Camelot Rises: 1960 and On

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Chet Huntley: Hello, this is NBC - Election Cental. For many millions of us Americans this is the most exciting and important election in our memory. The final results of the 1960 Presidential Election are coming in. NBC can now report that Senator Kennedy of Massachusetts will win the state of Texas and with that, John Fitzgerald Kennedy will become the youngest President of the United States on January 20th, 1961. The Senator, and Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson, have received 303 Electoral College votes to the 219 won by Vice President Richard M. Nixon and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr.


John F. Kennedy: ... we observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning—signifying renewal, as well as change...To those new States whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny.... And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country!

Overview of the John F. Kennedy Administration
1961:
-- The Peace Corps is established
-- Aid to Cuban Refugees is increased
-- The Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba is unsuccessful
1962:
-- John Glenn becomes the first American to orbit the Earth
-- Naval blockade of Cuba is enforced
1963:
-- President Kennedy announces his support for a Civil Rights Bill
-- President Kennedy travels to Berlin and urges unity
-- November 22nd: Three shots are fired at President Kennedy’s motorcade


Walter Cronkite: This is a news bulletin from CBS News. In Dallas, Texas three shots were fired at President Kennedy’s car as it traveled down Dealey Plaza. Reports at this time indicate that President Kennedy was not hit and is safe, aboard Air Force One. However Texas Governor John Bowden Connally, Jr., who was riding in the car with the President, is reportedly dead, at the age of 46. Stay with CBS for more news as it comes in.

Overview of the John F. Kennedy Administration
1961:
-- The Peace Corps is established
-- Aid to Cuban Refugees is increased
-- The Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba is unsuccessful
1962:
-- John Glenn becomes the first American to orbit the Earth
-- Naval blockade of Cuba is enforced
1963:
-- President Kennedy announces his support for a Civil Rights Bill
-- President Kennedy travels to Berlin and urges unity
-- President Kennedy survives an assassination attempt in Dallas
1964:
-- In Boston, President Kennedy announces he will seek a second term as President

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Kennedy Runs For Second Term

I stand before you as a civil servant, as a servant of the people of this great nation. There has been talk, in the past few months, over whether or not I will seek a second term as President after the events in Dallas that left Governor Connally dead. I have spoken to citizens all over this country, from Ms. Mary McCormick in California to Mr. Peter Hatfield in Florida, and the overwhelming message is that the people want four more years of a Kennedy in the White House! I am here today to answer those calls and announce that I, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, will seek a Second Term for President of the United States!

Governors Romney and Rockefeller, Senators Goldwater and Saltonstall to Run


Two Governors, George Romney of Michigan and Nelson Rockefeller of New York, have announced they will run for the Republican Nomination for President and challenge President Kennedy in November. Romney has pledged to campaign on the need for a flat income tax nationwide, while Rockefeller has declared he will focus on passing a Civil Rights Bill in his first 100 days in office. Two other Republicans declared they would throw their hats into the ring: Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona and Senator Leverett Saltsontall of Massachusetts. Senator Saltsontall has pledged to cut the federal debt by at least 20% in 8 years, while Senator Goldwater is campaigning against a federal Civil Rights Bill, believing it should be something left to the states to handle.

January Polls:

1964 GOP Nomination:
George Romney: 29%
Barry Goldwater: 24%
Leverett Saltsontall: 24%
Nelson Rockefeller: 23%

1964 Presidential Election:
John F. Kennedy/Lyndon B. Johnson: 53%
George W. Romney/John A. Volpe: 47%

1964 Presidential Election:
John F. Kennedy/Lyndon B. Johnson: 62%
Barry Goldwater/William E. Miller: 38%

1964 Presidential Election:
John F. Kennedy/Lyndon B. Johnson: 49%
Leverett A. Saltsontall/James A. Rhodes: 51%

1964 Presidential Election:
John F. Kennedy/Lyndon B. Johnson: 55%
Nelson A. Rockefeller/Ronald W. Reagan: 45%

*All Polls have a margin of error of 5%

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Projection: Senator Saltsontall wins New Hampshire Primary

L. Saltsontall: 47%
B. Goldwater: 32%
N. Rockefeller: 17%
G. Romney: 4%


AP--March 11th, 1964

Governor George Romney (R-MI) suspended his campaign for President today after the results of the New Hampshire Primary showed that Senator Saltsontall was the preferred moderate in the race. The Governor did not endorse any of the other candidates at this time but met with Governor Rockefeller after his announcement.

