Vice, Virtue, and Independence (A Different Path, Chapter 2)

[Cold War Liberal]

April 2, 1968
Morris

The votes were in, and Vice President Udall still hadn’t won a primary.

Mo had hoped to ride the support of the traditional establishment of the Democratic party to victory: the labor unions and party bosses. But after Governor Johnson got into the race, the establishment had split and a large chuck of it had gone to the former Vice President rather than the current one. Mo didn’t really have a solid, undivided base of support. The establishment was split between Mo and Johnson, Southern segregationists and white blue-collar workers went for Wallace (not that Mo wanted those people’s support), and progressive liberals lined up behind McGovern.

Jack wasn’t helping anything, for sure. He’d remained neutral in the primaries thus far, which didn’t seem likely to change anytime soon.

The Wisconsin primary had been a mess. It should have been an easy win for either Mo or Johnson (and would have been if establishment support hadn’t been split), but instead the divided base had lead Wallace to sneak up and win with barely 30% of the vote.

Democratic Wisconsin Primary, 1968
George C. Wallace: 30.27%
Morris K. Udall: 28.99%
Lyndon B. Johnson: 25.51%
George S. McGovern: 15.08%
Other: 0.15%
(Italics = write-in)

Mo was worried about the state of the Democratic race. Party unity was essential; 1968 was totally winnable for the Democrats, especially since Goldwater was doing very well, but was a relatively weak general election opponent. Sure, Romney had won Wisconsin, but only barely.

Republican Wisconsin Primary, 1968
George W. Romney: 37.36%
Barry M. Goldwater: 37.04%
Richard M. Nixon: 19.84%
Margaret C. Smith: 5.57%
Others: 0.19%
(Italics = write-in)

Mo had considered a number of potential options, up to and including dropping out if he didn't win a primary soon, but that was a drastic move. At worst, he could get a number of delegates at the convention just by virtue of being the sitting Vice President of the United States. If it weren’t enough, he could still play kingmaker. Mo hoped he wouldn’t be relegated to such an insignificant position, but he’d take anything he could get.

[MillennialModerate]

More than likely JFK would want to remain neutral because while it looks good on his legacy if a Democrat succeeds him, it also likely makes it harder for Bobby or Teddy to run in the near future

[NewYorkExpress]

JFK probably wouldn't mind Wallace winning the nomination, because Wallace loses to whoever the Republicans put up, and then either RFK or Teddy beats them in 1972 (especially if it's Goldwater).

[Cold War Liberal]

JFK probably wouldn't mind Wallace winning the nomination, because Wallace loses to whoever the Republicans put up, and then either RFK or Teddy beats them in 1972 (especially if it's Goldwater).

That would be interesting. No comment other than that.

Also a fun random not at all connected thought but remember this timeline is loosely based on 11/22/63 by Stephen King (without the time travel stuff, obviously). I found the exposition of what happens politically after Epping saves Kennedy a tad bit completely implausible but I've planned out ways to pay homage to the book that inspired this series while still remaining grounded in some semblance of reality.

[Cold War Liberal]

April 4, 1968

BREAKING: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SHOT IN MEMPHIS, IN SERIOUS CONDITION

April 5, 1968

BREAKING: RACE RIOTS BREAK OUT ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOLLOWING ATTEMPT ON KING’S LIFE

April 5, 1968
Candidates Respond to King Assassination Attempt

After the shooting of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee yesterday, all candidates for President (except one) have suspended their campaigns and offered condolences for the family of Dr. King. Vice President Udall called the attempt “a reflection of the worst in our society;” Senator Goldwater called the attack “horrific” and described the shooter, who has yet to be found, “sick” and “demented;” Governor Johnson said that “attacks like this have no place in America;” Senator McGovern gave a well-received, impassioned plea for the government to do more about combating racism, stating that “this latest attack is a symptom of a greater problem in our country, not the whole problem in and of itself.”

President Kennedy gave a prime-time televised speech informing the nation of what he called “the hideous assault on one of our nation’s brightest minds.”

