1964 Party Nominations

Republicans for years afterwards would credit their 1960 victory to the "Silent Plurality" of the country. While Humphrey had led in the polls consistently, it had been the "decent, middle class, working American" that had eventually gone for Ike instead of his Democratic opponent. During his second term, Eisenhower's greatest achievement would be the defeat of Fidel Castro in Cuba in spring of 1962. However, domestically, he attempted to pave a successful path between liberals and conservatives within and without his own party, and a legislative stalemate began to occur. With the 1962 mid-term elections coming up, Eisenhower wanted to prove his popular mandate and in doing so elected more candidates to his liking. In October, he made a campaign trip to Dallas, Texas in which he spoke in favor of Texas gubernatorial candidate Robert B. Anderson and met with some of Texas' conservative GOP establishment in order to smooth things over in the state party. However, while riding through the streets and heading back to the plane from which he would depart, President Eisenhower was shot three times and was later declared dead on arrival. In the short time that followed, a former marine sniper, Lee Harvey Oswald, was arrested for the crime while Margaret Chase Smith, battling tears, took the Oath of Office. In the many weeks that followed, investigations of Oswald would lead to the uncovering Oswald's communist ties. However, the alleged assassin would never make it to court due to extremely unclear conditions concerning his handling (and subsequent beating) by the police the day he was caught. Even today, conspiracies abound concerning groups ranging from the Soviet Union to Texas' far right.

Since then, President Smith has maintained popularity. In domestic politics, she had governed to the left of the centrist Eisenhower, affirming several pieces of both economic and social legislation signed by past Presidents, earning her the ire of several of the party's conservatives, including the inimitable Barry Goldwater of Arizona. Meanwhile, on foreign affairs, she has maintained a tough stance against the Soviet Union, one even more aggressive than Eisenhower. U.S. involvement in Vietnam has increased as has military spending. Among the new military funding is money for NASA and America's burgeoning space program. Since her days in the Senate, Smith has been a supporter of greater funding for space exploration and is hoping to put America on the moon before the end of the decade, and in doing so to beat the Soviets. With this reinvigorated government spending, the economy is up, and that combined with Eisenhower's death and her calm, motherly demeanor has allowed her reign to be a popular, if so far short, one.

President Smith does face a challenger, or a few, for re-nomination however. Barry Goldwater, leader of conservative Republicans, is taking her to task on economic issues, criticizing what he refers to as wasteful and unnecessary spending. Aside from this challenge, which could prove a very difficult one to beat, a litany of favorite sons and wannabe-Vice Presidents have come forward. Given Smith's age and the lack of a Vice President, they are hoping either to take advantage of the split in the party and see success at the convention, or to be picked to go on the bottom of the ticket. As well, UN Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. is being made a candidate whether he likes it or not thanks to a powerful draft movement.

The Democrats meanwhile are looking at a three-way brawl. Senate leader Lyndon B. Johnson represents the party establishment, a moderate stance on social issues, support for the economic status quo, and what is basically a continuation of the last few years. Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts meanwhile is campaigning on tax cuts, trying to out-space President Smith, and a more careful foreign policy. The last piece of the puzzle is Alabama Governor George Wallace. Made famous by his pro-states rights stances and his opposition to greater federal involvement in state social issues, Wallace is a darling of the South and is hoping to do well in states such as Maryland and Indiana. All other candidates are favorite sons in some form or another, though a party split could give them significant leeway, if not provide a path to the nomination.

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