March 11, 1968
In the National News
"Nation Eyes New Hampshire: Nixon and McCarthy Press Campaigns" The article notes that there is really no way that Nixon could lose New Hampshire since he was the only major candidate. Romney is out of the race and Rockefeller is a write-in candidate. Dissenting Republicans are looking to draft Rockefeller. McCarthy hopes to get 30%, but 25% would be a criticism of war policy. (Associated Press)
"Newspapers List Support Of Candidates" The Claremont Eagle supports Johnson. McCarthy has The Portsmouth Herald and The Lebanon Valley News. Rockefeller has The Lebanon Valley News and The Concord Monitor. Nixon has The Manchester Union-Leader, Foster's Democrat of Dover and the Claremont Eagle. (Associated Press)
James Reston's column titled "Personal Government Peril" takes Johnson to task for personalizing the Kerner Report. Johnson, he says, thinks that the report is a criticism of his policies: "He recommended a close reading of his own program for the cities, contrasted his own ability to enact important social legislation with what he regarded as the hand-wringing and empty talk of the past, and complained 'they always print that we don't do enough; they don't print what we do.'" Reston thinks such personalizing will be noted by future historians. (New York Times News Service)
Drew Pearson writes about LBJ's reaction to the Kerner Report in "LBJ Cool to Riot Report." Johnson waited a week to comment on the report. "Meanwhile, his vice president had differed with it, his Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Robert Weaver, a Negro, who should have been delighted with it, said its housing goal was "highly improbable," and newsmen who take their cues from the White House were blasting it as likely to increase race riots." He believes the luke-warm reception had more to do with the amount of money it would take to right racial wrongs. Such money would have to be taken from the Vietnam budget, which Johnson is unwilling to do. Pearson goes on to call the Kerner Report "the most courageous government report in the last decade.
South Vietnam replaced seven of its 44 province chiefs, as a result of the Tet Offensive. "South Viet Dismisses 7 Leaders." (Associated Press)
In the Nashua Telegraph
A quarter page ad for McCarthy is titled "Profiles in Courage." Other candidate ads on the front page are Paul Fisher, Romney and Rockefeller. Delegate ads are also sprinkled on the bottom of the page.
"4,000 Greet Nixon and Wife at Rivier" by Barry Palmer. It was a happy party, with balloons flying high and polka playing in the background.
A full page ad for Richard Nixon is on page 9. It emphasizes that one should vote for delegated pledged to Nixon.
"8,000 Votes Seen in City; Town Meetings Planned" by Claudette Durocher. Nashua polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. About one-third of the eligible 25,000 are expected to vote.
There's a picture of Tony Randall on page 6 with an accompanying story. Randall believes that the hawks in Hollywood had become so vocal that it was time for the doves to speak up. He also denies campaigning for McCarthy, only stating that his beliefs and McCarthy's beliefs coincide with each other. He also took questions, mostly from non-Democrats.
It will be 42 degrees noontime today.
March 12, 1968
In the National News
“North Korea Reiterating Demand for U.S. Apology”
North Korea believes that the USS Pueblo was spying on it. If the US apologizes, then North Korea says that it will show some leniency towards the crew. (Associated Press)
“Volpe Sees ‘Rocky’ Stand Necessary”
Massachusetts Governor John A. Volpe says, “While I see a new Richard Nixon, a much more relaxed and warm character than before, I do not necessarily endorse him for the nomination.” Volpe believes that the war in Vietnam is the main issue in the presidential campaign, followed by issues around civil disorder. (Associated Press)
“Major Candidates and Party Leaders Set High Margins Expected by Rivals” by Walter R. Mears.
Some polling places began their day at the strike of midnight. Democrats have 24 delegates in this state, but they're not bound to vote for anyone at the convention. McCarthy hopes for 30 percent. It's figured that he needs at least that amount to continue getting campaign contributions.(Associated Press)
In the New York Times
"New Hampshire Set For Primary Today" by Warren Weaver Jr.
