Campaign '68 1: A perilous course
Oct 2, 2018
The tumultuous events of 1968 unfold, with the Vietnam War spurring intense public dissent across the U.S. The political landscape shifts dramatically as President Johnson faces increasing opposition. Rising stars like Senator McCarthy challenge the status quo, representing the anti-war movement's growing influence. The fallout from the New Hampshire primary highlights the precariousness of Johnson’s leadership while signaling the emergence of Robert F. Kennedy's candidacy in this fractured political era.
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A Nation In Crisis Reshapes Politics
- 1968 combined war, assassinations, and racial violence to create a deeply frightening national moment.
- The turmoil weakened confidence in long-dominant liberal leadership and reshaped politics.
End Of New Deal Dominance
- By 1968 Democrats lost momentum after dominating since the 1930s, opening space for conservative realignment.
- Voters repudiated liberal leadership, paving the way for long-term Republican gains.
McCarthy's Grassroots Surge
- Eugene McCarthy ran an underfunded anti-war campaign and energized young volunteers in New Hampshire.
- Celebrities like Peter, Paul, and Mary and Paul Newman helped boost his visibility.