The Little Fighting Judge- A George Wallace and Onwards TL

[msnmllr]

Before I begin with the actual storytelling, a few quick (but important notes). First off, George Wallace switches VP candidates from Curtis LeMay to Senator Happy Chandler. Secondly, this TL in no way is reflective of my personal views of politics or racial relations, but simply arose after writing a 2200 word essay on Wallace and his effect of the 1968 Presidential election for my History of the Americas class. Finally, please enjoy

November 5, 1968

On CBS News

Walter Cronkite: Well folks, we have finally gotten reports from the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, which have just been called for Governor Wallace. These states have been neck and neck between Nixon and Wallace for the entire night, but both just barely happened to be called for the American Independent candidate. All that's left tonight are South Carolina and Kentucky, both of which are too close to call. We will see each other in 5...

*Cronkite pauses, and immediately turns pale*

Cronkite: I have just received news that South Carolina has also been called for Wallace. The entire fate of the nation and the entire Western world now are dependent on the 9 electoral votes that Kentucky has to offer. Now like I said earlier, we shall see each other in 5 minutes, after this break

*Two hours of uneventful news rolls by*

Cronkite: It is now 2 o'clock in the morning, and reporting is now almost done for the city of Louisville. As we speak, both Wallace and Nixon are neck and neck in winning this state, due to the fact that Wallace selected the popular former Commissioner of the Major League Baseball and Governor of Kentucky Happy Chandler as his running mate for this election...

*Electoral Map behind Cronkite flashes*
*Kentucky turns a shade of green*

Cronkite: For only the second time in American history, there is no electoral majority, and the winner of the election must be selected by the House of Representatives

Senator Richard Nixon (R-CA)/ Governor Spiro Agnew (R-MD) 261 EV 38.8% PV
Vice President Hubert Humphrey (D-MN)/ Senator Edmund Muskie (D-ME) 191 EV 36% PV
Governor George Wallace (AI-AL)/ former Governor Happy Chandler (D-KY) 86 EV 25.2% PV

Thanks for the first read!

[OSR stands with Israel]

Before I begin with the actual storytelling, a few quick (but important notes). First off, George Wallace switches VP candidates from Curtis LeMay to Senator Happy Chandler. Secondly, this TL in no way is reflective of my personal views of politics or racial relations, but simply arose after writing a 2200 word essay on Wallace and his effect of the 1968 Presidential election for my History of the Americas class. Finally, please enjoy

November 5, 1968

On CBS News

Walter Cronkite: Well folks, we have finally gotten reports from the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, which have just been called for Governor Wallace. These states have been neck and neck between Nixon and Wallace for the entire night, but both just barely happened to be called for the American Independent candidate. All that's left tonight are South Carolina and Kentucky, both of which are too close to call. We will see each other in 5...

*Cronkite pauses, and immediately turns pale*

Cronkite: I have just received news that South Carolina has also been called for Wallace. The entire fate of the nation and the entire Western world now are dependent on the 9 electoral votes that Kentucky has to offer. Now like I said earlier, we shall see each other in 5 minutes, after this break

*Two hours of uneventful news rolls by*

Cronkite: It is now 2 o'clock in the morning, and reporting is now almost done for the city of Louisville. As we speak, both Wallace and Nixon are neck and neck in winning this state, due to the fact that Wallace selected the popular former Commissioner of the Major League Baseball and Governor of Kentucky Happy Chandler as his running mate for this election...

*Electoral Map behind Cronkite flashes*
*Kentucky turns a shade of green*

Cronkite: For the first time in American history, there is no electoral majority, and the winner of the election must be selected by the House of Representatives

Senator Richard Nixon (R-CA)/ Governor Spiro Agnew (R-MD) 261 EV 38.8% PV
Vice President Hubert Humphrey (D-MN)/ Senator Edmund Muskie (D-ME) 191 EV 36% PV
Governor George Wallace (AI-AL)/ former Governor Happy Chandler (D-KY) 86 EV 25.2% PV

Thanks for the first read!

not true


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1824

[msnmllr]

