Nixon Does Whatever It Takes to Win in ’68 (from HISTORY This Week)
Summary
This episode examines the 1968 presidential election, focusing on Richard Nixon’s strategic use of media and secret back-channel dealings with President Lyndon B. Johnson. Host Sally Helm and guests discuss how Nixon leveraged Billy Graham to promise Johnson legacy protection, influencing the incumbent’s support for nominee Hubert Humphrey. The narrative covers the chaotic Democratic Convention, Humphrey’s struggle to distance himself from the Vietnam War, and the final, contentious race that Nixon won.
Topics discussed
Nixon's awkward Laugh-In appearance and TV strategy
Humphrey's struggle to distance himself from LBJ
Chaos at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago
Nixon's 'Law and Order' message and poll lead
Secret back-channel deal between Nixon and LBJ via Billy Graham
LBJ's absence and Humphrey's heckled campaign trail
Humphrey's Salt Lake City speech and Nixon's call to LBJ
Humphrey gains momentum and argues with LBJ
LBJ halts bombing and final rally with Humphrey
Election results and the aftermath for LBJ and Nixon
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