "Information of the State of the Union."

I report to you that our country is challenged, at home and abroad:

--that it is our will that is being tried, not our strength; our sense of purpose, not our ability to achieve a better America;

--that we have the strength to meet our every challenge; the physical strength to hold the course of decency and compassion at home; and the moral strength to support the cause of peace in the world.

And I report to you that I believe, with abiding conviction, that this people--nurtured by their deep faith, tutored by their hard lessons, moved by their high aspirations-have the will to meet the trials that these times impose.

Since I reported to you last January:

--Three elections have been held in Vietnam--in the midst of war and under the constant threat of violence.

--A President, a Vice President, a House and Senate, and village officials have been chosen by popular, contested ballot.

--The enemy has been defeated in battle after battle.

--The number of South Vietnamese living in areas under Government protection tonight has grown by more than a million since January of last year.

These are all marks of progress. Yet:

--The enemy continues to pour men and material across frontiers and into battle, despite his continuous heavy losses.

--He continues to hope that America's will to persevere can be broken. Well--he is wrong. America will persevere. Our patience and our perseverance will match our power. Aggression will never prevail.

But our goal is peace--and peace at the earliest possible moment.

Right now we are exploring the meaning of Hanoi's recent statement. There is no mystery about the questions which must be answered before the bombing is stopped.

We believe that any talks should follow the San Antonio formula that I stated last September, which said:

--The bombing would stop immediately if talks would take place promptly and with reasonable hopes that they would be productive.

--And the other side must not take advantage of our restraint as they have in the past. This Nation simply cannot accept anything less without jeopardizing the lives of our men and of our allies.

If a basis for peace talks can be established on the San Antonio foundations--and it is my hope and my prayer that they can--we would consult with our allies and with the other side to see if a complete cessation of hostilities--a really true cease-fire--could be made the first order of business. I will report at the earliest possible moment the results of these explorations to the American people.

I have just recently returned from a very fruitful visit and talks with His Holiness the Pope and I share his hope--as he expressed it earlier today--that both sides will extend themselves in an effort to bring an end to the war in Vietnam. I have today assured him that we and our allies will do our full part to bring this about.

Since I spoke to you last January, other events have occurred that have major consequences for world peace.

--The Kennedy Round achieved the greatest reduction in tariff barriers in all the history of trade negotiations.

--The nations of Latin America at Punta del Este resolved to move toward economic integration.

--In Asia, the nations from Korea and Japan to Indonesia and Singapore worked behind America's shield to strengthen their economies and to broaden their political cooperation.

--In Africa, from which the distinguished Vice President has just returned, he reports to me that there is a spirit of regional cooperation that is beginning to take hold in very practical ways.

These events we all welcomed. Yet since I last reported to you, we and the world have been confronted by a number of crises:

--During the Arab-Israeli war last June, the hot line between Washington and Moscow was used for the first time in our history. A cease-fire was achieved without a major power confrontation.

Now the nations of the Middle East have the opportunity to cooperate with Ambassador Jarring's U.N. mission and they have the responsibility to find the terms of living together in stable peace and dignity, and we shall do all in our power to help them achieve that result.

--Not far from this scene of conflict, a crisis flared on Cyprus involving two peoples who are America's friends: Greece and Turkey. Our very able representative, Mr. Cyrus Vance, and others helped to ease this tension.

--Turmoil continues on the mainland of China after a year of violent disruption. The radical extremism of their Government has isolated the Chinese people behind their own borders. The United States, however, remains willing to permit the travel of journalists to both our countries; to undertake cultural and educational exchanges; and to talk about the exchange of basic food crop materials.

Since I spoke to you last, the United States and the Soviet Union have taken several important steps toward the goal of international cooperation.

As you will remember, I met with Chairman Kosygin at Glassboro and we achieved if not accord, at least a clearer understanding of our respective positions after 2 days of meeting.

Because we believe the nuclear danger must be narrowed, we have worked with the Soviet Union and with other nations to reach an agreement that will halt the spread of nuclear weapons. On the basis of communications from Ambassador Fisher in Geneva this afternoon, I am encouraged to believe that a draft treaty can be laid before the conference in Geneva in the very near future. I hope to be able to present that treaty to the Senate this year for the Senate's approval.

We achieved, in 1967, a consular treaty with the Soviets, the first commercial air agreement between the two countries, and a treaty banning weapons in outer space. We shall sign, and submit to the Senate shortly, a new treaty with the Soviets and with others for the protection of astronauts.
Serious differences still remain between us, yet in these relations, we have made some progress since Vienna, the Berlin Wall, and the Cuban missile crisis.

But despite this progress, we must maintain a military force that is capable of deterring any threat to this Nation's security, whatever the mode of aggression. Our choices must not be confined to total war-or to total acquiescence.

We have such a military force today. We shall maintain it.

I wish--with all of my heart--that the expenditures that are necessary to build and to protect our power could all be devoted to the programs of peace. But until world conditions permit, and until peace is assured, America's might--and America's bravest sons who wear our Nation's uniform--must continue to stand guard for all of us--as they gallantly do tonight in Vietnam and other places in the world.
Yet neither great weapons nor individual courage can provide the conditions of peace.

For two decades America has committed itself against the tyranny of want and ignorance in the world that threatens the peace. We shall sustain that commitment. This year I shall propose:

--That we launch, with other nations, an exploration of the ocean depths to tap its wealth, and its energy, and its abundance.

--That we contribute our fair share to a major expansion of the International Development Association, and to increase the resources of the Asian Development Bank.

--That we adopt a prudent aid program, rooted in the principle of self-help.

--That we renew and extend the food for freedom program.

Our food programs have already helped millions avoid the horrors of famine.
But unless the rapid growth of population in developing countries is slowed, the gap between rich and poor will widen steadily.

Governments in the developing countries must take such facts into consideration. We in the United States are prepared to help assist them in those efforts.

But we must also improve the lives of children already born in the villages and towns and cities on this earth. They can be taught by great teachers through space communications and the miracle of satellite television-and we are going to bring to bear every resource of mind and technology to help make this dream come true.

Let me speak now about some matters here at home.

Tonight our Nation is accomplishing more for its people than has ever been accomplished before. Americans are prosperous as men have never been in recorded history. Yet there is in the land a certain restlessness--a questioning.

The total of our Nation's annual production is now above $800 billion. For 83 months this Nation has been on a steady upward trend of growth.

All about them, most American families can see the evidence of growing abundance: higher paychecks, humming factories, new cars moving down new highways. More and more families own their own homes, equipped with more than 70 million television sets.

A new college is founded every week. Today more than half of the high school graduates go on to college.

There are hundreds of thousands of fathers and mothers who never completed grammar school--who will see their children graduate from college.

Why, then, this restlessness?</sub>

[Lahbas]

<sub>Because when a great ship cuts through the sea, the waters are always stirred and troubled.

And our ship is moving. It is moving through troubled and new waters; it is moving toward new and better shores.

We ask now, not how can we achieve abundance?--but how shall we use our abundance? Not, is there abundance enough for all?--but, how can all share in our abundance?

While we have accomplished much, much remains for us to meet and much remains for us to master.

--In some areas, the jobless rate is still three or four times the national average

--Violence has shown its face in some of our cities.

--Crime increases on our streets.

--Income for farm workers remains far behind that for urban workers; and parity for our farmers who produce our food is still just a hope--not an achievement.

--New housing construction is far less than we need--to assure decent shelter for every family.

--Hospital and medical costs are high, and they are rising.

--Many rivers--and the air in many cities--remain badly polluted. And our citizens suffer from breathing that air.

We have lived with conditions like these for many, many years. But much that we once accepted as inevitable, we now find absolutely intolerable.