Fmr. Vice President Nixon, Governor Romney, and Senator Smith all also made statements on the attack and suspended their campaigns for a week. One candidate stood defiant, however: former Alabama Governor George Wallace. While his recent rhetoric has been significantly toned down from past statements he has made, Wallace has not suspended his campaign or even made any mention of the attempt on King’s life. In fact, he will be in Memphis next week to campaign.

King is in serious condition at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Memphis.

April 8, 1968

BREAKING: WALLACE SHOT BY BLACK MAN AT CAMPAIGN EVENT IN MEMPHISBreaking from other 1968 Presidential candidates who suspended their campaigns out of respect for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., former Alabama Governor George Wallace made a campaign stop in Memphis, Tennessee this afternoon. Despite the city being the city where King was shot just days ago, Wallace not only didn’t mention the shooting, but stressed the need for “law and order” - a direct attack on the recent race riots caused by the assassination attempt - and expressed support for segregation.

About halfway through his speech, a black man shouted “die, Wallace!” and shot the Governor on the spot. The man was quickly dragged out of the venue, but not before he got an additional shot in at Wallace. Early reports say that the Governor was hit on the right arm and below his right shoulder.

Perhaps ironically, Wallace is currently at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the same hospital where Dr. King is also being held.

April 11, 1968
Wallace Released from Hospital, Vows to Continue Fight

Alabama Governor George Wallace, victim of a recent assassination attempt, was released from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Memphis, TN this morning. The would-be assassin shot Wallace twice, but the shots merely grazed his right arm and shoulder.

Wallace promised to continue his Presidential campaign and will not drop out. A preliminary poll conducted by Gallup seems to show that this attempt may have actually galvanized Wallace’s supporters, not deterred them from voting for him.

April 17, 1968

BREAKING: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL, GIVES SPEECH

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on whom there was recently an assassination attempt, has recovered well enough to be released from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Memphis. While the shot that hit him did not wound him fatally, the wound had become infected, which almost took King’s life. However, he has made a steady recovery, and doctors felt he could be released today.

Outside the hospital, King gave a lively televised speech in which he both praised and condemned President Kennedy’s attempted progress on civil rights; he said that Kennedy had done more on this issue than most, but that it also still wasn’t enough. King described the recent riots (due to the attempt on his life) as “righteous anger” and “the language of the unheard.” However, he called on the rioters to not give political opponents of civil rights - like George Wallace, who also fell victim to an assassination attempt in Memphis, and also survived it - ammunition. Instead, he plead with them to join him for the upcoming “Poor People’s Campaign,” scheduled for this summer.

[Cold War Liberal]

April 23, 1968

BREAKING: Johnson, Goldwater win Pennsylvania primaries

April 25, 1968
Gallup Poll
President Kennedy Approval Rating
Approve: 70%
Disapprove: 29%
Not sure: 1%
Didn’t answer: 0%
Who do you support for your party’s nomination? (Republicans only)
Barry M. Goldwater: 46%
George W. Romney: 19%
Richard M. Nixon: 17%
Margaret C. Smith: 3%
Other: 1%
Not sure: 13%
Didn’t answer: 1%
Who do you support for your party’s nomination? (Democrats only)
Lyndon B. Johnson: 26%
George C. Wallace: 22%
Morris K. Udall: 19%
George S. McGovern: 19%
Other: 2%
Not sure: 12%
Didn’t answer: 0%
Who are you more inclined to vote for in the general election?
Democrats: 45%
Republicans: 40%
Other: 1%
Not sure: 14%
Didn’t answer: 0%

April 26, 1968
Goldwater the Republican Favorite; Democratic Nominee Uncertain

Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater has been the frontrunner for the 1968 Republican nomination since he lost the same nomination in 1964. However, in recent months, his lead has expanded dramatically over former Vice President Richard Nixon and Michigan Governor George Romney, his main competitors for the nomination. While a Goldwater ticket is not yet assured, it is highly unlikely that either Nixon or Romney will be able to prevent Goldwater from securing the nomination on the first ballot unless one of them drops out and endorses the other before the convention.

As for the Democrats, Vice President Udall, once the frontrunner, has dropped to third place in recent polling. Governor Johnson and former Governor Wallace has both lept ahead of the Vice President, who is now tied with Senator McGovern for last place. Udall is the only candidate whose base of support is unclear; his support is pulled from groups that are shared Johnson (labor unions and their workers) and McGovern (progressives, women, and religious and ethnic minorities) but Udall does not appeal to those groups as much as the other candidates do.