Projection: Senator Goldwater wins Illinois Primary

B. Goldwater: 52%
L. Saltsontall: 27%
N. Rockefeller: 21%


AP -- April 14, 1964[/img]

“After coming in third in the first two Primary Contests, I do not feel that I can continue my campaign for President of the United States. If I were to stay in the race it would only serve to hurt the Republican Party going into November.” Governor Nelson Rockefeller (R-NY) suspended his campaign for President at a Press Conference in New York City. He thanked his supporters and wished the best for the two Senators still in the race.

Projection: Senator Saltsontall wins New Jersey Primary

L. Saltsontall: 56%
B. Goldwater: 44%

Projection: Senator Saltsontall wins Massachusetts Primary

L. Saltsontall: 78%
B. Goldwater: 20%
H. Cabot Lodge, Jr. (Write-In): 2%

Projection: Senator Goldwater wins Pennsylvania Primary

B. Goldwater: 52%
L. Saltsontall: 48%

May Polls:

1964 GOP Nomination:
Leverett Saltsontall: 47%
Barry Goldwater: 46%
Undecided: 7%

1964 Presidential Election:
John F. Kennedy/Lyndon B. Johnson: 60%
Barry Goldwater/William E. Miller: 40%

1964 Presidential Election:
John F. Kennedy/Lyndon B. Johnson: 47%
Leverett A. Saltsontall/James A. Rhodes: 53%

*All Polls have a margin of error of 5%

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Republican Primaries Continue as JFK Pushes Civil Rights

AP -- May 2, 1964

In an address from the Oval Office last night, that was shown on television and broadcast over radio, President John Kennedy announced that he and the Attorney General, Robert Kennedy, will begin the process of creating a Civil Rights Act that will “prohibit the segregation of our schools, eliminate the poll tax that withholds Democracy from many thousands of our brothers, and ensure that all Americans are treated as Americans.” The President said a bill would be presented to Congress “before the end of the 89th Congress in 1967.” The Republican candidates to challenge President Kennedy responded to the address very differently. Senator Leverett Saltsontall (R-MA) challenged the President, saying he would have a Civil Rights bill presented to Congress “within the first year of my term” while Senator Barry Goldwater (R-AZ) decried the idea of a national Civil Rights Act, saying that it “must be left up to the states of this Union to decide is they want to be desegregated or not.”

Projection: Senator Goldwater wins Texas Primary

B. Goldwater: 54%
L. Saltsontall: 46%

Projection: Senator Goldwater wins Georgia Primary

B. Goldwater: 62%
L. Saltsontall: 38%

Projection: Senator Goldwater wins Tennessee Primary

B. Goldwater:57%
L. Saltsontall: 43%

Projection: Senator Saltsontall wins Indiana Primary

L. Saltsontall: 47%
B. Goldwater: 32%
H. Handley (Write-In): 21%

Projection: Senator Saltsontall wins Nebraska Primary

L. Saltsontall: 61%
B. Goldwater: 39%

Projection: Senator Goldwater wins West Virginia Primary

B. Goldwater:56%
L. Saltsontall: 44%

Projection: Governor Rhodes wins Ohio Primary

[color=brownJ. Rhodes (Write-In): 47%[/color]
L. Saltsontall: 31%
B. Goldwater:22%

Delegate Count as of May 10, 1964
B. Goldwater: 172
L. Saltsontall: 168
Uncommitted: 120
N. Rockefeller: 42
J. Rhodes: 11

Projection: Senator Saltsontall wins Oregon Primary

L. Saltsontall: 54%
B. Goldwater: 46%

Projection: Senator Goldwater win Florida

B. Goldwater: 53%
L. Saltsontall: 47%

Projection: Senator Saltsontall wins Alaska Primary

L. Saltsontall: 61%
B. Goldwater: 39%

June Polls:

