America's Choices

[NHI]

Stay tuned...

Final Gallup Poll: November 1968

Richard Nixon: 42.3%

Robert Kennedy: 41.9%

George Wallace: 11.5%

We expect this to be a very long night, perhaps one of the closest elections in recent history, quite possibly topping the Election of 1960... Walter Cronkite, CBS

[Pericles]

Oooh! Go RFK!

[NHI]

"Senator Robert F. Kennedy will be the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States and Governor Frank Clement  will be the Democratic Nominee for Vice President of the United States. -- Announcer.


The New York Senator, who once stood proud as a hawk, became the champion of peace in the 1968 Presidential Election. From the brother of John F. Kennedy, to a political superstar, Bobby Kennedy became his own man in the spring of 1968, in a longshot bid for the Democratic nomination. Promising to heal America and make the world whole again, Kennedy appealed to those disaffected by President Johnson's war in Vietnam, but also to blue collar Americans overlooked by both Democratic and Republican administrations.

Bobby was the more compassionate of the two Kennedy brothers. He listened. He learned. He waited to understand a challenge, before jumping right into solving it. In 1968 he became a great listener of the forgotten men and women. He was the voice of the silent majority. -- A Kennedy supporter.

Kennedy's entrance into the Democratic primary pitted him against Minnesota Senator Eugene McCarthy, who staked his entire campaign on the Anti-War movement. Kennedy, could appeal to the Anti-War crowd, but also a broader coalition, something McCarthy could not accomplish. Though the Democratic party bosses, still in control of the nominating process at the convention were leary of both McCarthy and Kennedy, causing some to look for an alternative.

In March, President Johnson shocked the nation by bowing out of the Democratic race for President. His departure gave Kennedy the opening he had been looking for, from the start, but also fresh challenges. The New York Senator had to navigate a divided party against the likely Republican nominee, Richard Nixon.

Johnson hated Kennedy and dreaded the idea of his predecessor's brother succeeding. Determined to block Kennedy at the convention, Johnson urged his Vice President Hubert Humphrey to emerge as the compromise candidate.

Kennedy knew of Johnson's mistrust and sought to win big in the nominating contests. His belief, as well as the belief of his advisors was that if Kennedy could win enough votes and enough big states he could stir the Democratic nomination away from the likes Humphrey and out of Johnson's control.

The big test against McCarthy came in California. The New York Senator staked his entire presidential campaign on the state, and while close Kennedy scored a major victory over McCarthy, defeating him 47% to 44%. Later that night, after his speech, an assassination attempt nearly claimed Bobby, but he managed to survive the shot and emerged from the incident a hero and the all-but likely contender for the Democratic nomination.



By the time of the convention, momentum, passions and votes lied with Kennedy. The junior Senator from New York, was no longer living in the shadow of his late brother, but instead emerging as his own man. He was no longer Bobby Kennedy, he was simply: Bobby.

"I humbly accept this nomination, and I accept knowing full well what awaits me and what awaits us as a nation. Let us not be hasty. Let us not be petty. Let us work, let us pray, let us live, let us fight, so we can start anew...." Senator Robert F. Kennedy, accepting the Democratic Nomination for President. August 29, 1968

Gallup Poll: August 30, 1968

Robert Kennedy: 43%

Richard Nixon: 38%

George Wallace: 11%

[NHI]

Richard Nixon spent the better part of the decade plotting his path back to the White House. After narrowly losing to John F. Kennedy in the Election of 1960 and then losing the California Governorship to Pat Brown in 1962, the former Vice President was determined not be a three time loser. Initial plans had the former Vice President running against President Lyndon Johnson. Nixon, planned to hammer the embattled President over the failures in Vietnam and the instability at home. The exit by Johnson from the race changed Nixon's calculus, slightly. He largely expected Hubert Humphrey, Johnson's VP to be the de facto nominee, and began setting his sights on Vice President early on.

"I don't think Richard Nixon or his staff considered Bobby Kennedy a challenge at the start. Nixon did not think he would make it through the primaries, and even if he did, he believed he would be finished at the convention. So needless to say Kennedy's emergence and ultimate victory as the Democratic Party nominee surprised Nixon a great deal." -- Theodore White, Presidential Historian.

When it became clear Nixon would be facing another Kennedy, he knew he had a fight on his hands. Kennedy already was a celebrity in his own right, and now fueled by affection from his late brother, made him an unstoppable force. Nixon and his allies bunkered down, looking to hit Bobby hard and right out of the gate. If he could be derailed earlier, then he may not be able to recover at all.

"Nixon was distrusting of the Kennedys. He always felt they played by a different set of rules and it angered him greatly. He felt he had earned everything in his life through hard work, trial and error, etc, and here comes Bobby Kennedy, heir to the Kennedy legacy, riding in like a knight on a white horse, come to save the day. He was contemptuous of him and it showed immensely on the campaign trail." -- Senator Bob Dole

On the stump, Nixon deployed some of the same tactics he used during his early campaigns. He blasted Kennedy for his early waffling over Vietnam, and chided him for failing to present 'any real solutions other than happy talk'. The Former Vice President, played on the fears of Americans, particularly suburban whites who felt the country was coming apart at the seams. To many Bobby Kennedy seemed to embrace the very radicalism and disruption found at the heart of the Anti-War and liberal movement.

In the weeks after the Republican convention, Richard Nixon saw his poll numbers rise.

