Summer TL: President Henry Wallace

[hcallega]

Is anyone else disturbed by the 1960 Democratic Convention brochure?

I actually think the combination of Happy Chandler's expression, followed by the brochure, shows that in 1960, the Democrats may represent the creepy older men party. However I am okay with this.

[hcallega]

1960 Republican Convention

The contest for the 1960 Republican Nomination early on hinged on the prescience of one man: "the comeback kid" and 1956 GOP nominee Richard Nixon. Despite losing the 1956 General Election, he had won election to the Senate in 1958. In his return to the Senate he had remained a voice for social conservatism, while also supporting many of the President's foreign policy decisions. Many in the Republican party leadership believed that Nixon would be the early front runner if he was too run, but he repeatedly told newspapers that "I have run for the Presidency, and while I was honored to serve my party, I would much rather remain in the United States Senate and represent California." This turned out to be more than just talk, as Nixon did not enter his name into the competition.

However Nixon would offer his strong endorsement of a fellow Senator, John Bricker of Ohio. After barely winning reelection in 1958, Bricker recognized a narrow opportunity to capitalize on a victory that he would not likely repeat. Running as a "Taft Conservative", Bricker emphasized a foreign policy less focused on challenging communism than strengthening the US military so that "if the Soviets were to attack, we would be prepared to send them back across the Iron Curtain. Today we are trying to fight a battle that we may or may not win. However this battle matters less than the one which me may need to fight in the near future. But by fighting the battle against each and every communist nation that comes around we may be risking a victory in the upcoming one." Bricker also emphasized lowering spending on domestic programs and lowering taxes.

The other major candidate in the race was a man who required little introduction. Nelson Rockefeller, the Governor of New York and member of America's most famous industrial family, through his name into the ring in a massive event at Yankee Stadium in New York City. With deafening cheers from an energetic audience of both white and black, male and female, Rockefeller declared his candidacy in a dynamic speech. "We must move beyond the boundaries of the past! It is time to create a new future for our children and our grandchildren. For many years America has been confined, not by our people but by our government. We have not allowed for the sort of creativity, growth, and expansion that has been the staple of American greatness and success. We need a government which will stimulate, and energize the private and public sectors, as well as one which will be smart with our hard earned money. For many years we have heard it be said that we can have it one way or another: You can have big government or poverty, prosperity for some or growth for all. But I say we can do both! We can have a government which fights for all Americans! Rich, poor, black, white. We are Americans and we can do this!" Rockefeller also drew the endorsement of former President Dewey, as well as much of the Republican establishment who viewed him as the candidate who could take back the White House.

Both campaigns would go back and forth in the primaries, Bricker doing well in the mid-west and south, Rockefeller in the northeast and west coast. Heading into the convention Rockefeller had a narrow lead, but not enough to clinch the nomination. Many Bricker delegates feared that Rockefeller's nomination would give too much sway to liberals and feared that they would loose their influence. Despite enigmatic speeches by Dewey and many other party leaders for Rockefeller, they would not break ranks. However Rockefeller would pull one out of his bag of tricks to win. With Nixon scheduled to speak right before the second ballot, Rockefeller would call him into his box in the Convention. There he would make the deal that would seal him the nomination. He promised Nixon the Vice-Presidential nomination if he would go on the stage and endorse Rockefeller instead of continue to support Bricker. While Rockefeller knew that he would likely win the nomination on one of the later ballots, he also saw the possibility of a compromise candidate being floated (Wallace's UN ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge's name was already beginning to float around the hall). Nixon saw this as a chance to get back into national politics without having to bring back the demons of '56. Nixon accepted and took the stage with a speech that lacked fire, but got the wood burning nonetheless. "Governor Rockefeller is the right choice right now. He is not the perfect man for the job, but continuing to fight this battle will cost our party more by the hour. It is time to accept that once again the Governor of New York will be our proud party's nominee."

Rockefeller would not win a huge majority on the second ballot, but he would still win enough to clinch the nomination. He would follow through with his choice of Nixon, though he made sure there was little hoopla so that Bricker delegates would not make a big fuss.

[Historico]

Solid Installment HC, Can't wait for the showdown of Happy vs. Rocky, it should be fairly close I'd wager

[hcallega]

The 1960 Presidential Election

After the temoultous election of 1956, many worried that it would be another close call in 1960. Vice-President Chandler focused his campaign theme on apealing to labor and blue-collar voters, while also rallying his base of southern whites. Rockefeller on the other hand ran more of a national campaign, holding massive rallies in stadiums and other large areas. Recognizing that the liberal republican brand name was not particularly powerful outside of the Northeast, Rockefeller spoke more of generating new economic growth and and making America "the greatest it can be."

Despite the close nature of the race, neither campaigns went negative. There was little contrast in the two candidates and campaigns, other than their backgrounds. Chandler, a classic Kentucky boy, was a throwback to Estes Kefauver and Rob Kerr, speaking with a slight drawl and letting his beeming smile and positive demeanor do the real talking. Rockefeller, viewed by many as one of America's most handsome politicians, was quite charismatic, yet not as comfortable with the crowds as Chandler. However Rocky revolutionized campaigning by ignoring endorsements and common party events and instead focusing on large rallies where the focus was on the candidate, and less the party or platform.

