Campaign '68 4: Fault lines
Oct 2, 2018
Explore the transformative role television played in politics, as Richard Nixon skillfully crafted his public persona. Delve into the heated debates over law and order amidst accusations of racism, and witness how Nixon's strategic use of media outshone Humphrey's chaotic campaign efforts. Analyze the intense political maneuvering leading up to the 1968 election, marked by the Vietnam War and shifting voter dynamics. Finally, reflect on the legacy of division that reshaped American politics and continues to resonate today.
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Television Became The New Political Arena
- Television viewership exploded in the 1960s and became central to campaigns.
- Nixon ran the most sophisticated TV campaign to capture that mass audience.
Staged Town Halls To Showcase Nixon
- Nixon's team staged handpicked town-hall events to showcase his strength in informal settings.
- The events let Nixon answer tough questions while controlling audience composition and optics.
Fewer Events, Cleaner TV Image
- Nixon optimized fewer, tightly managed appearances knowing voters mostly saw him on nightly TV.
- Humphrey's many events increased the odds his gaffes would dominate evening news cycles.