In our cities last summer, we saw how wide is the gulf for some Americans between the promise and the reality of our society.

We know that we cannot change all of this in a day. It represents the bitter consequences of more than three centuries.

But the issue is not whether we can change this; the issue is whether we will change this.
Well, I know we can. And I believe we will.

This then is the work we should do in the months that are ahead of us in this Congress.
The first essential is more jobs, useful jobs for tens of thousands who can become productive and can pay their own way.

Our economy has created 7 1/2 million new jobs in the past 4 years. It is adding more than a million and a half new jobs this year.

Through programs passed by the Congress, job training is being given tonight to more than a million Americans in this country.

This year, the time has come when we must get to those who are last in line--the hard-core unemployed--the hardest to reach.

Employment officials estimate that 500,000 of these persons are now unemployed in the major cities of America. Our objective is to place these 500,000 in private industry jobs within the next 3 years.
To do this, I propose a $2. 1 billion manpower program in the coming fiscal year-a 25 percent increase over the current year. Most of this increase will be used to start a new partnership between government and private industry to train and to hire the hard-core unemployed persons. I know of no task before us of more importance to us, to the country, or to our future.

Another essential is to rebuild our cities.

Last year the Congress authorized $662 million for the Model Cities program. I requested the full amount of that authorization to help meet the crisis in the cities of America. But the Congress appropriated only $312 million--less than half.

This year I urge the Congress to honor my request for model cities funds to rebuild the centers of American cities by granting us the full amount that you in the Congress authorized--$1 billion.
The next essential is more housing--and more housing now.

Surely a nation that can go to the moon can place a decent home within the reach of its families.
Therefore we must call together the resources of industry and labor, to start building 300,000 housing units for low- and middle-income families next year--that is three times more than this year. We must make it possible for thousands of families to become homeowners, not rent-payers.

I propose, for the consideration of this Congress, a 10-year campaign to build 6 million new housing units for low and middle-income families. Six million units in the next 10 years. We have built 530,000 the last 10 years.

Better health for our children--all of our children--is essential if we are to have a better America.
Last year, Medicare, Medicaid, and other new programs that you passed in the Congress brought better health to more than 25 million Americans.

American medicine--with the very strong support and cooperation of public resources-has produced a phenomenal decline in the death rate from many of the dread diseases.

But it is a shocking fact that, in saving the lives of babies, America ranks 15th among the nations of the world. And among children, crippling defects are often discovered too late for any corrective action. This is a tragedy that Americans can, and Americans should, prevent.

I shall, therefore, propose to the Congress a child health program to provide, over the next 5 years, for families unable to afford it--access to health services from prenatal care of the mother through the child's first year.

When we do that you will find it is the best investment we ever made because we will get these diseases in their infancy and we will find a cure in a great many instances that we can never find by overcrowding our hospitals when they are grown.

Now when we act to advance the consumer's cause I think we help every American.
Last year, with very little fanfare the Congress and the executive branch moved in that field.
We enacted the Wholesome Meat Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, the Product Safety Commission, and a law to improve clinical laboratories.

And now, I think, the time has come to complete our unfinished work. The Senate has already passed the truth-in-lending bill, the fire safety bill, and the pipeline safety laws.

Tonight I plead with the House to immediately act upon these measures and I hope take favorable action upon all of them. I call upon the Congress to enact, without delay, the remainder of the 12 vital consumer protection laws that I submitted to the Congress last year.

I also urge final action on a measure that is already passed by the House to guard against fraud and manipulation in the Nation's commodity exchange market.

These measures are a pledge to our people-to keep them safe in their homes and at work, and to give them a fair deal in the marketplace.

And I think we must do more. I propose:

--New powers for the Federal Trade Commission to stop those who defraud and who swindle our public.

--New safeguards to insure the quality of fish and poultry, and the safety of our community water supplies.

--A major study of automobile insurance.

--Protection against hazardous radiation from television sets and other electronic equipment.
And to give the consumer a stronger voice, I plan to appoint a consumer counsel in the Justice Department--a lawyer for the American consumer--to work directly under the Attorney General, to serve the President's Special Assistant for Consumer Affairs, and to serve the consumers of this land.
This Congress--Democrats and Republicans--can earn the thanks of history. We can make this truly a new day for the American consumer, and by giving him this protection we can live in history as the consumer-conscious Congress.

So let us get on with the work. Let us act soon.

We, at every level of the government, State, local, Federal, know that the American people have had enough of rising crime and lawlessness in this country.

They recognize that law enforcement is first the duty of local police and local government.

They recognize that the frontline headquarters against crime is in the home, the church, the city hall and the county courthouse and the statehouse--not in the far-removed National Capital of Washington.

But the people also recognize that the National Government can and the National Government should help the cities and the States in their war on crime to the full extent of its resources and its constitutional authority. And this we shall do.

This does not mean a national police force. It does mean help and financial support:

--to develop State and local master plans to combat crime,

--to provide better training and better pay for police, and

--to bring the most advanced technology to the war on crime in every city and every county in America.

There is no more urgent business before this Congress than to pass the Safe Streets Act this year that I proposed last year. That law will provide these required funds. They are so critically needed that I have doubled my request under this act to $100 million in fiscal 1969.

And I urge the Congress to stop the trade in mail-order murder, to stop it this year by adopting a proper gun control law.

This year, I will propose a Drug Control Act to provide stricter penalties for those who traffic in LSD and other dangerous drugs with our people.</sub>

[Lahbas]

<sub>I will ask for more vigorous enforcement of all of our drug laws by increasing the number of Federal drug and narcotics control officials by more than 30 percent.

The time has come to stop the sale of slavery to the young. I also request you to give us funds to add immediately 100 assistant United States attorneys throughout the land to help prosecute our criminal laws. We have increased our judiciary by 40 percent and we have increased our prosecutors by 16 percent. The dockets are full of cases because we don't have assistant district attorneys to go before the Federal judge and handle them. We start these young lawyers at $8,200 a year. And the docket is clogged because we don't have authority to hire more of them.

I ask the Congress for authority to hire 100 more. These young men will give special attention to this drug abuse, too.

Finally, I ask you to add 100 FBI agents to strengthen law enforcement in the Nation and to protect the individual rights of every citizen.

A moment ago I spoke of despair and frustrated hopes in the cities where the fires of disorder burned last summer. We can-and in time we will--change that despair into confidence, and change those frustrations into achievements. But violence will never bring progress.
We can make progress only by attacking the causes of violence and only where there is civil order founded on justice.

Today we are helping local officials improve their capacity to deal promptly with disorders.
Those who preach disorder and those who preach violence must know that local authorities are able to resist them swiftly, to resist them sternly, and to resist them decisively.

I shall recommend other actions:

--To raise the farmers' income by establishing a security commodity reserve that will protect the market from price-depressing stocks and protect the consumer from food scarcity.

--I shall recommend programs to help farmers bargain more effectively for fair prices.

--I shall recommend programs for new air safety measures.

--Measures to stem the rising costs of medical care.

--Legislation to encourage our returning veterans to devote themselves to careers in community service such as teaching, and being firemen, and joining our police force, and our law enforcement officials.

--I shall recommend programs to strengthen and finance our anti-pollution efforts.

--Fully funding all of the $2.18 billion poverty program that you in the Congress had just authorized in order to bring opportunity to those who have been left far behind.

--I shall recommend an Educational Opportunity Act to speed up our drive to break down the financial barriers that are separating our young people from college.

I shall also urge the Congress to act on several other vital pending bills--especially the civil rights measures--fair jury trials, protection of Federal rights, enforcement of equal employment opportunity, and fair housing.

