Reasons for Nixon S Election Victory - 1968/1972

Reasons for Nixon’s Election Victory - 1968/1972

1. Silent Majority/ Middle America – 55% of population & Southern Strategy

 Disliked demands of blacks, hippies, feminists (Miss A) & gays (Archie Bunker meant to be an exaggeration)
 Promised tax cuts:  for poor workers
 Promised to deal with youth avoided being drafted to Vietnam (wealthy college kids & black rioters)
 Didn’t support de-segregation (85% felt blacks wanted too much, too fast)
 Spiro Agnew (running mate) appealed to Middle America.

1. Effective Electioneering Techniques

 ‘Sex appeal’ – Nixon’s daughter & Eisenhower’s grandsons’ engagement provided ‘glamour’ N lacked.
 Used Eisenhower’s popularity. E on his deathbed claimed that N winning would give him a ‘lift’
 Colour TV: after failure of 1960 debate, N consistently had a ‘Florida’ tan & taught how to speak publically & appear dignified.

1. ‘Peace in honour’ – Vietnam

 Everyone hated the war (Tet Offensive publicised how US were failing)
 (1972 election) Vietnamisation

1. Weakness of Democrats

 Bobby Kennedy assassinated (otherwise v. popular)
 LBJ seen as failure  Dem seen as failure too.
 Dem candidates Humphrey vs. McCarthy @ Chicago conv. Humphrey aide swore at McCarthy – televised.
 (1972 election)Dem candidate McGovern = too radical/liberal & running mate had psychiatric treatment previously.
 (1972 election)SALT Treaty with USSR, détente with China

1. Conclusion

Silent majority appeal was the LINK supported by other factors. IMPORTANT. / Reasons for Ford’s Election Failure & Carter’s Victory
- 1976

1. Nixon fiasco

 Ford’s decision to pardon Nixon following his resignation sparked rumours of a ‘buddy deal’

1. Ford’s poor media image

 ‘Clumsy’ – falling on ski slopes and tripping down airplane ramp of Air Force One
 New York Magazine – portrayed as Bozo the Clown
 Unelected (Nixon resigns, Agnew resigns) press felt it had a right to criticize F more than normal President.

1. Ford blamed for economic decline - made a scapegoat

 Rising inflation &oil prices, rising unemployment = 6%
 Changing decisions over taxes; raises taxes, cuts taxes  confuses electorate

1. Bad relationship with Congress

 F used his veto 66 times in 29 months. Congress overrode his veto 12 times electorate sees F as
unable to get along with Congress
 Dem. disliked F, but so did Rep. for pardoning Nixon.
 Lacked ‘power to persuade’, charisma & leadership to convince Congress.

1. Lost right-wing support with foreign policy

 Helsinki Conference: F seen to agree with communism & officials criticised his close relationship with USSR
 Vietnam - LaosCambodia fall to communism. US seen to lose in Vietnam, wasted effort? Lost RESPECT for USA

1. (Carter)

 Seen as innocent to the corruption of Washington;
‘I will never lie’.
 Promised a national health service, full employment & welfare reform.

1. Conclusion

The way in which the Nixon debaclewas dealt with by F & the further consequences, set the scene for Ford’s failures  were the LINK & most IMPORTANT factors. / Reasons for Carter’s Election Failure & Reagan’s Victory
- 1980

1. Carter’s personal failures

Lost a debate against Reagan. Carter seen as ‘sanctimonious’.
Admitted defeat ‘America was not what she was’.
Told America to ‘pull together’  blamed for problems
C seen throwing up whilst jogging  unfit

1. Reagan’s personality & policies

 Affable, easy-going & smooth. Previously a movie star.
Sense of humour e.g. debate with C - ‘aw shucks’
Tough on crime, death penalty, anti-abortion & was a Cold Warrior.

1. Dire economy situation

Stagflation & oil crisis is worsening: shortages &  prices.
Unemployment increasing = 8.2 million
Reagan promised deregulation of business, tax cuts & public spending cuts.

1. Foreign Policy

Hostage situation – Iranians seized US embassy with 60 hostages. Constant news coverage  Carter seen as indecisive.

1. Corruption

C’s brother, Billy Carter, admitted to accepting a $220,000 donation from the Libyan government.

1. Conclusion

Inadequate dealing with problems, worsening economic problems as well as foreign relations. Reagan is more charismatic & gives a fresh new approach. Reagan is the IMPORTANT factor, but the economic failings are the LINK.
Reasons for Reagan’s
Re-election Victory- 1984

1. Reagan personally popular

 Well liked, good attitude.
 E.g. dignified way R represented D-Day celebrations in Normandy
 Made people confident in politics again after the corruption of N & the incompetence of F & C.

