The Men and the Moment

April 1, 2019

Although more than 50 years have passed since the momentous events of 1968, specifically the presidential election in which Republican Richard Nixon defeated Democrat Hubert Humphrey remains relevant. Goudsouzian (history, Univ. of Memphis; Sidney Poitier) devotes a chapter to each of the major presidential candidates from both parties, and takes a closer examination of George Wallace and the American Independent Party. Sprightly written and thoroughly documented, this account provides a solid survey of the nominees and issues of the day, especially the impact of television on presidential elections. It will fit nicely along recent titles such as Lawrence O'Donnell's Playing with Fire: The 1968 Election and the Transformation of American Politics, and Michael Schumacher's The Contest: The 1968 Election and the War for America's Soul. VERDICT While there are longer studies replete with more detail already on the shelves, this shorter treatment is certainly worthy of attention as a reliable assessment of this critical election that established a new political environment for years to come. Suitable for most collections.--Ed Goedeken, Iowa State Univ. Lib., Ames

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