Before I begin with the actual storytelling, a few quick (but important notes). First off, George Wallace switches VP candidates from Curtis LeMay to Senator Happy Chandler. Secondly, this TL in no way is reflective of my personal views of politics or racial relations, but simply arose after writing a 2200 word essay on Wallace and his effect of the 1968 Presidential election for my History of the Americas class. Finally, please enjoy

November 5, 1968

On CBS News

Walter Cronkite: Well folks, we have finally gotten reports from the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, which have just been called for Governor Wallace. These states have been neck and neck between Nixon and Wallace for the entire night, but both just barely happened to be called for the American Independent candidate. All that's left tonight are South Carolina and Kentucky, both of which are too close to call. We will see each other in 5...

*Cronkite pauses, and immediately turns pale*

Cronkite: I have just received news that South Carolina has also been called for Wallace. The entire fate of the nation and the entire Western world now are dependent on the 9 electoral votes that Kentucky has to offer. Now like I said earlier, we shall see each other in 5 minutes, after this break

*Two hours of uneventful news rolls by*

Cronkite: It is now 2 o'clock in the morning, and reporting is now almost done for the city of Louisville. As we speak, both Wallace and Nixon are neck and neck in winning this state, due to the fact that Wallace selected the popular former Commissioner of the Major League Baseball and Governor of Kentucky Happy Chandler as his running mate for this election...

*Electoral Map behind Cronkite flashes*
*Kentucky turns a shade of green*

Cronkite: For the first time in American history, there is no electoral majority, and the winner of the election must be selected by the House of Representatives

Senator Richard Nixon (R-CA)/ Governor Spiro Agnew (R-MD) 261 EV 38.8% PV
Vice President Hubert Humphrey (D-MN)/ Senator Edmund Muskie (D-ME) 191 EV 36% PV
Governor George Wallace (AI-AL)/ former Governor Happy Chandler (D-KY) 86 EV 25.2% PV

Thanks for the first read!

not true


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1824

Thanks! Edited

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

I wonder how this will effect the chances of the Bayh Amendment being ratified. Color me intrigued.

[msnmllr]

November 6, 1968

Governor's Mansion in Montgomery Alabama:

*Phone rings and Wallace picks up the phone*

Wallace: Yes?

Voice over the phone: Hi um, is this George Wallace? I uh, have a proposition for you that I don't think you will pass up on.

Wallace: It depends, who are you?

Voice over the phone: This is Richard Nixon.

Wallace: Dick Nixon? Why in God's name would I want to negotiate with a Yankee who opposes pretty much everything I stand for. What could you possibly offer that would make me consider listening to this so called "proposition" of yours?

Nixon: I have someone named Gerald Ford that I can call right after this conversation, because I assume that you are currently in a congressional deficit. If the House Republicans vote for you, in conjunction to Southern Democrats, that *should* guarantee you victory.

Wallace: And I can only assume you want something in return?

Nixon: Well, yes, this is politics after all. Why would I grant you something if I don't get anything in return? I want you to relax your stance on segregation, make your talks more of law and order, and less about segregation. The American public won't realize that by cracking down on laws and such, you can still hold some of your initial beliefs

Wallace: I'll consider this


Well, there ends the first part of this TL! Lets try to get more comments on this puppy

[Oppo]

November 6, 1968

Governor's Mansion in Montgomery Alabama:

*Phone rings and Wallace picks up the phone*

Wallace: Yes?

Voice over the phone: Hi um, is this George Wallace? I uh, have a proposition for you that I don't think you will pass up on.

Wallace: It depends, who are you?

Voice over the phone: This is Richard Nixon.

Wallace: Dick Nixon? Why in God's name would I want to negotiate with a Yankee who opposes pretty much everything I stand for. What could you possibly offer that would make me consider listening to this so called "proposition" of yours?

Nixon: I have someone named Gerald Ford that I can call right after this conversation, because I assume that you are currently in a congressional deficit. If the House Republicans vote for you, in conjunction to Southern Democrats, that *should* guarantee you victory.