1964 GOP Nomination:
Leverett Saltsontall:53%
Barry Goldwater: 42%
Undecided: 5%

1964 Presidential Election:
John F. Kennedy/Lyndon B. Johnson: 60%
Barry Goldwater/William E. Miller: 40%

1964 Presidential Election:
John F. Kennedy/Lyndon B. Johnson: 46%
Leverett A. Saltsontall/James A. Rhodes: 54%

*All Polls have a margin of error of 5%

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Breaking News: VP Johnson Will Leave Ticket

AP -- June 1, 1964

During a Press Conference at the White House this afternoon Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson announced he will not run for a second term as Vice President. “Earlier this morning I informed President Kennedy that I will not join him in the pursuit of a second term.” The Vice President cited his health as the main factor of his decision, saying “I suffered a near-fatal heart attack in 1955 and my condition has continually declined since then. I no longer believe I am capable of assuming the Presidency, should the unspeakable happen.” There has been no statement from President Kennedy, his office, or Senator Saltsontall, while Senator Goldwater is claiming that the decision shows “a lack of judgement on the part of President Kennedy.”

June 2 Polls

1964 GOP Nomination:
Leverett Saltsontall: 52%
Barry Goldwater: 45%
Undecided: 4%

1964 Presidential Election:
John F. Kennedy/VP: 53%
Barry Goldwater/William E. Miller: 47%

1964 Presidential Election:
John F. Kennedy/VP: 40%
Leverett A. Saltsontall/James A. Rhodes: 60%

*All Polls have a margin of error of 5%

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So, what do you guys think so far?

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Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins California Primary

L. Saltonstall: 51%
B. Goldwater: 43%
R. Nixon (Write-In): 6%

Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins South Dakota Primary

L. Saltonstall: 69%
B. Goldwater: 31%

Senator Saltonstall, Governor Rhodes Nominated by GOP

AP -- July 16, 1964

Senator Leverett A. Saltonstall, the senior Republican Senator from Massachusetts,  won 9 of the 17 Primary contests this year before he was nominated by 873 of the Delegates at the Convention in San Francisco to be the party’s nominee for President. Senator Barry M. Goldwater won 7 of the Primaries and 204 Delegates, Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller won no contests but received 112 Delegates, Governor George W. Romney received 52 Delegates without winning a Primary, with the remaining 67 Delegates’ votes scattered. Senator Saltonstall tapped Governor James A. Rhodes of Ohio as his running mate, saying that Governor Rhodes “is a man of integrity, decency, and experience”, a direct hit at Governor Rockefeller. Governor Rhodes was elected unanimously as Vice President by the Delegates.

President Kennedy, Senator Humphrey Nominated by Democrats

AP -- August 27, 1964

The only news coming out of the Democratic Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey is that President John F. Kennedy has selected Senator Hubert H. Humphrey of Minnesota as his Vice Presidential candidate. Senator Humphrey, an ally of Vice President Johnson, was seen as a likely choice for the position and polls have shown that the Kennedy/Humphrey ticket has pulled up from a nose-dive earlier this year to make the race a dead-heat with the Saltonstall/Rhodes ticket.

August 30 Polls

1964 Presidential Election:
John F. Kennedy/Hubert H. Humphrey: 48%
Leverett A. Saltonstall/James A. Rhodes: 48%
Undecided: 4%

*All Polls have a margin of error of 5%

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President and Senator Debate

