Troubling Times - A 1968 Presidential Election Game (Gameplay Thread)

[Jaguar4life]

Goldwater and his campaign are willing to debate.

[OSR STANDS WITH PALESTINE]

Governor Romney and his campaign would like a debate

[Mycool]

Margaret Chase Smith agrees to debate in a press release, stating the need for all candidates’ records to be heard.

[Lumine]

Smathers for President

Florida Senator announces run for the Democratic
Primaries after President Johnson stays out

Late 1967
Opening Speech Except:

"Therefore, it is with enthusiasm and optimism that I declare my intention to run for President of the United States, and to contest the Democratic Primaries to ensure this party does not committ the mistake that led the Republicans down the road of disaster and defeat in 1964. If there's anything clear in politics is that the hardworking, responsible majority of Americans is not about to stand for reckless extremism or radicalism or give that sort of option the keys to the White House, and furthermore, that the Democratic Party is the party that has constantly given that majority a clear voice. To ignore that, and to neglect some of most loyal sources of Democratic support across the years in the South or the working class is to fall into the elitist fantasy of those reckless radicals who believe the Democratic Party should be the voice of an out-of-touch and often violent minority.

That is not the Democratic Party I grew up with and fought for. That is not the Democratic Party that Americans want to see in the White House as the moderate, effective bullwark against extremism. That is not the Democratic Party which has achieved great things over the span of the last seven years, even if not every measure was to my liking. And put upon these terms, this is a presidential field which badly needs a touch of honesty and common sense. On one side because you have a Republican Party nowhere ready to govern and led by two men who were already resoundingly rejected by the American people. On the other because the Democratic Party itself facing the rise of the unelectable radical left, and because of the current lack of clarity of candidates like Vice-President Humphrey on where exactly they stand on the issues.

There is a lot of work to be done, my friends.

During the course of this campaign it will be my objective to give those Democrats who feel disaffected or distressed by the rise of the radicals a voice and an option, and to make the case for a party which remains true to its roots rather than give in to those protestors who do not represent the majority of the American people. We will fight for an expansion of the Space Program, we will fight for a responsible govern which cares about the people without falling into excessive overreach, we will balance the fight for Civil Rights with proper attention and care towards the rights of individual states, which have all too often been infringed upon. We will fight for the rights of working Americans and ensure that some of the more unfair attacks on the rights of labor are reversed. We will fight tooth and nail for a safer America which is tough on crime. We will take a stand and support a stronger military, and an America which continues to be firm and tough on communism. We will defend the best parts of the great legacy of John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, whose tireless work made this nation a better place.

During this primary season it will be up for the Democratic Party and for the people to decide upon its future and decide what sort of party and what sort of country we want to be. We will make the case for firm leadership for the sake of a renewed and invigorated America, governed responsibly and through moderation, and we will fight all the way to the Convention. Let the pundits and the egghead intellectuals dismiss our efforts, for we will prove them wrong!

[Lumine]

Smathers for President

January 1968 Schedule

Week 1 and Week 2:
The Solid South and Johnson Loyalism

The initial efforts of the Smathers Campaign were confined to the South, seen as the strongest base of support for the Senator and one in which Vice-President Humphrey - seen as the strongest regional threat - is to be fought against without hesitation:

