George Wallace, Presidential Contender

Overview

Dan Carter and Joe Reed talked about the life and career of George C. Wallace, Jr. (1919-1998) and responded to telephone calls and electronic communications from in front of the Alabama Governor’s Mansion. Peggy Wallace Kennedy also commented from the foyer. He was a state attorney, legislator, judge, and a four-term governor. He became a national figure during the civil rights movement with his pro-segregation stance and sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1964, 1972, and 1976. In 1968 he ran as a third-party candidate, receiving 46 electoral votes and 13.5 percent of the popular vote. Dan Carter called him “the most influential loser” in 20th-century U.S. politics. Video clips were shown of news reels, campaign ads, news conferences, and speeches.