The real contrast came in the Vice-President candidates. Kennedy was far more charismatic than Nixon and traveled through the northeast talking primarily to organized labor and other groups skeptical of some of the views of Chandler. He also talked to Catholics and ethinic groups who were getting a little sick of southern and western Democratic nominees. Nixon on the other hand worked primarily on appealing to conservative groups who worried about many of Rockefeller's liberal views. He assured them that Rockefeller would not be "a democrat in republican's clothing" and that they would have the biggest seat at the table.

When comparing the two candidates on the issues, there was little concrete difference. Chandler talked primarily about continuing the gains of the Wallace White House, while also focusing a great deal on rural issues and speaking to "the farmers, the laborers, and the hard-working folks who need a voice in Washington." When Rockefeller did talk about the issues he focused on the economy and foreign policy. Along with his emphasis on stimulating growth, he also talked about continuing the foreign policy of Wallace, without directly confronting the Soviets. When in the mid-west he also talked about his "law and order" views in regards to the death penalty and tough laws in regards to crime. Despite the close nature of the campaign, the polls began to show an expanding lead for Rockefeller. The reasons behind this were unknown, but what was clear was that Rockefeller's campaigining style and the increased use of television favored the photgenic Governor of New York. In fact the final polls showed a 5+ lead for Rockefeller, with many believing that it would be a wide margin. However the electoral math would not be quite that close.

Rockefeller/Nixon (R) 342 Electoral Votes, 54% of the Popular Vote
Chandler/Kennedy (D) 195 Electoral Votes, 46% of the Popular Vote

Rockefeller's surprisingly large margin of victory was primarily attributed to many victories in the swing states in the Mid-West, as well as large turnout in the Northeast. Rockefeller also gained surprisingly large support from Unions, gaining aprx. 40% of the Union vote, something that not even Dewey had attained.

1960 Congressional Elections

Following Rockefeller's solid victory, the Republicans made several gains in the Senate, narrowing the Democratic majority to a margin of 62-38.
Republican Gains
-Delaware: J. Caleb Boggs
-Michigan: Alvin Bentley
-Montana: Orvin Fjare
In the House the Republicans also made significant gains, cutting the Democratic majority substantially, primarily with gains in the mid-west where Rockefeller did very well.

[Historico]

Wow...Was not expecting a Rockefeller victory, barely such a large margin of Victory only four years after the Dewey Adminstration. Well it is pretty thought amongst historians that Rocky would have beaten Kennedy in an ATL election, so Happy wouldn't be that much of a difference.  His age and Oratory would have been much more appealing than Happy's folkyness. Can't wait to see how Rocky's Presidency turns out.

[hcallega]

The First Term of President Nelson Rockefeller

After his surprisingly large victory in the 1960 General Election, Rockefeller recognized an oppurtunity to unite Americans behind what he called "Our Great National Goals". In his innagural adress the new President stated that "The goals and accomplishments of this generation will not be judged by GDP, budgets, tax rates, or tariffs. No, today's gains will be made in quality of life, the education of our children, and the repair of our once great cities. These things cannot truly be judged with numbers, and so many may be skeptical of any change. But I gurantee you all that today we will start a journey that WILL lead to a great change that will sweep across this nation and make America a better place."

Rockefeller called his sweeping reforms "The New American Journey". The name was often lampooned in political cartoons, in part due to the almost "goofy" nature of the name. However the President also inspired a great deal of idealism among young Americans and those that saw Rockefeller as briging the partisian devide to lead Americans to a better future. He proved a strong contrast to Wallace v.2, often viewed as angry and passionate about redeeming himself and taking on Communism. He was also a contrast from Dewey, viewed as stoic and borring. Rockefeller was the opposite: exciting, passionate, and ready to take on big problems.

The President's first budget plan called for tax increases on the wealthy, cuts to defense spending, increases to welfare and civil rights program funding, cuts to agricultural subsidies, as well as increases in education and public works programs. Rockefeller hoped to balance the budget by the end of his first term and reach a surplus by the end of his second, but also wanted to accomplish his goals of rebuilding the cities and creating strong economic growth. In regards to inspiring growth, the President also focused less on tax cuts and more on providing rewards and goals for meeting certain benchmarks, as well as requiring cities to create free enterprise zones in depressed areas. These plans ran into some criticsm from southerners and conservatives, but had the strong support of Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson aswell as the Republican Leadership. Both the budget and economic stimulus package passed congress. The public works plan as it was initially devised did not receive much support, though through negotiations a plan was created and received support almost unanimous support.

The other major focuses of Rockefeller's first term on domestic policy was on civil rights and health care. On civil rights he implemented the first serious enforcement of the Civil Rights Act of 1956, sending agents to the South to register voters and force integration. These plans lead to strong opposition from many in the South, leading to violence aimed at government agents and African-Americans. On several occasions the President deployed the National Guard to schools and public areas where violence had occured. The President also promoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (the head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference) to the position of Civil Rights Czar. This drew a great deal of critisicm as well, including many death threats that lead to the cancelation of the President's "Southern Tour". On health care Rockefeller passed the Disabled and Elderly Health Care act, creating the National Health Care Registrar (NHCR). The NHCR provided health care to those disabled, poor, and retired who could not easily receive health care themselves.

On foreign policy Rockefeller attempted to heal many of the rifts between the USSR and the USA after the Wallace years. Rockefeller met with Nikita Kruschev in a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss tension along the German border. The meeting was viewed as a sucess that promoted peace and better terms. Rockefeller also began to scale down the US prescence in South Vietnam, even as Communist forces gained strength. This drew harsh fire from many in both parties, and was viewed as one of the biggest failures of the first term.

1962 Congressional Elections

Despite the popularity of President Rockefeller, the Democrats gained four seats in the US Senate, bringing their total to 66 seats to 34 Republicans.
Republican Gains
-Colorado: Peter Dominick
-Wyoming: Milward Simpson
Democratic Gains
-Idaho: Gracie Pfost
-Indiana: Birch Bayh
-Maryland: Daniel Brewster
-New Hampshire: Tom McIntyre
-South Dakota: George McGovern
-Wisconsin: Gaylord Nelson
However in the House the Republicans made gains, cutting into the Democratic Majority.

[Barnes]

"These plans ran into some criticsm from southerners and conservatives, but had the strong support of Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson aswell as the Republican Leadership including the Minority Whip Richard Nixon."

Nixon is Rockefeller's VP.

[hcallega]

"These plans ran into some criticsm from southerners and conservatives, but had the strong support of Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson aswell as the Republican Leadership including the Minority Whip Richard Nixon."

Nixon is Rockefeller's VP.

WHOOPS! My bad. I completely forgot that.

[Historico]

Looks like a fairly successful Rockefeller 1st term...His reduction in the Vietnam War might come back to haunt him in the 1964 Elections but he should be able to pull off a second term, especially since things havent really heated up yet in the early 60's.

[hcallega]

The 1964 Democratic Nomination

Despite the popularity of President Nelson Rockefeller, many high profile Democrats threw their hats into the ring for the Presidency in 1964. While the incumbent Republican was quite popular, he was still viewed as vulnerable primarily due to his downsizing of the US presence in Vietnam, as well as the increased racial tension in the South. Many believed that the right Democrat could quite possibly take the White House back.

The early front runners for 1964 were all Senators: Lyndon Johnson of Texas, John Kennedy of Massachusetts, and Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota. These three men all were viewed as the most likely to capture the Democratic nomination, if not the most likely to carry the White House in November. However each candidate would take a different route to capturing the nomination. Johnson, recognizing his strong support among the Democratic establishment, chose not to run in any primaries and instead let Humphrey and Kennedy split the delegates and win in the convention. Humphrey had the opposite approach, choosing to run in all the primaries due to little establishment support. Kennedy took the middle approach, competing in the primaries, though focusing his attention on the biggest states and also relying on support from urban party bosses.

Unlike most years, very few favorite sons threw their hats into the ring, primarily because of the highly competitive nature of the race and the sense that they could be embarrassed in their own states by finishing in third place. However a prominent dark horse candidate did make his prescience felt that year. Governor George Wallace of Alabama, a strong segregationist, declared his candidacy first among any candidates. His plan was to run a populist, racially motivated campaign. His objective was two fold: 1-convince the Democratic party the power that southerners had so that they would drop their civil rights plank and 2-gain enough traction to either be a compromise candidate or be chosen as the Vice-Presidential nominee. While Wallace would not be able to compete at the same level as the other national candidate, he would do much better than many believed.

In the opening New Hampshire primary the race between Kennedy and Humphrey was heated and intense. With strong support from organized labor, Humphrey called out Kennedy for his support of investigations into labor and his personal wealth and inheritance. Kennedy fired back by calling Humphrey out-of-touch on many of the big issues of the day, as well as "a sacrificial lamb to present to Governor Rockefeller". Kennedy also played up his local roots, as well as attempting to draw support from former Massachusetts residents. The race was very close, though Kennedy would narrowly prevail, 44%-42%, with other candidates filling out the rest.

However the race would remain tight throughout the campaign season, with Humphrey capturing the rust-belt states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, and the farming states of South Dakota and Nebraska. Kennedy would capture Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Maryland, Illinois, Oregon, and quite surprisingly, West Virginia. Despite failing to capture any states outside of Florida (where no other candidates contested), Wallace finished in second in Indiana and Maryland by narrow margins, as well as drawing enough support from rural voters in Wisconsin and West Virginia to throw the races to Kennedy. However the real key to the nomination was California. The last primary of the season, whoever won it would have the momentum heading into the convention. The early polls showed a slight Kennedy lead, though back-and-forth campaigning made it anyone's race going into election night. In the final results, Kennedy would edge Humphrey by 1%, winning 46-45. Kennedy used the narrow victory to declare himself the unofficial front runner, announcing to the crowd that "I am confident that we have the votes and the delegates too win this thing!"

Arriving in Atlantic City with a lead in the projected delegate count, Kennedy knew that for him to win the nomination early he would have to go to both the Southerners and Labor. Kennedy first went to labor, asking not for their support on the first ballot, but for their support as soon as it was clear that Humphrey was in third place. George Meany agreed to this plan, though he made it clear that if Johnson's support was less than expected and if Humphrey jumped to second they would stand by their man. In regards to the Southerners, Kennedy simply asked what they wanted in return for supporting Kennedy. Kennedy also pointed out that he was far more moderate on Civil Rights than Johnson, a lead sponsor of the Civil Rights Act. The Southern delegation insisted that if Kennedy won that he would choose a conservative Southerner as his VEEP, as well as keeping the platform fairly moderate on Civil Rights. Yet Kennedy also recognized the possibility that Wallace would speak before the convention and attempt to rally support behind his candidacy in an attempt at more concessions. Kennedy believed that the speech would focus on the controversy surrounding the seating of the Mississippi Delegation. The delegation was all-white, leading to protests from the Mississippi Freedom Party (a pro-civil rights group) in support of an integrated delegation. Humphrey supported the MFP, while denouncing "Jim Crow's still present reign over southern politics." Kennedy on the other hand supported a compromise in which the MFP would be able to voice their support for whichever candidate they wished during the vote tally, just without delegates and not as the official delegation. The MFP did not agree to this, but did not have enough support to replace the white delegation. Senator Humphrey would invite them to his private box however, where they would watch the convention unfold.

Kennedy's action defused Wallace's speech, and helped give him the nomination on the second ballot. Johnson's support was weaker than expected, and he narrowly edged Humphrey for second place with Wallace in fourth. On the second ballot Kennedy would defeat Johnson by a smaller margin, but with the majority nonetheless. He would choose Florida Senator George Smathers as his Vice-Presidential nominee, while supporting the language on the Civil Rights issue that stated "The Democratic Party supports the current federal laws in regard to civil rights, yet does not support increased federal encroachment into the political affairs of the South."

[Historico]

Looks like Jack was able to wiggle his way out of that close Primary race/Convention between Humphrey. He was always more moderate and hesitant/pragmatic on the Civil Rights Act than Hubert and even Bobby, as I think he understood better the delicate tightrope many Northern Politicans had to walk when it came to dealing with the South during this period. His pick of George Smather's isn't to suprising, as they were really good friends IOTL.

Now the question is how has Rocky's large infrastructure projects, descalation in Vietnam and embrace of Civil Rights affected the GOP.The role that was once filled by Bricker as the de facto head of the Conservative wing of the party, has probably been readily stepped into by Barry Goldwater. From everything that I stated above, and the huge grassroots support he had IOTL, I think he should mount a challenge. The 1964 Convention was so divided, that Im suprised the party didn't split, as it could have been 1912 election. A Goldwater third party run would have some interesting effects on the electoral map atleast.

[hcallega]

Goldwater didn't win election in the first place against Ernest McFarland.

[Historico]

Goldwater didn't win election in the first place against Ernest McFarland.

Oh...I might have glanced over that part lol, So whose the new leader of the Conservative movement? Senator Hruska of Nebraska, Senator Wallace Bennet of Utah, Senator John Texas, or do the Buckley bro's get into politics sooner?

[hcallega]

At this point there is no one conservative leader in the GOP. John Tower is not in the Senate, as he defeated Bill Blakely who was appointed to succeed LBJ. Right now Hruska and Bennet are two of the most prominent conservative republicans, but it is really Dixiecrats like Russell, Thurmond and company that are the most conservative. Right now the ideology of the GOP is squarely in the center with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility, anti-communism at home and abroad, and support of big buisness and free enterprise. They are more liberal on issues of civil rights and social programs than in OTL. The Democrats have a wider range, with many like Humphrey on the left and many like Thurmond on the right (ironically two men who would be come very powerful in the Senate in the coming years). But most Democrats fit somewhere in between, with Kennedy's center-left ideology being the mean.

[hcallega]

1964 Presidential Election

From the start the race for the presidency in 1964 was bound to be a good one. With two of the most charismatic and inspiring candidates in recent memory, the media and public were enthralled by the excitement of the two campaigns. Both candidates naturally fit as positive campaigners, using their superior rhetoric skills to inspire audiences and voters. However the race did not go as expected.

Rockefeller campaigning in Oregon. Upset in the West is in regards to Kennedy's victory in California.

Kennedy, recognizing the popularity of Rockefeller's first term and the popularity of his personality, knew that he could not hope to run a campaign as simply another great public speaker or another inspiring liberal. Rather he decided early on to run a tough campaign with the objective to paint Rockefeller as out of touch and too ideologically bound to make smart choices. He criticized Rockefeller on his insistence on a balanced budget, even with the economy lagging. He also called him out for deploying the national guard to the South, thus encroaching on state's rights. However Kennedy also called for enforcement of the Civil Rights Legislation, just with the focus shifting from federal involvement to a greater role taken by the states. But the issue that Kennedy criticized Rockefeller for the most was Vietnam. Calling the deescalation "a risk we cannot afford to take", Kennedy proposed escalating the conflict by placing troops on the ground to prevent the fall of Saigon, which seemed quite likely at the time. He also proposed increases to military spending, as well as large tax-cuts and increased spending on social programs to stimulate the economy across the board.

President Kennedy on the stump

Rockefeller on the other hand ran a campaign focused on his own achievements. Emphasizing the reduced unemployment and balanced budget, he claimed that Kennedy would "return us too the days of debt and deficits." He also criticized Kennedy for what he called "an arrogance of prose", meaning that Kennedy spoke as if he knew all of the answers to problems that were very difficult to solve. He also attempted to draw support from blacks and liberals by touting his support for Civil Rights. On foreign policy he dodged the issue of Vietnam, instead focusing on his talks with Khrushchev and the lowered tensions between the two nations.

A "Re-Elect Rocky!" Campaign brochure.

The Vice-Presidential candidates both took active roles as well. Smathers campaigned hard in the South, making it clear that "the South will have an active voice in a Kennedy White House, and it will continue to have none if we reelect Rockefeller." He also attempted to dispel fears over Kennedy's faith stating "I know Jack Kennedy, and he will not look to the Pope or Rome for policy advise, just as I do not ask my reverend how to vote." Nixon also campaigned hard, mostly focusing on Kennedy's economic policy, calling it out as "outlandish and based on theories that have never worked."

Senator George Smathers of Florida

The high point of the campaign was a single debate between the two candidates on national TV. Kennedy and Rockefeller traded shots on everything from economic policy to personal upbringing to military spending. The three hour long debate received high ratings and was viewed as a draw between the two candidates. Nonetheless both sides spun the event as a victory for their candidate, focusing on specific parts of the debate (Kennedy seemed to have a better grasp of foreign policy, Rockefeller seemed more sincere on civil rights.)

Senator Kennedy looks on during the Presidential Debates

Going into Election Night the race was too close to call. Rockefeller's eight point lead in the polls coming out of the convention had evaporated, and many were projecting a Kennedy victory. The key was Kennedy locking up the Solid South, while also prevailing in enough northeastern states to off-set a likely thumping out west. Rockefeller hoped to win the close states in the mid-west, while also picking off Florida, a state he had invested heavily in. Overall, it was anyone's game.

Rockefeller Campaigning in Kansas

The results of the election were not known until the Friday of Election week. The results in Illinois were extremely close, with Kennedy barely edging out Rockefeller with disputable results. However Rockefeller did not call for a recount, instead accepting his defeat and conceding to "the honorable Senator and now President-elect from Massachusetts. He is a great man and will be a great President." Kennedy called the victory "an affirmation that we must be more direct in taking on the challenges of our time: Space, Communism, and a stalling Economy."

Senator Kennedy in a Victory Tour in New York

1964 Congressional Results

Despite Rockefeller's defeat, the Republicans picked up three seats in the Senate, defeating three incumbents. This left the Senate at 63-37, Democratic Majority. LeRoy Collins was appointed to fill Senator George Smathers seat, while Senator Kennedy's brother Ted took his brother's seat in Massachusetts.
Republican Gains
-California: George Murphy
-Arizona: Paul Fannin
-Nevada: Paul Laxalt
In the House the Democrats made slight gains, expanding on their Majority with fellow Massachusetts man John W. McCormack named the Speaker.

[Historico]

I agree with GP, that it was a stellar campaign featuring two phenomenal candidates...So I guess Rocky recieved his renomination without a significant challenge right? Hmm Wallace may not be the only non consectutive term President in the 20th Century, with such a close loss, Rocky still might have enough steam to go for it again(Hell he tried from 1960 to 1976 to get it IOTL). Though law and order Nixon in 1968 will be tough to beat aswell Can't wait to see how an alt Kennedy Presidency might go...Keep it comming

[hcallega]

The First Term of President John F. Kennedy

Despite a narrow electoral victory over fellow "liberal" Nelson Rockefeller, Kennedy entered the White House with strong Democratic majorities in both houses of congress and strong approval ratings. His first major actions were to address two major concerns: 1-stimulate the lagging economy and 2-increase US involvement in Vietnam in the face of growing successes on the part of the Viet Cong and NVA. To achieve these however, he would need the support of congress.

President Kennedy's inauguration as seen on TV

Speaker John McCormack was eager to support his fellow Bostonian, and he made it clear that he would support Kennedy's spending increases in the budget. Lyndon Johnson also announced his support, yet he was much less resounding in his support. However real problems occurred when Dixiecrats in Congress proposed a counter-budget, supported by many conservative Republicans as well. This budget called for tax cuts and increased military spending, but also called for lowering the domestic spending of the Rockefeller years. This budget, while opposed by the Democratic Leadership, gained much support from Southerners and Republicans alike, thus making it a force to be reckoned with. During negotiations however, Senator Richard Russell of Georgia agreed to drop his support of the budget if the proposed increases in spending on health care and education were limited, with the funds removed being spent instead on pork barrel projects primarily aimed at the South. With his support, many other Southerners followed. Thus Kennedy's first budget was passed much as he had intended, with increases to education, health care, military, and other domestic spending. Kennedy would also pass across the board tax cuts in a further attempt to stimulate the economy.

President Kennedy with fellow politicians (including Speaker McCormack) at the 1962 MLB All-Star Game

However foreign policy soon became the focus of Kennedy's first term. In regards to the conflict in Vietnam, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara proposed sending ground troops in after asking Congress first for support. Kennedy was reluctant to go in guns blazing, and instead went to Congress to ask for the authority to take control of the war. Despite doubts from some liberals and isolationists, the President's request was granted. Kennedy's first action was to increase the size of the fleet in the region, including several air craft carriers. He also deployed bombers and other aircraft to South Vietnam, and begun the bombing of North Vietnam in an attempt to have them pull back their forces and negotiate. However the bombings actually hurt public and international opinion of the war, as many saw the bombings as directed at civilian targets so that the North Vietnamese infrastructure would be destroyed. With the North Vietnamese still energized, Kennedy decided to follow the advice of his cabinet and deploy ground forces to Vietnam. Kennedy would provide congress with a projected timetable for when troop increases would take effect, and with certain benchmarks in place for the government in Saigon. The first troops would hit the ground in June of 1965, with more troops arriving in the fall.

