When running for president as an independent in 1968, Alabama governor George Wallace said, "There isn't a dime's worth of difference between the Republicans and Democrats." What was the context of his comments? To what issues might he have been referring? Was he correct then? Would he be correct now?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is George Wallace's comments in 1968 were made in the context of a highly polarized political climate, with the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War causing deep divisions within the country. Wallace, a staunch segregationist, was running on a platform of states' rights and opposition to desegregation efforts. His comments about the lack of difference between the two major parties were likely referring to their perceived similarities in their approach to civil rights and the war.

In 1968, Wallace's statement could be seen as somewhat accurate, as both the Republican and Democratic parties were grappling with how to address these contentious issues. However, it is important to note that Wallace's perspective was heavily influenced by his own segregationist beliefs, and his comments should be viewed through that lens.

In today's political landscape, the differences between the two major parties are more pronounced, particularly on issues such as civil rights, immigration, healthcare, and climate change. While there may still be some overlap in certain policy areas, it would be inaccurate to say that there is "not a dime's worth of difference" between the Republicans and Democrats in the same way that Wallace did in 1968.

Overall, while Wallace's comments may have reflected the political climate of his time, they do not accurately represent the current state of American politics. The differences between the two major parties are significant and continue to shape the national discourse on a wide range of issues.

When Running for President as an Independent in 1968, Alabama