Perhaps the Vice President’s campaign slogan should be, “jack of all trades and master of none.”

April 30, 1968

BREAKING: McGovern, Smith win Massachusetts primaries

[MAINEiac4434]

McGovern>Udall>>LBJ>>>>>>>>>>>Wallace

[America Needs R'hllor]

C'mon Maggie, with this Democratic field, you're our only hope!

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Goldwater!

[Cold War Liberal]

May 5, 1968

BREAKING: Udall wins Washington, D.C. Primary

May 7, 1968

BREAKING: Goldwater wins IN primary, Romney takes OH, Nixon wins D.C.BREAKING: Wallace narrowly carries OH, IN

May 8, 1968
Wallace's Appeal in Midwest Stronger than Once Thought

Alabama Governor George Wallace has had a surprising string of victories in the primaries held in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana. Wallace’s message of returning to days past with regard to the economy, American attitudes towards Communism, and issues of civil rights has struck a chord among southerners, but with these wins, it appears that his appeal to white blue-collar workers in the Midwest has been underestimated. He only narrowly won each of those three primaries with about 30% of the vote in each state, but divisions in the Democratic party establishment (exemplified by the candidacies of Lyndon Johnson and Morris Udall) are letting Wallace slip past both and win primaries he wouldn’t otherwise be competitive in.

Some say the recent attempt on Wallace’s life may have had a positive effect on his polling numbers, though they were already on the upswing before the attempt.

It is still highly unlikely that Wallace will be the nominee, as he is massively unpopular outside the South, Midwest, and Plains states.

May 14, 1968

BREAKING: Goldwater wins WV, NE primariesBREAKING: Wallace wins WV primary, McGovern edges out Alabama Governor in NE

May 15, 1968
Gallup Poll
President Kennedy Approval Rating
Approve: 71%
Disapprove: 28%
Not sure: 1%
Didn’t answer: 0%
Who do you support for your party’s nomination? (Republicans only)
Barry M. Goldwater: 53%
George W. Romney: 22%
Richard M. Nixon: 14%
Margaret C. Smith: 2%
Other: 1%
Not sure: 7%
Didn’t answer: 1%
Who do you support for your party’s nomination? (Democrats only)
Lyndon B. Johnson: 27%
George C. Wallace: 24%
Morris K. Udall: 20%
George S. McGovern: 20%
Other: 2%
Not sure: 7%
Didn’t answer: 0%
Who are you more inclined to vote for in the general election?
Democrats: 46%
Republicans: 43%
Other: 1%
Not sure: 10%
Didn’t answer: 0%

May 28, 1968

BREAKING: Goldwater wins FL primary, Nixon wins ORBREAKING: Wallace wins FL primary, McGovern wins OR

May 31, 1968
Candidates Focus on California as Convention Fights Loom

As the month of May concludes, the candidates for President have shifted their attention to the upcoming California primary, taking place on June 4th. The state’s large delegate count means that it could very well end up being the most important primary of the year, as it was in 1964, when Nelson Rockefeller won the primary and revived his ultimately successful bid for the nomination (success which did not end up carrying him to the White House).

On the Republican side, only Senator Goldwater and former Vice President Nixon will be on the ballot. Goldwater hopes to unite conservatives behind him and turn them out in record numbers, while also reaching out to moderates. Polls seem to indicate that Goldwater’s attacks on Nixon - that he’s “old news,” that he cares about power more than the issues or the American people, that his attempt to win the nomination in 1964 cost the Republicans the election - are doing real damage, damage that Nixon hopes to overcome with the home state advantage. Nixon was born, raised, and has held office in California. His campaign, which has painted Goldwater as a conservative extremist, will attempt to appeal to liberals in the major cities, much like Nelson Rockefeller’s campaign in the state 4 years ago. The two are essentially tied in polls leading up to the primary.