Wallace: And I can only assume you want something in return?

Nixon: Well, yes, this is politics after all. Why would I grant you something if I don't get anything in return? I want you to relax your stance on segregation, make your talks more of law and order, and less about segregation. The American public won't realize that by cracking down on laws and such, you can still hold some of your initial beliefs

Wallace: I'll consider this


Well, there ends the first part of this TL! Lets try to get more comments on this puppy

I don't think that Nixon would give up to Wallace, but I do think that he'd work to get his electors' support. The only real way I could see Wallace winning would be if Nixon or Humphrey died before the House voted. Still, making a "corrupt bargain" with Wallace will really hurt Nixon's presidency and his chances in 1972.

[msnmllr]

November 6, 1968

Governor's Mansion in Montgomery Alabama:

*Phone rings and Wallace picks up the phone*

Wallace: Yes?

Voice over the phone: Hi um, is this George Wallace? I uh, have a proposition for you that I don't think you will pass up on.

Wallace: It depends, who are you?

Voice over the phone: This is Richard Nixon.

Wallace: Dick Nixon? Why in God's name would I want to negotiate with a Yankee who opposes pretty much everything I stand for. What could you possibly offer that would make me consider listening to this so called "proposition" of yours?

Nixon: I have someone named Gerald Ford that I can call right after this conversation, because I assume that you are currently in a congressional deficit. If the House Republicans vote for you, in conjunction to Southern Democrats, that *should* guarantee you victory.

Wallace: And I can only assume you want something in return?

Nixon: Well, yes, this is politics after all. Why would I grant you something if I don't get anything in return? I want you to relax your stance on segregation, make your talks more of law and order, and less about segregation. The American public won't realize that by cracking down on laws and such, you can still hold some of your initial beliefs

Wallace: I'll consider this


Well, there ends the first part of this TL! Lets try to get more comments on this puppy

I don't think that Nixon would give up to Wallace, but I do think that he'd work to get his electors' support. The only real way I could see Wallace winning would be if Nixon or Humphrey died before the House voted. Still, making a "corrupt bargain" with Wallace will really hurt Nixon's presidency and his chances in 1972.

Now what makes you think Nixon is going to win in the first place

Next part should be up tomorrow

[msnmllr]

Well, it's the day after I said I'd post, but here goes it!

November 8, 1968

Outside of the Alabama State Capital

Wallace: After having some time to myself, and having the time to talk to God, I have decided that for this nation to truly prosper, we must step up to crime and bring in a new wave of law and order. I must admit, crime has increased in the South for a while now, thanks to the racial divide between primarily the White man and the Negro. Therefore, in summation, I have decided that if America wishes to truly prosper, we must unite together and bring the fight back to Communism

Later that day

Undisclosed Location in DC

Humphrey: I stand here today to tell all Americans, that George Wallace is a liar, a racist, and most of all cares little of the lives of the men in Vietnam. I want this war to be over as soon as possible, be it through negotiation or warfare. But we must end at that. Whereas I wish to pull our boys out of Asia, Wallace wants to take the fight to Moscow, to Beijing, to Havana. He will not stop only Communism is a thing of the past. Anyone who supports Wallace might as well put on the white hood and the red arm band on at this point, because he won't stop until there isn't anyone to stand in his way.

*Whispers to himself*
Damn basket of deplorables.


November 10, 1968

New York Times: Humphrey Says That Anyone Who Supports Wallace is a Nazi and a Member of the KKK

Washington Post: Amid Wallace calming his rhetoric, and Humphrey firing up, Nixon has yet to issue a post-election statement

[msnmllr]

November 12, 1968:

CBS News:

Walter Cronkite: Following the statement issued by both Governor Wallace and Vice President Humphrey, Gallup has released a few polls to test the water on the public reaction of both speeches. The first poll begs the question: To what extent do you believe Wallace is sincere in his statement regarding his new views on racial relations? Meanwhile, the second polls asks: What is your opinion on Humphrey following his statement on Wallace?

