Episode Summary: The Rest Is History - Episode 511: America in '68: George Wallace, The First Donald Trump (Part 4)

Release Date: November 7, 2024
Hosts: Dominic Sandbrook (A) and Tom Holland (B)
Podcast: The Rest Is History
Description: Exploring the pivotal role of George Wallace in the 1968 American political landscape and drawing parallels to modern political figures.

Introduction

In Episode 511 of The Rest Is History, Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland delve deep into the tumultuous American political scene of 1968, focusing on George Wallace's significant yet often misunderstood role. This episode, titled "America in '68: George Wallace, The First Donald Trump (Part 4)," examines how Wallace's populist and segregationist campaigns prefigured strategies employed by later political figures like Donald Trump.

George Wallace: Early Life and Political Rise

Dominic (A) begins by outlining George Wallace's origins in Clio, Alabama, a region marked by poverty and entrenched racism post-Civil War. Wallace's upbringing in the "black belt" of Alabama exposed him to the "Lost Cause" mythology, shaping his future political stances.

• Quote: "Most people don't understand the depths of his upbringing and how it influenced his later politics." [07:31]

Wallace's early career saw him climbing the Democratic ladder, becoming a district judge and eventually the Governor of Alabama. His association with Big Jim Folsom, a populist governor, initially aligned him with moderate stances. However, the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954 forced Wallace to pivot towards more overt segregationist policies to maintain his political base.

Shifting to the American Independent Party

Following his unsuccessful bid against the more overtly racist John Patterson in the 1958 gubernatorial primaries, Wallace committed to ensuring no candidate could outflank him on racial issues again.

• Quote: "I will always be, from this point onwards, I will make sure there is never a candidate to my right." [14:30]

This commitment led Wallace to embrace the American Independent Party in 1968, positioning himself as a staunch segregationist and a significant third-party candidate who garnered over 10 million votes and won five Southern states.

The 1968 Presidential Campaign

Wallace's 1968 presidential campaign was a masterclass in populist rhetoric and strategic outreach:

1. Rhetorical Style and Populist Appeal
   Dominic explains how Wallace's speeches, though often disconnected and repetitious on paper, resonated deeply with his audience by addressing their anxieties and fears.

   • Quote: "He was the perfect mimetic orator, probing his audience's deepest fears and passions." [47:34]

2. Use of Direct Mail and Media
   Borrowing techniques from evangelical figures like Billy James Hargis, Wallace utilized direct mail and grassroots media strategies to fundraise and spread his message nationwide.

   • Quote: "People watch this film and it's interspersed with appeals for money, and they ring the number and they donate money to the Wallace campaign." [32:53]

3. Rallies and Public Image
   Wallace's rallies combined political fervor with country music gigs, creating an atmosphere that both entertained and galvanized his supporters.

   • Quote: "There's always a cross between a political rally and a kind of gig." [39:24]

Campaign Challenges and Notable Events

Several pivotal moments marked Wallace's campaign:

• Personal Struggles:
  The revelation of his wife, Lurleen Wallace's cancer diagnosis and subsequent death in May 1968 presented a personal challenge. Despite this, Wallace remained steadfast in his campaign, showcasing his resilience.

  • Quote: "He is completely abloomed by his wife's death, yet he plunges straight back into the campaign." [41:19]

• Choice of Vice Presidential Candidate:
  Wallace's selection process for a running mate highlighted the complexities of his campaign. His initial choice, Happy Chandler, was deemed too moderate, leading him to consider General Curtis LeMay. LeMay's controversial stance on nuclear weapons ultimately undermined the campaign.

  • Quote: "LeMay's outrageous statements about nuclear weapons turned him into a national joke." [56:31]

• Final Rally at Madison Square Garden:
  The climactic rally in New York City epitomized the volatile mix of support and opposition Wallace faced. The presence of extremist groups and counter-protesters underscored the polarized atmosphere of the era.

  • Quote: "He says, why do the leaders of the two national parties count out of these anarchists?" [61:23]

Impact and Legacy

Despite not winning the presidency, Wallace's campaign had a profound and lasting impact on American politics:

1. Realignment of Southern Politics:
   Wallace's success demonstrated the potential for third-party candidates to influence national politics, particularly by harnessing regional discontent and populist sentiments.

2. Emergence of the Republican South:
   Influenced by campaign strategists like Kevin Phillips, Wallace's campaign laid the groundwork for the Republican Party's Southern Strategy, leading to the eventual political realignment of the South.

   • Quote: "Wallace was a canary in the coal mine, signaling the shift of the center of gravity in American politics." [64:05]

3. Parallels to Modern Politics:
   The hosts draw clear comparisons between Wallace's populist tactics and those of contemporary figures like Donald Trump, highlighting the enduring nature of his strategies.

   • Quote: "It's as if somewhere, sometime a while back, George Wallace had been awakened by a white blinding vision." [35:34]

Conclusion

Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland conclude the episode by emphasizing George Wallace's pivotal role in reshaping American political dynamics. Wallace not only influenced the shift of the South towards the Republican Party but also introduced populist rhetoric and strategies that continue to resonate in modern politics. His ability to articulate and mobilize deep-seated anxieties remains a significant case study in understanding political realignment and the power of populist movements.

• Closing Quote: "Norman Mailer was writing about Wallace and he said, America might not be ready for George Wallace, but it might be waiting for a super Wallace." [64:41]

Upcoming Episodes

The hosts tease the subsequent episodes, which will cover the dramatic events in Chicago during the 1968 election and the final days leading up to Richard Nixon's resurgence in American politics.

For those eager to delve deeper or catch up on previous episodes, consider joining The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening, bonus content, and an exclusive community experience.