President Lyndon B. Johnson's Surprising Win in the 1964 Election

On November 8, 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected President of the United States in a bitter contest against the incumbent Vice President, Richard Nixon. Kennedy's presidency was tragically cut short in 1963, leading to Lyndon B. Johnson assuming the role of President. Johnson faced a tumultuous time in office, dealing with civil rights issues, the Vietnam War, and economic challenges. As the 1964 election approached, many speculated on whether Johnson would run for a full term in his own right.

Given what has been unfolding in the 2016 campaign, this might be a good time for you to view, or view again, the UVA Center for Politics' analysis of the 1964 election. The election was marked by significant divisions within the Republican party, with Barry Goldwater leading a conservative faction that clashed with more moderate Republicans. Johnson's decision not to run in the 1964 election was a surprise to many, but it paved the way for a historic election.

The Republican party, divided by Barry Goldwater and smashed by Lyndon B. Johnson, surveyed yesterday the wreckage of one of the worst election defeats in recent memory. Johnson ultimately decided to run in the 1964 election and faced off against Goldwater, who ran on a platform of conservatism and limited government intervention. Despite initial concerns about his chances, Johnson ultimately secured a landslide victory in the election.

The 1964 election saw Johnson win by a wide margin, securing over 60% of the popular vote and carrying 44 states. Johnson's victory was seen as a validation of his policies and a repudiation of Goldwater's more extreme positions. The election also saw Democrats maintain control of Congress, allowing Johnson to continue pushing forward his ambitious legislative agenda.

In the aftermath of the election, Johnson's administration continued to grapple with the challenges of the Vietnam War and civil rights movement. Johnson's landslide victory in 1964 gave him a mandate to push forward with his Great Society programs, which aimed to combat poverty and inequality in America. However, the escalating conflict in Vietnam would ultimately overshadow much of his domestic agenda.

Overall, Johnson's win in the 1964 election was a significant moment in American history. His decision not to run in the 1964 election was ultimately overshadowed by his decisive victory. The election highlighted the deep divisions within the Republican party and the continued importance of civil rights and social justice issues in American politics. Johnson's presidency would continue to be marked by both triumphs and challenges, but his win in 1964 remains a key moment in his legacy.