Wednesday, June 11, 2008

1964 Campaign Notes

I. The Foundations

1. Establishing an Image (LBJ as political tactician; healer after tragedy; “let us continue”—passing the Kennedy legacy, with political benefits: tax bill, farm bill, civil rights bill; provisions: outlaw racial discrimination in public accommodations, give Justice Dept. authority to file suits for school desegregation in federal court, create EEOC)

2. The Republican Race (Goldwater and Rockefeller weaknesses; Nixon, Scranton bids; the emergence of Lodge; the threat of Lodge; Oregon and Lodge collapse; Goldwater nomination and 1964 convention)

3. Potential Pitfalls (potential pitfalls: ethics—“Landslide Lyndon,” personal wealth, Bobby Baker scandal, John Williams; Kennedy and vice presidency: background relationship, RFK and Justice Department; open pressure and LBJ response; decision to exclude)

III. The Outcome

1. The Frontlash Agenda (LBJ hopes and targeted constituencies; liberals and the 1964 convention—controversy over the Tuck bill; consolidating the civil rights base—MFDP controversy and the convention; neutralizing Goldwater— Tonkin Gulf Resolution, nuclear weapons; economics and how to tailor a Democratic agenda?; limitations of the frontlash approach)

2. The Jenkins Scandal (polls and LBJ vulnerabilities; Baker/McCloskey affair; arrest and reaction—role of Fortas; Lady Bird response; Hoover and continuing fears; election outcome—coattails and transformation of House; ideology and a hollow victory?)

Blue—Goldwater; Red: LBJ

Totals: LBJ: 61% popular vote 486 electoral votes

Goldwater: 38.5% popular vote 52 electoral votes


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