The liberal Republic
President Johnson:
April 2, The Wisconsin Primary
BREAKING: EUGENE MCCARTHY USPSETS PRESIDENT JOHNSON IN WISCONSIN PRIMARY; NIXON WINS EASILY
Democratic presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy addressing supporters in Wisconsin
Republican presidential contender Richard Nixon during his victory celebration after securing an easy win in Wisconsin
As Wisconsin voters were heading to the polls, Republican candidate Richard Nixon, as expected, easily won the primary race of his party. He garnered 77% of the vote. Both governors Nelson Rockefeller of New York, the leader of the party's liberal wing, and Ronald Reagan of California, leader of the conservative wing, failed to gain traction in the midwestern state. However, both governors renewed their pledge to go the convention and attempt to win GOP nomination. "Mr. Nixon's history of losing elections to Democrats is long enough. We need someone who can win and carry forward conservative policies", Reagan commented. Rockefeller denounced both of his competitors as not electable in a national election. "Our campaign is addressing the real issues and offers the same bold leadership for the country as Governor Rockefeller does in New York for nine years".
Minnesota Senator Eugene McCarthy continued his streak of success. After coming in a strong second in New Hampshire earlier in March, he defeated President Johnson this time 50-40%. This is stunning and can be seen as a massive defeat for a sitting president. Senator Robert Kennedy, who did not campaign in the state, received 7%. "We will continue our cause to be a real alternative", the McCarthy stated. The White House did not comment the outcome officially, but an aide to Mr. Johnson told the New York Times that the president plans to campaign in the remaining primaries. The president is, according to the aide, angered about the lack of loyalty within is party because he thinks that only he can lead Democrats to victory.
Despite Senator McCarthy's shocking win, securing the nomination still remains an uphill battle, since several delegates are selected by local party bosses who back the president's bid for reelection. The best opportunity to unseat Mr. Johnson would be to join forces with Senator Kennedy and unite the anti-Johnson votes during the primaries to put enough pressure on the delegates to dump the incumbent.
April 20, 1968. President Johnson addresses the nation on Vietnam.
President Lyndon B. Johnson during his press conference
These have been busy weeks for the president. He made several campaign stumps and continued his diplomatic initiative in Vietnam. On April 20, the president holds a press conference, just three days before the next primary in Pennsylvania.
THE PRESIDENT: "My fellow citizens. Three weeks ago I have ordered to suspend almost all air bombing in Vietnam. Today I want to inform the public on the status of the negotiations. We have spent the last weeks to find a place for peace talks, where all involved parties can agree. The North Vietnamese long insisted on places that were unacceptable for us because all the advantages would theirs. Today, however, I can announce that all involved parties can agree on the city of Paris. I want to thank all negotiators and the government of France for their efforts towards peace. The talks are scheduled to begin next month. I also want to announce that I have selected W. Averell Harriman and Cyrus Vance to lead the American delegation and make our positions clear. Thank you."
Statement by Senator Robert F. Kennedy on Vietnam: I support the diplomatic actions taken by President Johnson. I hope these negotiations will be successfull so that we can have an honorable peace and bring our boys home. However, I also want to make it clear that this move comes very late. The president should have done this earlier and not now that he's fearing a defeat at the polls.
Gallup National Polls, released on April 22, 1968:
Democratic nomination:
Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson: 37%
Sen. Robert F. Kennedy: 35%
Sen. Eugene McCarthy: 20%
Undecided/other: 8%
Republican nomination:
Fmr. Vice-Pres. Richard Nixon: 53%
Gov. Nelson Rockefeller: 20%
Gov. Ronald Reagan: 18%
Undecided/other: 9%
General election, nationwide:
Lyndon B. Johnson (D, inc.): 45%
Richard Nixon (R): 46%
Lyndon B. Johnson (D, inc.): 44%
Nelson Rockefeller (R): 44%
Lyndon B. Johnson (D, inc.): 45%
Ronald Reagan (R): 43%
Robert F. Kennedy (D): 44%
Richard Nixon (R): 46%
Robert F. Kennedy (D): 44%
Nelson Rockefeller (R): 45%
Robert F. Kennedy (D): 44%
Ronald Reagan (R): 42%
Eugene McCarthy (D): 43%
Richard Nixon (R): 47%
Eugene McCarthy (D): 42%
Nelson Rockefeller (R): 47%
Eugene McCarthy (D): 43%
Ronald Reagan (R): 45%
President Johnson job approval:
Approve: 41%
Disapprove: 50%
Unsure: 9%
President Johnson:
It has been a while, but I found some time again to keep writing. I’m pleased to continue this timeline. Feel free to comment.