Gallup Poll: September 1968

Richard Nixon: 43%

Robert Kennedy: 39%

George Wallace: 12%

"He went from trailing Bobby Kennedy to leading him in just a few short weeks. He was banking on the so-called 'silent majority' to deliver him the White House, and it seemed to be working. It was only 40 to 43 percent, but it was working. However, the strange thing about the whole ordeal is that Nixon and Kennedy were both speaking to perceived silent majorities and the question remained right up until the very end, which majority would be the loudest on election." -- Theodore White, Presidential Historian

Kennedy feeds off the energy of the crowds, while campaigning in Chicago.

Nixon gives his famous victory salute as he waves to a crowd of supporters in Florida.

[GoTfan]

All the way with RFK!

[NHI]

Bobby was dynamic on the campaign trail. Less self-assured than his brother, he spoke in an almost-nervous tone, but with a empathetic undertone, lacking from much of the Kennedy speeches. Crowds came to see him by the thousands. From Topeka to Boston. To Portland to Jacksonville. Bobby has charisma and people were literally crawling over one another, just to be able to touch his hand or saw they saw him up close and personal.

"He began to grow even more, if that's possible. He saw the movement, and it really was a movement he was creating, and the more people listened to him, the more they became inspired. This was a choice, not an echo election and Bobby was a clear cut choice." -- Senator George McGovern.

In the fall of 1968, determined to turnaround his dropping poll numbers the New York Senator made a bold move; one seen by his advisors as quite possibly the panacea his campaign or the death nail. Kennedy believed it would be the former and not the latter. No televised debate had been held since 1960, and Nixon swore off any debates during the primaries; believing in part they contributed to his narrow lost to JFK, still Bobby saw the debates as Nixon's achilles heel.

In a put together fashion, The Kennedy team traveled to Philadelphia, where Nixon was campaigning in the suburbs. In between stops Bobby's campaign organized a mock debate platform in a Philadelphia TV studio. Knowing full well Nixon would not appear, Kennedy and his team sent a loud and clear message, which reached the Nixon team. Nixon, flat out refused to debate Kennedy and called the question "a political stunt". Nevertheless, Kennedy used the opportunity to take questions from a moderator, and the event was recorded and later rebroadcast on the nightly news and in a spot released by the campaign ten days before the election, titled "Kennedy answers America".

"Mr. Nixon talks about a secret plan to end the war in Vietnam," Kennedy said to the moderator during a question on the subject. "Frankly, I'm not sure what a secret plan does to stop the violence. I'm not sure a secret plan is a honorable end. I don't believe secrecy is something of leaders and leaders in government should be running on. Is the secret, Mr. Nixon doesn't have a plan and he's just bluffing."

Kennedy's gambled paid off. The debate over Nixon's "secret plan" became fodder in the news media and late night circuit, and Kennedy continued to play Nixon's refusal by appearing in the state either at the same time as him, or immediately afterwards. "Does he not want the American people to get to know him? Does he only want them to know what he tells them?"

The rhetoric heated up on the campaign trail. In the final weeks both Kennedy and Nixon traded barbs back and forth, with Nixon apparently losing it at a stop in Des Moines accusing the New York Senator of "running on his name and nothing else". The remark received a tepid response from the audience, and eventually was picked up by NBC and went national. Nixon was forced to apologize, saying he misspoke and was in "no way trying evoke the death of the late President". Nevertheless, Nixon received flack for the remark, and while Bobby never personally addressed the park, privately aides said he was fuming and even told one person, "we've got to beat that no good Son of a --" .

In the closing weeks, the campaign polls tightened. Kennedy's narrow lead dropped from 43% to 42%, compared to Nixon's 40% and 41%. Then there was the ever uncertain presence of George Wallace, running as a third party. He had no real ground game in the North and West, but in the South he was primed for a strong showing, and even with the presence of Former Tennessee Governor Frank Clement as his running mate Bobby acknowledge winning back a southern state was an uphill climb.

On the Vietnam front, apparent talks of peace by the Johnson Administration bolstered Kennedy's poll numbers. Bobby and his team felt confident in the final stretch. An expected close win, might turn into a comfortable victory. Early indicators showed Kennedy winning 46% to Nixon's 40%. Yet, for President Johnson, the idea of another Kennedy in the White House, in particular Bobby being the one to succeed him filled him with dread beyond belief.

"Johnson and Bobby did not like each other. Period. I think after the convention they had one phone call. Now he was the Democratic candidate for President and there was zero communication. He was contemptuous of the Kennedy family in a way and certainly of Bobby." -- A Kennedy Confidant.

The Peace Talks eventually stalled and broke apart and the race immediately tightened. Bobby held onto a single point lead over Nixon in the final stretch before the November vote. 42% to 41%.

Richard Nixon closes out the last campaign event of the election with a rally in California.

For Nixon and his team, Election night always represented uncertainty. The Former Vice President hunkered down with his family, in preparation of a potential third straight loss.

"We didn't know what was going to happen. Dick didn't know what was going to happen. The polls were tight nationally. In some states we were within the margin of era. In others it was dead even. We just didn't know." -- H.R. Halderman, Nixon aide.

[Devout Centrist]

Is Johnson gonna tell Kennedys about Nixon's part in the breakup of peace talks? If only Humphrey had known...

[Pericles]

Is Johnson gonna tell Kennedys about Nixon's part in the breakup of peace talks? If only Humphrey had known...

Humphrey did know but he thought he was going to win anyways so he didn't leak it I think. Johnson won't lift a finger to help RFK, he hates the Kennedys especially since he can blame RFK for taking the nomination from him.

[NHI]

Vice Pres. Humphrey and Pres. Johnson discussing the Peace-Talks Debacle.

