The 1966 Game: Who Is Nixon Now?

Last time, we identified the position of John McCain as analogous to that of Hubert Humphrey, and gave some hints as to who might be the New Nixon.

Did you look at them? (I’ll wait.)

Remember, Nixon is in the opposition party. He was a leader of the Anti-Thesis to the FDR thesis. So the New Nixon is a Democrat who was a leader of the Anti-Thesis to Ronald Reagan.

A few more hints before we reveal the answer.

• Nixon was a lightning rod for criticism, hated as much by Republicans in 1966 as Democrats.
• Nixon was already running in 1966, supporting other Republicans nationwide and collecting debts he would cash in the next campaign.
• Nixon was essentially triangulating between the New Right in his own party and the Democratic majority, working to make himself, if not acceptable, at least less anathema. Where do you think the phrase "New Nixon" came from?

OK. Ready?

Gee, that was easy.

It could have been Al Gore, had his own career taken another trajectory. After all, like Nixon, Gore was the Vice President who barely lost to the leader of what became excess, the Kennedy-Johnson ticket.

But rather than seek another office or participate in party politics, Gore decided to try and make some money. He found himself a new voice, and actually became a leader of the Netroots. (Ask any Netroots Democrat about 2008 and Gore’s name will come up, wistfully.)

Hillary Clinton, remember, was a player in her husband’s Administration, even closer to him than Gore. She is known to be running, she has a huge financial and organizational advantage, and she will likely use her power base on behalf of other Democrats this fall. Plus, she’s hated. She has rough edges that need to be removed by consultants.

I wonder what the New Hillary will be like?  Conservative, I’ll bet. Values-oriented. Yeah, but on the war. One of the less-unacceptable Democratic alternatives for 2008, to moderate Republicans. Did you know she was once a Goldwater Girl? True.

OK, let’s talk about next week’s subject. Robert Kennedy.

Remember our rules. The winner is analogous to Kennedy, in terms of his historical position. In 1966, Kennedy was a leader within the ruling Democratic Party, but outside the Administration. He was building his own base, but was not expected to run (Remember, Bush is term-limited, while Johnson could have run in 1968.)

Don’t let the real Robert Kennedy blind you to the present reality. Until next week…thanks for playing The 1966 Game.