The unfinished work of the first session must be completed--the Higher Education Act, the Juvenile Delinquency Act, conservation measures to save the redwoods of California, and to preserve the wonders of our scenic rivers, the Highway Beautification Act--and all the other measures for a cleaner, and for a better, and for a more beautiful America.

Next month we'll begin our 8th year of uninterrupted prosperity. The economic outlook for this year is one of steady growth-if we are vigilant.

True, there are some clouds on the horizon. Prices are rising. Interest rates have passed the peak of 1966; and if there is continued inaction on the tax bill, they will climb even higher.
I warn the Congress and the Nation tonight that this failure to act on the tax bill will sweep us into an accelerating spiral of price increases, a slump in homebuilding, and a continuing erosion of the American dollar.

This would be a tragedy for every American family. And I predict that if this happens, they will all let us know about it.

We--those of us in the executive branch, in the Congress, and the leaders of labor and business--must do everything we can to prevent that kind of misfortune.

Under the new budget, the expenditures for 1969 will increase by $10.4 billion. Receipts will increase by $22.3 billion including the added tax revenues. Virtually all of this expenditure increase represents the mandatory cost of our defense efforts, $3 billion; increased interest, almost $1 billion; or mandatory payments under laws passed by Congress--such as those provided in the Social Security Act that you passed in 1967, and to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, veterans, and farmers, of about $4 1/2 billion; and the additional $1 billion 600 million next year for the pay increases that you passed in military and civilian pay. That makes up the $10 billion that is added to the budget. With few exceptions, very few, we are holding the fiscal 1969 budget to last year's level, outside of those mandatory and required increases.
A Presidential commission composed of distinguished congressional fiscal leaders and other prominent Americans recommended this year that we adopt a new budget approach. I am carrying out their recommendations in this year's budget. This budget, therefore, for the first time accurately covers all Federal expenditures and all Federal receipts, including for the first time in one budget $47 billion from the social security, Medicare, highway, and other trust funds.

The fiscal 1969 budget has expenditures of approximately $186 billion, with total estimated revenues, including the tax bill, of about $178 billion.

If the Congress enacts the tax increase, we will reduce the budget deficit by some $12 billion. The war in Vietnam is costing us about $25 billion and we are asking for about $12 billion in taxes--and if we get that $12 billion tax bill we will reduce the deficit from about $20 billion in 1968 to about $8 billion in 1969.

Now, this is a tight budget. It follows the reduction that I made in cooperation with the Congress--a reduction made after you had reviewed every appropriations bill and reduced the appropriations by some $5 or $6 billion and expenditures by $1.5 billion. We conferred together and I recommended to the Congress and you subsequently approved taking 2 percent from payrolls and 10 percent from controllable expenditures. We therefore reduced appropriations almost $10 billion last session and expenditures over $4 billion. Now, that was in the budget last year.

I ask the Congress to recognize that there are certain selected programs that meet the Nation's most urgent needs and they have increased. We have insisted that decreases in very desirable but less urgent programs be made before we would approve any increases. So

I ask the Congress tonight:

--to hold its appropriations to the budget requests, and

--to act responsibly early this year by enacting the tax surcharge which for the average American individual amounts to about a penny out of each dollar's income.

This tax increase would yield about half of the $23 billion per year that we returned to the people in the tax reduction bills of 1964 and 1965.

This must be a temporary measure, which expires in less than 2 years. Congress can repeal it sooner if the need has passed. But Congress can never repeal inflation.

The leaders of American business and the leaders of American labor--those who really have power over wages and prices--must act responsibly, and in their Nation's interest by keeping increases in line with productivity. If our recognized leaders do not do this, they and those for whom they speak and all of us are going to suffer very serious consequences.

On January 1st, I outlined a program to reduce our balance of payments deficit sharply this year. We will ask the Congress to help carry out those parts of the program which require legislation. We must restore equilibrium to our balance of payments.</sub>

[Lahbas]

<sub>We must also strengthen the international monetary system. We have assured the world that America's full gold stock stands behind our commitment to maintain the price of gold at $35 an ounce. We must back this commitment by legislating now to free our gold reserves.

Americans, traveling more than any other people in history, took $4 billion out of their country last year in travel costs. We must try to reduce the travel deficit that we have of more than $2 billion. We are hoping that we can reduce it by $500 million--without unduly penalizing the travel of teachers, students, business people who have essential and necessary travel, or people who have relatives abroad whom they want to see. Even with this reduction of $500 million, the American people will still be traveling more overseas than they did in 1967, 1966, or 1965 or any other year in their history.

If we act together as I hope we can, I believe we can continue our economic expansion which has already broken all past records. And I hope that we can continue that expansion in the days ahead.

Each of these questions I have discussed with you tonight is a question of policy for our people. Therefore, each of them should be--and doubtless will be--debated by candidates for public office this year.

I hope those debates will be marked by new proposals and by a seriousness that matches the gravity of the questions themselves.

These are not appropriate subjects for narrow partisan oratory. They go to the heart of what we Americans are all about--all of us, Democrats and Republicans.

Tonight I have spoken of some of the goals I should like to see America reach. Many of them can be achieved this year-others by the time we celebrate our Nation's 200th birthday--the bicentennial of our independence.

Several of these goals are going to be very hard to reach. But the State of our Union will be much stronger 8 years from now on our 200th birthday if we resolve to reach these goals now. They are more important-much more important--than the identity of the party or the President who will then be in office.

These goals are what the fighting and our alliances are really meant to protect.

Can we achieve these goals?

Of course we can--if we will.

If ever there was a people who sought more than mere abundance, it is our people.

If ever there was a nation that was capable of solving its problems, it is this Nation.

If ever there were a time to know the pride and the excitement and the hope of being an American--it is this time.

So this, my friends, is the State of our Union: seeking, building, tested many times in this past year--and always equal to the test.

Thank you and good night.</sub>

President Lyndon Baines Johnson's 1968 State of the Union Address

[Lahbas]

Kennedy Still Refuses To Commit
_{Robert Francis Kennedy, brother of the late President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, still remains standing on the sidelines while President Lyndon Johnson and Senator Eugene McCarthy fight for the nomination. Calls among antiwar activists, who view Kennedy as being more electable than McCarthy, have grown in recent weeks. McCarthy has continued a steady climb in the polls, but shortly after the State of the Union Address three days ago, the numbers have remained largely stagnant. Kennedy did say that if it appeared possible that he could win, he might enter his name into the primary.}

Boston Herald, January 20th, 1968

Gallup Poll Among Likely Democratic Voters:January 20th
Lyndon Johnson              48%
Eugene McCarthy            35%
Undecided                       17%

Nixon Support Ebbing
_{Recent Gallup Polling among likely Republican voters has shown that Richard Nixon's support is slowly falling to George Romney, who has maintained a steady rise in the polls since August. Rockefeller, the only Liberal Republican, is considered a long-shot to win the nomination, but according to many pollsters, it could now be possible if neither Nixon nor Romney drop out of the race. With them both splitting the moderate and conservative Republicans, Rockefeller is increasingly being viewed as a compromise canidate in a possible fight at the Convention. However, Nixon and Romney both denied that such an event would happen, claiming that at least one of them should have a large enough lead to lock the nomination by August 5th.}

Washington Post, January 21st 1968

Gallup Polling Among Likely Republican Voters
Richard Nixon                 34%
George Romney             27%
Nelson Rockefeller         21%
Undecided                     18%

[Lahbas]

Please, never include the entire text of a speech; include snippets, but not thr whole thing.

Thought it would be an interesting read, that's all.