"Humphrey pleaded with President Johnson, but he refused. He would not help Bobby Kennedy, not one iota." -- Assistant to Vice President Humphrey.

President Johnson was aware of Richard Nixon's meddling in the peace talks. He had the evidence, but he refused to unearth it. Many in the President's inner circle argued against from the onset. The risks, outweighed the rewards and would likely cause a possible electoral crisis, in a race already topsy turvy, but the President had his own personal reasons. He did not want to see Bobby gain the upperhand. To most people within the Johnson Administration and in portions of the Democratic Party, Kennedy did not stand a chance or at best the race was a coin toss. Johnson did not want to be seen as handing the election and thus the presidency over, especially to a Kennedy.

"He flat out refused. He said to me, 'let him win the damn thing'. There was a lot of bad blood there and the President, I think was sickened by the fact he was not running and that his Democratic successor was one Bobby Kennedy." -- Johnson Aide.

Johnson sat on the confidential intelligence and waited out the election. The polls showed a razor thin margin for Richard Nixon, but some Democratic internal polls gave the race to Bobby Kennedy. Regardless, Lyndon Baines Johnson would not tip his hand. The election needed to end with a whimper, and not a bang.

Senator Bobby Kennedy casts his vote for President in New York, 1968.

On Election Day 1968, Robert Kennedy cast his ballot for President of the United States. Five years after his brother's death, and eight years after his Election, Bobby saw '68 as part unfinished business and part new beginning.

"He believed so strongly by the of the campaign that this was a fresh start for America. A fresh start for peace, a fresh start in race relations, a fresh start in the war on poverty, a fresh start all the way around. He entered the race, running to keep his brother's memory alive, but he ended the race embarking on a new, new frontier." -- Aide to Bobby Kennedy

The campaign was over, now both Bobby Kennedy and Richard Nixon would await the verdict. For both leading contenders Election 1968 would be one for the history books, and Election Night 1968 would be the closest in American history.

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 0

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 0

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 0

Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia

Reporting from Election Night Headquarters, here is Walter Cronkite.

"Tonight with only two percent of the national popular vote reported, here are our earliest numbers in the race for President."

National Popular Vote: 2% Reported

NIXON: 42%

KENNEDY: 37%

WALLACE: 20%

"That is a tiny sampling, of where the numbers are at this hours, with many of the polls still open in the United States. Here at CBS we can estimate now, in the state of Alabama, as expected George Wallace will win the state.

Projection: Alabama

✓ WALLACE

Again this was as expected. We project he will win the state with as little as 60 percent of the vote and a high as a 70 percent of the vote. This puts George Wallace with an early lead in the electoral college, which is the name of the game.

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 10 (20%)

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 0 (42%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 0 (37%)

We are unable to project a winner in the state of Kentucky, but in the state our estimates show Richard Nixon slightly ahead of Robert Kennedy. We can also say at this time, Richard Nixon is leading in the state of Florida, and Wallace is leading for the 12 electoral votes in Georgia. Now of course it takes 270 electoral votes to win the Presidency of the United States. A clear majority of the number electors. Now is no candidates receives a majority, then this election will be decided once the new House meets on January 3rd. In that case, each state will have one vote in the decision for President.

We now are joined by author and historian, Theodore White with commentary on where the election stands with now a little over 5 percent reported. Theodore, are we going to get a third book out of this election? -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

"I don't know just yet, but I'm watching the map. Richard Nixon is leading in Kentucky, if that state goes for him, and if Florida does too, that will mean his plan, which was to pick up states on the edges, places like Kentucky, like Tennessee, where Mr. Kennedy's running mate hails from, if he picks up those two states, at least, then it will mean in part that his plan is working so far.

In terms of Mr. Wallace, his numbers are as expected. I don't anticipate his numbers to grow outside of the southern most regions of the United States." -- Theodore White, CBS

One moment gentlemen, we have a projection to make in Kentucky. CBS now can call, based on our estimates Kentucky for Richard Nixon. -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Projection: Kentucky

✓ NIXON

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 10 (21%)

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 9 (41%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 0 (37%)

[NHI]

"By our estimates, Mr. Nixon has nine to Mr. Wallace's ten delegates now. With Mr. Nixon currently leading in Florida and Mr. Wallace in Georgia." -- Walter Cronkite

Indiana: 27% Reported

Kennedy: 52%

Nixon: 39%

Wallace: 9%

"An alert here. In the state of Indiana, where twenty-seven percent of the precincts are reporting, we are currently showing Mr. Kennedy leading Mr. Nixon in the usually reliable Republican state. It is early, but certainly interesting to see." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Also, at this hour, with only 5% of the vote counted, in the state of Ohio, Mr. Kennedy is leading Richard Nixon. Interesting note of  course, Mr. Nixon won the state eight years ago, but Ohio broke with its long standing tradition of being a bellweather state. It was of course Robert Kennedy's brother John who won the election that year, despite losing Ohio." -- Dan Rather, CBS

"Very interesting indeed Dan. Currently Robert Kennedy is leading Richard Nixon in Ohio." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Ohio: 5% Reported

Kennedy: 50%

Nixon: 42%

Wallace: 7%

"While we're looking at states where the candidates are currently leading, here are the results so far in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Mr. Nixon leading in Florida, another one of his periphery states, and Mr. Wallace is leading in Georgia. The state of South Carolina is truly a tossup with the narrowest leads for Mr. Nixon." -- Walter Cronkite.

