An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

511. America in '68: George Wallace, The First Donald Trump (Part 4)

November 07, 2024

Description

“Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever!” George Wallace, Governor of Alabama, was one of the most successful third-party presidential candidates in American history. In 1968,...
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Books Referenced

The Year That Broke Politics

Author: Luke A. Nicta

Context:

Tom mentions he read this single book about 1968 American politics, quoting from it that Wallace is 'one of the most misunderstood politicians in American history.' The book is referenced multiple times throughout the episode as offering a different interpretation of Wallace.

The Politics of Rage

Author: Dan Carter

Context:

Described as a 'brilliant biography' of George Wallace. Dominic quotes from it about Wallace's classmates laughing at his appearance, and references it again later for its description of Wallace's speeches as 'stunningly disconnected, at times incoherent, and always repetitious.'

An American Melodrama

Author: Lewis Chester, Godfrey Hodgson, and Bruce Page

Context:

Referred to as 'this brilliant book' written by 'the Sunday Times team' - Wallace is quoted as speaking to the authors about not talking about race or segregation anymore.

The Emerging Republican Majority

Author: Kevin Phillips

Context:

Dominic explains that Kevin Phillips, a Nixon campaign staffer, published this book in 1969 arguing that white working class voters would leave the Democratic Party and that the political center of gravity was moving to the Sun Belt. Nixon read it and implemented its strategies.