April 23, 1968: The Pennsylvania Primary
BREAKING: PA PRIMARIES WON BY PRESIDENT JOHNSON AND RICHARD NIXON
Just days after announcing the start of the Paris Peace Talks, there is more good news for President Lyndon Johnson: He won the Pennsylvania presidential primary against Senator Eugene McCarthy by carrying 59% of the vote, compared to McCarthy’s 40%. Senator Robert Kennedy did not participate. Write-in votes were not possible. While the president just briefly thanked his voters, his challenger stated he will continue his campaign. He also suggested Robert Kennedy to leave the race since only he had beaten Johnson as of now. Kennedy did not reacted, but stated he would like to participate on the upcoming primaries and make his case to the people.
On the Republican side, former Vice President Richard Nixon, as expected, decisively defeated Nelson Rockefeller and Ronald Reagan. He’s the clear frontrunner for his party’s nomination.
In the polls, Nixon consolidated his support among GOP primary voters and is at dead-heat with the president and Mr. Kennedy nationally. Eugene McCarthy lost momentum after his defeat, both among Democratic voters as well as nationally. He is now behind all Republican candidates, underperforming both President Johnson and Senator Kennedy.
There are also some new polls out, released by The NY Times after the Pennsylvania primary:
Democratic presidential nomination:
Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson: 47%
Sen. Robert F. Kennedy: 31%
Sen. Eugene McCarthy: 20%
Republican presidential nomination:
Fmr. Vice-Pres. Richard Nixon: 60%
Gov. Nelson Rockefeller: 21%
Gov. Ronald Reagan: 17%
National polls:
Lyndon B. Johnson (D, inc.): 45%
Richard Nixon (R): 45%
Lyndon B. Johnson (D, inc.): 46%
Nelson Rockefeller (R): 44%
Lyndon B. Johnson (D, inc.): 45%
Ronald Reagan (R): 44%
Robert F. Kennedy (D): 44%
Richard Nixon (R): 44%
Robert F. Kennedy (D): 44%
Nelson Rockefeller (R): 43%
Robert F. Kennedy (D): 44%
Ronald Reagan (R): 42%
Eugene McCarthy (D): 42%
Richard Nixon (R): 48%
Eugene McCarthy (D): 40%
Nelson Rockefeller (R): 47%
Eugene McCarthy (D): 43%
Ronald Reagan (R): 47%
President Johnson job approval:
Approve: 43%
Disapprove: 47%
Further developments in late April:
On April 24, 1968, President Johnson hold an ad-hoc press-conference at the White House and announced that General William Westmoreland would be replaced by General Creighton Abrams as commanding general in Vietnam. Although the president publically praised Westmoreland’s military service, it was no secret that the commander-in-chief became increasingly frustrated with Westmoreland and his leadership. Back in March, the president rejected the general’s call for additional 206,000 troops.
Press Conference with General William Westmoreland outside the White House
On April 25, 1968 President Johnson flew to Hawaii to meet with South Vietnamese President Thieu to discuss the ongoing war and upcoming Paris talks. However, little agreement was reached. The South Vietnamese president did not agree to send an own delegation to Paris, despite President Johnson’s urging. Thieu expressed his opinion that negotiations with the North are useless unless they agree the cease fire entirely and recognize South Vietnam as sovereign country. And aide of Johnson told the press, that the president was privately frustrated with Thieu and his administration, because he [Johnson] now believes, that there is no sole military solution.
President Johnson during his meeting with President Thieu of South Vietnam
While his Democratic challengers remained surprisingly silent on the meeting, Richard Nixon stated the he supports “any effort for peace”, but that unlike the Johnson Administration he has a “secret plan” to end the war with honor. Nixon also presented former Rockefeller aide Henry Kissinger as foreign policy advisor. This was further setback for the New York Governor. Nixon also accused the Democrats of being weak on crime at a rally, citing the massive violence after Martin Luther King’s death early that month.