AP --  October 21, 1964

Many consider the first debate between then-Senator John Kennedy and then-Vice President Richard Nixon as the turning point of the campaign. The debate last night between President Kennedy and Senator Saltonstall did not seem to spark a surge in either direction. The two candidates met at Harvard University and sat across from each other at a table, with CBS’ Mike Wallace serving as moderator. President Kennedy hit hard on the need for a Civil Rights Act. Senator Saltonstall agreed, while attacking the President for pushing action back until “1967, at the earliest.” The candidates went back and forth for nearly 60 minutes, discussing topics such as Vietnam, the Soviet Union, the welfare state, and NASA. Both candidates pledged to stay in Vietnam to protect and defend liberty for the South Vietnamese. President Kennedy charged the Senator as “close minded” towards the Soviet Union and a thawing of relations. Senator Saltonstall responded by saying the he is not “soft towards Communist, as some current leaders are.” President Kennedy defended the expansion of federal assistance programs, saying “our children need to know how to read, our bridges and roads need to be built, and our people must not go hungry.” Senator Saltonstall attacked the President as “creating a nation that eats from the governments hands, with no idea of personal responsibility”, while saying he would leave it up to the states to hand out unemployment, and other, benefits to citizens.

November 2 Polls

1964 Presidential Election:
John F. Kennedy/Hubert H. Humphrey: 54%
Leverett A. Saltonstall/James A. Rhodes: 46%

*All Polls have a margin of error of 5%

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Election Night - 1964

David Brinkley: Hello and welcome to NBC - Election Central. I’m David Brinkley and the first results in the Presidential Election of 1964 are coming in.

Projection: President Kennedy wins Georgia


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Indiana


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Kentucky


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Vermont


Projection: President Kennedy wins South Carolina


Projection: President Kennedy wins West Virginia


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Virginia


Projection: President Kennedy wins North Carolina


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Ohio

President J. Kennedy/Senator H. Humphrey (D) - 40
Senator L. Saltonstall/Governor J. Rhodes (R) - 63

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Projection: President Kennedy wins Alabama


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Connecticut


Projection: President Kennedy wins Delaware


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Florida


Projection: President Kennedy wins Illinois


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Maine


Projection: President Kennedy wins Maryland

Projection: President Kennedy wins Massachusetts


Projection: President Kennedy wins Mississippi


Projection: President Kennedy wins Missouri


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins New Hampshire


Projection: President Kennedy wins New Jersey


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Oklahoma


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Pennsylvania


Projection: President Kennedy wins Rhode Island


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Tennessee


Projection: President Kennedy wins Washington, D.C.


Projection: President Kennedy wins Arkansas

President J. Kennedy/Senator H. Humphrey (D) - 152
Senator L. Saltonstall/Governor J. Rhodes (R) - 141

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Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Arizona


Projection: President Kennedy wins Colorado


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Kansas


Projection: President Kennedy wins Louisiana


Projection: President Kennedy wins Michigan


Projection: President Kennedy wins Minnesota


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Nebraska


Projection: President Kennedy wins New Mexico


Projection: President Kennedy wins New York


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins South Dakota


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Texas


Projection: President Kennedy wins Wisconsin


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Wyoming

President J. Kennedy/Senator H. Humphrey (D) - 258
Senator L. Saltonstall/Governor J. Rhodes (R) - 190

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Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Iowa


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Montana


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Nevada


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Utah


Projection: President Kennedy wins California, Election


Projection: President Kennedy wins Hawaii


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Idaho


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins North Dakota


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Oregon


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Washington


Projection: Senator Saltonstall wins Alaska

President J. Kennedy/Senator H. Humphrey (D) - 302
Senator L. Saltonstall/Governor J. Rhodes (R) - 236

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Kennedy Sworn in for Second Term

AP -- January 20, 1965

President John F. Kennedy was sworn in for his second term today on the steps of the Capitol by Chief Justice Earl Warren, moments after Senator Hubert H. Humphrey was sworn in as Vice President by Associate Justice Hugo Black. In his Inaugural Address President Kennedy urged unity between all Americans “in the face of the Soviet Union and the threat of Communism.” The President also announced that he and the Attorney General, Robert F. Kennedy, have worked out “the basis of the Civil Rights Act that I will present to Congress” although he did not give a new timeline for the bill. “By the Inauguration of my successor in 1969 all Americans will be treated equally under the law, with no regards to skin color, gender, or ethnicity.”