American Combat Troops arrive in Vietnam

The war would progress for the most part like a roller coaster. While US forces would push back the communist forces who, as the President put it in his State of the Union "are driving on the gates of Saigon", yet would fail to effectively stabilize the country. After 1967 the war would become a stalemate, with US forces fighting a mostly guerrilla war throughout the country side while fighting a bloody battle of attrition in the high lands to the north. Congress would continue to fund the war, even as the public became increasingly skeptical of the US involvement. The South Vietnamese Army also routinely failed to defeat NVA forces in battle, even though they found success against the Viet Cong.

Vietcong suspect caught by American MP's

President Kennedy would also increase government involvement in fighting poverty, albeit somewhat slowly. His focus was on providing increased housing support, as well as more funding for education and health care rather than increasing welfare funding. His goal was to "end the lethal cycle of poverty" rather than targeting the poor themselves. On Civil Rights the President was a little less aggressive, attempting to find consensus between the North and South. For instance, the proposed Civil Housing Act of 1966 would which dramatically increase the federal governments role in preventing housing discrimination, was initially worded in dramatically liberal fashion. This bill failed with lackluster support from the President, while two years later a more moderate plan would draw support from the White House and pass in congress.

President Kennedy meets with Dr. King and other Civil Rights Leaders

Other foreign policy issues for the President in his first term included the Arab-Israeli War and Soviet-American Relations. In regards to the large middle eastern conflict, Kennedy took the pro-Israel stance, continuing to provide weapons the the Jewish Republic. Unlike his predecessor in Soviet-American relations, Kennedy did not attempt to deescalate the American prescience in Europe. Rather Kennedy attempted to continue talks with Russia, helped by AG Robert Kennedy. The talks occurred in Rome, Italy, despite pro-Communist terrorist activity. Kennedy and Khrushchev made it clear that war was not an option and that the only major concerns were both nations involvements in third-world nations as well as growing concern by both sides over the growth of China. While in Rome Kennedy would also visit the Vatican, meeting with Pope Paul VI, as well as giving a speech outside of the Coliseum in support for an end to global poverty.

President Kennedy talks with Pope Paul VI

On the home front, the biggest concern was the ongoing racial tension in the North. Many blacks, feeling that their conditions were not improving, rioted in cities like Detroit, Los Angeles, Newark, and even Washington D.C. In response Kennedy acted authoritatively and actively, deploying federal troops while also meeting with black leaders and reverends including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a member of Rockefeller's administration. He would also address the nation and reassure them that "we will not tolerate violent crime in this nation, no matter the cause, no matter the reason." Kennedy also appointed Thurgood Marshall as the first man to the Supreme Court. Despite harsh criticism from Dixiecrats, he was still confirmed, drawing much support from blacks and liberals. Many Dixiecrats still supported him for his tough response to the riots and his tough views on Communism. Overall, it was a successful first term for Kennedy.

President Kennedy addresses the public on the race riots.

1966 Midterm Elections

The Republicans continued to bounce back in the Senate, primarily by running candidates more in line with the views of the country. Of the four Republican victories, three were with liberals focusing on balanced budgets and in some cases critiscm of the President's handling of Vietnam. Howard Baker's victory in Tennessee gave the GOP a rare seat in the South, albeit one in the upper south and with a moderate. This left the Democratic Majority at 60-40.
Republican Gains
-Illinois: Charles Percy
-Massachusetts: Edward Brooke
-Oregon: Mark Hatfield
-Tennessee: Howard Baker

[Historico]

Wow, everything sounds solid for Kennedy's 1st term, I can just imagine Pappa Joe standing over an anguished and slightly sedated Jack in the oval office telling him to crush the riots in a very Manchurian Candidatesque way lol. All the traveling and civil strife should be wearing down on his frail health, Im not sure if he could survive to see the end of his second term.

Also what's going on with Ronnie ITTL, does he get his LA House Seat as a "liberal democrat" or does he switch parties? Also and im pulling for either Hruska/Romney or Rhodes/Smith(Margaret Chase Smith that is ) for the Republican 1968 nomination race. Keep it comming.

[Sewer]

Nelson Rockefeller/Winthrop Rockefeller '68!

[hcallega]

In regards to Historico's post
Kennedy's Health: The public perception of JFK is of a young, strapping president. However he is feeling the effect's of his health problems and some of the Democratic bosses are considering looking for a replacement, either on the top or bottom of the ticket.

Reagan: Ronald Reagan is still a Democrat, albeit somewhat of a Conservative one. He ran against Pat Brown in 1966 in the Democratic primaries, narrowly loosing, before running as an independent and winning a plurality. Once in office he rejoined the Democrats.

GOP Ticket: All of those are possible and might actually happen. We'll see!

[hcallega]

1968 Republican Nomination

After the depressing nail-bitting defeat in 1964, the Republican Party looked foward to 1968 with a sense of despair and bitterness. If a popular incumbent couldn't win reelection, then what chance was there for anyone else? Things got even worse when Rockefeller announced that he would not seek a rematch with President Kennedy and instead return to private life. VP Nixon also announced that he would not run, despite popular support from conservatives and moderates alike.

However filling the void left by Rockefeller and Nixon were several high profile Governors. Jim Rhodes of Ohio, a favorite of conservatives, through his hat into the ring early on, as did George Romeny of Michigan. Rhodes drew the support of buisness and other conservatives who hoped to make 1968 the year that they took over the party. Romney had the support of moderates and President Rockefeller, who oppenly gave him support and sent much of his staff from 1960 and 1964 to help him. Other high profile candidates included former Governor William Scranton of Pennsylvania and Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine. Scranton ran a lackluster campaign, but drew some support from moderates not satisfied with Romney. Smith drew a great deal of support from liberals and the media, yet failed to get much groundswell.