McCarthy was a 9 to 1 underdog eight weeks ago. Now he is confident and is telling people that he might even beat Johnson. Between midnight tonight and 8 p.m. tomorrow, 150,000 residents will vote. Of that amount, 100,000 are republicans and 50,000 are democrats. Most people believe that he weould do well if he receives a third or more of the vote. (page 1)
"Bomb Mars Start Of Chicago Busing" by Donald Janson
While busing black kids to all white schools – a crude bomb was through through the window of the principal’s office at Denver Elementary School. It burned papers. Another bomb thrown through the window didn’t ignite. (page 27)
In the Nashua Telegraph
“City Primary Vote Expected To Top 1964 Mark Of 7,541” by Claudette Durocher. “Last minute campaigning at the polls was subdued. While McCarthy signs were evident at every poll, pro-Johnson placards were virtually nonexistent. The Nixon banners were not plentiful either." (page 1)
Its election day editorial is called “Requiem for a Soldier." The author describes watching a soldier die in Khe Sahn and feeling gratitude that he was willing to die for freedom. “How do you reassure him that as long as men like him are willing to die for freedom, freedom is worth dying for – even though it be abundantly used and abused by the very ones who disdain to fight for it?”
Temperature at noon today: 41 degrees. Snow tonight with some sleet expected.
March 13, 1968
In the National News
“Split Decision Surprises State Democrats: Past Defeats Forgotten in Nixon Sweep of G.O.P” by Walter R. Mears.
Johnson’s victory over McCarthy is called narrow and empty. McCarthy receives 42 percent of the votes and 20 out of 24 delegates to the convention. Nixon overwhelmed the Republican race. Johnson received 49 percent of the vote. “The near-final count had Johnson leading McCarthy by less than 4,000 votes. The President’s promoters had forecast a 3-1 victory – and even that prediction was toned down from earlier.” The article goes on to note that the White House is concerned about Bobby Kennedy and the possibility of his entrance into the race. Kennedy claims that the outcome has not changed his mind. (Associated Press)
“LBJ Jokingly Dismisses N.H. Primary’s Importance”
“I think New Hampshire is the only place where a candidate can claim 20 percent is a landslide and 40 percent is a mandate and 60 percent is unanimous.” (Associated Press)
“Outcome of Primary Seen Swelling Criticism of Viet” by Jack Bell.
Article states that Johnson can now expect more politicians and people to come out against the war. The primary also proved that there is support for an antiwar candidate. (Associated Press)
“McIntyre Contends Doves and Hawks Helped McCarthy’s Stunning Showing” by Carl C. Craft.
The man who harshly attacked McCarthy’s character and campaign states, “The impatience of the American people for quick solutions is all pent up in them so that when these people come out to vote I don’t really believe it is an anti-Johnson vote or even a pro-McCarthy vote… I believe it is the people of this state saying, ‘We don’t understand,’ ‘We wonder why we aren’t doing better.’ ‘How come that we, this great powerful nation that you tell us that we are, cannot knock off this fifth-rate nation.” (Associated Press)
An AP Wirephoto has McCarthy looking on as young campaigners are drawing on campaign posters.
In New York Times
M’carthy Gets About 40%, Johnson And Nixon On Top In New Hampshire Voting: Rockefeller Lags, Senator Exceeds Top Primary Predictions on Peace Campaign by Warren Weaver Jr.
“President Johnson turned back a strong challenge by Senator Eugene J. McCarthy in the first 1968 Democratic primary tonight, but not before the Minnesotan had won about 40 per cent of the vote.” Incomplete results are that McCarthy won 20 of the 24 delegates. (page 1)
“M’Carthy’s Aides Chant “Victory!”
by E.W. Kentworthy.
McCarthy called his volunteers the most intelligent. “I said I thought I could bridge the generation gap. Your turn will come, and we are going to advance it – more or less- in the next administration… If we come to Chicago with this strength, the Senator said, Then there will be no riots but a great victory celebration.” (page 33)
In the Nashua Telegraph
“McCarthy Poll in City Stuns LBJ Supporters” by Claudette Durocher.
In Nashua, McCarthy had 37% of the vote, while Johnson had a write-in vote of 54%. Richard Nixon “swept every ward.”
A political ad on the bottom of the front page says, “On Behalf of Richard Nixon ‘Thank You’”
March 14, 1968
In the National News
“RFK Reassesses Stand on Opposing President” by Carl P. Leubsdorf.
