realtime1960s

July 19, 1964 - Sen. Barry Goldwater said today he was surprised that Alabama Gov. George Wallace had decided to drop out of the Presidential race, but the GOP nominee would offer no further comment. The Senator, who is relaxing at his home near Phoenix after winning the Republican Presidential nomination at the San Francisco convention, was cornered by reporters when he drove himself downtown to have his official campaign portrait taken at a Phoenix studio. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 19, 1964 - Actor Jack Palance was the mystery guest on tonight’s edition of the CBS panel game show, “What’s My Line.” Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 28, 1964 - Enjoy tonight’s newscast covering national and local Southern California events. With Ray Wilson, Bob Regan, Harold Keen, Mel Knoepp, Lyle Bond, and Doug Oliver. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 31, 1964 - On this special NBC program, Edwin Newman guides viewers through a tour of the New York World’s Fair. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 16, 1964 - Senator Barry Goldwater accepted the Republican Presidential nomination at the Cow Palace in San Francisco tonight with the declaration that “extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.” Replying to the Republicans who sought to make extremism an issue in the nomination and platform fights, the new GOP standard-bearer told a wildly cheering convention that “moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.” His reference to “extremism” got the noisiest response of any passage in his speech. The Senator declared that Communism is the nation’s No. 1 enemy and promised that Republicans must and shall “set the tides running again in the cause of freedom.” Shortly before Goldwater spoke, the convention accepted without opposition his choice of 50-year-old Rep. William E. Miller of New York, retiring GOP national chairman, as the Vice-Presidential nominee. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 16, 1964 - Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon called tonight for all Republicans to unite behind the Goldwater-Miller ticket and sweep to victory in November. Votes for President Johnson, Nixon warned at the GOP National Convention in San Francisco, will mean votes for one of the biggest spending sprees and “because of his refusal to repudiate Bobby Baker, the green light for influence peddling and massive payoffs in Washington.” Introducing Sen. Barry Goldwater for the Senator’s speech accepting the Presidential nomination, Nixon said Goldwater “is the man who earned and proudly carries the title ‘Mr. Conservative,’ by the action of this convention is ‘Mr. Republican,’ and after November will be ‘Mr. President.’” “I hear the theme song Mr. Johnson has selected is ‘Happy Days Are Here Again,” said Nixon. “But when Barry Goldwater gets through with him, it will be ‘Home on the Range.’” The Cow Palace throngs burst into laughter and applause. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 15, 1964 - At the Republican National Convention in San Francisco, Rep. John Lindsay (R-N.Y.) expressed concerns about the nomination of conservative Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-Ariz.) for President. The Congressman spoke with Mike Wallace of CBS News. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 15, 1964 - Barry Goldwater, grandson of an immigrant peddler and the shining knight of conservatives, was nominated on the first ballot tonight as the Republican candidate for President of the United States. The 55-year-old Arizona Senator easily defeated his only rival, Gov. William Scranton of Pennsylvania. The final vote tally showed Goldwater with 883 votes; Gov. Scranton with 214, and Gov. Nelson Rockefeller of New York with 114. Pandemonium broke loose in San Francisco’s Cow Palace as Goldwater and his bandwagon, which had never been seriously slowed in recent weeks, rolled to victory with the 16 votes cast by South Carolina. The nation will choose on Election Day, Nov. 3, between the Republican conservative and President Johnson, the Democratic incumbent who succeeded to the White House after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy Nov. 22, 1963. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 14, 1964 - At the Republican National Convention in San Francisco tonight, Michigan Governor George Romney advocated a platform amendment condemning political extremism. However, Romney did not name the John Birch Society or any other group in his remarks, as Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York had previously. Nevertheless, Romney’s impassioned speech, warning of serious consequences to the party if it ignores the threat of extremism, failed to change the result. Another standing vote resulted in another rejection of the amendment. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 14, 1964 - At the Republican National Convention in San Francisco tonight, New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller appeared on the rostrum to advocate a platform amendment condemning extremist groups, including the John Birch Society and the Communist Party. Almost every mention by the Governor of right-wing extremism brought harsh jeers and boos from delegates and spectators alike. Some of the latter shook their fists at him. Several times, Rockefeller was drowned out by chants of “We Want Barry.” He was hooted at when he spoke of “Republican liberalism.” Grimly, Rockefeller continued reading his speech excoriating the right-wingers. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 14, 1964 - Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned Republicans tonight in San Francisco that they must unite behind their convention’s choice of a Presidential candidate or “drown in a whirlpool of factional strife.” In the role of the party’s elder statesman, Eisenhower appealed to supporters of Senator Barry Goldwater and Governor William Scranton to “have done with scurrilous and misleading labels.” The former President was cheered to the rafters when he appeared on the speaker’s rostrum, his arms outstretched in characteristic salute. He was interrupted 40 times during his unity appeal and was given a standing ovation lasting almost two minutes at the conclusion of his remarks. But the convention hall fairly exploded when the general told the delegates that they should not let themselves be divided by “those outside our family, including sensation-seeking columnists and commentators who couldn’t care less about the good of our party.” There was a deafening roar of boos directed at the press stands flanking the speakers’ platform, and many on the convention floor jumped up and shook their fists at those in the glassed-in television booths. The nearest approach to that demonstration came when Eisenhower called for more effective local law enforcement and stiffer sentences for offenders. Eisenhower called on all Republicans to condemn “radicalism of any kind, whether of the right or the left” and to repudiate the support of any groups that “malign the character of fellow Americans.” Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 14, 1964 - Backers of Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona for nomination as the Republican candidate in the Nov. 3 Presidential election scored a thumping victory tonight when delegates rejected amendments to the party platform which would have denounced extremist groups. Amid waves of cheers and boos, the pro-Goldwater element of the party rejected by a standing vote an amendment supported by Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York, which would have written into the platform a declaration against what its sponsors described as extremism. Rockefeller is supporting Governor William Scranton of Pennsylvania, who is fighting what is apparently a losing battle to gain the nomination. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 13, 1964 - More than 200 pickets representing two civil rights groups demonstrated outside the main entrance of the Cow Palace today in San Francisco, centering their fire on Senator Barry Goldwater. Throughout the day and into the evening, the orderly procession marched in an elongated circle within a roped off area chanting “Goldwater must go; freedom now.” A band of some 25 supporters of the Arizona Senator answered in kind, waving Goldwater placards aloft. Earlier in the day, two Goldwater supporters joined the march of 65 civil righters but were quickly ejected by police. The only untoward incident of the day followed when a lone Goldwater demonstrator tusseled briefly with two unsympathetic onlookers. All three were ejected from the Cow Palace grounds. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 13, 1964 - There was visual evidence today of the wounds left by the Goldwater-Rockefeller primary fight when U.S. Senator Thomas Kuchel made a welcoming speech at the Republican National Convention in San Francisco, his only official participation in the event. The Californians applauded politely, and many arose, when Kuchel — who headed the Rockefeller delegation and now supports Gov. William Scranton — was introduced. “The struggle against slavery, in all its ugly forms, remains an unfinished task,” said California’s ranking Republican officeholder. “You can write a platform and select a nominee who will stand before the people and receive their faith. American prays that you have the courage and the vision and the wisdom to do the job.” Applause was scattered, and none stood up for Kuchel’s departure. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 13, 1964 - George Christopher, who served as the 34th Mayor of San Francisco from 1956 until January of this year, spoke tonight at the Republican National Convention in San Francisco. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 13, 1964 - The national chairman of CORE and SNCC predicted today that if Senator Barry Goldwater is nominated, there will be national demonstrations with civil disobedience — starting at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. Although the Cow Palace pickets have been peaceful so far, “it is conceivable” there will be civil disobedience starting tomorrow, said CORE’s chairman, James Farmer. “I’ll expect it not only here but all over the country,” Farmer said. “CORE will picket everywhere Goldwater speaks from now to November.” Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 13, 1964 - Senator Barry Goldwater’s forces took firm command of the Republican National Convention at the opening session today in San Francisco. They defeated a proposed rule change which would have banned “lily white” delegations from states practicing racial discrimination. The action reinforced predictions that the Arizonan will win the GOP Presidential nomination on the first ballot Wednesday night. Goldwater raised his claim to “more than 800” delegates, with 655 needed to nominate, after the 58-member Ohio delegation — as expected — was released from its favorite son commitment by Gov. James Rhodes. Goldwater got 42 of those votes. Goldwater’s Cow Palace floor managers also declared they are ready to throw back a last-ditch attack by Pennsylvania Gov. William Scranton’s troops on platform issues tomorrow night. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 13, 1964 - Bill Lawrence and James Hagerty of ABC News interviewed former President Dwight D. Eisenhower tonight at the Republican National Convention in San Francisco. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 12, 1964 - Charles Evers, civil rights activist, spoke today about the Civil Rights Act of 1964. After his brother Medgar’s assassination in June 1963, Evers took over his position as field director of the NAACP in Mississippi. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 10, 1964 - This afternoon, CBS reporter Harold Keen interviewed Jackie Robinson and William H. Chester in San Francisco on the eve of the Republican National Convention at the Cow Palace. Mr. Robinson and Mr. Chester, a labor official, will participate in a massive “human rights march” Sunday. The march, obviously intended to impress Republican brass and delegates, is frankly anti-Goldwater. Mr. Chester, march co-coordinator, said that its first aim is to “make known to the nation and the world” Negro opposition to Goldwater and his “racist platform.” Mr. Robinson said the nomination of Goldwater would be “a tragedy,” adding that “the kind of violence you see now in Mississippi, