A Proven Winner in '68

[NHI]

Ronald Reagan Set to Take GOP Convention

The nomination of Ronald Reagan in 1968 began with the fall of Nixon's southern support, as well as the pending Democratic nomination of Robert F. Kennedy allowed the California Governor, two years into his term to sweep the convention floor, much like Barry Goldwater four years earlier.

A Show of Unity: Nixon Pledges Support to Reagan

Ronald Reagan played up on the campaign trail, his strength in terms of electability over Richard Nixon. "We already had Nixon lose to a Kennedy eight years ago, it's time for a new beginning. It's time to restore the Republican Party."

A Proven Winner: Vote Reagan in '68

[NHI]

Reagan Accepts The Nomination

Realizing the failure of Barry Goldwater four years earlier, Reagan tread carefully, pitching the case of restoring law and order in a country 'plagued by unprecedented lawlessness' and to bring an honorable end to the war in Vietnam. Still, echoing his speech from four years before, Reagan appealed to conservatives and to all Americans his case for a limited government. "We will have a rendezvous with destiny, we will preserve for our children the last best hope of man on this earth, for the alternative is unacceptable, not now and certainly not ever."

The Democrats Unite

In a primary that saw incumbent President Lyndon Johnson abandon his campaign for reelection, saw the rise and fall of Eugene McCarthy, Kennedy cruised to the nomination, toppling Vice President Humphrey by painting him as a figure of the past part of what was wrong with America. Much hope was placed in the young Kennedy, to fulfill his brother's shortened Presidency, though more liberal than his brother Kennedy spoke of an America based on social equality and justice 'not just some of our citizens, but for all of our citizens. Being an American means just that. Liberty, freedom and justice for one and all."

Like his opponent Ronald Reagan, who selected Michigan Governor and former competitor George Romney as his running mate, Kennedy also tapped someone with more experience for the number two spot, asking Senator Edmund Muskie of Maine to join the ticket. Pundits praised both Reagan and Kennedy's choices as solid and the best of the best. Third Party candidate, George Wallace also ran on a platform of pro-segregation and while his prospects of winning were slim, his best hope was for denying both Reagan and Kennedy an electoral victory.

Gallup Tracking Poll: September 1968

(D) Robert F. Kennedy: 40%

(R) Ronald Reagan: 38%

(I) George Wallace: 14%
Undecided: 8%

Reagan and his campaign tried to paint Kennedy as rash and inexperienced, while Kennedy attacked Reagan as an extremist, though failed to make the same impression Lyndon Johnson made of Goldwater, in large part thanks to Reagan's disciplined campaign. Still the polls showed an increasingly tight race between the two men. As summer turned to fall, the Johnson Administration halted the bombings and suggested peace-talks with the Viet-Cong might be at hand, but for Johnson the decision proved trying.

His personal hatred for Bobby Kennedy fueled his desire to stop any form of talks, in order to prevent the young Kennedy from winning the election in 1968. Johnson, reluctantly rallied behind Kennedy, once he secured the nomination, but offered a backing that could only be described as tepid at best!

Gallup Poll:

(D) Robert F. Kennedy: 40%

(R) Ronald Reagan: 40%

(I) George Wallace: 13%

[hcallega]

The lack of peace talks may actually benefit Kennedy, as it allows him to keep criticizing the war in good faith. If the talks were to begin, it would largely undercut his message among many moderates.

[DKrol]

OOC: Sorry, posted my next post in your TL on accident.

[Enderman]

OOC: Sorry, posted my next post in your TL on accident.

Well that's what happens when there are two awesome timelines that began so close to together.