“The New York Democrat said the New Hampshire primary results removed ‘the major obstacle’ to challenging Johnson- and said the vote demonstrated Democratic concern over Johnson policies.” Aides believe that he will decide about the race in a week. (Associated Press)
"McCarthy’s Performance Spurs Wave of Support," by Stanley Johnson.
New volunteers and contributions are the result of the New Hampshire “win.” Kennedy’s reassessment of his candidacy isn’t going to change anyone’s mind. Many are still unsure what Bobby Kennedy will do. The headquarters in New York has received $13,000 in contributions over two days. Many believe that Bobby had his chance and now it is over. (Associated Press)
“Nixon Saves ‘Big Guns’ For Use Against LBJ" by Relman Morin.
He won’t spell out his plan to end the war because he wants to save it for the big fight. “I have no magic formula; no gimmick. If I had a gimmick I would tell Lyndon Johnson. That would be a moral obligation. But I do have some specific ideas on how to end the war. They are primarily in the diplomatic area.” (Associated Press)
"Student Group Plans to Protest Humphrey Visit"
Vice President Humphrey will visit Rhode Island on Friday. The Brown Campus Action Council, from Brown University will plan a vigil, picket line and rally. Students will turn in draft cards. Humphrey is in town for a two-day Democratic regional conference. (Associated Press)
"U.S. Weekly Toll in Viet Exceeds 500 Third Time."
“The U.S. death toll in the Vietnam war topped 500 last week for the third time in four weeks, the U.S. Command reported today.” 509 Americans were killed and 2,191 wounded.
In New York Times
"Kennedy Is Ready To Run; Says Vote For M’carthy Discloses Split In Party" by John Herbers.
Says he is reconsidering his previous decision not to run for president. Confidants say that he will enter the California, Oregon and maybe South Dakota primaries. “I am reassessing the possibility of whether I will run against President Johnson.” (page 1)
"McCarthy Workers Here Raising Their Sights" by Steven V. Roberts.
NY State Headquarters were on 989 Eighth Ave. near 59th Street. Volunteers stamp envelopes, shuffle file cards, typed stencils, answer telephones. ads pull in money. They do endure bomb threats.
“At one point, when it was announced that a bomb threat had been received, one unkempt youngster screamed: “Just save my guitar!” Workers are bitter about Kennedy. It’s too late, he lacks courage. Is McCarthy a serious contender or just an outlet for dissent?(page 31)
"In The Nation: McCarthy And St. Crispin" by Tom Wicker.
Calls it a Children’s Cruscade. Goodwin addressed the volunteers the next morning. Writer compares Estes Kefauver to McCarthy with regards to party bigwigs. If the party people chose Stevenson over Kefauver, what will happen to the kids if McCarthy has the same thing. McCarthy pulled people out of the streets and into politics.“What will happen then to these idealistic young people, zealous in the cause of peace, who believe they can put McCarthy in nomination through their own hard work and the justice of their cause?” (page 42)
"3500 Join Columbia Boycott" by Martin Gansberg
More than 100 faculty and 3500 students refused to attend classes yesterday. 75% of the day session studies were canceled. They called it “Moratorium Day.”
In the Nashua Telegraph
The International House of Pancakes is opening a Nashua restaurant. They are hiring hostesses and waitresses. Ad on page 8.
Dear Abby also on page 8 begins with the following letter: “I am 21 and my husband is 23 and we recently bought our own home.” When is the last time you heard something like that?
March 15, 1968
In the National News
“RFK Drops Johnson; McCarthy Entering More Primaries” by Tom Wicker.
Kennedy will decide in the next few days if he should be a candidate. It is reported as being likely. He is not supporting Johnson for renomination. There is no bandwagon for Kennedy and it is not having an effect on McCarthy. McCarthy entered the Oregon and California primaries. He would like Kennedy to stay out of the primaries and if he loses the nomination at the convention, then Kennedy could enter. (New York Times News Service
“US Acts to Halt Gold Speculators” by Joseph R. Coyne.
The London Gold Market did not open today as U.S. officials try to stop the people from buying gold. This situation could threaten the international money systems. A bank holiday was declared by Queen Elizabeth.
“U.S Advises South Vietnam’s Leaders to Curb Any Plan for Invasion of North” by Hedrick Smith.