[Lahbas]

Johnson Pulls Ahead In the Polls

_{Recent victories in Vietnam despite the growing antiwar movement has blunted McCarthy's campaign, as pundits begin to talk over the possibility of an end to the war. Rumors of North Vietnam getting ready to enter peace negotiations have also spread. McCarthy strongly denounced the rumors, claiming that while he would wholeheartedly support peace talks if they were occurring, the current rumors are nothing more than that; rumors.
"Though I dearly wish that it were true the Communist North were on its last legs.....that is not true! Johnson....has been claiming victory was in sight.....for the last two years! Why have we not won the war.......if victory were always so close? The President wants you to believe....that these rumors are true.....so that he can be reelected. We are going......to make sure that the government......no longer lies to its citizens." - Eugene McCarthy campaigning in Salem, Oregon}

Boston Globe, February 18th 1968

Gallup Polling Of Likely Democratic Voters:February 16th 1968

Lyndon Johnson           49%

Eugene McCarthy         31%

Undecided                    20%

Romney And Rockefeller Catching Up

_{Nixon is quickly losing his lead in what a year ago seemed to be a sure win for the nomination. Romney is still removing voters from Nixon's camp, while Rockefeller builds his Liberal base in the Northeast and the West Coast. When voters were asked why they changed sides, they simply stated that they agreed more with Romney's platform then they did with Nixon's. Governor Romney had in last month had begun a massive information campaign in major cities within the primary states, answering political questions, in order to make his policies and ideology better known to the public. Nixon quickly struck back in short order, on a note of great importance regarding George Romney.}

_{"The way........information has been seen.......it is possible that one of......my opponents......may not even be an natural-born American......and therefore illegible......for the nation's highest office. Documents say that........Romney was born in Mexico........which would not......have made him a citizen. If he is elected.......I do not know if I......can call him my President." - Richard Nixon, Interview on NBC}

Gallup Polling Of Likely Republican Voters

Richard Nixon               32%

George Romney           29%

Nelson Rockefeller       24%

Undecided                   15%

 

[Lahbas]

The Republican Primaries Go To The Supreme Court!

<sub>In an unexpected turn of events, presidential candidate Richard Milhous Nixon has filed a case in the Supreme Court of the United States, claiming that George Romney is not legible to run for the Presidency. Though the Nixon campaign had recently been attacking Romney due to his birth in Mexico, there was no information coming out suggesting such a move. At a rally last night, Nixon stated his reasoning:

"In my eyes......Romney is not a citizen.....of these United States.....and is instead an....illegal immigrant....from Mexico. I do not wish for Romney...to keep our voters in the black any longer. It is their....right to know whether....in the view of the Constitution....and therefore our Founding Fathers.....if George Romney is legible to......run for the highest office in the land."

George Romney has also fired back at Richard Nixon on the issue:

"Though it is true that I was born in Mexico.....I am not a citizen of that nation. I am a true American....through and through....and nothing can change that. In my opinion....if both your parents are citizens of this Great Democracy.....as mine were....then you are just as much a citizen...than if you were born in Boston or Chicago. I trust that....the court will hold my position.....if it accepts the case."

This has also thrown the Republican National Committee into chaos, as commented upon by Ray C. Bliss, the RNC's chairman.

"We have no idea what to do......since this unexpected development....in the war....between the Nixon and Romney camps. There is talk....of possibly....postponing....the primaries until a later date.....when this issue is resolved. At the same time....however.....I am under extreme pressure....to let them procede......regardless of the issues on.....Romney's eligibility."

In the meantime, the Rockefeller campaign refused to make a comment on the issue, though rumors are that Nelson himself believes that Nixon's actions were justified.</sub>

New York Times, February 20th, 1968

George Wallace Is Running For The Presidency

<sub>Alabama Governor George Corley Wallace Jr., has announced earlier this morning that he is running for the Presidency on an independent ticket, which he calls the American Independent Party. Wallace, in his speech, attacked both the Johnson Administration and the Democratic Party's policies, especially regarding Civil Right:

"President Johnson has decided to circumvent the regular democratic process....and he.....along with his cronies in Congress....and the Courts.....removing the power from the state's...in favor of dictatorial control from Washington. We fought against these very policies during the Second World War.....I myself on the frontlines......and now we must fight them here at home? In 1776....the thirteen colonies of the United States declared indepedence from the tyrannical goverment of London.....due to them circumventing the democratic process we hold dear. America is a nation built upon ex pluribus unum.....Out of Many...One. It is not built upon ex unum pluribus.....Out of One....Many."

Wallace has not yet annouced a running mate yet, though there are rumors that his short-list includes former Air Force General Curtis Emerson LeMay,  and Former Governor and Senator from Kentucky Albert Benjamin "Happy" Chandler.</sub>

Chicago Tribune, February 19th 1968

[Lahbas]

Comments?

[Lahbas]

"......in other news.....Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court Earl Warren has accepted.....the case against Republican presidential candidate George Romney......by Republican presidential candidate Richard Nixon. The court calender had to be revised.....due to pleas from RNC chairman Ray Bliss, to prevent the postponement of the March twelfth New Hampshire primary. The battle over Romney's status as a citizen....is to start tomorrow morning.....both men having traveled to Washington D.C. earlier this afternoon. The general fear....whoever...is that the naturalization case.....may extend late into the primary season for the Republicans......putting them in a difficult spot in finding a nominee....to challenge President Johnson for the White House. And that's the way it is....February twenty first.....nineteen sixty eight."

- Walter Cronkite, CBS Evening News, February 21st 1968

Hue Recaptured

_{It has been reported that earlier today that South Vietnamese and American forces have recaptured the city of Hue, which had been heavily contested with Viet Cong forces since the beginning of the Tet Offensive last January. A large part of the fighting had been consolidated to the Imperial Citadel, which irself was only fully secured yesterday. A brief standoff occured between American marines and South Vietnamese soldiers, due to US soldiers having raised an American flag in the center of the citadel. According to South Vietnamese law, an American flag can only be flown next to one of the Republic of South Vietnam. Despite early refusal to bring it down, and threatening to shot several American officers who made moves to do so, the soldiers took it down after ordered to by their superior officer. The flag of the Republic of South Vietnam was raised in the center of the citadel by the Black Panther Company of the First South Vietnamese Division later that day.}

- Los Angeles Times, Febuary 24th, 1968

Ruling In Romney VS. Nixon To Be Released Tommorow!

<sub>Chief Justice Earl Warren has told reporters, at the close of yesterday's court, that he, and the other justice's intend to release their opinions, and ruling, upon the case.

"Me......and my fellow judges.....are largely decided upon the issue being discussed......though do not yet agree upon a ruling. However.....you can be sure.....that a ruling will be released.....by the court....when the case opens again.....tommorow morning."

Richard Nixon had filed the case, on the basis of George Romney not be eligable to run for the Presidency, due to being born in Meixcan, rather than American soil, despite both parents being American citizens. Romney has stated that he is a natural-born citizen because of his parent's citizenship, but will let the court be the final decision upon the issue.

"I am.....and always will be.....an American.....and nothing the court says can change that. However....if they say that.....I am not natural-born.....which I doubt they will say......then I will accept it.......and end my bid for the presidency."

This speech was met by outcrys from many of Romney's supporters, but it appears that this decision has been set in stone. We wait today for news from Washington, regarding the case.</sub>

- Seattle Post Intelligencer, February 27th 1968

Gallup Poll Among Registered Republican:February 26th, 1968

Richard Nixon                 31%
George Romney             32%
Nelson Rockefeller         25%
Undecided                     12%

Gallup Poll Among Registered Democrats:February 26th, 1968

Lyndon Johnson             46%
Eugene McCarthy           37%
Undecided                      17%

[Lahbas]

Gallup has also released some matchup for the '68 election.

