Atlas Throwback: October, 1963

[Thunderbird is the word]

In October, 1963 what would atlas users say about the 1964 election?

I think the election will likely pit Kennedy against Rockefeller and Kennedy will probably win an easy victory. What's really interesting to me is what will happen in the south. With Jack coming out in favor of civil rights I wonder if we'll get another Strom Thurmond like candidacy. That could make the race interesting if they do succeed in winning enough states to flip the race to the house. Also remains to be seen what effect the situation in French Indochina could have if it heats up.  

[Kingpoleon]

I hope Kennedy drops Johnson. He's awful. As for who would take his place, I wouldn't object to Symington or Meyner.

If it ends up being Rockefeller against Kennedy, I think I'd have to vote for Rockefeller. Although, with my track record of voting since 1936, I doubt he'd win.

[GoTfan]

I seriously doubt Johnson is going anywhere . . . He's far too valuable, especially if Kennedy wants to push for civil rights laws.

[Jaguar4life]

Johnson total flip flopper. SAD!

[TheSaint250]

One thing I can agree with Kennedy on is civil rights. Johnson has never shown a willingness to do so. He needs to go.

If he does, who will Kennedy replace him with?

[GoTfan]

One thing I can agree with Kennedy on is civil rights. Johnson has never shown a willingness to do so. He needs to go.

If he does, who will Kennedy replace him with?

I find it unlikely that Kennedy will replace him. He needs Johnson to hold the south, and no Democrat can win without the south.  Either that, or he has to with someone like Russell or Thurmond, and we can all agree they would be worse.

[Kingpoleon]

One thing I can agree with Kennedy on is civil rights. Johnson has never shown a willingness to do so. He needs to go.

If he does, who will Kennedy replace him with?

I find it unlikely that Kennedy will replace him. He needs Johnson to hold the south, and no Democrat can win without the south.  Either that, or he has to with someone like Russell or Thurmond, and we can all agree they would be worse.

He could pick Connally, Shivers, or an old timer like Coke Stevenson. Johnson isn't popular, but he controls the machines and many politicians. It would take a United front between Sanford, Smathers, Symington, Shriver, as well as Robert Kennedy, Pat Brown, and the other Northern and Western Democratic leaders. For now, the combined support of Sanford, Smathers, and Symington is almost assured - they're staunch Kennedy allies.

As for Johnson on civil rights, I'm sure he would pass it, if only because he's the biggest opportunist in politics, which says a lot.