Republican presidential candidate Richard Nixon with Henry Kissinger after the announcement that Kissinger would join the campaign as foreign policy advisor
Later the month, the president also hosted a series of state visits with foreign leaders at the White House. His aides and campaign staffers advised him to use his office’s prestige and pose as a man fully in charge of the nation’s business to boost his chances for reelection. Meanwhile, Vice President Hubert Humphrey started a surprise mid-west tour to campaign on the president’s behalf. The press viewed this as clear indication that Humphrey would stay on the ticket should President Johnson be renominated, which seems now more likely than a month before. Humphrey vehemently attacked Nixon’s talk of a “secret plan” on Vietnam, denouncing it as pure campaign rhetoric. Senator Robert Kennedy made a similar statement by criticizing Nixon.
Next: Heading into May and some surprise developments including primary more results… stay tuned!
President Johnson:
April 30, 1968
BREAKING: KENNEDY AND ROCKEFELLER WIN THEIR FIRST PRIMARY
As primary voters went to the polls in Massachusetts, both Senator Robert Kennedy and Governor Nelson Rockefeller won their first primary. However, both are behind in the delegate count for the nomination of their respective party. Massachusetts was also friendly territory for both contenders. Kennedy had the advantage that he lived most of his life in the state, although he represents the state of New York in the senate. Both of his brothers, Ted as well as late President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, represented the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the upper house of congress. Mr. Kennedy defeated Senator Eugene McCarthy with 45% of the vote, compared to 29% for the latter. President Lyndon Johnson came in third with 25%. This is a poor result for the president, even putting aside the fact that he did not campaign here. However, as White House Officials told the public, he is expected for several campaign stumps in May. The President is still leading in delegate count, as his reelection campaign backed by most state parties and their local bosses.
On the Republican side, Governor Nelson Rockefeller defeated Richard Nixon by a wide margin. As the state is seen as very liberal, Mr. Rockefeller had an easy path to victory. California Governor Ronald Reagan, the leading figure of the conservative faction, who is not actively campaigning for president, received few votes. Despite his defeat, former Vice President Richard Nixon is still the overall favorite for the Republican nomination. He has also a significant lead in most other states that hold primary elections, as well as nationwide. Mr. Nixon is already using most of his time to prepare for the general election; either against President Johnson or Senator Kennedy. Just the day of the primary, he stressed a strict law and order policy and blaming Democratic leadership for growing disrespect for law.
Political developments in early May:
Official Peace talks between representatives of the US government and the North Vietnam regime officially began in early in Paris. President Johnson had, against the advice from the State Department, approved the participation of the Viet Cong. The Johnson Administration, however, emphasized that expectations should not be too high. Secretary of State Dean Rusk described the negotiations as “very difficult”. He also expressed his assessment that the North would not be ready for any agreement before the November election. Rusk, however, told the public that the president would give a major speech on Vietnam this summer to outline his plans.
May 11: George Wallace makes big announcement
Former Alabama Governor George Wallace, the segregationist Democrat and potential third-party presidential candidate for president, gives a statement days after his wife, who succeeded him as the state’s chief-executive in 1967, unexpectedly passed away:
“Ladies and Gentlemen: Thank you very much for all the condolences I have received in these past days on the passing of my dear wife Lurleen. I was deeply moved by the warm words expressed by our fellow countrymen. I have also talked to President Johnson, Mr. Nixon and Mr. Kennedy. I thank them for their condolences […] Today I also want to announce that in the light of this heavy private loss I will not run for president in the upcoming election. I shall also not accept the nomination of any party for that office. I would have liked to be an alternative to the establishment Democratic and Republican candidates, but I believe that any individual seeking the office of president shall be 100% on the job. On the campaign trail and in the White House. Right now, I have chosen that I fall short of that self-set requirement. Therefore I shall not run for president in 1968, but I do not indent to retreat from politics. I will remain engaged, express my views on issues that matter and want to leave the door open for future public service. Both here in the great state of Alabama as well as at the national stage. Thank you very much, God bless you, God bless the United States of America, God bless Alabama.”
