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Elections

Published: 1967
Play Audio Archive Story - UPI
California Governor Ronald Reagan acknowledges the applause March 30, 1974 as he is introduced at the Midwest GOP Leadership Conference in Chicago, Illinois. (UPI PHOTO/FILES)

Announcer: For Adam Clayton Powell, Congressman from Harlem, 1967 started dreadfully and got worse. Powell was being investigated for possible misuse of public funds when the year was new. His position as Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee was taken away during the investigation, and he was refused a seat in the House during that time.

While Powell encouraged his followers to ‘keep the faith, baby,’ his financial activities were investigated and on March the 1st, he was expelled from the House of Representatives.

Adam Clayton Powell: “On this day, the day of March in my opinion, the end of the United States of America as the land of the free and the home of the brave”

Unknown Speaker: “More words of wisdom please.”

Adam Clayton Powell: “And for you white faces out there, the same thing can happen to you or your brother.”

Announcer: In June, Senator Thomas Dodd of Connecticut was censured by the Senate. In his case, he was charged with using political funds for personal benefit.

Some city and state elections in 1967 proved significant. Both in Cleveland, Ohio, and Gary, Indiana, a Negro was elected Mayor. Carl Stokes, the Mayor Elective of Cleveland became the first Negro elected to head one of the ten biggest cities in the United States.

Carl Stokes: “I can find no more fitting way to end this appeal, by saying to all of you, in a more serious and in the most meaningful way that I can, that truly never before have I ever known to the extent that I know tonight, the full meaning of the words, ‘God Bless America', thanks a lot.”

Announcer: In San Francisco, voters had a chance to vote Yes or No on a question concerning Vietnam. The referendum asked if voters approved of an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of troops from Vietnam. They voted No, 2:1.

Vietnam will be a major issue in the 1968 Presidential campaign. Already the contest is beginning to take shape. The first declared candidate was veteran politician, Harold Stassen. Next was Michigan Governor George Romney.

George Romney: “I have decided to fight for and win the Republican nomination and election to the presidency of the United States.”

Announcer: On the Democratic side of the ledger, Senator Eugene McCarthy of Minnesota announced he would oppose President Johnson’s expected bid for the Presidential nomination, running as an outright peace candidate.

Senator Eugene McCarthy: “My decision to challenge the President's position and the administration's position has been strengthened by recent announcements out of the administration. The evident intention to escalate and to intensify the war in Vietnam, and on the other hand, the absence of any positive indication or suggestion for a compromise or for a negotiated political settlement.”

Announcer: There was plenty of speculation about who else would enter the race. Many of the possibles however weren’t talking. Richard Nixon.

Richard M. Nixon: “As far as my own decision is concerned however, I have not made a decision and will not make one for some time to come.”

Announcer: Charles Percy.

Charles Percy: “I do not consider myself a candidate, I am not a candidate, I do not intend to be a candidate, I will do nothing to become a candidate.”

Announcer: Ronald Reagan.

Ronald Reagan: “And I have told you repeatedly that I’ll discourage anyone. I won't do anything to encourage it, I’ll certainly not show up any place in campaign.”

Announcer: Nelson Rockefeller.

Nelson Rockefeller: “It just happens that I am not a candidate, and under no circumstances will I be a candidate.”

Announcer: George Wallace.

George Wallace: “One of the national parties do not give the American people a choice, in not only candidates, but also the platform, then I am going to be a candidate.”

Announcer: And.

Unknown Speaker: “Are you going to run next year?”

Unknown Speaker: “I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it, as I have told you so many times.”

Announcer: Even some non-politicians got into the non-candidate act.

Unknown Speaker: “What are your politics, are you a Democrat?”

Unknown Speaker: “No, I am in Masters Ceremony.”

Unknown Speaker: “You are not running for public office?”

Unknown Speaker: “No, I am just running.”

Announcer: But whoever the candidates, one thing is sure, they will talk about Vietnam, and that topic is next on United Press International's 1967 In Review.

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