General Election

Lyndon Johnson              47%
Richard Nixon                  36%
George Wallace               17%

Lead Margin                    11

General Election

Lyndon Johnson              39%
George Romney               41%
George Wallace               19%

Lead Margin                     2

General Election

Eugene McCarthy            42%
Richard Nixon                  38%
George Wallace              20%

Lead Margin                   4

General Election

Eugene McCarthy            34%
George Romney               43%
George Wallace               22%

Lead Margin                    9

- Gallup Polling, Febuary 25th, 1968

[Lahbas]

"It is........the majority opinion of the court that.......regarding Richard Milhous Nixon vs. George Wilcken Romney.......George Wilcken Romney....though a citizen of the United States......is not a natural-born citizen.......and therefore illegible.....for the Presidency of the United States."

- Ruling of the Supreme Court, February 28th 1968

Romney Drops Out Of The Race

<sub>Following the Supreme Court's ruling yesterday, making Romney illegible for the Presidency, both Ricjard Nixon has increased his calls for Romney to drop out of the race. This earlier this morning, in Lansing, George Romney ended his campaign.

"In accordance with my earlier promise to the nation......I am dropping out of the race for the Republican nomination.....due to the Supreme Court......remmoving.....my natural-born status. Therefore.....no matter how much I would like to serve as your president.....I cannot. I thank all of my supporters for aiding in my run, and I ask that you all make vote intelligently in the upcoming primaries."

As a result, Nixon is by many pundit now considered the likely nominee for the Republican nomination. However, since polling data excluding Romney has not yet come out, there is no major evidence to support this idea.</sub>

- The Detroit News, March 1st 1968

 

Polls Show Johnson Is In Trouble In New Hampshire

_{Recent polling among Democratic voters is now suggesting that there is a possibility that insurgent canidate for the Democratic nomination, Eugene McCarthy of Minnesota, could likely upset the President in that state. The Johnson campaign has refused to comment on these latest polls, but news leaking out suggests that it is stepping up campaigning within the state, with an expected appearance by the President sometime next week. McCarthy's camapaign was more open on the issue with our reporters.}

"We Americans are growing increasingly tired of this war in which we will gain nothing.....but costs the lives of our boys and men......while costing untold billions of our dollars every month....which could be better used improving the lives of American citizens here at home. I thank New Hampshire for showing us that our campaign is not as....hopeless.....as the President is trying to make it out to be."

- Washington Post, March 3rd 1968

Gallup Polling Of Registered Democrats (New Hampshire): March 2nd, 1968

_{Lyndon Johnson                  48%
Eugene McCarthy             44%
Undecided                       8%}

Rockefeller Is The New Frontrunner For The Republican Nomination!

<sub>In an incredible shock, recent polls show that Governor Nelson Rockefeller has become the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, following the drop-out of previous frontrunner Michigan Governer George Romney. Many leading members of the Republican party had expected that Nixon would easily regain his frontrunner status, considering the liberal tendencies of the New York Governor. However, apparently Nixon only got a small boost in support from former Romney supporters, while many more have joined in support of Rockefeller. Rockefeller at a campaign rally actually voiced his shock at the rapid ascent in his support.

"Now.....I know that recent polling has placed me as the new frontrunner for the nomination. This cannot be considered accurate.......so I do not want to get our hopes up already. Remember......we cannot forget that George Romney.....a great American....and a loyal Republican. I promise.....that if I win....Romney will be my....secretary of state."

The comment was received well among Romney's former base, but George Romney has yet to make a comment on the statement. Many pundits claim that Rockefeller was looking for Romney's endorsement, while also now cementing his base among former Romney supporters. Also, a new movement to draft popular Conservative Governor Ronald Reagan has begun among the right-wing of the former Romney camp. Ronald Reagan, while now entertaining the possibility of entering the race, has decided to "mull over the idea" for the next few days before making a final decision.</sub>

- Boston Globe, March 4th

Gallup Polling Of Registered Republicans: March 4th, 1968

_{Richard Nixon                  34%
Nelson Rockefeller           38%
Undecided                       28%}

Johnson May Drop Out Of The Race!

_{Following a new polls showing McCarthy in the lead in the Wisconsion primary, word is leaking out that President Lyndon Johnson may drop out of the race for his renomination. Defying the claims of many, McCarthy has maintained a steady climb in the polls, also helped by a surge due to the Tet Offensive by Communist forces in Vietnam earlier this year. The President has refused to comment on these claims. However, there are reports that both the Johnson and McCarthy campaigns are stepping up their efforts in the primary states.}

- New York Times, March 5th 1968

Gallup Polling Of Registered Democrats (Wisconsion): March 4th, 1968

_{Lyndon Johnson                  44%
Eugene McCarthy             46%
Undecided                       10%}

[Lahbas]

I am going heading to Cape Cod tomorrow, so I will likely not be able to post.

I still like to know what people think of the story, as this is my first timeline, and I don't like the feeling that I might be talking to myself. If you have any comments, no matter how Infinitesimal, just post them.

[Lahbas]

Reagan Enters The Ring!

<sub>California Governor Ronald Reagan, following several days of debate, has recently declared his canidacy for the Republican nomination, and entered his name upon the primary ballots. In a press conference last night, Reagan explained his reasoning:

"This is a great country.....of both freedom and honor......and the path any of the other major canidates lead it down will ensure it's destruction.....either militarily....or economically. I am running.....to make sure that America remains strong and firm against its enemies.....while ensuring that tyranny does not leak through our borders. The Great Society......the largest drain on our budget I have ever seen....has failed to end poverty in America as we know it. I know this.....you know this.......and the many who still remain unemployed....hungry......and homeless know this. I am running for President.....to ensure that brighter days come for the United States of America."

A massive draft movement had developed among Republican Conservatives following Governor Romney's forced eviction from the race by the Supreme Court. Political experts claim, however, that Reagan's hopes of winning the nomination are small, given that the party establishment fears he will be connected with disaster canidate Barry Goldwater, who had lost in a landslide election, four years earlier. When asked about this, Reagan merely waved his hand, and said with a smile:

"The days of the establishment are ending, and it is the people's right on who to nominate. If I thought the establishment were really making the final decision without the public's opinion having an effect, then I wouldn't be running."</sub>

- San Francisco Chronicle, March 7th 1968

Saigon Secured

_{Reports out of Vietnam now show that Communist forces have finally been evicted from Saigon, a major traget in the Tet Offensiv by both Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. Despite the United States and the South Vietnamese considering the battle a considerable and important victory, many here at home, previously being staunch hawks, are now beginning to question the war. Still, a majority of the information out of Saigon is being kept quiet by the American military.}

- New York Times, March 8th 1968

Kennedy Endorse McCarthy!

<sub>Despite hints that he would enter the race for the Democratic nomination, Senator Robert Francis Kennedy of New York has endorsed Eugene McCarthy. In a speech to at a pro-McCarthy rally in Wisconsion, Kennedy explained:

"Now....I realize that quite a few of me wanted me to jump into the race......including other politicians and reporters.....who said that it was inevitable. However.....by thinking it over......I find that I cannot divide and already shaky coalition that is ready to topple th administration that has failed us both here at home......and overseas. I want this senseless war to end as much as all of you......and right now......McCarthy is the only one supporting an immdeiate pullout. I would say the math favors him for a victory both at the convention.....and in November. When those results finish rolling in.....and Cronkite annouces his victory......I will be gald to call him my fellow American.....my friend....and my President."

Robert Kennedy is also scheduled to make a joint appearance with Eugene McCarthy tommorow in Concord, New Hampshire.</sub>

- New York Times, March 9th 1968

New Hampshire Primaries To Be Held Tommorow!