Florida: 29% Reported

Nixon: 43%

Kennedy: 33%

Wallace: 23%

Georgia: 32% Reported

Wallace: 44%

Nixon: 32%

Kennedy: 22%

South Carolina: 24%

Nixon: 36%

Wallace: 35%

Kennedy: 28%

"CBS now has another projection in the state of Vermont. CBS can project Richard Nixon will win the state of Vermont, another reliably Republican state." -- Walter Cronkite

Projection: Vermont

✓ NIXON

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 12 (40%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 10 (23%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 0 (36%)

"Richard Nixon now ahead in the electoral vote with 12 to Mr. Wallace's 10 to Robert Kennedy's 0. This is the state of the country at this hour. Roughly 8% of the national popular vote recorded, Mr. Nixon is out in front with roughly 40% of the vote.

and it appears CBS can now make a call in the state of Virginia. Based on our estimates we are projecting Richard Nixon the winner the state of Virginia. " -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Projection: Vermont

✓ NIXON

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 24 (40%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 10 (23%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 0 (36%)

"This now gives Richard Nixon a healthy lead at the start of this election night, but we want to repeat it is still very early with many more states to call and many left uncalled at this time. This is Walter Cronkite, for CBS. We will be back after these short messages." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

[Devout Centrist]

Love it!

[Gass3268]

Unless I missed it, who's Kennedy's VP?

[NHI]

Unless I missed it, who's Kennedy's VP?

Former TN Gov Frank Clement

[NHI]

Reporting from Election Night headquarters, here is Walter Cronkite.

Projection: Georgia

✓ WALLACE

"CBS now project the state of Georgia for Governor Wallace. George Wallace will will Georgia, as expected. The state goes to him, and in terms of the map here is the electoral count,"

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 24 (40%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 22 (22%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 0 (37%)

"Governor Wallace continuing to dominate is much of the southern states, as expected. In the state of South Carolina, it is too close to call, and in Florida the same as well. Both states Mr. Nixon holds a narrow lead." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

"And in the state of Ohio, we are continuing to watch the results come in Walter and Mr. Kennedy is holding onto his narrow margin in the state, now with 15 percent reporting." -- Dan Rather, CBS

Ohio: 15% Reported

Kennedy: 51%

Nixon: 43%

Wallace: 8%

Florida: 33% Reported

Nixon: 41%

Kennedy: 34%

Wallace: 24%

South Carolina: 30% Reported

Nixon: 34%

Wallace: 34%

Kennedy: 31%

Indiana: 31% Reported

Kennedy: 49%

Nixon: 42%

Wallace: 9%

Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas

"Some news to report now, as we wait on results from the large chunk of states that have closed. In the state of North Carolina, CBS can project Richard Nixon is the winner with 43% of the vote. Robert Kennedy will take 33% of the vote, with Wallace taking only 21% of the vote. Mr. Wallace not doing as well as expected in the state. -- Walter Cronkite, CBS"

Projection: No. Carolina

✓ NIXON

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 37 (40%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 22 (22%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 0 (37%)

Projection: W. Virginia

✓ KENNEDY

"A call to make in West Virginia and it is for Mr. Kennedy. Robert Kennedy will win the state of West Virginia. A reliably Democratic state. It goes for Mr. Kennedy here tonight. Robert Kennedy will take 57% of the vote to Mr. Nixon's 35%. Mr. Wallace doing poorly in the state, winning only 7% of the vote." -- Mike Wallace, CBS

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 37 (41%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 22 (20%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 5 (38%)

"Turning now to the state of Massachusetts, we can project by our estimates Robert Kennedy, will win the state of Massachusetts. No misunderstanding why this state is going for Mr. Kennedy tonight and going for him by a very big margin." -- Mike Wallace, CBS

Projection: Massachusetts

✓ KENNEDY

"A big win for Senator Kennedy. 69% percent of the vote going to him from Massachusetts." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

"Yes, indeed, Walter. And now CBS can make its projections in the state of Rhode Island and Connecticut. Both are going for Senator Kennedy tonight. Along with the District of Columbia." -- Dan Rather, CBS

Projection: Rhode Island, Connecticut

✓ KENNEDY

"Two more wins for Mr. Kennedy bringing up his electoral total to 33. Now, based on our estimates and exit polling conducted after the voters left the polls, we can project Mr. Nixon will win the states of Maine, the state of Kansas, Oklahoma and the state of Florida." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Projection: Mississippi

✓ WALLACE

"And by our estimates now, Mr. Wallace is the winner in Mississippi with over 60% of the vote." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 70 (41%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 36 (38%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 29 (20%)

"Richard Nixon has won eight states, Robert Kennedy has won four, plus the District of Columbia and George Wallace as won three states. We now look at where the results stand in many of the states we have yet to project a winner in at this time." -- Walter Cronkite

"In the state of Ohio, Robert Kennedy holding onto his lead with now 23% reported.

Ohio: 23% Reported

Kennedy: 50%

Nixon: 44%

Wallace: 8%

In the state of Delaware, with only 1% of the vote counted it is too early to tell and too early to see if there are any trends.

Delaware: 1% Reported

Nixon: 45%

Kennedy: 45%

Wallace: 9%

The same can be said in Maryland, home of Spiro Agnew, the Governor there and Richard Nixon's home state. Mr. Nixon with a small lead, but with only 1% reporting we cannot make any projections or see if there are any trends at this time.

Maryland: 1% Reported

Nixon: 44%

Kennedy: 43%

Wallace: 12%

In New Jersey, an important state in the race for President in any election. We have only 3% of the vote in and counted, and at this time Mr. Kennedy is leading Mr. Nixon."

