Random Notes from the Campaign Trail

The democratic National Convention of 1968 adjourned sine die at 12:10 o’clock on the morning of Friday, August 30. A few minutes earlier, Hubert Humphrey had advised a waiting Republic that “I am ready to lead our country.” Arm-in-arm with Edmund Muskie, he had received a last hurrah. Now the limousines were waiting that would carry the nominees back to the conferences in Fortress Conrad Hilton. Larry O’Brien had some urgent matters to discuss. Humphrey took one final look around the littered hall. He could see the backs of the Texas delegates as they shuffled toward the door.

Richard Nixon was in Key Biscayne that Friday, enjoying the water, taking the sun. On Saturday the 31st he flew back to New York. He was tanned and buoyant, eager for action. His own top people were waiting. They too had urgent matters to discuss. At his Fifth Avenue apartment, Nixon waved to a gnat-swarm of reporters and congressmen. A Washington newsman, watching the triumphal procession, was reminded of Arnie Palmer striding toward the first tee at Augusta. Nelson Rockefeller, Jacob Javits and John Lindsay had promised Nixon their public endorsements. What was the Republican watchword? Unity, that was the Republican watchword.

JJ

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James Jackson Kilpatrick

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Richard Nixon

Presidential Election

The democratic National Convention of 1968 adjourned sine die at 12:10 o’clock on the morning of Friday, August 30. A few minutes earlier, Hubert Humphrey had advised a waiting Republic that “I am ready to lead our country.” Arm-in-arm with Edmund Muskie, he had received a last hurrah. Now the limousines were waiting that would carry the nominees back to the conferences in Fortress Conrad Hilton. Larry O’Brien had some urgent matters to discuss. Humphrey took one final look around the littered hall. He could see the backs of the Texas delegates as they shuffled toward the door.

Richard Nixon was in Key Biscayne that Friday, enjoying the water, taking the sun. On Saturday the 31st he flew back to New York. He was tanned and buoyant, eager for action. His own top people were waiting. They too had urgent matters to discuss. At his Fifth Avenue apartment, Nixon waved to a gnat-swarm of reporters and congressmen. A Washington newsman, watching the triumphal procession, was reminded of Arnie Palmer striding toward the first tee at Augusta. Nelson Rockefeller, Jacob Javits and John Lindsay had promised Nixon their public endorsements. What was the Republican watchword? Unity, that was the Republican watchword.