_{As the first primaries of the election season are to be held tommorow, new Gallup Polls have been released by Gallup regarding the race, with some shocking results. Eugene McCarthy, nationally, has tied with President Johnson in the polls, while having a significant lead in New Hampshire, and the upcoming Wisconsion primary. The Republican field is just as confusing, with Nelson Rockefeller maintaining his frontrunner status, though by a narrow margin, due to a transfer of some former Romney supporters to recently declared runner, Governor Ronald Reagan of California. Richard Nixon has failed to expand far from his intial base, which had been expected to occur following the withdrawal of George Romney. Polling among the moderates suggests that Nixon, through his attempt to drive Romney out of the race, had alienated almost all of them, with a bare 2% actually switching over to Nixon for good, while many others are leaning.  For those of you who read this in New Hamoshire, remeber to vote, March 12th.}

- Boston Globe, March 11th 1968

Gallup Polling of Registered Democrats:New Hampshire

_{Lyndon Johnson                      42%
Eugene McCarthy                    51%
Undecided                               7%}

Gallup Polling of Registered Democrats:National

_{Lyndon Johnson                      43%
Eugene McCarthy                    43%
Undecided                               14%}

Gallup Polling of Registered Republicans:New Hampshire

_{Nelson Rockefeller                      33%
Richard Nixon                             27%
Ronald Reagan                           24%
Undecided                                  16%}

Gallup Polling of Registered Republicans:National

_{Nelson Rockefeller                      31%
Richard Nixon                              29%
Ronald Reagan                           26%
Undecided                                  14%}

[Lahbas]

"Analysts are reporting to us now......and are.......projecting that Eugene McCarthy has won! McCarthy has defeated sitting President Lyndon Johnson in New Hampshire. This victory had been expected......but from the information we are getting.......not by the current margin.
The Republicans are having even more trouble.......as it is now eleven thirty eight.......and the race is still too close to call. The fight being between Richard Nixon and Nelson Rockefeller.....analysts have told us it is likely that the race may not be called until tommorow."

- Frank McGee, NBC News, March 12th 1968

New Hampshire Democratic Primary : Eugene McCarthy Victorious

_{Eugene McCarthy          56.77%         16 Delegates
Lyndon Johnson            42.13%         10 Delegates
Others                           1.10%             0 Delegates}

New Hampshire Republican Primary Called, Rockefeller Victorious

<sub>In a very narrow victory, New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller has managed to edge out Richard Nixon to win New Hampshire's eight delegates, and achieve official frontrunner status. Though Rockefeller originally was ahead by a good five points according to polls, with most of the undecided voters going to either Reagan or Nixon, and Rockefeller himself losing part of his base, that lead evaporated. Though Reagan was quickly discounted, the fight was a tug-of-war between Nixon and Rockefeller, with the state going back and forth throughout the night and into the morning. It was not until 3:56 this morning that the race was called, with Nelson Rockefeller victorious. Rockefeller himself spoke about the night in an interview:

"To be honset........I thought I was going to lose. In the days before the primary.......especially when looking at the polls......I was confident that New Hampshire was mine. As soon as the tickers began giving the numbers....however......I knew something had gone wrong. Even now....I am not sure what it was. Anyway.......that was one of the most stressful nights I have ever had........hearing the state going back an forth between me and Nixon. At one point....ha ha..........Henry Kissinger suggested I get some sleep.....just in case they finally called the race and I needed to give a speech. I told him..."Henry......how the hell am I supposed to sleep....when my bed is right next to the damn tickers?!" When the final call came in.......and it had been declared that I had won New Hampshire.......I finally was able to relax. I feel bad for Nixon....however. He loses an awful lot of close ones.

Nixon refused for a direct interview......but vowed in a speech during a rally shortly after the race was called that he would remain in the race........and that he would defeat both "that RINO from Long Island" and "the Hollywood Actor from California".

Ronald Reagan, in an interview with one of our reporters, mentioned that he did not expect to win New Hampshire, but had been suprised by the margin by which he had won. Most polls had him within the 20% range, while others put him in the upper teens, but by the time the counting was finished earlier this morning, he had barely carried over 30%.

The Wisconsion Primary is to be held on the 2nd of April.</sub>

- Washington Post, March 13th 1968

New Hampshire Republican Primary: Nelson Rockefeller Victorious

_{Nelson Rockefeller               34.49%        8 Delegates
Richard Nixon                      34.38%        0 Delegates
Ronald Reagan                    31.13%        0 Delegates}

Democratic Primaries Map

Republican Primaries Map

[Lahbas]

"Of those to whom much is given, much is asked. I cannot say and no man could say that no more will be asked of us.

Yet, I believe that now, no less than when the decade began, this generation of Americans is willing to "pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."

Since those words were spoken by John F. Kennedy, the people of America have kept that compact with mankind's noblest cause.

And we shall continue to keep it.

Yet, I believe that we must always be mindful of this one thing, whatever the trials and the tests ahead. The ultimate strength of our country and our cause will lie not in powerful weapons or infinite resources or boundless wealth, but will lie in the unity of our people.

This I believe very deeply.

Throughout my entire public career I have followed the personal philosophy that I am a free man, an American, a public servant, and a member of my party, in that order always and only.

For 37 years in the service of our Nation, first as a Congressman, as a Senator, and as Vice President, and now as your President, I have put the unity of the people first. I have put it ahead of any divisive partisanship.

And in these times as in times before, it is true that a house divided against itself by the spirit of faction, of party, of region, of religion, of race, is a house that cannot stand.

There is division in the American house now. There is divisiveness among us all tonight. And holding the trust that is mine, as President of all the people, I cannot disregard the peril to the progress of the American people and the hope and the prospect of peace for all peoples.

So, I would ask all Americans, whatever their personal interests or concern, to guard against divisiveness and all its ugly consequences.

Fifty-two months and 10 days ago, in a moment of tragedy and trauma, the duties of this office fell upon me. I asked then for your help and God's, that we might continue America on its course, binding up our wounds, healing our history, moving forward in new unity, to clear the American agenda and to keep the American commitment for all of our people.

United we have kept that commitment. United we have enlarged that commitment.

Through all time to come, I think America will be a stronger nation, a more just society, and a land of greater opportunity and fulfillment because of what we have all done together in these years of unparalleled achievement.

Our reward will come in the life of freedom, peace, and hope that our children will enjoy through ages ahead.

What we won when all of our people united just must not now be lost in suspicion, distrust, selfishness, and politics among any of our people.

Believing this as I do, I have concluded that I should not permit the Presidency to become involved in the partisan divisions that are developing in this political year.

With America's sons in the fields far away, with America's future under challenge right here at home, with our hopes and the world's hopes for peace in the balance every day, I do not believe that I should devote an hour or a day of my time to any personal partisan causes or to any duties other than the awesome duties of this office—the Presidency of your country.

Accordingly, I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President.

But let men everywhere know, however, that a strong, a confident, and a vigilant America stands ready tonight to seek an honorable peace—and stands ready tonight to defend an honored cause—whatever the price, whatever the burden, whatever the sacrifice that duty may require.

Thank you for listening. Good night and God bless all of you."