Heading into New Hampshire it was unclear who the frontrunner would be. Rhodes had the support of conservative leaders arround the country, yet was not the most energetic campaigner. Romney seemed to squandering an early lead by failing to effectively seperate himself from the pack, while Smith and Scranton both failed to jump ahead of either of the frontrunners. On election day, Rhodes would edge Romney, with Smith in a close third. The race would continue this way for the rest of the campaign, as Romney would often run a close second while Rhodes would generally win. Even in Wisconsin and Illinois (states where

Romney had invested heavily in) Romney failed to defeat his fellow midwesterner. It was only in California that Romney would pull ahead, though it failed to make the difference in the delegate count in which Rhodes had a majority.

In the convention there was a great deal of support for Rhodes, with Romney offering a stiring endorsement with his withdrawl. However Rockefeller was not willing to accept Rhodes nomination, instead encouraging a last ditch effor by New York Mayor John Lindsay. However this effort backfired as Lindsay crashed and burned with a dissapointing speech in which he seemed to lack any real reason for his candidacy except to beat Rhodes. This would also lead to many conservatives and party leaders resentment of Rockefeller, viewing him as bitter in defeat and unwilling to give back control of the party. However Rhodes would make a concession to Rockefeller by choosing Governor Winthrop Rockefeller as his VEEP.

[Sewer]

As governor in 1970, he decided to send National Guard troops onto the Kent State University campus, resulting in the shooting of students on May 4. Four students were killed and nine others were wounded, one of whom suffered permanent paralysis.

At a news conference in Kent, Ohio, Sunday May 3, 1970, the day before the Kent State shootings, he said of campus protesters:

"They're worse than the Brownshirts and the Communist element and also the Night Riders and the vigilantes. They're the worst type of people that we harbor in America."

...


Kennedy '68!

[hcallega]

1968 Presidential Election

No matter the result, following 1964 any election would seem tame and uninteresting. Of couse on the one side there was the incumbent, President Kennedy, a charismatic and exciting candidaate. But with continuing health problems the young and charming president was much more limited on the trail and in his speeches. For much of the campaign Kennedy limited himself to major stops in big cities, rather than traveling to the small towns and factories that he had toured in his frenetic '64 run. Rhodes was no more entertaining, choosing to follow the route of previous Republican nominees and focus less on speechs and entertaining the crowds and more on fundraising and relying on surrogates to get out the vote. Of course considering his under-dog status this may not have been the smartest idea.
The race itself was fairly uneventfull, as Kennedy emphasised the economic turnaround as well as the ongoing War in Vietnam: "We need to stay the course at home and abroad. What Governor Rhodes is proposing is not only a change from progress and sucess back to failure and hardship, but it is also a reckless change in the middle of the stream. If we change our policies in the radical nature that the Governor is proposing, we will all suffer the consequences."

Rhodes fired back by criticzing what he called "the political posturing of the Kennedy administration." He specifically attacked Kennedy for focusing on poll numbers rather than what was best for the country, claiming that "the President has been so focused on a second term that he has forgoten why he was elected in the first place: TO GOVERN!" On specific policy, Rhodes claimed that he would reduce spending while passing more tax-cuts and keeping military funding the same. He also said that he would slow the progress of civil rights legislation and reform in an attempt to appeal to southern voters. His agressive tone was in part due to the fact that the polls did not look good. However Kennedy did accept a debate, something rare for frontrunners to do.

The debate's focus was on the economy, as both candidates had simmilar views on foreign policy. Rhodes fired the first salvo: "The current administration believes that the best way to revive the economy is through reckless increases in spending. They believe that through this jobs will be created and buisness will prosper. However throughout our history it has been proven that the best way to revive a stalling economy is through LESS intervention, and to allow the market to sort itself out and make itself stronger." Kennedy fired back: "The governor seems to forget what caused the Great Depression and what helped end it. The sort of policies that he would like to see implemented will fail, and they will cost hard working Americans jobs. My policies have, and will continue to, provide good jobs, and keep the economy growing. The deficits that we are dealing with today will evaporate because of this growth, but not if we abandon what is working." The President and Governor Rhodes continued to fire back and forth, but in the end it was Kennedy's charisma and focus on leadership that prevailed.

The end results of the campaign were not the least bit shocking. Rhodes failure to run a vigorous campaign left many viewing him as out of touch and too conservative. Kennedy on the other hand was viewed as a strong leader who had made the right decisions and would likely continue to do so. Thus it was no surprise that Kennedy won in a semi-landslide.

Kennedy/Smathers (D) 391 Electoral Votes, 58% of the Popular Vote
Rhodes/Rockefeller (R) 147 Electoral Votes, 42% of the Popular Vote

1968 Congressional Elections

The Republicans gained a net total of three seats in 1968, primarily due to increased support south of the mason-dixon line. This gave the Democrats a majority of 57-43, one of their smallest in recent years. The GOP also made small gains in the House as well.
Republican Gains
-Arizona: Barry Goldwater
-Florida: Edward Gurney
-Maryland: Charles Mathias Jr.
-Oklahoma: Harry Belmon
-Pennsylvania: Richard Schweiker
Democratic Gains
-California: Alan Cranston
-Iowa: Harold Hughes

[Historico]

Fantastic installment HC, I had a feeling that although Rhodes/Rockefeller would keep things competetive in the Industrial States and the South, Jack would have been able to win a fairly comfortable victory. I just had a crazy idea of the Kennedy campaign running a commercial simmilar to OTL Daisy ad where after showing a little suburban neighborhood being decimated by a nuclear explosion, the screen goes blank and a deep voice says..."Choose your Fate...Vote Kennedy/Smathers in 1968."

