The Presidential Election 1968

1968 saw some of the most turbulent times in American history. Incumbent president Lyndon B. Johnson ended the bombing in Northern Vietnam and withdrew his bid for re-election after he was fiercely challenged by one of the Democratic candidates, Eugene J. McCarthy. Bitter candidacy battles were overshadowed by the assassination of Martin Luther King – resulting in mass riots and violence – and the shooting of Democrat Robert F. Kennedy. The presidential race became a battle between Democrat Hubert H. Humphrey, Republican Richard Nixon and George Wallace of the new American Independent Party. It was a time of unrest and uncertainty, with the key focus on the Soviets and communism, crime, civil rights, Vietnam and nuclear warfare. Following a smooth start for Nixon, who also benefitted from successful television appearances, Wallace overcame jeering crowds to emerge as a true contender. Nixon won with 301 electoral votes and a fractional lead in the popular vote. His presidency began, however, with a Democratic majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.