• The first two days were devoted to efforts within the state of Florida such as opening campaign offices, meeting with state officers and building a machine - using the Senator's own contacts - to successfully contest the Florida Primary later on.
• Senator Smathers then flew to the state of West Virginia for a two-day tour, opening the first campaign office in the state and gathering a core team of staff and volunteers to prepare the ground for the eventual West Virginia Primary. Smathers made a point of meeting both with elected officers and citizens on the street, and made his first attacks on Vice-President Humphrey as "indecisive" and "no longer knowing what he stands for".
• The following seven days were spent on a first mini-tour of relevant southern states such as North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee (a day each), which the Senator used almost exclusively to meet with relevant party and elected officers to either build bridges or secure their support in the coming delegate hunt, as well as setting up small groups devoted to securing strong performances in the caucuses or conventions in which delegates are to be selected. Senator Smathers emphasized his support for a strong national defence and his moderate support of the rights of states, noting all other Democratic contenders were "too far to the left" to possibly represent the South and its views.
• The final three days were spent in a the beginning of what Senator Smathers sees as a key part of the coalition he intends to build: to gain the support of pro-Johnson delegates and machines by portraying himself as the sole candidate to firmly stand with the President on Vietnam. Spending two days on Washington DC - meeting with pro-Johnson members of Congress - and one in Texas in a visit to Governor Connally and other Johnson loyalists, Senator Smathers persistently pointed out Kennedy, McCarthy and McGovern's constant opposition to Johnson's foreign policy agenda, and made the case that Vice-President Humphrey would be likely to jump ship to the anti-war radical left and adopt some of their stances rather than stick with the President.

Week 3:
Organized Labor

Finding it necessary to expand his base of support outside the South to showcase the potential of his candidacy - not limited to a mere regional block -, Senator Smathers decided to start a sustained, long-term offensive to win over support from the pro-Democratic Unions and from organized labor.

• The week itself was spent for the most part in the industrial Midwest, including visits to Washington DC, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania. While most efforts would be directed towards the leadership and pro-labor officeholders, Senator Smathers organized a series of events with rank and file labor members to take questions and, ideally, portray his own moderate to conservative political views as close to the mindset of most union members, particularly his disaste for the radical anti-war left.
• Realizing that some unions would in all likelihood support Humphrey or Kennedy without much hesitation, Smathers focused his initial efforts on appealing and making his case before unions considered more receptive to his message (particularly the AFL-CIO, the Teamsters and the National Farmers Union). The ideal scenario would be to gain increased support from different unions both to help with the campaign and the primary, and to successfully influence the delegate hunt.
• Not intending to come off as "unauthentic", Senator Smathers recognized his point of view wasn't as pro-labor as it should have been at the start of his career, while emphasizing his view that the Republican Party had gutted and weakened unions to a reckless, dangerous level and that those unions would strongly benefit from a Democratic President prepared to listen to their concerns and those of their members, including potential measures to restore some of the lost power of the unions.

Week 4:
Landing on New Hampshire

Whilst conventional wisdom dictates that a victory in the New Hampshire Primary would be a most unlikely scenario, the Smathers Campaign is nonetheless convinced a strong showing can be achieved by appealing to the more moderate to conservative Democratic voters in the state, as well as independents and the sizable pro-Johnson base.

• Senator Smathers spent most of this week - the time he had while not working on Congress - on his first visits to the state, starting with the grand opening of two campaig offices in Concord and Manchester in order to provide a serious organization to the campaign.
• Targeting his campaign visits towards the less anti-war ground, Senator Smathers began campaiging on an opposition to further tax increases and arguing to defend and retain (but not expand) the current social programs, law-and-order politics (including support for the death penalty  on the most horrifying crimes) and the need to support President Johnson against the attacks of the radical left.

Smathers Campaign:

Advertising N°1: The Alternative

Recognizing the debatable merits of television and wanting to make an impact rather than appear to be one among many, Campaign HQ has made a conscious decision to direct its initial advertisement towards expanding awareness among Democrats regarding Smathers's run for the presidency to enlarge the number of potential supporters, appeal to those undecided or distrustful of the main candidates - particularly southern voters - and leave a sense of intrigue for those unfamiliar with the Senator, hopefully pushing them to seek information about the Senator's Campaign. As a result, the advertisement for the month will be in the form of a billboard, to be placed both on primary states and potential areas of support like the South:

Primary Contests:

Upon a period of reflection, and despite being critical of the lack of many South-based primaries compared to the ones to be held in 1968, the Smathers Campaign has decided to apply for ballot access on several states despite its intent to focus on the West Virginia and Florida Primaries, arguing in favor of New Hampshire and Wisconsin as potential grounds for strong performances as a well as a handful of other states with potential.

As a result and while not ruling out to enter the ballot of other primaries in the future, the Smathers Campaign will initially apply for ballot access on New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia and Florida.