With Wallace’s exit of the presidential contest, the 1968 presidential election is expected to be a head-to-head contest between Republican Richard Nixon, who is on his way to the GOP nomination, and the Democratic nominee; likely President Lyndon B. Johnson, possibly Robert F. Kennedy. Eugene McCarthy’s chances are slim, despite his upset victories in some primaries, because virtually the whole party machine is against him. Unlike Kennedy, he has few friends among the party leaders. However, since Wallace refused to endorse any present candidate, there have been some rumors spread that Georgia Governor Lester Maddox, another segregationist, would launch a write-in campaign for president to oppose the three liberal Democratic contenders as well as the Republican ticket.
May Primaries
Democratic:
States won by Lyndon B. Johnson: Ohio, West Virginia, Florida, Oregon
States won by Robert F. Kennedy: Washington DC, Indiana, Nebraska
Eugene McCarthy only came in second in Oregon, where he finished slightly behind Lyndon Johnson. Kennedy was a distant third.
Republican: Richard Nixon won all the states mentioned above. Both Nelson Rockefeller and Ronald Reagan stated their campaigns now mainly focus on receiving delegates at the RNC convention floor as well as implementing some of their positions to the party platform.
Other events and state of the campaign, conclusion of the month:
Despite a mixed performance in the May presidential primaries, President Johnson is still comfortably ahead in the delegate count for the Democratic nomination. He is backed by most local party bosses – especially Chicago’s Mayor and host of the nominating convention in August, Richard J. Daley. However, the president faced some backlash in public opinion as the Paris Peace talks quickly stalled. A majority of Americans came to believe that the negotiations won’t end the war soon, although they now favored the talks, what has not been the case before the Tet Offensive back in January. May 1968 also made a sad record in terms of casualties in Vietnam, with over 500 men lost. Per week. On the domestic front, another wave of urban riots shock the nation. Republicans blamed the Johnson Administration and Democratic congress for the growing disrespect for law and order. The recent outbreaks of violence quickly overshadowed President Johnson’s legislative successes from April, were he has been able to sign a landmark housing bill into law. Nevertheless, the president, playing the role of a rustically Texan, seemed determined to fight his way through. During an appearance in New York City, he denounced the Republican policies without mentioning Nixon’s name, criticized the lack of loyalty in general and empathized the need to continue the Great Society. But there are more challenges: In an overheated economy and budget deficits, the White House negotiates with lawmakers for a tax surcharge. Treasury Secretary Henry Fowler stated that the president intends a bill come to his desk before the congressional summer recess. The president also announced that he would present a modified Vietnam strategy by summer for any possible outcome of the Paris talks, should he return to the White House for another four years coming January.
As the Kennedy campaign now fully kicked off, the young New York Senator gained momentum by late May. There have been three national polls for the nomination out in the final week of May. The NYT-poll showed Kennedy leading for the first time with 44% of the vote, compared to Johnson’s 38%. McCarthy stood now at just 14%. A Gallup-poll had Johnson ahead with 42% compared to 36% for Kennedy and 13% for McCarthy. A CBS-Poll showed Johnson at 43%, Kennedy at 40% and McCarthy 15%. McCarthy’s decline of support is an indication that most anti-war Democrats switched to Kennedy. JFK’s younger brother is also performing significantly better than the Minnesota Senator against Nixon. As CBS-Anchor Walter Cronkite noted, it seems “as though Kennedy’s strategy to present himself as the most electable candidate besides the president has fully worked off”. The main test for Kennedy is now the California Primary in early May. He must win here to keep his momentum. President Johnson is also under heavy pressure. If he loses by a large margin in California, as some polls suggest, he would have a hard time to recover politically despite his lead in the delegate count.
