Talk:A Different 1960's Election: Nixon Wins

Good Idea
This is a good idea, but the format leaves a lot to be desired. What you list is the historical background with reasons Kennedy had an edge with the civil rights angle. However, the dynamics of that election was far more than the "black vote." You mention the money, but then, Nixon was the sitting vice president of the United States. Kennedy had charisma, Nixon had power. But then, Kennedy had political connections through his father as well as being a senator himself. The machinery was there.

I guess what I'm saying is all you need to do to make your point is pick one thing that could have swung the election in real life. Your suggestion of campaigning in swing states is a good one. Another idea is to assume that the alleged vote fraud in Texas and Illinois was real but was thwarted. That is real world politics that does not require a major change in what really happened.

Any way you turn it, though, you should just pick a reason and go with it. Then it gets interesting. Senator Kennedy would then have served another four years in the Senate, as would have Senate majority leader Johnson. Nixon ended up winning re-election in OTL, but given a rematch in 1964, the Kennedy/Johnson may have had a good chance. Nixon may have been able to stop the Vietnam war's escalation giving him breathing room and popularity. It is a worthy project if you care to continue it. SouthWriter 02:36, May 16, 2012 (UTC)