Campaign '68
Share:

Listens: 9

About

Fifty years ago, the country was rocked by a historic presidential campaign. The Democratic party crumbled, a new Republican era began, and the country threatened to split in two. Campaign '68 traces the twists, turns and tragic violence that followed Americans all the way to the voting booths. What began in '68 is still roiling American politics today.

"A fundamentally divided society"

Historian Rick Perlstein traces the country's ideological divisions from John F. Kennedy's assassination through Richard Nixon's campaign to modern po...
Show notes

The gender gap

Political scientist Lori Cox Han traces the growing role of women in politics from 1968 to now: "Women are not a monolithic voting bloc, and I think t...
Show notes

Art of the spectacle

Roger Ailes helped Republicans use television to get elected for decades. He was more politically influential than many politicians themselves. In 196...
Show notes

The politics of race

Historian Peniel Joseph explores how racial anxiety and resentment among white voters shaped the 1968 campaign -- and still shapes politics today.
Show notes

4: Fault lines

Nixon uses a powerful weapon in new ways: television. Politics will never be the same.
Show notes

3: A figure of destiny

Richard Nixon campaigns on law and order, while George Wallace rises on racist rhetoric. The run for the White House intensifies.
Show notes

2: Long odds

The list of Democratic candidates grows. The campaign continues in the shadow of national grief.
Show notes

1: A perilous course

1968 rolls in, the Vietnam war rages on, and early presidential primaries show a country beginning to splinter.
Show notes

Coming soon: Campaign '68

1968 brought tragedy, violence and an unforgettable run for power. Campaign '68, coming Oct. 2, captures the chaos of an American presidential electio...
Show notes