Election of 1968 - First Term

Richard Nixon campaigned for presidency knowing that it would mean dealing with the Vietnam war, but he did so regardless. Nixon was a Republican candidate with Spiro Agnew as his running mate. Nixon was campaigning against two other candidates during this election, Hubert Humphrey for the Democratic Party and George Wallace of the American Independent Party. Although Wallace was a contender the real competition lied with Nixon and Humphrey. Nixon during his campaign focused on a number of different issues such as "Restore to Law and Order" because of the violent riots for a number of years post MLK Jr. assassination. In addition he opposed desegregation in order to find better solutions for African American education, as well as tax incentives for blacks. Nixon also promoted supreme court justices that would be less active in creating social policies. Finally and most definitely not least was ending the military draft and creating a total volunteer army.

Humphrey's campaign consisted of issues such as expanding the "Great Society", a welfare program started by President LBJ. Also he wished to continue the "War on Poverty". In contrast to Nixon Humphrey planned to add justices to the supreme court that would promote civil rights and civil liberties. Furthermore Humphrey's stance on the Vietnam was vague and leaning more so towards pro-war which was a huge downfall for public support which allowed Nixon to take the presidency with ease.