1. Economic Upturn

 ‘Financially good times  associated with R.
 Inflation at  @ 3.8%

1. Strong on defence

 Strengthened defences
 Stood up against Communism
 Wanted better relations with UK

1. Religious Right

 Reagan won 72% of the Southern White vote The RR.
 Anti: Communism, Homosexuality, Crime (1970=783,000 to 1980 = 1.3 million violent crimes), Sex Education, Abortion, Affirmative Action &Feminism

1. Democrats

 Had a female vice president candidate who was highly unpopular.

1. Olympics

 1964 LA Olympics gave a feel good factor.

1. Family Values

 ‘It’s morning again America’
 Placed emphasis on traditional values.

1. Avoided Press

 R’s aides stopped him making any more gaffes.
 E.g. 1964 microphone blunder: ‘My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today that I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes’.

1. Conclusion

 All factors COMBINED, most IMPORTANT factor is the good economic climate. LINK them. / Reasons for Bush’s Election Victory- 1988

1. Reagan’s endorsement

 Regan expressed his ringing approval.
 Reagan had done well & Bush had gained valuable experience as Vice President for two terms. B had been UN ambassador & CIA Director previously too.

1. Opponent’s blunders

 Gary Hart, Dem candidate, was photographed on a yacht with a woman, not his wife, on his knee. He was then replaced as Dem. candidate.
 Publicised that GovernorDukakishad vetoed a Bill compelling public schoolteachers to lead the Pledge of Allegiance & had signeda Bill in favour of official weekend leave for convicted criminals.
 Bush advertised how convicted murderer Horton perpetrated a rape whilst on ‘leave’, thus playing on racism (Horton was Black) & crime fears.
 Dukakis came across aloof & unenthusiastic.

1. Bush’s promises

 ‘Read my lips – no more taxes’

1. Campaign Money

 Rep raised far more money than Dem

1. George Bush Junior

 Who kicked a serious drinking addiction helped his father relate to the Religious Right & gave his support.

1. Press

 Media supported Bush Senior.

1. Conclusion

 Voter turnout was lowest since 1942, both candidates were uninspiring. Reagan’s endorsement & his experience were the most IMPORTANT factors and were the LINKing factors. / Reasons for Bush’s Election Failure & Clinton’s Victory
- 1992

1. Bush’s personal failures

 Seen as a ‘wimp’ compared to Reagan
 White House referred to as a ‘ship without a rudder’

1. Economic & Foreign failures

 ‘Read my lips – no more taxes’ motto was later proven untrue as he raised taxes due to clash with Congress.
 Economic recession – unemployment & BOP deficit increased.
 Gulf War in Kuwait (for oil) was no longer popular & concern whether he ended the war properly.

1. Clinton: politics & personality

 C was handsome, charismatic, a brilliant speaker, played the saxophone, seen as ‘hip & cool’empathised with the public as he grew up poor.
 He was a right-wing democrat, which appeased many people as he did not seem to liberal/socialist.

1. Ross Perot; Independent Candidate

 Gained 19% of the popular vote; significantly large amount.

1. Republican’s failings

 Rep party was divided. Many different factions representing increasingly ‘polarized’ opinions.
 Bush forced to adopt a more right-wing stance due to pressure within his party.
 Public saw the Rep’s as unelectable due to inter-party tensions & their indecisiveness.

1. Conclusion

 Economy was the most IMPORTANT factor, as wasClinton’s personality & politics. Bush’s policy failures as well as his party’s failures (Republican) were the LINK to the consequence allowing Clinton’s strengths to shine through.
Reasons for Clinton’s Election Victory - 1996

1. Economy

There was recovery from the early 1990’s recession
Inflation, interest rates & unemployment at their lowest since 1968

1. Clinton’s personal strengths

 Excellent public speaker e.g. 1995 after the truck bomb incident where 63 people were killed, Clinton gave a moving speech.
Fund-raised excellently, e.g. selling overnight stays in the White House Lincoln Bedroom.

1. Bob Dole; Rep. candidate’s failures

Seen as too old @ 73, frail, lacked charisma & did not seem to enjoy campaigning, compared to Clinton.
Voters were not impressed with Dole’s economic policies as well as his anti-abortion stance which lost him women voters. Clinton got 54% of women’s votes.

1. Middle ground politics

Pleased Old Dem. by supporting affirmative action.
Pleased New Dem. by advocating welfare reform.
Outmanoeuvred Rep.’s by appearing conservative while doing nothing, as when he criticised violence on T.V.
‘End welfare as we know it’ – Clinton. Pleased middle classes as the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 meant tougher laws on receiving welfare & benefits.