- Part of a speech by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, March 20th 1968

[Lahbas]

Hubert Humphrey Enters The Race

<sub>As had been rumored for the last couple days, Hubert Humphrey finally declared his canidacy for the Democratic nomination. Here is a part of the speech that he gave in Washington last night:

"And now to the business of getting elected.  Let me share with you my thoughts: The people who voted for me for Vice-president have every right to expect a full four-year service in that office.  Thus in the weeks ahead, I want you to know that I shall place high priority up on that call to service and I shall continue to fulfill, to the best of my abilities, the duties of my office, and the responsibilities that have been placed upon me. I shall, as the president has, observe the actual party peace over politics.
I shall do my utmost to contribute to a broad reasoned national dialogue, devoted not to personalities, but to issues which man once benefit, educate, and inform the American people and the Democratic Party.  For 1968, this year, is not the year for frenzied or inflammatory rhetoric, nor is it the year for searching out, and seeking in finding scapegoats for our problems.  I submit that 1968 is the year for common sense to the American people.
It is time requiring every person, in every post, in every area of leadership, maturity, restraint, and responsibility. And it should be a time of great confidence, and above all, my friends, a time for public happiness in this nation.
So you may understand the ground rules of my effort, I will resist the temptation and successfully so, to deceive either the people or myself.  I have been too close to the Presidency to believe that the solutions to our complex and difficult problems are either simple or easy and I know the answers do not come quickly. But what concerns me is not just winning the nomination, but how it is to be won.
The man who wins the nomination must be able, first, to unite his party. The man who unites his party must be able, above all to unite and govern his nation. You can rest assured that I intend to fight hard and clean for the nomination.
But I do not, and will not, divide either my party or my country. In this great effort, I shall do my best and I ask no less of those who join me. 
For democracy is only what democracy gets done; we don’t get just what we stand for, we get what we earn and what we work for.  In the full knowledge of all the challenges that lie ahead within both the campaign and in the high office, I enter this course with a resolve and a determination to win.
And I shall make everything that I do on one conviction: that this country, we the people of these United States, working in a spirit of unity,  can overcome any obstacle, finally realizing the fullness of freedom, the prize of peace, in the happiness of human opportunity, both here and in the world.  My fellow Americans, we are the people of today; we are the people of tomorrow, it is to the future that we look and we aspire. And I found some words are told me exactly what I want to tell you; you’ll find them inscribed in the great literature. The future has several names: for the weak it is impossible, for the faint-hearted it is the unknown, for the thoughtful and the valiant it is ideals. The challenge is urgent, the test is large, the time is now -- on to victory!"

A major problem is that, partly because of the nearness of this declaration, many assume that President Lyndon Johnson pressured him to enter the race. Despite these rumors, the President has not, in fact, endorsed any of the canidates currently running. We'll wait and see if Humphrey can potray himself as being apart from President Lyndon Johnson.</sub>

- Chicago Tribune March 26th, 1968

[Lahbas]

Rockefeller And McCarthy Win Wisconsin

<sub>Republican Governor of New York Nelson Rockefeller and Democratic Senator of Minnesota Eugene McCarthy have won the Wisconsin for their respective party primaries. Both had polled really well in the state, but Rockefeller explained why he had put an unexpectedly strong emphasis on Wisconsin:

"If New Hampshire had taught me one thing.....it was this. You cannot trust a poll no farther than the number of people that had been polled......and then some. I did not want a repeat of New Hampshire here in Wisconsin......and so I gave my heart to these people. Apparently....the hard work paid off."

Reagan again stated that he had not expected to win the primary:

"To be honest......I do not expect to win any of the upcoming primaries until May 7th. The current primaries dominate the liberal wing of the party.....while those like Indiana and Ohio are closer to my views. My Strong showing in Wisconsin show me.....however.....that I might not have to wait that long."

Nixon refused to comment on the primary, and there are reports that he may be getting ready to drop out of the race.

McCarthy, on the other hand, made an impassioned speech shortly after victory was declared that night:

"Tonight.........all of America watched and listened to the results out of Wisconsin....and we prevailed. America no longer wants an administration that continues to support a war that has no benefit to our people........even using deceit to make it appear as if we are close to victory. The American people want change....and I promise America.....that when I am President.........change......will.....come!"</sub>

- New York Times, April 3rd 1968



Wisconsin Democratic Primary : Eugene McCarthy Victorious

Eugene McCarthy                   62.49%
Hubert Humphrey                   36.12%
Others                                     1.39%

Delegates

Eugene McCarthy                    59

Wisconsin Republican Primary : Nelson Rockefeller Victorious

<sub>Nelson Rockefeller                  40.02%
Ronald Reagan                       32.56%
Richard Nixon                         27.42%

Delegates

Nelson Rockefeller                  30</sub>

Democratic Primaries Map

Republican Primaries Map

[Lahbas]

Martin Luther King Is Slain in Memphis; A White Is Suspected; Johnson Urges Calm

<sub>Memphis, Friday, April 5 -- The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who preached nonviolence and racial brotherhood, was fatally shot here last night by a distant gunman who raced away and escaped.

Four thousand National Guard troops were ordered into Memphis by Gov. Buford Ellington after the 39-year-old Nobel Prize-winning civil rights leader died.

A curfew was imposed on the shocked city of 550,000 inhabitants, 40 per cent of whom are Negro.

But the police said the tragedy had been followed by incidents that included sporadic shooting, fires, bricks and bottles thrown at policemen, and looting that started in Negro districts and then spread over the city.

White Car Sought

Police Director Frank Holloman said the assassin might have been a white man who was "50 to 100 yards away in a flophouse."

Chief of Detectives W.P. Huston said a late model white Mustang was believed to have been the killer's getaway car. Its occupant was described as a bareheaded white man in his 30's, wearing a black suit and black tie.

The detective chief said the police had chased two cars near the motel where Dr. King was shot and had halted one that had two out-of-town men as occupants. The men were questioned but seemed to have nothing to do with the killing, he said.

Rifle Found Nearby

A high-powered 30.06-caliber rifle was found about a block from the scene of the shooting, on South Main Street. "We think it's the gun," Chief Huston said, reporting it would be turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Dr. King was shot while he leaned over a second-floor railing outside his room at the Lorraine Motel. He was chatting with two friends just before starting for dinner.

One of the friends was a musician, and Dr. King had just asked him to play a Negro spiritual, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," at a rally that was to have been held two hours later in support of striking Memphis sanitation men.

Paul Hess, assistant administrator at St. Joseph's Hospital, where Dr. King died despite emergency surgery, said the minister had "received a gunshot wound on the right side of the neck, at the root of the neck, a gaping wound."

"He was pronounced dead at 7:05 P.M. Central standard time (8:05 P.M. New York time) by staff doctors," Mr. Hess said. "They did everything humanly possible."

Dr. King's mourning associates sought to calm the people they met by recalling his messages of peace, but there was widespread concern by law enforcement officers here and elsewhere over potential reactions.

In a television broadcast after the curfew was ordered here, Mr. Holloman said, "rioting has broken out in parts of the city" and "looting is rampant."

Dr. King had come back to Memphis Wednesday morning to organize support once again for 1,300 sanitation workers who have been striking since Lincoln's Birthday. Just a week ago yesterday he led a march in the strikers' cause that ended in violence. A 16-year-old Negro was killed, 62 persons were injured and 200 were arrested.

Yesterday Dr. King had been in his second-floor room- Number 306- throughout the day. Just about 6 P.M. he emerged, wearing a silkish-looking black suit and white shirt.

Solomon Jones Jr., his driver, had been waiting to take him by car to the home of the Rev. Samuel Kyles of Memphis for dinner. Mr. Jones said later he had observed, "It's cold outside, put your topcoat on," and Dr. King had replied, "O.K., I will."

Two Men in Courtyard

Dr. King, an open-faced, genial man, leaned over a green iron railing to chat with an associate, Jesse Jackson, standing just below him in a courtyard parking lot:

"Do you know Ben?" Mr. Jackson asked, introducing Ben Branch of Chicago, a musician who was to play at the night's rally.

"Yes, that's my man!" Dr. King glowed.

The two men recalled Dr. King's asking for the playing of the spiritual. "I really want you to play that tonight," Dr. King said, enthusiastically.

The Rev. Ralph W. Abernathy, perhaps Dr. King's closest friend, was just about to come out of the motel room when the sudden loud noise burst out.