[Lumine]

Smathers calls for a Democratic Debate:

Democratic candidate argues that "there should be a debate" before New Hampshire Primary

Smathers: It seems to be that it would be helpful to the people if we could open up this process to them with a televised or radio debate, a debate in which Vice-President Humphrey, Senators Kennedy, McGovern, McCarthy and myself can have a frank and open discussion and let the people know exactly where we stand. Given that the New Hampshire Primary will be the first contest I believe it is necessary for a debate to be held before the primary, and you can bet that I will be there to take part on it. America needs candidates more open to engage with the public and with each other, and less prone to the arrogant rejection of debates from candidates like a Richard Nixon or a William Scranton."

[Continential]

Governor Rockefeller would want to debate

[terp40hitch]

Howard Baker For President 1968

Campaign Staff

National Campaign Chairmen: Rep. John Ashbrook (R-OH)
      -Florida: Rep. J. Herbert Burke (R-FL)

Campaign Manager: Peter M. Flanagan
      Deputy Campaign Manager: Former Alabama Republican Chairmen John Grenier
Communications Director: Frank Shakespeare
Finance Director: Position Open
Volunteer Director: Don Mulford

Campaign Infasture

National Campaign Headquarters:
      Nashville, TN

Convection Headquarters:
      Palm Beach, FL

Area Headquarters:
      Northeast: Manchester, NH
      Midwest: Columbus, OH
      South: Nashville, TN
      Southwest: Dallas, TX
      West: Phoenix, AZ

[Dr. MB]

Senator McGovern would like to debate.

[Mycool]

Margaret Chase Smith Rolls Out Endorsements

Jacob Javits



"We Republicans tried an ideologue, and it failed spectacularly in 64. We need the liberal wing of the party to stand up for programs like the Great Society, that focus on the betterment of Americans regardless of political inclinations, but stand up for our interests abroad. I believe Margaret Chase Smith is the best choice for us to nominate."

Raymond P. Shafer



"Extremism has gotten this party nowhere. In fact, in many ways, it's entangled us into a war that has been mishandled from the beginning. What we need is a deal maker, who knows how to run things. I can't think of anyone more qualified than Margaret Chase Smith. Margaret has pushed for common sense bipartisanship in her time in the House and Senate, and has worked across the aisle when it makes sense, while standing true to her principles."

[Jaguar4life]

What Goldwater did part 1

Goldwater campaigned in Cailforina and Arizona on his new reformed views and campagined on his free market economy policy.

[Continential]

What Goldwater did part 1

Goldwater campaigned in Cailforina and Arizona on his new reformed views and campagined on his free market economy policy.

Rockefeller attacks Goldwater by says that he is a lion in sheep's clothing

[GoTfan]

Bobby Kennedy for President

Schedule for month of January.

January 1-5: Spent with family

January 6-11: Kennedy kicked off his campaign in his adopted state of New York before travelling to Massachusetts, where he met with his brother and US Senator Ted. The two held a joint rally and a long conversation discussing campaign strategy and policy proposals for Bobby. After spending a couple of days there, he travelled to New Hampshire, and would barnstorm the entire state with the aid of campaign officials and the powerful Kennedy machine. Finally, he registered for the New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania primaries, aiming to compete in as many contests as possible.

January 12-20: Kennedy travelled to the industrial midwest for these days, meeting with party leaders in non-primary states and holding rallies and town halls in Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin and Illinois. In Chicago, he welcomed the endorsement of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and his powerful support.

January 21-26: These days were spent in California, as Kennedy attempts to build up his liberal vote there. He touted his support of labor as well as his strongly pro-civil rights stance. He also called for  for a halt to bombing in Vietnam, and for the United States to be prepared to reach a settlement with the North Vietnamese.

January 27-31: Kennedy spent these days in New Hampshire and New York. He met with party leaders in New York to attain their support at the convention, while also rallying his supporters in new Hampshire, urging them to "send Humphrey a message". Again, he highlighted his civil rights stance and willingness to play hardball with those who refused to accept civil rights.