Opinion polls, as of May 31, 1968:
National polls:
Lyndon B. Johnson (D, inc.): 43%
Richard Nixon (R): 45%
Lyndon B. Johnson (D, inc.): 43%
Nelson Rockefeller (R): 46%
Lyndon B. Johnson (D, inc.): 44%
Ronald Reagan (R): 46%
Robert F. Kennedy (D): 44%
Richard Nixon (R): 45%
Robert F. Kennedy (D): 45%
Nelson Rockefeller (R): 45%
Robert F. Kennedy (D): 45%
Ronald Reagan (R): 45%
Eugene McCarthy (D): 42%
Richard Nixon (R): 47%
Eugene McCarthy (D): 41%
Nelson Rockefeller (R): 47%
Eugene McCarthy (D): 42%
Ronald Reagan (R): 46%
President Johnson job approval:
Approve: 40%
Disapprove: 51%
Next: Heading into June and the critical California Primary… stay tuned!
President Johnson:
June 4, 1968: The big day in California
CBS Special report on the California presidential primaries. With Walter Cronkite
WALTER CRONKITE: "Good evening America and welcome to this CBS special report on the California presidential primary. My name is Walter Cronkite. Today is a highlight in this political year, as voters of the nation’s largest state, a status California has gained in 1962, head to the polls for the primaries […] We have now a first major prediction for the Republican primary: According to our penal, Richard Nixon was defeated Ronald Reagan and Nelson Rockefeller by a significant margin. Both Nixon and Reagan are natives of California, although Mr. Nixon’s formal residence is currently New York. I think it is now certain to say that former Vice President Richard Nixon will once again head the Republican ticket this coming election. Yet, we have no confirmation that Mr. Nixon will give a speech tonight. We keep you up to date.
Now I want to turn over to the Democratic primary. This is a very important contest here, since it is pivotal for each of the three campaigns. Actually, each candidate has to win it. Most recent polls showed Robert Kennedy leading by high single-digits. That’s a fair number, but does not guarantee a victory. President Johnson and Mr. McCarthy were running even at second place. In theory, each candidate could be victorious tonight. Especially McCarthy and Mr. Kennedy made great efforts in California. Both are competing for the anti-war vote. President Johnson left it to Vice President Humphrey to give two speeches. We will see how this plays out now.
And now, we have the first major projection for the Democratic Primary. Here it is:
✓ Robert Kennedy: 40.91%; Lyndon Johnson: 37.51%; Eugene McCarthy: 21.23%
Wow, what a stunning upset! Bobby Kennedy has won the pivotal California primary by a fair margin. This is a huge boost for his campaign, especially when it comes to prove that he’s an electable candidate. It seems like Mr. Kennedy’s message has resounded well in the Golden State, which is a center of the opposition to the Vietnam War. Though that stunning victory is energizing his base and a huge success, Senator Kennedy has still a lot of work to do when it comes to winning at the convention floor. He needs to win a large portion of those delegates not coming from primary states, that are considered to be in Johnson’s camp. Nevertheless, this result is a huge setback for the president. But his defeat in California is not altering the fact, that Mr. Johnson is still ahead in the delegate count. However, he faces the threat some delegates switch into the Kennedy camp because they come to the conclusion that the rising senator is better able to beat Richard Nixon. An even greater setback experienced Eugene McCarthy today. Not just because there are so many delegates at stake in California, but also because he believed to gain more support here with his anti-war stances. It seems that Mr. Kennedy’s massive efforts have heavily paid off now and that he took most of the anti-war vote. The Democratic nomination process will remain exciting. And not just because of the situation we now find ourselves in, also because when we think ahead of the general election campaign. Whoever ends up as the Democratic standard-bearer this summer needs consolidated support from the party to win the White House.
And now we are switching to the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, where Robert Kennedy now gives a speech."
ROBERT F. KENNEDY: "Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you very very much. I want to thank you all and thank the voters of the great state of California. We made the impossible possible. [...] I want to fight for you every day. Fight for equality and civil rights, for econmomic safety and for better housing. And I want to end the war in Vietnam. We must stop the kinning as soon as possible and develop and new strategy to foreign policy. I want to do this, together with you. You, who you have putten you trust in me. [...] I just received a telegram from the president, where he congretulated us to this victory. I also thank him for being a tough competitor. No, don't boo please. We now take our destiny in our own hands to continue the great campaign for a better future that begun just few months ago. And now, let's go to Chicago!"
Then… Bobby Kennedy walks out of the ball room after he finished his remarks… stay tuned!
America Needs R'hllor:
Great TL! Curious to see what happens next.
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