Figure 1.--Much of the active Democratic campaigning was done by Senator Humphrey, the Democrat;'s vice-presidential candidate. He had for nearkly two decaded been the liberal stalwart in the U.S. senate. Here we see Senbator Humpfrey campign st the height of the campaign in his home state of Minnesota, September 7, 1864. The press caption read, "Youth for Humprey: A boy on a bicycle pulls along the converible carryinfg Sen. Hubert Humprey today as the Democratic candidate for vice-president traveled by motorcade to his hometown of Waverly, Minn. Another cyclist pulls up from the rear as Minnesota's Gov. Karl Holvang (seated in font of Humphrey) observes with a smile."

President Johnson managed to paint Senator Barry Goldwater as a right-wing legislator who was wreckless in foreign affairs and a reactionary on domestic issues. The very honest Goldwater gave the President plenty of ammunition. Senator Goldwater proposed the use of tactical nuclear weapons in Vietnam if required. He indicated that he would make deep cuts in spending, especially social programs. He wanted to sell the Tennessee Valley Authority--a New Deal darling. And he made the suggestion in Tennessee. He opposed the civil rights legislation. And he dared to challenge Social Security, suggesting it should be made voluntary. Social Security had been long accepoted as the third-rail of American politics. Senator Goldwater was nothing if not hoinest, but he was hrdly politically astute. This he suggested in Florida, a state with a heavy concentration of retirees. He was the last Republican to take on Social Security. President Johnson campaigned on the Great Society social programs and a limited involvement in Vietnam. The major issues were social programs and civil rights. Vietnam played only a minor role. The campaign was the most ideologically oriented campaign since 1932. Much of the activity campaigning was done by Senatoir Humphrey. The interevening elections were primarily decided on the electorates assessment of the candidate's character and image. The Democrats stressed President Johnson's social programs and charged that Senator Goldwater was wreckless. They ran a notable advertisement with a nuclear explosion.

Created: 2:11 AM 6/2/2012
Last edited: 2:11 AM 6/2/2012