The Presidential Election of 1972 - 3173 Words

The Presidential Election of 1972 The Presidential election of 1972 had two strong candidates, President Richard Nixon and George McGovern. There were many issues which had a great deal of importance to the election. The Vietnam war and the stability of the economy at the time were two main factors. The election ended in one the largest political scandals in U.S. history, being the Watergate break-in, and cover-up, by President Richard Nixon. The Democratic party had a large selection of candidates from which to choose for the primary elections of 1972. There were many well known candidates who entered the race for the nomination. The leading contenders were Edmund S. Muskie of Maine, Senator George McGovern of South Dakota and†¦show more content†¦There were four very important issues. These were the war in Vietnam, the economy, foreign policy, and defense. The two major ones were the war in Vietnam, and the economy. McGovern was sure that if he was elected president, he would be able to end the war. We will be able to end the war by a simple plan that need not be kept secret: The immediate total withdrawal of all Americans from Southeast Asia. (Congressional Quarterlys Guide to U.S. Elections, 1972 Conventions, Third ed., 1994 pg..127-132.)4 McGovern goes on to say in another interview that I will stake my whole political career on being able to withdraw our forces and get our prisoners out within 90 days after inauguration. I really think I can do it faster than that. (U.S. News and World, How McGovern Sees The Issues, August 7, 1972, Vol. LXXIII No.6, pg.18- 22)8 McGovern, like everyone else wanted to end the war in Vietnam as soon as possible. McGovern felt the Nixon could have ended the war years earlier, and could have spared all those lives. Theres nothing that we can negotiate now in ending this war that we couldnt have done four years ago. We havent gained anything in these four years of continued slaughter thats gone on in this present Administration.8 Ill be one of those rejoicing even if Nixon does end this war and it does accrue to his advantage. I just wish heShow MoreRelatedThe 1972 Presidential Election Essay1967 Words   |  8 PagesThe 1972 Presidential Election The election of 1972 was one of the largest landslide victories by a presidential candidate in United States history. President Nixon was reelected to the presidency by beating Senator George McGovern of South Dakota in an impressive victory. The Nixon landslide victory tied FDR’s 60.8 percent of the popular vote in 1936 for the second largest popular vote get in American history. Nixon’s 60.8 percent of the vote compared to McGovern’s 37.6 percent, a differenceRead More The Presidential Election Of 1972 Essay3045 Words   |  13 Pages The Presidential Election of 1972 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The Presidential election of 1972 had two strong candidates, President Richard Nixon and George McGovern. There were many issues which had a great deal of importance to the election. The Vietnam war and the stability of the economy at the time were two main factors. The election ended in one the largest political scandals in U.S. history, being the Watergate break-in, and cover-up, by President Richard Nixon. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;TheRead MoreJose Rizal Biography and Family Tree Chart1463 Words   |  6 PagesJan., 1970, some 2,000 demonstrators tried to storm Malacaà ±ang Palace, the presidential residence; riots erupted against the U.S. embassy. 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