[Lumine]

Smathers gains key endorsements in TX, GA

Senator Richard Russell and Governor John Connally
throw support behind the Senator

Connally: "I have a lot of respect for several of the candidates running, but all this talk of a settlement with North Vietnam seems like pure appeasement and surrender to me, and a betrayal of what President Johnson has valiantly stood for during the last four years. The Democratic Party needs to field a candidate in tune with the concerns and beliefs of most Americans and who will stand with President Johnson on doing the right thing, and I only trust Senator Smathers to do exactly that. I encourage Texans to support him and his bid for the Presidency, and call upon the reasonable, responsible elements within our party to give him their full support."

Russell: "I find it distressing to see just how willing some of the candidates for the Democratic nomination are to concede the entire South, and either pretend the region does not exist or that it hasn't been a reliable base of Democratic support. We are not going to win this election if we enter it waving a white flag of surrender, giving into all and any demand by radical protesters, and if we treat our own President like a pariah on his own party. My message to Southern Democrats is very simple: there is only one candidate who will take our concerns and our beliefs into account, and who at the same time can win this election and defeat whatever out of touch elitist the Republicans will nominate. That man is Senator George Smathers."

[GoTfan]

Kennedy challenges McCarthy, Humphrey and Smathers to a debate, calling for all candidates to be heard on their merits and their policies judged by voters.

[Faust]

The Times They Are A-Changin'.

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[Faust]

Patsy Mink for President.

January 1st-January 31st, 1968

Week One and Two:

"Live Free or Die," the motto of New Hampshire went, and Mink intended to do exactly that. She would either blaze a path in politics for all to follow or die trying. There could be no middle ground.

• Establish a campaign headquarters in Concord, New Hampshire. The groundwork for Mink's campaign is to start there with the eventual goal of spreading her message throughout the state. Volunteers are to be gathered and organized for the upcoming campaign.
• Knowing that the press would naturally be interested in her, Mink intended to take advantage of such a gift to spread her name. She would go on the local news channels, newspapers, and radio shows to discuss her viewpoints (as told through the announcement speech). She hoped that the listeners and viewers would take notice of her clarity and honesty -- seeing her as the working man's candidate.
• On the same note, Mink would try to get inside the various colleges and universities to speak about current events. She would talk about her plans for the continued support of education (pledging to help struggling students pay off their debts and help needy students apply for tertiary education), Vietnam (peace with honor), and need for activism to promote change in society.
• Mink would also visit local Democratic leaders, power brokers, and members to discuss her rather agreeable viewpoints. She would point to herself as a unifying candidate -- with positions that would appeal to all parts of the part. Instead of just talking, Mink would take note of their advice and concerns. They know the state better than her, after all.

Week Three and Four:

Money is vital. Volunteers are vital. Mink lacks both. For now.

• The volunteers are put to work as they move throughout urban and suburban areas to spread the word about Mink. Clean shaven and professional, they are to explain her policies about coalition building and finding consensus -- make her seem electable. And, after that, ask for donations to support such a remarkable woman.
• Keep up her onslaught on the local news. It's free after all. Be friendly with the media, and they'll reflect the behavior back (mostly).
• In a remarkable move, Mink even travels to rural areas to establish connections with them. County fairs are her go-to location. Hammer home the point about working together to make America better. She will also listen to their needs and wants -- everyone deserves to be heard after all.

***

The Mink campaign has expressed their interest for frank debate. Anywhere, anytime. With that being said, the Mink campaign will seek ballot access for the New Hampshire primary.

[terp40hitch]

Howard Baker Address 1968 Republican Debate

Earlier this month, I called for a Republican Debate before the New Hampshire primary. I believe a debate is needed so the voters in New Hampshire and across this country before they vote in the primary and the delegates at the convection know the positions and platforms of each candidate and campaign. I want an open political process so the voters know that they can trust their president. Throughout the month, I have met with the League of Women Voters to discuss the idea of a presidential debate and they have accepted the request so I have publicly challenged my fellow Republicans to debate me ahead of the crucial primary of New Hampshire.

