How Close Did George Wallace Come to Being the President of the United States?

George Wallace, the former governor of Alabama, served as a significant figure in American politics during his candidacy for the presidency in 1968. His campaign was marked by the American Independent Party ticket, a protest movement against the major political parties. However, despite his efforts and the support he garnered, his path to the presidency was not as close as some might assume.

The Context

George Wallace entered the political scene as a staunch opponent of desegregation. His candidacy in 1968 did not gain as much traction as might be assumed from a contemporary perspective. The Democratic Party had already determined that Henry Wallace, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first Vice President, would not be re-nominated, and Harry S. Truman ultimately took the slot. Had Franklin D. Roosevelt survived his third term, Wallace would have become President, but his candidacy in 1968 represented a protest against the establishment.

Succession and Election

Before his presidential run, Wallace held an important position as the next in line for the presidency from January 20, 1941 to January 20, 1945 due to the death of Vice President Henry Wallace. If he had been re-elected as Vice President in 1944, he would have succeeded to the presidency. However, his run in 1968 was a clear protest against the status quo rather than a serious challenge for the White House.

Electoral Performance

Wallace’s electoral performance in 1968 was limited, but not insignificant. He won the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, amassing 45 electoral votes. Notable is the fact that he secured one vote from a faithless elector in North Carolina. His opponents, Republican Richard Nixon and Democrat Hubert Humphrey, won with 301 and 191 electoral votes, respectively. Even with the combined votes of Wallace and Humphrey, Nixon still emerged victorious.

Protest Candidacy and Legacy

Wallace ran as a protest candidate, primarily targeting the major parties rather than seeking a mainstream victory. His candidacy reflected the sentiments of a significant portion of the Southern electorate. However, the support he received was largely concentrated in the eleven states that made up the Old Confederacy. These states, historically known for their resistance to desegregation, continued to reflect deep-seated segregationist views even decades after the Civil Rights Movement.

Main Consequences

One of the unexpected outcomes of Wallace’s candidacy was that it indirectly contributed to Bill Clinton becoming the President. Despite receiving only 19% of the popular vote, Wallace’s presence in the race allowed Humphrey to consolidate support in the electoral college. Humphrey’s margin over Nixon was slim, and Wallace’s votes might have tipped the balance in favor of Clinton if the election were held under different conditions.

Conclusion

While George Wallace’s campaign was a significant event in American political history, it did not bring him close to the presidency. His candidacy reflected the complex racial and social dynamics of the time, and his legacy is complex and multifaceted. The historical context, the political landscape, and the electoral processes all contributed to his limited but impactful role in the election of 1968.