1. Conclusion

Clinton & his middle ground policies are the most IMPORTANT factor & Clinton’s attitude & developments are the LINK.
Clinton vs. Republicans
- The Budget

1. Background knowledge

Gingrich has already challenged the previous Speakers as well as his fellow Republican George H.W. Bush & felt unbeatable.
Gingrich’s ‘Contract with America’, a 10 point right-wing governing doctrine, was quickly passed by the House of Representatives in 1994.
 In 1995, the Rep party = success. Gingrich became Speaker of the House (he’s very popular at this point)Rep’s capture the Senate for the first time since 1980 the House for the first time since 1954.

1. The Federal Government Deficit in 1993

The budget deficit was larger than C expected.
C decided to delay many of the tax cuts he had promised & in his attempt in reducing America’s debt.
Proposed a tax increase on high earners & corporations as well as cutting the defence budget for the first time in a century.
Despite overwhelming Democrat majority in Congress the budget passed through the House by only one vote.

1. The Battle for a Balanced Budget in 1995

 The newly elected Republican majority in Congress quickly clashed with Clinton.
 For a whole year Gingrich & Rep’s try to push through their budget, whilst Clinton resolvedly pushes through his.
 The result being a colossal political mess & some 800,000 government workers enjoying an extended holiday.

1. Gingrich’s popularity plummets

Gingrich says that the Reps’ hard line stance over the budget in 1995 was due to G being forced to sit in the back of Air Force One, rather than up front with the President on the way back from Israel.
The media & Dems’ took this opportunity to attack Gingrich for his motive for the Budget standoff.
Depicted as having a ‘temper tantrum’.
US Culture Change

1. Television

 1968: Archie Bunker was meant to mock traditional views (anti-black) but was a hit with Middle America.
1976: Alex Haley wrote about his ancestor Kunta Kinte who was a slave.
1977: Book goes onto T.V. starting a wave of ethnic pride.
1989: ‘The Simpsons’ starts up. Bush saw it as ‘dysfunctional’& encouraging a ‘slacker culture’.
 But it has black characters & attacks television addiction, peer pressure, religious fanaticism & family matters.
 Violence on television criticised.
Black T.V personalities  Bill Crosby & Oprah Winfrey

1. Films

1975:‘All The President’s Men’ depicted Watergate.
Production cuts by 25% cz of the move to T.V led to blockbusters with special effects  theme parks  merchandise.
-1975: Jaws by Spielberg
-1977: Star Wars by Lucas
Under Reagan (1981 - 1989)- R had been a film star.
-Hollywood film studios were sold to multinational conglomerates.
-E.g. Sony bought Tri-Star & Columbia pictures
Blackactors such as Eddie Murphy & Denzel Washington became widely popular.
First Disneyland opens but makes a loss until the accommodation of local conditions i.e. wine with meals
1971 - Florida 1983 - Tokyo 1992 - Paris

1. Music

1960’s: Hippie & rock music
1969: Woodstock festival with 400 000 in attendance.
1990’s: Grunge music showed rebellious attitude of youth.
Black musicians Diana Ross & Michael Jackson.

1. By 2000

Liberal American popular culture dominates media flood of films & TV programmes. Increased black representation ↑
Race Relations: Education

1. 1957:

Little Rock Nine - 8 black girls are stopped from attending a segregated school for whites. 
But no violence used.

1. 1969:

Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools were not allowed (Alexander vs. HolmesCounty)
Nixon tried to slow down de-segregation in schools. 

1. 1971:

Supreme Court ruled that bussing was to be encouraged, furthering de-segregation in the North. However, 80% of Americans were against bussing. 
½ black teens in NY dropped out before graduation. 

1. 1974:

Only 8% of black schoolchildren were in segregated schools for blacks in the south but in the North segregation remained. 
Courts ordered bussing in Boston, but white ant-bussing groups stopped the attempt. 9 children were injured & their busses damaged. This continued. 

1. 1988:

Peak of desegregation for in schools.
The prestigious StanfordUniversity dropped a compulsory core course on Western culture → ‘birth of multiculturalism within its curriculum’. 
43% of black students in the South attended public schools that were over 50% white = integration. 

1. 1992:

Supreme Court weakened school segregation as Bush supported a constitutional amendment to outlaw bussing. 

1. By 2000

% of blacks educated in schools with over 50% whites had fallen in South & North to 30%, the same as the 1970’s. Even in integrated schools, white students were more likely → college preparation classes. The conservative Supreme Court did nothing to promote integrated schools. However, 12% of college students were now black; 1.1 million – 500%↑ over 1960.
Race Relations:
Social Problems, Affirmative Action & Disillusionment ctd.