Overview of the Second John F. Kennedy Administration
1965:
-- The Elementary and Secondary Education Act gives large amounts of federal funding to public schools
-- The Head Start Program is created
1966:
-- The Food Stamp Act gives low-income citizens access to financial assistance for purchasing food
-- The Medicare Program is created to provide cost-assistance to the elderly in regards to healthcare
-- Democrats retain a Majority in both House of Congress (64-36 in the Senate, 248-147 in the House)
1967:
-- Intense bombings began over North Vietnam, resulting in many civilian casualties
-- President Kennedy’s approval rating sinks to 41%, his lowest.
-- President Kennedy fails to present the Civil Rights Act to Congress by the end of the 89th Congress, due to AG Robert Kennedy leaving the Administration to run for Senate in New York
1968:
-- Federal troops with tanks and machine guns are used to put down riots in Detroit, New York City, and Los Angeles.
-- Martin Luther King, Jr. is assassinated by James Earl Ray in Memphis

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-- Martin Luther King, Jr. is assassinated by James Earl Ray in Memphis

NOOOO!! He could'a gone into politics...

I thought about him running but his death goes along with the race riots across the nation.

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1968 Primary Contests

Republicans


Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon of California


Governor Ronald W. Reagan of California


Senator Charles H. Percy of Illinois


Former Governor Harold E. Stassen of Minnesota

January Polls:

1968 Republican Primary
R. Nixon: 48%
R. Reagan: 21%
H. Stassen: 17%
C. Percy: 14%

Democrats


Senator Eugene J. McCarthy of Minnesota


Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey of Minnesota


Former Governor George C. Wallace of Alabama


Mayor Richard J. Daley of Chicago

January Polls:

1968 Democratic Primary
E. McCarthy: 34%
G. Wallace: 30%
H. Humphrey: 25%
R. Daley: 11%

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Positions of the Candidates
An AP Special Edition -- February 3, 1968


Former Vice President Nixon seeks to thaw out our relations with the Soviet Union, China, and Cuba. Mr. Nixon has said that we must stay in Vietnam “until the Southern Vietnamese are free from the clutches of Communism.” He also has come out in favor of desegregation of schools, while not publicly commenting on a Civil Rights bill. Mr. Nixon said that he, if elected President, would “scale back our Space Program, as we have much larger issues back on the Earth.”


Governor Ronald Reagan is tied with Mr. Nixon on name recognition, as a former movie star and TV Host. However on politics Governor Reagan is relatively vague, saying that the 1968 election is a “time of great choosing.” Governor Reagan has said that he will strive for a balanced budget “before the end of my second term” and has stated that taxes must be raised to achieve such a goal.


Senator Charles Percy has labeled himself as “an advocate for the poor” and has said that, if elected President, he will create a federal agency to “provide housing for low-income families.” The Senator has also announced he will see an end to the war in Vietnam “as soon as possible, under the advice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”


Former Governor Harold Stassen has made himself the Vietnam Candidate, given his military background. He has said that the United States must remain in Vietnam “until the job is done.” Mr. Stassen has spoken about little more than Vietnam during the early weeks of the campaign, saying that it is the duty of every “young American boy to enlist in the Armed Forces and go to Vietnam and serve his country.”


Senator Eugene McCarthy is the anti-war candidate of the Democrats, saying that the United States “must withdraw from Vietnam and stop sending our sons overseas to die.” Senator McCarthy announced that the government of North Vietnam “is ready to negotiate” and that any further bombings would serve only to “delay any hopes of peace in South-East Asia.”


Vice President Hubert Humphrey is seen as a third-term of John Kennedy, as he has pledged to continue many of his policies. The Vice President said “We must stay the course in Vietnam” without going into any further detail. He however declared that he will “pick up where President Kennedy has left off” on Civil Rights and will present a Civil Rights bill to Congress “within 100 days of my taking office.” He has also said that he will extend the Head Start program “as education is a necessary factor, needed for our children.”


Former Governor George Wallace is the only candidate to decry the Civil Rights movement, however he is focusing his campaign on the Vietnam War. “I sincerely hope and pray that the diplomatic negotiations in Paris are successful. However, if they are not, as President I will order the Joint Chiefs of Staff to organize a full and immediate military withdrawal from South-East Asia.” Mr. Wallace has also said that he will “turn the full security of South Vietnam strictly over to the South Vietnamese.”


