Podcast Summary: The Rest Is History – Episode 513. America in '68: Nixon's Great Comeback (Part 6)

Host: Goalhanger
Guests: Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook

Introduction

In Episode 513 of The Rest Is History, hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook delve into the dramatic comeback of Richard Nixon during the tumultuous 1968 American presidential election. This episode, titled "America in '68: Nixon's Great Comeback (Part 6)," offers an in-depth exploration of Nixon's strategic maneuvers, campaign tactics, and the political climate that culminated in his narrow victory.

Nixon's Background and Early Political Career

Dominic Sandbrook opens the discussion with a poetic tribute to Nixon's humble beginnings and the influences that shaped his ambition:

Dominic Sandbrook [00:26]: "A father who had to go to work before he finished the sixth grade sacrificed everything he had so that his sons could go to college... And tonight he stands before you, nominated for President of the United States of America."

Tom Holland responds by acknowledging the impressive portrayal of Nixon's persona:

Tom Holland [02:02]: "I think you did well. Actually, you did very well. I don't think Nixon broke down at all while doing that stage."

The conversation emphasizes Nixon's resilience and relentless pursuit of the presidency despite multiple setbacks.

The 1968 Campaign Strategy

Nixon's 1968 campaign is characterized by meticulous planning and innovative strategies aimed at appealing to the "silent majority" of middle America. The hosts discuss how Nixon’s campaign team, led by H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, devised methods to transcend traditional political approaches.

Tom Holland [10:23]: "Law and order. He's clever in how he packages it."

Nixon positioned himself as a stabilizing force amid the chaos of Vietnam, civil rights unrest, and political assassinations, presenting himself as a candidate who could restore normalcy.

Media and Advertising Tactics

A pivotal aspect of Nixon's campaign was its groundbreaking use of television and media. Under Haldeman's guidance, the campaign shifted away from conventional rallies to controlled television appearances designed to present Nixon as approachable and trustworthy.

Tom Holland [29:51]: "We will, and I quote, move out of the dark ages and into the brave new world of the omnipresent eye."

Roger Iles, who would later become the founding CEO of Fox News, crafted televised segments where Nixon interacted with voters in a carefully curated setting, enhancing his media presence and relatability.

The Role of Law and Order and Race in the Campaign

Nixon's emphasis on "law and order" served as a coded message targeting white voters' anxieties about civil unrest and racial integration. While outwardly advocating for peace and unity, his rhetoric subtly addressed underlying racial tensions without overt mention of race.

Tom Holland [34:42]: "Law and order is also code for black unrest in the inner cities."

This dual messaging allowed Nixon to appeal to a broad electorate without alienating progressive voters, showcasing his adeptness at political maneuvering.

October Surprise Conspiracy Theory

A significant portion of the episode examines the infamous "October Surprise" conspiracy theory, which alleges that Nixon orchestrated the collapse of a peace deal in Vietnam to secure his presidential victory. The hosts dissect the validity of these claims, ultimately casting doubt on their authenticity.

Tom Holland [44:56]: "I don't think it is true."

Research and contemporary historical analyses suggest that the peace deal was fundamentally unfeasible, undermining the conspiracy theory's premise that Nixon single-handedly sabotaged the negotiations.

Election Night and Outcome

As election night unfolds, the tension between Nixon and his Democratic opponent, Hubert Humphrey, reaches its peak. The hosts narrate the nail-biting climax of the 1968 election, highlighting the crucial states that determined the outcome.

Tom Holland [53:07]: "We want to bridge the generation gap. We want to bridge the gap between the races. We want to bring America together."

Despite predictions and a double-digit lead, Nixon secures the presidency by a razor-thin margin of half a million votes, illustrating the intense competitiveness of the race.

Conclusion and Reflections

The episode concludes with reflections on Nixon's victory, acknowledging the complex legacy he would leave behind. The hosts hint at the forthcoming exploration of Watergate in future episodes, setting the stage for understanding the long-term implications of Nixon's political strategies.

Richard Nixon [54:16]: "Maybe, Tom, I think we should have Dick Nixon himself to play us out."

Tom Holland dismisses the immediate unification narrative, suggesting that Nixon's presidency would later be marred by scandal and controversy.

Notable Quotes

• Dominic Sandbrook [00:26]: "A father who had to go to work before he finished the sixth grade sacrificed everything he had so that his sons could go to college... And tonight he stands before you, nominated for President of the United States of America."

• Tom Holland [02:02]: "I think you did well. Actually, you did very well. I don't think Nixon broke down at all while doing that stage."

• Tom Holland [29:51]: "We will, and I quote, move out of the dark ages and into the brave new world of the omnipresent eye."

• Tom Holland [34:42]: "Law and order is also code for black unrest in the inner cities."

• Tom Holland [44:56]: "I don't think it is true."

• Tom Holland [53:07]: "We want to bridge the generation gap. We want to bridge the gap between the races. We want to bring America together."

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Campaigning: Nixon's 1968 campaign was marked by innovative media strategies and a targeted appeal to middle America, emphasizing "law and order" as a means to address societal anxieties.

• Media Mastery: The campaign's use of television prefigured modern political advertising, setting a precedent for future elections.

• Complex Messaging: Nixon adeptly navigated the racial and social tensions of the era, using coded language to unify a diverse electorate without overt divisiveness.

• Election Dynamics: The narrow victory underscored the deep divisions within American society and the high-stakes nature of the election.

• Legacy Formation: While Nixon's comeback was a significant political achievement, it also laid the groundwork for the controversies that would later define his presidency.

This episode offers a comprehensive examination of Richard Nixon's 1968 presidential campaign, highlighting the interplay of strategy, media, and societal factors that contributed to his election. Through engaging dialogue and critical analysis, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of one of America's most pivotal political moments.