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S1E100
Richard Nixon Back Again: The Unlikely Comeback of '68
•9:08

Richard Nixon Back Again: The Unlikely Comeback of '68

0:00 / 9:08
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In this episode

Fresh from the complex battlefields of Ho Chi Minh’s Vietnam, we turn to the volatile domestic political battlefield of 1968. It’s a lyric that captured a moment of genuine shock for many Americans: "Richard Nixon back again."

In this episode of History Ignited, we analyze the stunning political resurrection of a man whose career was widely declared dead just six years prior. After losing the presidency to JFK in 1960 and the California governor's race in '62 (famously telling the press they wouldn't have him to "kick around anymore"), few predicted his return to the national stage.

We’ll dive deep into Nixon’s calculated 'Silent Majority' strategy, his promise of 'law and order' to a nation fractured by riots and assassinations, and how he masterfully engineered the ultimate political comeback. We explore how the chaos of 1968 set the stage for his victory and how this pivotal moment defined the subsequent years of his complex presidency.

Join us as we explore the rise, fall, and improbable rise again of one of America’s most resilient and controversial political figures.

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About History Ignited:
History Ignited is the award-winning kids and family history podcast inspired by Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire. Each short episode explores the real stories behind the people, events, inventions, and cultural moments that shaped the world from the 1950s through the 1980s. Winner of the 2025 Webby People’s Voice Award for Best Kids & Family Podcast.



Key Takeaways

  • Richard Nixon lost the 1960 presidential election to JFK and the 1962 California governor's race before his political comeback in 1968.
  • Nixon's 1968 campaign strategy centered on the 'Silent Majority' and a 'law and order' message appealing to a nation experiencing riots and assassinations.
  • After losing in 1962, Nixon famously told the press they wouldn't have him to 'kick around anymore,' yet returned to win the presidency six years later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Nixon's major political losses before 1968?

He lost the 1960 presidential election to JFK and the 1962 California governor's race.

What was Nixon's main campaign strategy in 1968?

His 'Silent Majority' strategy and promise of 'law and order' to a nation fractured by riots and assassinations.

How long was Nixon's political career considered dead before his comeback?

Approximately six years, from his 1962 loss until his 1968 presidential victory.