Dr. King toppled to the concrete second-floor walkway. Blood gushed from the right jaw and neck area. His necktie had been ripped off by the blast.

"He had just bent over," Mr. Jackson recalled later. "If he had been standing up, he wouldn't have been hit in the face."

Policemen 'All Over'

"When I turned around," Mr. Jackson went on, bitterly, "I saw police coming from everywhere. They said, 'where did it come from?' And I said, 'behind you.' The police were coming from where the shot came."

Mr. Branch asserted that the shot had come from "the hill on the other side of the street."
"When I looked up, the police and the sheriff's deputies were running all around," Mr. Branch declared.

"We didn't need to call the police," Mr. Jackson said. "They were here all over the place."
Mr. Kyles said Dr. King had stood in the open "about three minutes."

Mr. Jones, the driver, said that a squad car with four policemen in it drove down the street only moments before the gunshot. The police had been circulating throughout the motel area on precautionary patrols.

After the shot, Mr. Jones said, he saw a man "with something white on his face" creep away from a thicket across the street.

Someone rushed up with a towel to stem the flow of Dr. King's blood. Mr. Kyles said he put a blanket over Dr. King, but "I knew he was gone." He ran down the stairs and tried to telephone from the motel office for an ambulance.

Mr. Abernathy hurried up with a second larger towel.

Police With Helmets

Policemen were pouring into the motel area, carrying rifles and shotguns and wearing helmets.
But the King aides said it seemed to be 10 or 15 minutes before a Fire Department ambulance arrived.

Dr. King was apparently still living when he reached the St. Joseph's Hospital operating room for emergency surgery. He was borne in on a stretcher, the bloody towel over his head.

It was the same emergency room to which James H. Meredith, first Negro enrolled at the University of Mississippi, was taken after he was ambushed and shot in June, 1965, at Hernando, Miss., a few miles south of Memphis; Mr. Meredith was not seriously hurt.

Outside the emergency room some of Dr. King's aides waited in forlorn hope. One was Chauncey Eskridge, his legal adviser. He broke into sobs when Dr. King's death was announced.

"A man full of life, full of love, and he was shot," Mr. Eskridge said. "He had always lived with that expectation- but nobody ever expected it to happen."

But the Rev. Andrew Young, executive director of Dr. King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference, recalled there had been some talk Wednesday night about possible harm to Dr. King in Memphis.

Mr. Young recalled: "He said he had reached the pinnacle of fulfillment with his nonviolent movement, and these reports did not bother him."

Mr. Young believed that the fatal shot might have been fired from a passing car. "It sounded like a firecracker," he said.

In a nearby building, a newsman who had been watching a television program thought, however, that "it was a tremendous blast that sounded like a bomb."

There were perhaps 15 persons in the motel courtyard area when Dr. King was shot, all believed to be Negroes and Dr. King's associates.

Past the courtyard is a small empty swimming pool. Then comes Mulberry Street, a short street only three blocks away from storied Beale Street on the fringe of downtown Memphis.

Once Stabbed in Harlem

In his career Dr. King had suffered beatings and blows. Once- on Sept. 20, 1958- he was stabbed in a Harlem department store in New York by a Negro woman later adjudged insane.
That time he underwent a four-hour operation to remove a steel letter opener that had been plunged into his upper left chest. For a time he was critical list, but he told his wife, while in the hospital, "I don't hold any bitterness toward this woman."

In Memphis, Dr. King's chief associates met in his room after he died. They included Mr. Young, Mr. Abernathy, Mr. Jackson, the Rev. James Bevel and Hosea Williams.

They had to step across a drying pool of Dr. King's blood to enter. Someone had thrown a crumpled pack of cigarettes into the blood.

After 15 minutes they emerged. Mr. Jackson looked at the blood. He embraced Mr. Abernathy.

"Stand tall!" somebody exhorted.

"Murder! Murder!" Mr. Bevel groaned. "Doc said that's not the way."

"Doc" was what they often called Dr. King.

Then the murdered leader's aides said they would go on to the hall where tonight's rally was to have been held. They wanted to urge calm upon the mourners.

Some policemen sought to dissuade them.

But eventually the group did start out, with a police escort.

At the Federal Bureau of Investigation office here, Robert Jensen, special agent in charge, said the F.B.I. had entered the murder investigation at the request of Attorney General Ramsey Clark.

Last night Dr. King's body was taken to the Shelby County morgue, according to the police. They said it would be up to Dr. Derry Francisco, county medical examiner, to order further disposition.</sub>

- New York Times, April 5th 1968

Note: This is an actual newspaper article from the New York Times.

[Lahbas]

Rockefeller and McCarthy Take The Gold in Pennslyvania!

<sub>As predicted, bit New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller, and Senator Eugene McCarthy of Minnesota have won their respective party primaries in the state of Pennslyvania. Polls had shown both canidates leading in the state by significant margins, though some pundits expected an upset by Ronald Reagan, who has recently made inroads with the parties moderates. Nixon, however, is said to have run out of steam, and has lost the lock over the nomination he only had a year before. Many cite the recent Nixon vs. Romney court case as having ironically been his downfall, but others claim that it is simply because his time to run has passed. Rockefeller commented on his victory:

"I am confident that the nomination is mine.........but it is best to not get to overconfident on having the lock. You must perfrom your best.......and that is not when you believe you can relax......and have the winds push you to the finish line. I now just hope that my luck keeps up."

California Governer Ronald Reagan himself expressed suprise at a second place finish:

"Pennsylvania is the state that is now giving me hope for my campaign.......just like Wisconsin did not to long ago. If I can come ahead of ole' Nixon in a liberal state.......then I have a fighting chance of winning."

Nixon refused to comment, with ever increasing signs that he may suspend his campaign sometime this week.</sub>

- Los Angeles Times, April 23rd 1968[/b]

Republican Pennsylvania Primary:Nelson Rockefeller Victorious

Results

Nelson Rockefeller                     38.69%
Ronald Reagan                          33.21%
Richard Nixon                             28.10%

Delegates

Nelson Rockefeller                      64

Democratic Pennsylvania Primary:Eugene McCarthy Victorious

Results

Eugene McCarthy                      63.42%
Hubert Humphrey                      33.97%
Others                                       2.61%

Delegates

Eugene McCarthy                      130

Richard Nixon Ends His Campaign For The Presidency!

<sub>Yesterday, during a press conference, Richard Nixon formally suspended his campaign for the presidency:

"I come before those of you gathered here today......and to America itself.......to declare that.......as of now........I am suspending my campaign for President until further notice. I thank those Americans......who supported both of my runs for the Presidency. Sadly it was not enough. Whoever it is that gets elected in November..................I will gladly work with them....in order to better this nation......and ensure its continued dominance.......as leader of the free world. This land of freedom....liberty.....and justice.......will never fall to the hell that is the Soviet Union.....or its communist proteges........and we as Americans will never stop...........until communism is vanquished forever.......and oppresed people's are liberated from a system they say brings "equality". Thank god....we were born in the country we have today. God bless us all tonight......and God bless the United States of America."

Reports of this suspected drop-out had been heard through leaks out of the Nixon campaign for some time, but none were taken that seriously, due to Nixon's precieved commitment to the race. Richard Nixon has so far refused to endorse either of the canidates; Conservative California Governor Ronald Reagan, or Liberal Governor of New York Nelson Rockefeller.</sub>
- Boston Herald, May 2nd 1968



Democratic Primaries Map

Republican Primaries Map

[Lahbas]

I'd expect Pennsylvania to be a little close between Humphrey and McCarthy, Humphrey would be better received their.

Humphrey is conducting a largely front-porch campaign, depending upon the caucus states. Also, McCarthy has the backing of the Kennedy War-Machine.