The South Vietnamese are threatening to invade the North. Many people regard these threats as propaganda since the South Vietnamese can’t maintain a “military initiative.” Rep. Donald W. Reigle Jr., a Republican from Michigan analyzed the government data and reported that “the cost of killing 1,000 Viet Cong had shot up from 1.5 Americans killed and a cost of $14 million in 1962 to 106.5 killed and $234 million in 1967.”
U.S.-Viet Troops Mount Offensive by Robert D. Ohman.
“At least 50,000 U.S. and South Vietnamese troops are sweeping between Saigon and the Cambodian border in the biggest operation of the Vietnam War, the U.S. Command announced today.” (Associated Press)
N.H. Democrats Nursing Party-Splitting Headache by Carl. C. Craft.
New Hampshire Governor John W. King will go to the convention as a minority delgate member. David Hoeh, who “guided McCarthy’s organization-shocking campaign in New Hampshire” says that the primary benefited the party. Both sides were proud of the students who came to work on the McCarthy campaign. (Associated Press)
In New York Times
Graduate Draft May Reach 70%
by Harold M. Schmeck, Jr.
The present draft rules will cut the number of men entering grad school by 70%. Physics and engineering folks will be hardest hit. Current rules prohibit student deferments of first or second year grad students next year, except in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, osteopathy, and divinity. Order of calling men up is oldest first from 19-25, almost all 22-25 men will be called to meet military requirements. (page 4)
NYU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will lose 1800 students next year because of the new draft regulations. (page 4)
March 16, 1968
In the National News
"Bobby Declares He's a Candidate" by William Theis
Senator Robert Kennedy announces his candidacy. He will enter the California, Oregon and Nebraska primaries. He is 42 years old. He announced in the Old Senate Office Building Caucus Room, which is where his brother, John F. Kennedy also announced his run for President. Bobby also says that he will campaign for McCarthy in the states where they aren't competing. He urges everyone in Madison to vote for McCarthy. He also said that he is not looking to be Vice-President. He sent his brother, Ted, to tell McCarthy of his entrance into the race. (United Press International)
"McCarthy, LBJ In Near Tie Vote"
Republicans are credited with giving McCarthy a close race with LBJ. The N.H. Secretary of State reports that in combined balloting, McCarthy received 28,791 votes; 23,280 Democratic votes and 5,511 Republican votes. Johnson received a total of 25,021 votes, of which 27,243 were Democrats and 1,778 were Republicans. (United Press International)
"White Given Life For Killing Negro" by Jack Nelson.
"An all-white Mississippi -jury convicted Klansman Cecil Victor Sessum of murder in the firebombing death of Negro leader Vernon Dahmer.... It was the first time a state jury in the south had convicted anyone for murder in a civil rights killing." (Los Angeles Times - Capital Times Service)
The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin)
"McCarthy Cool To RFK's Offer Of Wisconsin Help" by John Patrick Hunter.
McCarthy learned of Kennedy's entrance into the race at 3 a.m. He is cool to Bobby's offer to help with his candidacy in Wisconsin. McCarthy also affirmed his intention to be President, saying he was better qualified than President Kennedy was in 1960. However, he also said that if he finds that he can go no further during the convention, he will release his delegates. "McCarthy flashed his noted sense of humor when he recalled that "it had been a little lonely in New Hampshire. 'I could have used help then,' he said. Ted Kennedy told McCarthy of his brother's candidacy. The meeting lasted 35 minutes. "McCarthy's Wisconsin supporters are bitter about Kennedy's decision to enter the race, and they spent most of Friday telling a large contintent of newsmen from papers across the nation that they thought Kennedy had dealt their man a low blow." (page 1)
"Kastenmeier Reassessing Stand" by Owen Coyle
The story gives readers an idea of who area politicians support. Kastenmeier was neutral, but is now reassessing the race. Patrick J. Lucey, Former Democratic State Chairman, says that he will both vote for McCarthy and endorse Kennedy. Senator William Proxmire is also neutral. He thinks that Kennedy's entrance into the race is a good thing for the moment, but the campaigning might ultimately make it more difficult.
Noontime temperatures in Madison are expected to reach 54 degrees.