New Jersey: 3% Reported

Kennedy: 51%

Nixon: 42%

Wallace: 6%

In Tennessee, home state of Senator Kennedy's running mate Frank Clement, there is 5% of the vote in, with a narrow lead for Mr. Nixon. This was one of the southern states on the Senator's lists in hopes of a pickup. It went for President Johnson four years ago, but did vote for Vice President Nixon in the election of 1960.

Tennessee: 5% Reported

Nixon: 35%

Kennedy: 33%

Wallace: 31%

Missouri: 6% Reported

Kennedy: 45%

Nixon: 43%

Wallace: 11%

In Missouri. Same story, only slightly reversed. Mr. Kennedy leads Mr. Nixon by a narrow margin, now with almost 7% of the vote counted.

Turning to Pennsylvania now, where just 2% of the vote is counted. We see Mr. Nixon holding the thinnest of margins over Mr. Kennedy. This was a state on Mr. Nixon's list. He knows he needs to win this if he hopes to remain on the path to win 270 electoral votes.

Pennsylvania: 2% Reported

Nixon: 47%

Kennedy: 46%

Wallace: 6%

Looking further north, in New Hampshire a solidly Republican state, only voting for a Democrat in '36, '40 and '44. The state did vote for President Johnson over Mr. Goldwater in '64, but that brings the states' electoral history to four times in voting for a Democratic candidates and though the results are still coming in we do not expect the state to swing back for the Democratic, seeing as Mr. Nixon has carried both Vermont and Maine.

New Hampshire: 1% Reported

Nixon: 55%

Kennedy: 42%

Wallace: 2%

Finally, in the states of Texas and Illinois, two states which are critical to any candidate becoming President, we have little votes in and cannot make a call at this time." -- Mike Wallace, CBS

Texas: 4% Reported

Kennedy: 40%

Nixon: 37%

Wallace: 22%

Illinois: 2% Reported

Nixon: 46%

Kennedy: 44%

Wallace: 9%

"Thank you Mike. We do have an update to report in the state of Indiana. Mr. Nixon is now narrowly leading Mr. Kennedy in that state. Mr. Nixon is up in the vote with now 42% reporting." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Indiana: 42% Reported

Nixon: 48%

Kennedy: 45%

Wallace: 6%

[NHI]

"Another update to report at this time. In South Carolina, with roughly 46% of the vote in and counted, we can show Mr. Wallace has taken the lead in South Carolina. A bit of a setback for Mr. Nixon, while we cannot project a winner in the state, we do show Wallace leading. Now Nixon, spent a great deal of time and money in this state, and it was part of his periphery strategy to pull off enough southern states around Wallace's home territory." -- Dan Rather, CBS

South Carolina: 46% Reported

Wallace: 36%

Nixon: 33%

Kennedy: 30%

"We have back with our Presidential historian and author Theodore White. Theodore, as you see the results coming in, does anything surprise you? How would you respond to Mr. Wallace's third party candidacy?" -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

"I'll start first with the third party. There has always been a strain of third parties in our politics, usually bubbling over an issue or problem with one of the major parties. In Mr. Wallace's cases, his support is largely concentrated in the southern region of the country. He's doing worse than I would have expected in places like Ohio and Indiana, so in terms of his candidacy and a third party's viability, I don't see this particular one as having much staying power.

Now, in terms of the rest of the race. It is largely going as I've expected. Too early to tell in places like Illinois and Pennsylvania and Missouri, but in Ohio. Kennedy is holding onto his lead and if I were in the Kennedy camp, I would be encouraged by this trend. He has not dropped in terms of support. He's roughly stayed around the 50 to 51% threshold, so I think he the trend holds and Ohio is called ultimately for him, then this will be a good night for the New York Senator.

I am intrigued by the results in South Carolina. It is early, but the fact that Wallace is performing better than expected would give me pause if I were in the Nixon campaign tonight. He needs to hold South Carolina, as well as Tennessee, especially if he loses states Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which look to be trending in the Kennedy direction." -- Theodore White, CBS



"Roughly 17% of the national popular vote is counted at this hour, and here are the latest figures." - Walter Cronkite, CBS

National Popular Vote: 17% Reported

Nixon: 41%

Kennedy: 38%

Wallace: 20%

"And now CBS, based on estimates and sample polling can call New Hampshire for Mr. Nixon. Richard Nixon takes New Hampshire and sweeps the Northern eastern states. He's won Maine, Vermont and now New Hampshire." -- Mike Wallace, CBS

Projection: New Hampshire

✓ NIXON

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 74 (41%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 36 (39%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 29 (19%)

"Richard Nixon has won a total of nine states so far, Robert Kennedy four and the District of Columbia, and George Wallace has won three.

We can show you where the candidates are currently leading:

Kennedy: Leading
Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Delaware, New Jersey, Texas

Nixon: Leading

Maryland, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois

Wallace: Leading

South Carolina, Arkansas

"We are looking now at the returns in Arkansas. George Wallace leading in the state, over Richard Nixon." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Arkansas: 15% Reported

Wallace: 40%

Nixon: 31%

Kennedy: 28%

[NHI]

"Results are still trickling into our election headquarters. Here now with 31% of the national popular vote counted the reports are:

National Popular Vote: 31% Reported

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 40%

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 39%

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 20%

"Richard Nixon is holding onto a narrow lead in the popular vote and in the electoral college." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Projection: Indiana

✓ NIXON

"A call to make. Based on the votes tallied CBS can now make its projection in the state of Indiana. We are calling it now for Richard Nixon, now with 59% reported, Richard Nixon carries the state of Indiana." -- Dan Rather, CBS

"It was a close shave there for a while, but Mr. Nixon will carry the state, a Republican stronghold." -- Mike Wallace, CBS

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 87 (40%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 36 (39%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 29 (20%)

Richard Nixon takes Indiana with just shy of the 50% threshold. Robert Kennedy takes 44 percent, certainly doing better than expected. We now look at the results so far in the states neighboring Indiana: Ohio and Illinois." -- Walter Cronkite.