So far, I would like to thank Governor Reagan, Governor Romney, Senator Case, Senator Smith, Governor Rockefeller and Senator Goldwater for accepting my invention to a debate. I am still urging Governor Stassen to stand and debate with his fellow Republicans. Still, this speech isn't about the candidates and campaigns that agreed to debate but I would like to discuss the candidates that are unwilling to show up or unwilling to show where they stand on important issues. At this moment only candidates have openly said they will not join the debate, Governor Scranton and Vice-President Nixon. I would like to ask what they are hiding by not debate but sadly I can't because they won't debate other candidates. Sadly they may be afraid of the voter or are they afraid of tough questions or is it because we are letting women get to speak. This action speaks a lot about those two men's characters and I think the voters must remember that when they go to the polls.

To Vice-President Nixon and Governor Scranton, if you cannot answer tough questions now then why will you be able to answer tough questions when they are pressed when you are in the White House. I know where I stand on the issues and I believe my positions are the best track for America going forward and that is why I am not afraid to publicly debate.

Now that we discussed Governor Scranton and Vice-President Nixon's scared approached to debates, I would like to discuss the time and place where I believe this event should be held. As I have stated before I believe that Concord, New Hampshire is a very proper location for the debate and I would like it to be hosted on February 15th but unlike Governor Scranton and Vice-President Nixon, I am willing to debate anytime, anywhere. My only condition is that the debate is public so every American has a chance to see where candidates stand on the important issues that face our nation in these troubling times.

Thank you and I will see you at the Debate!

[Faust]

The March of Progress: Mink Nets Two Big Endorsements.

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[NewYorkExpress]

Schedule for Richard Nixon

January 1, 1968

Meet Voters in Wilmot, New Hampshire

Meet Voters in Pembroke, New Hampshire

Speech in Franklin, New Hampshire

I don't know what Senator Baker is up to. He's only been a Senator for two years, which is hardly enough time to garner any significant experience on any major National Security issue, especially in this day and age, with the constant threat of the Soviet Union looming. As such, I challenge Senator Baker, to a head to head debate on February 8, in Los Angeles, California, so I can prove just how inexperienced he truly is.

January 2-4

Fundraisers, New York City

January 5-13

Vacation with Pat, London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin.

January 14, 1968

Speech in Pierre, South Dakota

Look, the fact is our policy in Vietnam has failed, because we don't have anyone else to put pressure on North Vietnam to come to the table. As much as it pains me to say it, we need to open relations, with mainland China, so that we can bring North Vietnam to the bargaining table. If we can do this without losing our ties to the Republic of China, it would be a wonderful miracle, but I believe a Nixon Administration can pull this off.

January 15-31

Fundraisers for Presidential campaign, as well as for Republicans around the country.

[terp40hitch]

“Mr.Nixon, I would debate you anytime and anywhere but I have one contention if I would debate. You have to join the Republican primary debate”-Senator Baker press release

[Jaguar4life]

Goldwater campaign update

Goldwater campagined in Cailforina on his healthcare policy and called out Governor Rockefeller for his “Wolf in sheep’s clothing comments”

He said that he said he views have evolved even since his talk with his daughters after his 64 election loss.

[NewYorkExpress]

Nixon response to Baker press release

If that is what it takes, then very well. We will see you on the fifteenth in Concord, if you debate us on the eighth in Los Angeles.

[Joe Biden 2024]

William Scranton's Response to Baker's Remarks

"As noted in the earlier statement, Governor Scranton has said that he would be willing to debate at a later time. At this time, the Governor will convey his message to the voters directly, without the need of appearing alongside the other candidates.

Governor Scranton believes that the voters going to the polls will choose the most capable man for the Presidency in these troubling times and knows they will choose the man who successfully lead one of the nation's greatest and most important states for four years over a man who thinks a single year of elected office is somehow enough experience to assume the Presidency."

[terp40hitch]

Nixon response to Baker press release

If that is what it takes, then very well. We will see you on the fifteenth in Concord if you debate us on the eighth in Los Angeles.

Looks like I will see you then.