Mayor Richard Daley is campaigning on a “law and order” platform, saying that he will use federal troops to “restore order to our nation’s cities and return our country to one of peace.” The Mayor said that he agrees with Senator Charles Percy that “there is a need for housing for low-income families. I have done that in Chicago and I will do it across the nation.”

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Nixon, McCarthy Win New Hampshire Primaries

R. Nixon: 71% E. McCarthy: 44%
C. Percy: 16% H. Humphrey: 31%
R. Reagan: 10% G. Wallace: 20%
H. Stassen: 3% R. Daley: 5%

Nixon, Humphrey Win Wisconsin Primaries

R. Nixon: 73% H. Humphrey: 51%
C. Percy: 21% E. McCarthy: 32%
R. Reagan: 5% G. Wallace: 13%
H. Stassen: 1% R. Daley: 4%

Nixon, McCarthy Win Pennsylvania Primaries

R. Nixon: 64% E. McCarthy: 54%
C. Percy: 22% H. Humphrey: 21%
R. Reagan: 11% G. Wallace: 21%
H. Stassen: 3% R. Daley: 4%

Percy, McCarthy Win Massachusetts Primaries

C. Percy: 47% E. McCarthy: 48%
R. Nixon: 36% H. Humphrey: 37%
R. Reagan: 12% G. Wallace: 10%
H. Stassen: 5% R. Daley: 5%

Stassen, Daley Suspend Campaigns

AP -- May 3, 1968

Former Minnesota Governor Harold Stassen has suspended his campaign after coming in fourth in the first four primary contests. During the Press Conference which announced his withdrawal from the race Governor Stassen endorsed former Vice President Richard Nixon. Richard Daley, Mayor of Chicago, suspended his campaign after also coming in fourth in all four of the primaries. Mayor Daley did not endorse a candidate.

Republican Primary Map 

Democratic Primary  Map

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Reagan, McCarthy Win Indiana Primaries

R. Reagan: 46% E. McCarthy: 44%
R. Nixon: 41% G. Wallace: 33%
C. Percy: 13% H. Humphrey: 21%

Nixon, Humphrey Win Ohio Primaries

R. Nixon: 52% H. Humphrey: 50%
C. Percy: 31% E. McCarthy: 26%
R. Reagan: 17% G. Wallace: 24%

Nixon, Humphrey Win D.C. Primaries

R. Nixon: 67% H. Humphrey: 55%
C. Percy: 20% E. McCarthy: 32%
R. Reagan: 13% G. Wallace: 13%

Nixon, Wallace Win Nebraska Primaries

R. Nixon: 56% G. Wallace: 45%
R. Reagan: 31% H. Humphrey: 39%
C. Percy: 20% E. McCarthy: 13%

Reagan, Percy Suspend Campaigns

AP -- May 14, 1968

Governor Ronald Reagan and Senator Charles Percy both suspended their campaigns today after poor showings in most primaries, leaving former Vice President Richard Nixon to effectively become the Republican Nominee. The Democratic campaign is still fighting on, between Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Senator Eugene McCarthy, and former Governor George Wallace.

Republican Primary Map

Democratic Primary Map

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Wallace Wins West Virginia Primary

G. Wallace: 52%
E. McCarthy: 31%
H. Humphrey: 17%

Wallace Wins Florida Primary

G. Wallace: 44%
H. Humphrey: 43%
E. McCarthy: 13%

McCarthy Wins Oregon Primary

E. McCarthy: 51%
H. Humphrey: 42%
G. Wallace: 7%

Humphrey Wins California Primary

H. Humphrey: 46%
E. McCarthy: 44%
G. Wallace: 10%


McCarthy Wins New Jersey Primary

E. McCarthy: 53%
H. Humphrey: 40%
G. Wallace: 7%

Humphrey Wins South Dakota Primary

H. Humphrey: 50%
G. Wallace: 31%
E. McCarthy: 19%

McCarthy Wins Illinois Primary

E. McCarthy: 49%
H. Humphrey: 45%
G. Wallace: 6%

Final Democratic Primary Map

Nixon, Ford Nominated by GOP

AP -- August 6, 1968

At the Republican Party Convention in Miami, Florida former Vice President Richard M. Nixon was nominated by the party to be their nominee for the second time, after losing in 1960. Although Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. was originally expected to be tapped once more for the second place spot on the ticket, Mr. Nixon chose House Minority Leader Gerald R. “Jerry” Ford, Jr. of Michigan as his Vice Presidential nominee. The Convention had little excitement, as the party had coalesced around Nixon in the earlys month of the campaign.

