You have probably heard the old cliche, "history is written by the victors". In most cases this is true; however, with the advent of Newspapers, publishing, and journalism, it became more common for the losers to leave behind their opinions as well. I always find it interesting to read the perspectives of those on the losing side before the sides were decided. My great grandpa Reuben Everette Van Wert's letter to the editor of the Rocky Mountain News expressing and explaining his support to Senator Goldwater in the 1964 presidential race is one such example.
Some background; In 1964 the Republican nominee Barry Goldwater was running against the incumbent Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson. Barry Goldwater, for whom my great grandpa Van Wert was a supporter. Ultimately, Goldwater suffered a major loss to Johnson, winning only 6 states compared to Johnson's 44. My great grandpa lived in Colorado, a state that Johnson won in.
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| Map of the 1964 U.S. Presidential Election (source) |