As for the Democrats, Vice President Udall, Senator McGovern, and Governor Wallace are all on the ballot; Governor Johnson is not. McGovern hopes to win progressive liberals, while Wallace will turn out many a conservative Democrat. Udall will win voters who are in between, and, seeing as Johnson is not running in the state, will stand a greater chance at victory. Udall leads, followed by McGovern, who trails Udall by 1 point. Wallace is only an average of 2 percentage points behind McGovern in polling, which is essentially a polling error away from victory; thus, California is also anyone's game on the Democratic side as well.

The Republican convention, to be held in Miami this year, will likely be somewhat dramatic, though Goldwater stands a very good chance at being made the nominee on the first ballot. In contrast, the Democratic convention in Chicago is sure to be contentious as the four major candidates duke it out for the nomination. Governor Johnson and Vice President Udall have the best chances of becoming the nominee, followed by Senator McGovern, and then Governor Wallace.

[Cold War Liberal]

June 4, 1968
Barry

It was all but certain now. Goldwater would be the nominee; the RNC just needed to confirm it.

Barry had travelled up and down the Golden State, in both the cities and the rural areas, enlisting the help of charismatic, mildly popular Governor Ronald Reagan to turn out conservatives across the state. Dick had stayed in the cities, for the most part.

Goldwater had won the primary, by a larger margin than expected. In Nixon’s home state.

Republican California Primary, 1968
Barry M. Goldwater: 52.47%
Richard M. Nixon: 46.89%
Others: 0.64%
(Italics = write-in)

Goldwater had also won South Dakota (easily) and New Jersey (by 5 points over Nixon, who was, in turn, 3 points ahead of Romney). Pundits were predicting that he’d win the nomination on the first ballot, assuming Nixon didn’t try anything (which was a hell of an assumption).

Barry knew who he wanted for VP, too. He didn’t give a damn about experience; Barry himself was already experienced enough. No, he wanted someone who could orate. A charismatic guy could help him out. He already had a cult following, but Barry wanted his ticket to have mainstream appeal, with a familiar face on bottom. He also wanted that man to be Governor (since Barry was in the Senate) of a state with a lot of electoral votes. Bonus points if he was an “f--- you” to the Eastern Establishment of the Republican party (Barry didn’t give a damn about geographical diversity, either).

To the Senator from Arizona, his choice for running mate was very, very clear.

June 4, 1968
Morris

Horror was all the Vice President felt right now.

Wallace? He won California?!

Democratic California Primary, 1968
George C. Wallace: 35.31%
Morris K. Udall: 35.08%
George S. McGovern: 21.06%
Lyndon B. Johnson: 7.84%
Others: 0.71%
(Italics = write-in)

Mo should have known Wallace had a chance at winning all along. First: he was immensely popular in the rural areas of the state. Orange county loved Wallace, for instance. Second: McGovern and write-ins for Johnson (which were basically thrown-away votes, since the Texas Governor was not even a registered candidate in the California primary) syphoned support away from the Vice President. All Wallace needed to do was win enough poor white workers in LA and San Francisco and the other cities, and he’d have enough of a coalition to win by the narrowest of margins. And that’s what he’d done.

No matter. Udall had won New Jersey, and McGovern had won his home state. Udall, Johnson, and McGovern had their disagreements, but one thing they would never let happen was “1968 Democratic Presidential Nominee George Wallace.” Wallace versus Goldwater in ‘68 would be the ideological reverse of the Kennedy versus Rockefeller matchup of four years ago. It would just invite some moderate-to-liberal candidate to swoop in and win, a candidate like-

Oh.

Oh no.

June 11, 1968

BREAKING: Goldwater, Udall win respective Illinois primaries, concluding 1968 primaries

July 1 - August 5

- Poor People’s Campaign Occupies National Mall, draws praise from liberals, ire from Wallace
- President Kennedy, MLK Jr., Carmichael, Jackson address temporary “Poor People’s City;” protests peaceful & largely seen as success
- Goldwater says Kennedy “soft on the evils of creeping Communism” with regard to Vietnam
- After five years of pop, the Beatles go their separate ways
- Goldwater praises civil rights movement's goals, says he’d prefer state, not federal, legislation on equal rights

[P. Clodius Pulcher did nothing wrong]

Great story! Just a small issue: when you have long headlines, could you make them not marquee'd/moving? It's very hard to read some of it when there are, like, three lines of moving text

[Cold War Liberal]

Great story! Just a small issue: when you have long headlines, could you make them not marquee'd/moving? It's very hard to read some of it when there are, like, three lines of moving text

OK thanks, I love feedback like this. I'm experimenting with tweaking the format but I obviously want it to be readable! I'll make some changes.