[hcallega]

The Second Term of John Kennedy

At his second inauguration, President Kennedy claimed that the mission to make America greater "is not finished. We must persist, we must carry on. I cannot do this without you: all Americans of every race, gender, and creed. Together, and only together, can we make America as great as it deserves." One of Kennedy's major objectives was furthering the space race. Receiving lackluster funding under the Dewey, Wallace, and Rockefeller administrations, Kennedy severely increased funding to space research and the space race with the objective of reaching the moon by 1975. Kennedy also put a renewed focus on finding an end to the war in Vietnam and pushing for an expansion of health care legislation.

However it soon became obvious that congress was substantially less eager to increase spending. Despite a Democratic majority, many of the Dixiecrats and moderate Dems were unwilling to see the deficit further expand with no clear end in sight. So for the most part Kennedy was forced to accept far smaller amounts of money appropriated to his major projects. However with the economy continuing to grow the President was still quite popular, and many in the country believed that for the most part the nation was on the right track.

Kennedy's main focus in his second term was most definitely foreign policy. Determined to find a peaceful resolution to the war in Vietnam, Kennedy opened up negotiations with North Vietnam, with China serving as a third party. The negotiations took place in Paris and were lead by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara and Attorney General Robert Kennedy, with Secretary of State Dean Rusk remaining in Washington to advise the President. The negotiations were initially quite successful, as the administration agreed to halt bombing of targets in North Vietnam, while the North Vietnamese agreed to halt major offensives against US and ARVN forces. Both sides also agreed to the core of the plan: free elections in South Vietnam. However the details were the killer as Hanoi demanded that the US at least begin a withdrawal from South Vietnam, while Washington only agreed to move troops to military bases the week of the election. It would end up taking 15 months before a preliminary agreement would be agreed upon, and then another several months before both sides would agree to the terms: US troops would halt "search and destroy" operations, and would leave the cities and operate only out of their bases. The NVA would halt all offensive operations while the US would halt bombing civilian targets in the South and all targets in the North. On the second week of May 1971 the elections would take place. No specific day was set as the reality of an election in a rural and 3rd world nation meant that it would be a long process. In the election itself, the Communist party would prevail over the Democrats and more Constitutionalists, the military supported party.

However in the aftermath of the election, Communist party leaders in the south would be killed by officers in the South Vietnamese military. Riots would ensue that would lead to bloody battles in the streets of Saigon and other major cities between forces loyal to the military and supporters of the communists. US forces would be deployed to the cities while the new government was installed, before withdrawing and allowing NVA forces to secure the cities. Kennedy received criticism for the treaty as well as accepting the election, but many believed that he had handled the situation well.

On the home front the Supreme Court permitted busing as a way to integrate. Kennedy remained mute on the issue, though stated privately that while he didn't find busing the best way to integrate, he thought the criticism was overblown. Kennedy also signed the Environmental Support Association into being to due to growing concerns over pollution, as well as certifying the 26th amendment which lowered the voting age to 18. But it was what would happen in August of 1971 that would define Kennedy's second term.

On August 5th, 1971, after returning from a fund raising event in Philadelphia with the AFL-CIO, President Kennedy went into the Oval Office to do catch up on some work. He was scheduled to return to the residency at around 5:30 to prepare for a dinner with several dignitaries. However when he did not arrive on time, the First Lady called over to the President's secretary. When the secretary entered the Oval Office she saw the President slumped over in his chair, head on his desk. After attempts to revive him failed, the President was taken to G.W., where he was pronounced D.O.A. The listed reason for his death was heart failure, due in large part to the President's many health problems. Vice-President Smathers was sworn in and the funeral was held several days later.

By comparison to President Kennedy, President Smathers was much less proactive. Taking a conservative approach to governing, Smathers focused on managing much of what was in place under Kennedy and working with his administration. AG Robert Kennedy was one of his closest aides and focused on making sure that Smathers didn't make any "boneheaded" errors while in office. In 1972 Smathers focused on deficit reduction, working to raise some taxes while lowering spending on health care and the military. He also increased funding for the Space Race. He would also work to strengthen relations with the South by urging the justice department to take a less active role in civil rights enforcement. Overall, Smathers term was unremarkable, but was viewed as good enough and his approval ratings hovered around 52%.

1970 Midterm Elections

As is natural in mid-term elections, the incumbent party struggled, as the Republicans gained two seats, narrowing the Democratic majority to 55-45. The continuing success of Republicans in picking up seats was becoming apparent, however at the same time the Democrats expanded on their majority in the House.
Republican Gains
-Connecticut: Lowell Weicker
-Maryland: John Glean Bell Jr.
-New York: James Buckley
-Tennessee: Bill Brock
Democratic Gains
-Illinois: Adlai Stevenson III
-Ohio: Howard Metzenbaum