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Looking at the Political year 1960 from the eyes of 2024 is, to put it mildly, an almost mind-altering experience. Suspend for a moment the glowing difference of sheer civility on the parts of the candidates of both parties, the idea that both parties had their conservative wings – their moderate wings and their liberal wings and were probably not that far apart ideologically. As one of the members of the panel put it: “The Democrat is a man who wants to expand the powers of the government – the Republican is a man who tends to want to limit the powers of government”. Everything else was split down the middle.
In 1960 many felt there wasn’t all that much difference between the two parties at all. One popular pundit and author at the time, Vance Packard, who authored the book The Status Seekers, wrote there were four factors that would tell you 9 times out of 10 who was a Republican and who was a Democrat. 1. The Money Factor 2.The Ancestry Factor 3. The distance from the center of the city factor and 4. Whether you were an “egghead” or not. The term “egghead” was used to describe a person who was intellectual, highly educated and well read. It was used to describe Adlai Stevenson during his two runs for the Presidency in 1952 and 1956. It was often said Stevenson lost because he was an “egghead” and Americans tended to shun anyone who appeared smarter and more well-read than the average person (compare THAT to 2024 for an eye opener).
In many ways, the roles managed to reverse around 1964, when the Goldwater forces attempted to hi-jack the GOP and take it on an abrupt Right turn. And the formerly “solid South” Democrats, broke away to come into the Republican Party, leaving many of the Liberal Republicans abandoned and to switch parties, excluding Nelson Rockefeller who was, at one time a New Deal Democrat. Broke with the party and joined the GOP becoming something of a pariah for a while, but staying despite his Liberal leanings.
This is a fascinating glimpse at Politics from a 1960 perspective. John F. Kennedy hadn’t secured the nomination nor had Richard Nixon so it really was a guessing game as to who would carry the torch for their respective parties. In 1960 the time frame between nomination, campaigning and election was considerably shorter than it is now, where the process drags out almost two years. In 1960 choices were made, platforms were established, debates were held, criss-crossing the country shaking hands and making promises and the voters went to the polls.
No name calling, no threats of civil war, no endless tirades and scandals. Yes, it was different then.
Here is a two part special of the Open Mind program, originally broadcast on June 19 and 26, 1960.
As a political independent, I find it refreshing to see a clear and concise breakdown of the differences between Republicans and Democrats. It’s easy to get caught up in the polarizing rhetoric and forget about the underlying principles that shape each party’s platform. This post provides a much-needed clarity on the issues and helps to foster a better understanding of the political landscape. Great job!
It certainly is refreshing, while at the same time somewhat horrifying how it’s steered so far off the tracks. It’s one of the many parts of history that are always good to be reminded of. We can’t forget when it works.