The American Vote
New Deal CoalitionCycle 45 / 60

1964

Lyndon B. Johnson and the 1964 map.
Lyndon B. Johnson (Democratic) defeated Barry Goldwater (Republican), 61.0% to 38.5%.
Johnson
486 EV
Goldwater
52 EV
0270 to win → 270538
The map · 1964
45 states for Dem · 6 for Rep
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Narrative

Lyndon B. Johnson and the 1964 map

Lyndon Johnson won the largest popular vote landslide in US history, carrying 61% against conservative Senator Barry Goldwater. Johnson benefited from Kennedy's assassination, national mourning, and his own Great Society agenda. Goldwater's willingness to use nuclear weapons and his opposition to the Civil Rights Act alarmed many voters. The famous 'Daisy' TV ad implied Goldwater might start a nuclear war. Johnson's landslide gave him a massive Congressional majority to pass Medicare, the Voting Rights Act, and Great Society programs.

Key issue

Civil rights; Great Society programs; nuclear war fears; Kennedy legacy

Notable

Largest popular vote landslide in history (61.05%); 'Daisy' ad pioneered negative political advertising

States · 51 reporting