Massachusetts 1968 vs. 1960

[tpfkaw]

Hubert Humphrey in 1968 (63% compared to 33% for Nixon) did better in Massachusetts than home-stater John F. Kennedy in 1960 (60% compared to 40% for Nixon). Why?

Lingering sympathy vote due to the JFK assassination.  Never really went away, that's what changed MA from a D-leaning swing state to safe Democratic.

[tpfkaw]

Plus, Nixon ran a more moderate campaign in 1960 vs 1968, and I'm guessing that Catholics increased as a percentage of the population in those eight years.

Uh, no.  WASPs probably decreased though.

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Nixon was perceived as more dovish on Vietnam than Humphrey (if only because of the LBJ connection).  I believe it's the only time my New-Dealer and quite pacifist grandfather voted Republican.

[tpfkaw]

Perhaps it also helped the Democrats in MA in 68 that Bobby Kennedy was murdered that year,

Yes, that definitely helped.

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Marginal effect, but Ted's endorsement certainly shored up Humphrey somewhat with Catholics and liberals.