McCarthy, McGovern Nominated by Democrats Amid Riots, Walkouts

AP -- August 29, 1968

After winning 7 Primary Contests Senator Eugene McCarthy was nominated by the Democratic Party in Chicago, Illinois. The Convention Center was surrounded by protesters over the War in Vietnam, leading to several media members being roughed up. It is reported that the riots stopped President Kennedy from traveling to the Convention, although the White House says that the President’s back is acting up and doctors have order him not to leave Washington. Either way, Eugene J. McCarthy, Senator from Minnesota, was nominated by the Democratic party by a razor-thin margin over Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey and former Alabama Governor George C. Wallace. Senator McCarthy selected fellow Senator and anti-war advocate George S. McGovern of South Dakota as his running mate. Mr. Wallace left the Convention with a group of supporters to begin a third party run, under the banner of the American Independent Party.

Wallace, Stennis Nominated by American Independent Party

AP -- September 3, 1968

In a hastily arranged convention of the American Independent Party in Birmingham, Alabama former Alabama Governor George C. Wallace was nominated for President after a walkout of the Democratic Convention in Chicago. Mr. Wallace chose Senator John C. Stennis of Mississippi as his Vice Presidential running mate. Both of the candidates are officially members of the Democratic Party running for the American Independent Party.

September 5 Polls

1968 Presidential Election:
Richard M. Nixon/Gerald R. Ford, Jr.: 48%
Eugene J. McCarthy/George S. McGovern: 27%
George C. Wallace/John C. Stennis: 25%

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Nixon Rejects Debate Plan, Wallace Sparks Controversy

AP -- September 21, 1968

Former Vice President Richard Nixon has said that he will not take part in any debates of the 1968 Election saying that “I will spend my campaign meeting with people all over this nation, not sitting at a table with Gene.” Senator Eugene McCarthy slammed Mr. Nixon for “avoiding answering the difficult questions.” Senator McCarthy is currently engaged in a tour of America’s colleges and universities, meeting with young voters. The youth vote has been the driving factor behind Senator McCarthy’s campaign who has otherwise been perceived as boring or arrogant. Meanwhile former Alabama Governor George Wallace has sparked much controversy in the first month of the campaign. One incident occurred when Mr. Wallace was quoted as saying “the only four letter words hippies don’t know w-o-r-k and s-o-a-p.” Attached with this article is a map, colored to show which candidate is leading where. Blue represents the Nixon/Ford ticket, red represents the McCarthy/McGovern ticket, and green represents the Wallace/Stennis ticket.

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon/House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford, Jr. (R) - 276
Senator Eugene J. McCarthy/Senator George S. McGovern (D) - 197
Former Governor George C. Wallace/Senator John C. Stennis (AIP) - 65

November 2 Polls

1968 Presidential Election:
Richard M. Nixon/Gerald R. Ford, Jr.: 52%
Eugene J. McCarthy/George S. McGovern: 24%
George C. Wallace/John C. Stennis: 24%

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Shots Fired at fmr. Governor George Wallace

AP -- October 27, 1968

George C. Wallace, former Governor of Alabama, was speaking at a campaign event in Atlanta, Georgia when four bullets were fired at him from the audience. He was hit in the left shoulder by a ricocheting bullet, but sustained no serious injury. The attacker, a black man named Jeremy Myers, was arrested by Atlanta police moments after. Mr. Wallace has issued a press release saying that he is fine, but will take “a few days to be with my family” and suspending his campaign until November 1. Polls have shown a massive surge of support for Mr. Wallace after this assassination attempt.