1. Under Reagan (1981 -1989)

During 1980’s:
-Blacks = 12% of population: 43% on welfare, 35% in subsidised homes, 35% using food stamps. 50% of prison population was black30% of all blacks expected to be in prison at some stage. 
 R cut federal welfare programmes to help the poor.
E.g. 1988 Family Support Act → those on welfare must do community service or take a course.
1988: R vetoed the ‘Civil Rights Restoration Act’to limit federal aid to affirmative action. 

1. Under Bush (1989 - 1993)

B did nothing to help the awful state of ghettos. 

1. Under Clinton (1993 -2001)

1991:
-Rodney King, a black lawyer, was beaten to death by four white police officers → CCTV footage white jury verdict: not guilty. 
-Viciousriots in LA; looting, arson & murder occurred & property damages topped $1 billion. 53 died & thousands more were injured.
1997:
-OJ Simpson accused of murdering his white ex-wife & boyfriend in 1994.
-Simpson found ‘not guilty’ - justice done? - verdict polarised US along racial lines. Blacks believed Simpson to be innocent, whites did not. 

1. By 2000

Affirmative action entrenched incompanies & universitiesBlack income risen to 69% of white householdnumber of black/white relationships. ½ of US black population lived in a neighbourhood with more than 50% whites.Ample black middle class but black poverty & unemployment rates are twice those of whites9% lived in impoverished city ghettos. Black life expectancy was 71, white 77. / Watergate Scandal:1972- 1974

1. Event

 June 1972: 5 burglars broke into Dem. HQ & were caught planting bugging devices & all related to the Committee for the re-election of the President (CREEP)
 President Nixon wins a landslide victory.

1. Trial

 All 5 convicted & senior White House Officials named.
 Emerges $60 million was raised for Presidential Campaign through pressuring companies to donate.
 Nixon accused of involvement but N denies.

1. Battle for the tapes

 Emerged that there were recordings of secretly taped conversations
 Nixon ordered to give tapes. N gives doctored version of tape, & then heavily edited transcripts.
 Supreme Court orders Nixon to hand tapes over.

1. Result

 It emerges that Nixon was involved & had repeatedly tried to cover up the truth in the investigation.
 Nixon resigns before he can be impeached.

1. Aftermath

 Congress passes series of acts:
 The Privacy Act - 1974 (all citizens can inspect their files)
 The Budget Act - 1974 (account all money spent)
 The Election Campaign Act - 1974 (limit fundraising)
 War Powers Act - 1973 (only Cong. can declare war)
 Ethics in Government Act - 1978 (Cong. control CREEP)
 Totally undermined the confidence of American public in politics cz of ‘Tricky Dicky’. Doubt & cynicism was the general mood
How far did the position of black Americans improve between 1968 & 2001?

1. Introduction

Overview of main problems faced by black Americans before 1968.
Outline that you will argue that to there was an improvement in some areas, but in others there wasn’t.

1. Supporting the question

Achievements of successful individuals in media, sports & politics.
Affirmative action in major companies & universities
De-segregation & bussing
Economic gains & improvements in living conditions & a growing black middle class.
Improvements of integration in armed forces, civil service & police

1. Challenging the question

1990’s:
-Rodney King affair & LA riots
-OJ Simpson trial
-USA divided & unequal society, rife with racism
Unequal treatment of the law; both is the courts & justice system  death penalty, prisons, etc.
Continuing inequality in various areas:
-Poverty
-Unemployment
-Life expectancy
-Housing
-Education

1. Conclusion

Reach you judgement
Show the change in situation through the entire period
Most IMPORTANT improvement/factor?
LINK  although things changed, black Americans’ lives were not to the standard of white Americans’.
Want more detail? Look at other essay plans…
US Women Change

1. The Women’s Liberation Movement & others

1968 - Miss America Pageant disrupted.
-A live sheep crowned in a dispute over ‘the degrading mindless-boob-girlie symbolism’.
-Pageant also attacked for being racist.
-E.g.No black women had taken a place among the contest’s finalists as of 1968.
Under Nixon (1968 - 1974)
-E.g. National Organisation of Women campaigned for an ‘Equal Rights Amendment’
-Founder of NOW, Betty Friedan, wrote the ‘Feminine Mystique’ ← said to have ‘re-energised the women’s movement’.
-However, NOW was too middle-class to be that successful.
Under Ford/Carter (1974 - 1981)
-Prejudicial rape laws changed
-Property distribution in divorce →fairer.
-1973: Roe vs. Wade - Legalisation of abortion