The Men and the Moment: The Election of 1968 and the Rise of Partisan Politics in America

The 1968 presidential election was a pivotal moment in American politics, marked by the last "Old Politics" campaign and the "New Politics" of grassroots participation. It showcased the power of television to "package" politicians and political ideas and was decided by a contest of political personalities, with momentous implications for the nation's future. Aram Goudsouzian's book chronicles this campaign as an essential moment in American history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2021
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

The presidential election of 1968 marked a significant turning point in American politics, forever altering the landscape of the nation's political sphere. In this captivating narrative history, Aram Goudsouzian delves into the profound transformations that unfolded throughout that dramatic year. It was the final chapter of the "Old Politics," where political machines and party bosses wielded immense influence in determining the major candidates, even as the "New Politics" of grassroots participation gained momentum in primary elections. This election showcased the ability of candidates from both the Left and Right to capitalize on "hot-button" issues, thereby reshaping the broader political dynamic. It also demonstrated the power of television to package politicians and political ideas, playing out against an extraordinary backdrop of global chaos and conflict. Above all, it was a contest of political personalities, as a group of men vied for the presidency, with far-reaching implications for the nation's future.

Well-paced, accessible, and engagingly written, Goudsouzian's book serves as an essential chronicle of the 1968 campaign, offering a fresh perspective on this pivotal moment in American history. Its resonance in our contemporary political landscape is undeniable, as we witness the ongoing struggle between the forces of tradition and innovation, and the ever-evolving dynamics of political discourse.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781469666228