November 2 Polls

1968 Presidential Election:
Richard M. Nixon/Gerald R. Ford, Jr.: 47%
George C. Wallace/John C. Stennis: 37%
Eugene J. McCarthy/George S. McGovern: 16%

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Election Night - 1968

David Brinkley: Hello and welcome to NBC - Election Central. I’m David Brinkley and the first results of the Presidential Election of 1968 are coming in.

Projection: Governor Wallace Wins Georgia


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Indiana


Projection: Governor Wallace Wins Kentucky


Projection: Governor Wallace Wins South Carolina


Senator McCarthy Wins Vermont


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Virginia


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins North Carolina


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Ohio


Projection: Governor Wallace Wins West Virginia

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon/House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford, Jr. (R) - 64
Former Governor George C. Wallace/Senator John C. Stennis (AIP) - 36
Senator Eugene J. McCarthy/Senator George S. McGovern (D) - 3

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Projection: Governor Wallace Wins Alabama


Senator McCarthy Wins Connecticut


Senator McCarthy Wins Delaware


Projection: Governor Wallace Wins Florida


Senator McCarthy Wins Illinois


Senator McCarthy Wins Maine


Senator McCarthy Wins Maryland


Senator McCarthy Wins Massachusetts


Projection: Governor Wallace Wins Mississippi


Projection: Governor Wallace Wins Missouri


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins New Hampshire

Senator McCarthy Wins New Jersey


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Oklahoma


Senator McCarthy Wins Pennsylvania


Senator McCarthy Wins Rhode Island


Projection: Governor Wallace Wins Tennessee


Senator McCarthy Wins Washington, D.C.


Projection: Governor Wallace Wins Arkansas

Senator Eugene J. McCarthy/Senator George S. McGovern (D) - 121
Former Governor George C. Wallace/Senator John C. Stennis (AIP) - 96
Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon/House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford, Jr (R) - 76

[DKrol]

David Brinkley: I agree Chet, if I were on either the Nixon or McCarthy campaigns I’d be very concerned at this hour, this could be George Wallace's night But we have more results coming in that could change the race.

Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Arizona


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Colorado


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Kansas


Projection: Governor Wallace Wins Louisiana


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Michigan


Senator McCarthy Wins Minnesota


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Nebraska


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins New Mexico


Senator McCarthy Wins New York


Senator McCarthy Wins South Dakota


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Texas


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Wisconsin


Projection: Governor Wallace Wins Wyoming

Senator Eugene J. McCarthy/Senator George S. McGovern (D) - 178
Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon/House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford, Jr (R) - 161
Former Governor George C. Wallace/Senator John C. Stennis (AIP) - 109

[DKrol]

Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Iowa


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Montana


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Nevada


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Utah


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins California


Senator McCarthy Wins Hawaii


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Idaho


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins North Dakota


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Oregon


Senator McCarthy Wins Washington


Projection: Vice President Nixon Wins Alaska


Electoral College Gridlock - No Candidate Gets Majority

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon/House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford, Jr (R) - 238
Senator Eugene J. McCarthy/Senator George S. McGovern (D) - 191
Former Governor George C. Wallace/Senator John C. Stennis (AIP) - 109

Electoral Gridlock, Races Thrown to House and Senate

AP -- November 8, 1968

For the first time in modern American history no Candidate has been able to receive a majority of votes in the Electoral College. This last happened in 1824 when the House of Representatives selected John Quincy Adams over Andrew Jackson. In a special session of the Supreme Court the Justices determined that the incoming Congress, the 91st Congress, should be charged with the election and that they should be seated on November 11 “for the continuity of the United States Government.” The incoming Senate will be composed of 51 Democrats and 49 Republicans, a net increase of 11 for the Republicans, and the House shall be composed of 219 Democrats and 216 Republicans, a net gain of 24 seats for the Republicans. The House is to elect the President from any of the three candidates: Mr. Nixon, Mr. McCarthy, or Mr. Wallace, while the Senate can only elect a Vice President from Mr. Ford or Mr. McGovern. Voting is expected to begin on November 12 in both chambers.