[America Needs R'hllor]

Great story! Just a small issue: when you have long headlines, could you make them not marquee'd/moving? It's very hard to read some of it when there are, like, three lines of moving text

Second this. Also, this is great! I have a pretty good prediction on Udall's realization

[MillennialModerate]

Great story! Just a small issue: when you have long headlines, could you make them not marquee'd/moving? It's very hard to read some of it when there are, like, three lines of moving text

OK thanks, I love feedback like this. I'm experimenting with tweaking the format but I obviously want it to be readable! I'll make some changes.

I happen to like the scrolling headlines, adds variety to it ... just don’t make it 3 at the same time scrolling, keep it to 1 or it gets dizzy

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Great story! Just a small issue: when you have long headlines, could you make them not marquee'd/moving? It's very hard to read some of it when there are, like, three lines of moving text

Second this. Also, this is great! I have a pretty good prediction on Udall's realization

Rereading that little snippet, I’m gonna go out on a limb and speculate... Johnson?

Regardless, the DNC should easily defeat a serious Wallace bid.

[NewYorkExpress]

I'm going to guess Johnson wins at the convention and Wallace walks out, leading to a split Democratic Party, allowing Goldwater/Nixon to win in November.

Either Goldwater loses the old-fashioned way to Ted Kennedy/Robert F. Kennedy in 1972, or Watergate (or something like it) forcing Nixon to resign, and his VP (Margaret Chase Smith, Ronald Reagan?) becomes President in 1971, and wins/loses a close election.

[Cold War Liberal]

August 5 - 8, 1968
Republican National Convention

Unlike the Cow Palace Convention of four years prior, the Republicans were pretty certain of their nominee when they met in Miami in August of 1968. Right before the convention, George Romney rather abruptly announced that he would not accept any nomination (including the Vice Presidential slot) by the Republican party, and returned to Michigan in the hopes that this would help solidify support behind Nixon in a kind of “Stop Goldwater” movement - the kind of movement which had worked four years ago.

The first day was the fight over the platform. It was the most conservative Republican platform in history. Aggressive containment of Communism? Check. Cuts to social programs? Check. Supporting civil and states’ rights? Check. Richard Nixon was the newfound leader of the liberal Republicans (a title not exceedingly befitting of the former Vice President), but he couldn’t get much in the way of concessions with regards to the platform. It looked as though the liberal Republicans had been forcibly removed from power, even though they had only gained said power one election ago.

Leading up to balloting, Nixon pulled out every stop, buttered up every friend, sucked up to every foe, and tried every dirty trick he knew. And yet, when the votes were cast, it wasn’t even close to being enough. Goldwater’s conservative movement was much too strong to be stopped.

First Ballot, Republican National Convention, 1968
(total = 1,333, majority = 667)
Barry M. Goldwater: 758
Richard M. Nixon: 345
George W. Romney: 112
Margaret C. Smith: 53
All other candidates: 65

What had been assumed - a Goldwater victory on the first ballot - was confirmed without a hitch. Richard Nixon begrudgingly conceded and endorsed Goldwater, saying that “the Republican Party must not be divided like we were four years ago. We must unite behind Goldwater or let Democrats run the country for another 4 years.” Senator Smith gave a speech in support of the Goldwater ticket, and the Romney campaign issued a press release endorsing the Arizona Senator as well. Now that Goldwater had the party united behind a ticket, he needed someone to fill the bottom of it.

And find that person Goldwater did. He was pressured to pick a northeastern establishment type, like Jim Rhodes, Bill Scranton, or possibly Nelson Rockefeller or even Margaret Chase Smith. Instead, he scrapped all that and turned to an inexperienced, charismatic, unabashedly conservative Governor from the Golden State.

