U.S. Presidential Election (1968)
When incumbent President Lyndon B. Johnson, who was eligible for reelection, withdrew from the race, other Democratic candidates rose to take his place, including Minnesota Senator Eugene McCarthy. McCarthy successfully mobilized and motivated young voters, especially from college campuses, who wanted to end the Vietnam War. When Robert F. Kennedy, Senator of New York, entered the race for the democratic nomination after seeing the Johnson administration weaken, he gained the support of many minorities and antiwar Democrats. Kennedy and McCarthy were the competing frontrunners from the Democratic Party, with Kennedy coming out on top. Soon after Kennedy gave his victory speech after his victory in the California primary, he was shot and died in the hospital the following day. Vice President Hubert Humphrey rose to take his place, Hubert was closely associated with Johnson's war policies which created some controversy, as antiwar protesters demonstrated against Humphrey. Still, Kennedy's were unable to unify behind a candidate in time to defeat Humphrey, and he gained the party nomination.
The Republican Nomination was between former Vice President Richard Nixon and Michigan Governor George Romney. Nixon won the nomination easily, choosing Spiro Agnew of Maryland to help him appeal to Southern Conservatives. Governor George Wallace of Alabama became a candidate for the American Independent Party, which represented extreme social conservatism and the South, and supported segregation in schools.
Just before the Election, President Johnson ended air attacks on North Vietnam, helping Humphrey's campaign and allowing his to gain some support. Election Day saw an incredible close election in the popular vote, with Nixon winning 31.8% and Humphrey's 31.3%. While the popular vote was too close, the electoral votes show Nixon as the clear winner with 301 votes and 191 for Humphrey, making Nixon the 37th President of the United States.
The Republican Nomination was between former Vice President Richard Nixon and Michigan Governor George Romney. Nixon won the nomination easily, choosing Spiro Agnew of Maryland to help him appeal to Southern Conservatives. Governor George Wallace of Alabama became a candidate for the American Independent Party, which represented extreme social conservatism and the South, and supported segregation in schools.
Just before the Election, President Johnson ended air attacks on North Vietnam, helping Humphrey's campaign and allowing his to gain some support. Election Day saw an incredible close election in the popular vote, with Nixon winning 31.8% and Humphrey's 31.3%. While the popular vote was too close, the electoral votes show Nixon as the clear winner with 301 votes and 191 for Humphrey, making Nixon the 37th President of the United States.