Ohio: 57% Reported

Kennedy: 49%

Nixon: 44%

Wallace: 6%

Illinois: 22% Reported

Kennedy: 46%

Nixon: 45%

Wallace: 8%

"Senator Kennedy is leading in both states. By about five percent in Ohio and just ahead by one percent in Illinois." -- Walter Cronkite

"Another state we're watching right now is Michigan. Both Senator Kennedy and Vice President Nixon spent a great deal of time in the state. I believe Senator Kennedy traveled there nineteen times from the time of the convention through the last weekend. Right now, Mr. Nixon is slightly ahead." -- Dan Rather, CBS

Michigan: 5% Reported

Nixon: 47%

Kennedy: 44%

Wallace: 9%

"Returning to the projection side of things, CBS can now called, based on the votes tallied and results from our voting samples, we project Richard Nixon is the winner in four states: Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Colorado. For Mr. Kennedy, we project he is the winner in two states: Minnesota and his home state of New York." -- Walter Cronkite

Projection: Nebraska, Wyoming, So. Dakota, Colorado

✓ NIXON

Projection: Minnesota, New York

✓ KENNEDY

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 105 (40%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 89 (39%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 29 (20%)

A big win for Robert Kennedy in New York. Our projections have him winning at least 62% of the vote. -- Dan Rather, CBS

"Another state in the midwest we're keeping an eye on is Wisconsin. Currently, Mr. Kennedy holds a narrow lead in the state." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Wisconsin: 10% Reported

Kennedy: 49%

Nixon: 45%

Wallace: 5%

"Kennedy is certainly performing better than expected in the midwest. Leading in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Wisconsin. States he needs to carry if he hopes to win the Presidency tonight." -- Mike Wallace, CBS

Projection: Tennessee

✓ NIXON

"Another state to call for Nixon, part of his periphery strategy in the south. He takes Tennessee. Robert Kennedy hoped with Governor Clement on the ticket he might be able to hold off Nixon's advances in the state, but tonight it goes for the Republican candidate.

We estimate Richard Nixon takes 36% of the vote, while Mr. Kennedy falls short with 32% of the vote." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 116 (40%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 89 (39%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 29 (20%)

"Richard Nixon is doing well or as expected in the south tonight. South Carolina is still a state to watch, where there could be a surprise, but so far the night is going as planned for the Republican. The real question can be will he over take Mr. Kennedy in the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania? Certainly, now the trends favor Kennedy in both states." -- Theodore White, CBS

Pennsylvania: 33% Reported

Kennedy: 48%

Nixon: 46%

Wallace: 5%

Pennsylvania, it neighbors New York. A lot of the TV affiliates are connected with the state so the people in the Keystone State generally are aware of Robert Kennedy and this no doubt is helping him tonight." -- Mike Wallace, CBS

Projection: Louisiana

✓ WALLACE

"Another call to make. In the state of Louisiana, now with just under 15% reporting, CBS projects George Wallace the winner in the Sugar State. Another state as expected goes for Wallace in the race for President." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 116 (40%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 89 (39%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 39 (20%)

"We continue to watch the results in South Carolina, now with 69% of the vote counted, Wallace is narrowly leading Nixon." -- Dan Rather, CBS

So. Carolina: 69% Reported

Wallace: 36%

Nixon: 35%

Kennedy: 28%

Projection: Delaware

✓ KENNEDY

"CBS is now able to make its projection in Delaware for Kennedy. Richard Nixon thought he could carry it, especially given its close proximity to Maryland, home of his Vice Presidential nominee, but tonight Delaware goes for Robert Kennedy, with 49% of the vote. -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

"We continue to watch these big states. None of them have fallen yet for either candidate, so this any man's race to won or lost. Richard Nixon holds a small lead in the electoral college, but it is closer, as is the vote in the popular tally." -- Mike Wallace

New Jersey: 39% Reported

Kennedy: 51%

Nixon: 43%

Wallace: 5%

Texas: 30% Reported

Kennedy: 41%

Nixon: 39%

Wallace: 19%

Missouri: 36% Reported

Kennedy: 45%

Nixon: 43%

Wallace: 11%

Maryland: 45% Reported

Kennedy: 46%

Nixon: 43%

Wallace: 10%

New Mexico: 14% Reported

Nixon: 52%

Kennedy: 43%

Wallace: 4%

Projection: Arkansas

✓ WALLACE

[NHI]

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 116 (40%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 89 (39%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45 (20%)

"With that George Wallace sweeps all of his targeted states, save for Tennessee which went for Nixon and South Carolina, which remains uncalled at this time. An impressive showing for the Alabama Governor, who becomes the first third party candidates to win any states since Robert LaFollet in 1924, and so far this is the best showing by any third party candidate since Teddy Roosevelt in 1912, when he ran under the progressive banner.

