Nixon '72 in the South

[True Democrat]

Well, in 1968 he used a Southern Strategy to make sure Wallace didn't take too many votes away.  Nixon did this again in 1972.  However, at the same time, Nixon appealed to African-Americans with his support for affirmative action, which gave him something like 25% of the Afro-American vote.

[True Democrat]

True Democrat gave a very good explanation of Nixon and the south in 1972.

Another question along this line

Why did Nixon do so spectularly well in the 1972 election across the nation

One word

McGovern

Nixon's approval at the time of the election was far below the 60% he received (I believe it was 55% of so), but the saying was "Hold your nose and vote for Nixon."  McGovern was seen as a crazy leftist, so Nixon played the moderate card, like LBJ in 1964.

[True Democrat]

McGovern was seen as a crazy leftist

Even that is under-statement. A lot of people seriously questioned the man's sanity. Nixon didn't have to campaign at all for that election.

I remember watching an All in the Family episode where Meathead inherited $400 and donated it to the McGovern telathon because the Democrats didn't have enough money: now that's just sad if it's true.