California Governor Ronald Reagan accepting the 1968 Republican Vice Presidential Nomination

Reagan was much beloved by everyone except the northeastern establishment types, and even they could be persuaded by Governor Reagan’s Hollywood charm. After giving his acceptance speech, party leaders came away impressed and secure in the knowledge that Reagan would only help Goldwater, geographic diversity be damned. In fact, the only thing they feared was the Reagan might overshadow Goldwater.

Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater accepting the 1968 Republican Presidential Nomination

The newly-christened Presidential nominee got behind the podium and gave what many call the greatest speech of his career, effectively putting (most) of those concerns to bed. Goldwater reiterated the point he had made at the last convention - “and I say to you again: extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice, and moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!” - to rapturous applause.

Nevertheless, though the party was unified behind a ticket, Goldwater/Reagan came out of the convention slightly behind in the polls.

The overwhelming question on everyone’s minds?

Polling behind whom?

[Cold War Liberal]

August 10, 1968
Goldwater Campaign Hires Three New Aides

The newly-coronated Goldwater/Reagan campaign has made several new hires since the convention, sources familiar to the campaign say. Campaign manager Denison Kitchel has announced that Harvard Defense Studies Program Director Henry Kissinger will be the campaign’s new foreign policy advisor. Retired General Curtis LeMay will also join the campaign to advise Goldwater on issues pertaining to the military specifically, and on ways to fight Communism abroad. And finally, Yale Law professor Robert Bork, a major proponent of constitutional originalism, will join the campaign to advise on issues of law, joining current legal advisor (and close friend of Goldwater) Phyllis Schlafly.

August 20, 1968
Gallup Poll
President Kennedy Approval Rating
Approve: 70%
Disapprove: 28%
Not sure: 2%
Didn’t answer: 0%
Who do you support for your party’s nomination? (Democrats only)
Lyndon B. Johnson: 26%
George C. Wallace: 25%
Morris K. Udall: 22%
George S. McGovern: 20%
Other: 2%
Not sure: 5%
Didn’t answer: 0%
Who are you more inclined to vote for in the general election?
Democrats: 45%
Senator Barry Goldwater/Governor Ronald Reagan: 42%
Other: 3%
Not sure: 10%
Didn’t answer: 0%

August 25, 1968
Daley Increases Convention Security as Protesters Descend

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has ordered the Chicago police to ramp up security measures around the International Amphitheatre, the site of the Democratic Convention. Hundreds of anti-Wallace protesters have descended upon the city, and more will certainly follow if the Alabama Governor wins the nomination. While a Wallace nomination is still something of a longshot, it is by no means impossible if Southern support remains strong, he gains the votes of delegates from the Plains, and wins delegates from the Manufacturing Belt.

The anti-Wallace protesters skew young and are mostly black; however, a significant minority are white college students. All are opposed to the governor’s stance on segregation, which has been slow to be dismantled. While the governor has been less openly racist in this year’s campaign than in his campaign in 1964, when he openly hurled racial epithets, Wallace still supports maintaining segregation and has spoken out against civil rights protesters and programs the Kennedy Administration has attempted to use to increase the standard of living among blacks.

[MAINEiac4434]

Udall drop out and endorse McGovern

[NewYorkExpress]

Still think it'll be either Johnson or Wallace for the Democrats, leading to a Goldwater victory in November.

Are you planning on Chappaquiddick to still happen?

[MAINEiac4434]

If Wallace wins, McGovern should mount a third-party campaign.

[Cold War Liberal]

Are you planning on Chappaquiddick to still happen?

I hate to reveal much beforehand. Let's just say that if it happens, obviously there will be negative consequences, but even if it doesn't, the knock-on effect might not be totally ideal for Teddy...

[MillennialModerate]

Are you planning on Chappaquiddick to still happen?

I hate to reveal much beforehand. Let's just say that if it happens, obviously there will be negative consequences, but even if it doesn't, the knock-on effect might not be totally ideal for Teddy...

I like him far less than JFK, RFK & JFK Jr. but I think Teddy would have made a good VP.

[MillennialModerate]

Are you planning on Chappaquiddick to still happen?

I hate to reveal much beforehand. Let's just say that if it happens, obviously there will be negative consequences, but even if it doesn't, the knock-on effect might not be totally ideal for Teddy...

I agree, don’t give anything away!