Poll 1:

No: 61%
Yes: 39%

Poll 2:

Negative: 47%
Unchanged: 35%
Improved: 18%

Cronkite: So as you all can see, the nation is still as split now as it was before this election. While many states are still incredibly skeptical on the sincerity of Governor Wallace, I think it's also safe to say that Humphrey is doing less well now than he was before. And we are still waiting anxiously to hear from Nixon

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

This is on my radar.

[msnmllr]

This is on my radar.

Sounds good! Sorry for the delay everyone, had some school stuff going on

November 14, 1968:

Louisville, Kentucky:

Former Governor Happy Chandler: I must say, that without a single doubt, Governor Wallace is telling the truth with his new opinion. As someone who wholeheartedly supports racial integration in American society and is also his current candidate, I think George is taking the proper step in order to right the wrongs not only of himself, but of this great nation as well. Now, it is time to do your part, call your Congressmen and Congresswomen, and tell them that a vote for Wallace is what this nation needs. Thank you, and God Bless America.

November 15, 1968:

New York, New York:

Former Vice President Richard Nixon: My fellow Americans, we as a country is as divided now as it ever has been. Although we won this election, we still see scrambling on the Democratic side. The Democrats as we know it are divided in three, and if a riot at their National Convention doesn't prove that there is no central leadership, how can we assume a Democratic president won't also be in disarray? On the other hand, we have a third party candidate who flipped on segregation in order to appeal to the Northerners. This begs the question: why now vote for a candidate who switched their position, as opposed to me, someone who has been riding on law and order for the entirety of this election? It is blatantly clear that if you wish to seek America prosper, you should vote for the unified party.

CBS Studios:

Ed Sullivan: Welcome back folks, tonight we are interviewing Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey regarding his most recent speech. Now Mr. Humphrey, what made you feel that Governor Wallace is bluffing on the current situation?

Hubert H. Humphrey: Well, Mr. Sullivan, is it not obvious enough? How is any rational American be expected to believe that Wallace miraculously had a change of heart and now isn't a racist? I feel that it is necessary to call him out on this, because there is simply no way we as a nation can trust this man.

ES: I see, now Mr. Humphrey, what was going through your head when you said that all Wallace supporters "might as well put on the white hood and red arm band"? And did you expect for it to impact how the American public views you to the extent to the extent that it did?

HHH: Well, if I'm going to be real honest here, I messed up when I said what I said. I never meant for it to come out like that, but I'm personally hurt by the fact that he is the reason I got second in this election. I listened to a few of his speeches, and I find it quite odd that his speeches resonated so much with white people in the South. Now I'm not going to point any fingers, but there seems to be a correlation to what I...

ES: Sorry to interrupt you Mr. Humphrey, but I believe that you fail to realize that Wallace didn't only get support from people in the South, in fact, Mr, Wallace managed to do quite well in the Midwest with the working class Americans, most of which happen to not be racist. In fact, he managed to win nearly 70,000 voters in the State of Minnesota, if my sources are correct. Well, it seems that we ran out of time Mr. Humphrey. Pleasure talking to you

[ReaganLimbaugh]

This is interesting...I would like to see the vote pct% for the southern states.

[msnmllr]

This is interesting...I would like to see the vote pct% for the southern states.

I assume for the '68 election? I'll try to push it out in a couple hours

[msnmllr]

With all my IB exams all over, I will now be able to focus on this puppy.

November 20, 1968

CBS Studios:

Ed Sullivan: Good evening folks, tonight I am here today current Speaker Carl Albert with regards to the upcoming Congressional election for the President of the United States. Mr. Albert, how do you feel personally about this presidential election.

Carl Albert: Well, it's definitely going to be one of the most pivotal elections in American history. I can confidently state the American electoral system will be changed forever

ES: Yes, but how do you think this is going to go? Aren't you afraid that the party might be comprised thanks to Governor Wallace's campaign?

CA: Well, that'd be far too abstract of a situation to ever occur

ES: In what way, the Democratic Party is breaking at its foundation?

CA: That is all I'd like to answer


Washington Post: Democratic Party Appears in Shambles Amid the Special Election