And Theodore, I turn to you again, and for a thought on what a race this has been. One of the most turbulent elections we've seen in a long time." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

"Indeed. The War in Vietnam has been the driving force. First, it pushes President Johnson out of the race entirely. It brings in first Eugene McCarthy, and then Robert Kennedy. It has defined the last few years, but I think another thing going on below the surface is the changes sweeping the country. This is not the same country it was four years ago. We have endured economic change, political change, social change and in many ways this election is our nation's reckoning moment, and I think the final outcome of this election will determine where America will go not just in the next four or eight years, but quite possibly through the end of the 21st century." -- Theodore White, CBS



"I appreciate your analysis Theodore, and please stay here won't you, because we have another call to make. Based on the results reported in the state of New Jersey, CBS is ready to make a projection for Robert Kennedy. Senator Kennedy will win The Garden state, in the 1968 race for President." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Projection: New Jersey

✓  KENNEDY

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 116 (40%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 109 (40%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45 (19%)

Senator Kennedy wins New Jersey, taking all seventeen electoral college votes and allowing him to begin to close the gap with Richard Nixon in the race for electoral votes. Mr. Nixon has 116 and Mr. Kennedy has 109." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

"In New Mexico, CBS is ready to project the state for Richard Nixon. With 22% reported, Nixon is the winner in New Mexico. Another, expected victory for Nixon." -- Dan Rather, CBS

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 120 (40%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 109 (40%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45 (19%)

"The time is now ten o'clock here on the east coast. Five more states polls have closed and here is what CBS can project based on our estimates." -- Walter Cronkite

Projection: Utah, Montana, Arizona, Iowa

✓ NIXON

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 142 (42%)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 109 (41%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45 (16%)

[NHI]

"...as we come back from your local coverage of Election Night '68, we have a major projection to make in the race for President of the United States. Two key races have now been called. First, Wisconsin has gone for Robert Kennedy. With 51% reporting, Senator Kennedy wins the Badger state with 50 percent of the vote to Richard Nixon's 44 percent. The other call to make is in Pennsylvania. A big win for Robert Kennedy, CBS now project him the winner in the Keystone State." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Projection: Wisconsin and Pennsylvania

✓  KENNEDY

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 150 (41%)

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 142 (41%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45 (17%)

For the first time tonight, Robert Kennedy has taken the lead in the electoral college. He now leads Richard Nixon with 150 electoral votes to 142. A close race as this election night ticks on. In Wisconsin an expected win for Senator Kennedy, he takes 50 percent of the vote, in Pennsylvania he wins 49 percent of the vote, to Mr. Nixon's 45 percent and certainly taking both states help the Senator in his quest for 270 votes." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

"Indeed it does Walter and as we continue to watch the results come in and the votes tally, CBS is now ready to make another projection. In the state of Ohio, where Senator Kennedy has been leading throughout the night, we project based on our estimations at this time Senator Kennedy is the winner in Ohio." -- Dan Rather, CBS

Projection: OHIO

✓  KENNEDY

"There you have it. Ohio. A bellweather state. It voted for Richard Nixon in 1960, and is usually an indicator of who becomes President of the United States. Tonight it goes for Robert Kennedy with 48% percent of the vote. The total vote count now is 75 percent. CBS now calls the great state of Ohio for Robert Kennedy, and Mike this is certainly a big call and major win for the New York Senator." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 176 (41%)

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 142 (41%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45 (17%)

"Indeed. This is a big win for him. He has now picked up a state Richard Nixon needed to win tonight. So far for the former Vice President, he's carried the southern states he needed to carry, all except South Carolina. Ohio was part of his strategy, with Pennsylvania or Wisconsin as a possible gain. Now both those states are gone and Ohio too, it's a trifecta for Robert Kennedy and now for Richard Nixon to win, he needs to sweep the remaining states. He needs Missouri, where Robert Kennedy is leading narrowly, he needs Michigan, another state where he started off with a short lead and another it is too close to call." -- Mike Wallace, CBS

"That leaves Illinois and Texas, and Mr. Nixon is down in both right now... At this hour the big call is the state of Ohio for Senator Kennedy. A major win for the New York Senator." -- Walter Cronkite

"Yes, and now we look at the state of Texas where 67% of the vote is counted. Senator Kennedy is holding onto his lead." -- Mike Wallace, CBS

Texas: 67% Reported

Kennedy: 42%

Nixon: 41%

Wallace: 16%

And another projection to make at this hour is we can report, Democrats will retain control of the U.S. Senate." --Dan Rather, CBS

DEMOCRAT HOLD SENATE

"An expected results, but none the less another projection at this hour as we watch the results for President." Senator Kennedy is in the lead now with... hold on, CBS is now ready to make its projection in Maryland. CBS is now calling Maryland for the Democrat." -- Walter Cronkite

Projection: Maryland

✓  KENNEDY

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 186 (41%)

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 142 (41%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45 (17%)

[America Needs R'hllor]

Looks like a solid win for Kennedy if things continue that way. Another great TL!

[NHI]

Looks like a solid win for Kennedy if things continue that way. Another great TL!

Thank you!

[Duke of York]

Great Timeline! Cant wait to see the final result! I look forward to seeing where you take this and what the future implications of a likely Kennedy win.

[NHI]

"We return to our election coverage of campaign '68 and based on the current tabulation CBS is projecting the state of South Carolina for Mr. Nixon." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Projection: So. Carolina

✓ NIXON

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 186 (41%)

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 150 (41%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45 (17%)

"An expected win for Mr. Nixon. There was some uncertainty with George Wallace, but Nixon picks it up, helping him in the race for 270." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

"We continue to watch the results in the states left to be called, including Illinois." -- Dan Rather, CBS

Illinois: 62% Reported

Kennedy: 47%

Nixon: 43%

Wallace: 9%

Richard Nixon holds onto a narrow lead in the state, which helped put John F. Kennedy into the White House in 1960. Tonight Robert Kennedy is hanging on, by about four points. Another state is Missouri, Robert Kennedy is still in the lead." -- Mike Wallace, CBS

Missouri: 75% Reported

Kennedy: 43%

Nixon: 42%

Wallace: 14%

Michigan: 69% Reported

Kennedy: 47%

Nixon: 42%

Wallace: 10%

"CBS now can make another projection. CBS is calling Nevada for Richard Nixon." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Projection: Nevada

✓ NIXON

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 186 (41%)

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 153 (41%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45 (17%)

"We're still watching to see if any of those big states will fall. These states will determine who becomes the 37th President of the United States. Senator Kennedy is holding onto a small lead in the electoral college, and one of those states is Lyndon Johnson's home state of Texas, and we -- we can make an projection in the state of Texas. Based on the results reported and where the trendline is going, we project Texas will go for Robert Kennedy.

This is a major victory for the New York Senator. Texas stays in the Democratic column." -- Walter Mondale

Projection: Texas

✓  KENNEDY

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 211 (41%)

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 153 (41%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45 (17%)

"This of course is a major win for Senator Kennedy. He's take Texas and moved into a considerable lead in the race for President. Mr. Nixon, thought he might be able to carry Texas, but the presence of Lyndon Johnson, who is not a candidate in this race and is certainly not a great confident of Bobby Kennedy, but no doubt being a looming figure has helped this state remain Democratic once again." -- Mike Wallace, CBS

"Another projection to make. Illinois falls for Senator Kennedy. Senator Kennedy will win the Land of Lincoln in the 1968 race for President." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Projection: Illinois

✓  KENNEDY

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 237 (41%)

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 153 (41%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45 (17%)

"Another big win for Kennedy, as he inches closer to the 270 and now the questions begin to raise, can Vice President Nixon make a comeback. Looking at the remaining states, the math is difficulty." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 250 (42%)

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 201 (42%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45 (15%)

"Senator Kennedy inches closer to the magic number at this time. The electoral math is favoring the New York Senator and with only a few states left to call, the race for President could be decided within the coming hour or hours and -- " Dan Rather, CBS

"One moment Dan. This is a major victory, eh call to make. CBS is now making its call in the race for President. In the state of Michigan we can project Robert Kennedy is the winner in the state and thus the winner in the 1968 race for President." -- Walter Cronkite, CBS

PROJECTION:

ROBERT KENNEDY WINS PRESIDENCY

✓ Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 271 (42%)

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 201 (42%)

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45 (15%)

"Senator Robert F. Kennedy goes over the top with 271 electoral college votes. Robert Kennedy wins the race for President of the United States. He defeats former Vice President Richard Nixon in the election. Richard Nixon will come up short once more, losing to another Kennedy, this time to Senator Robert Kennedy, the brother of the late President." -- Walter Cronkite

"The news has broken to at Kennedy Headquarters, and the room is jubilant. They have received the news. Senator Kennedy has won." -- Mike Wallace, CBS

[NHI]

Richard Nixon puts on a brave face, speaking to supporters in '1968.

Richard Nixon, twice a candidate for the highest office in the land came up short in both, losing to the same a member of the same family. Robert Kennedy, brother of the late President won the race for President by a healthy margin in the electoral count, but by one of the narrowest margins in the popular vote. 0.21%.

"It was a major victory. A strong win for Bobby Kennedy, but a narrow one. We knew it would be difficult governing the country. Nixon nearly won the popular vote; Kennedy only pulled ahead a few days later so we knew it would be difficult. We knew what lied ahead." -- Kennedy Aide, reflecting on Election 1968

President-Elect Kennedy, speaking in the early morning hours after winning the election

"Nixon was gracious in defeat, I will have to say that. I remember he called Bob, and I handed him the phone, and he said to him, 'tough as hell Bobby. You won.' So that helped, it helped with moving in a better direction." -- Kennedy Aide.

Speaking to throngs of bright-eyed supporters, the Senator from New York, now President-Elect delivered a short, but concise message. "I want all the people of this country to know whether you voted for me or for Mr. Nixon or Mr. Wallace, I want you know I will be working for you. I will be fighting for you. Now is not the time to cling to the past, but instead to look to the future, a bright future we're going to discover together and tonight is the first part of this journey...

Robert Francis Kennedy, defeated Richard Nixon to become the 37th President of the United States. His campaign was the very embodiment of the phrase: Run in poetry . Now would come the hard task of governing a bitterly divided country, and Kennedy and his team would soon learn the magic of campaigning does not necessarily translate into the magic of governing. Dreams fulfilled, dreams dashed, but dreams to be realized.

The Election of 1968 heralded the end of the Johnson-Era and the fractious politics, governing the country from November of 1963. Now, a new Kennedy era had arrived, and Robert Kennedy was his own, and not just the brother of the 35th President. Bobby as he would forever be known was about to embark on a fundamental transformation of the Democratic Party and the country itself.

✓ Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 289

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 204

Former Governor George C. Wallace: 45

Popular Vote: 100% Reported

✓ Senator Robert F. Kennedy: 32,040,099  -- 43.24%

Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon: 31,883,983  --  43.03%

Former Governor George C. Wallace:  9,918,101 -- 13.38%

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The ONLY reason TX went Democratic in 1968 was LBJ's helping Humphrey out. No way he'd do the same for Kennedy.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Kennedy won! WOO!!!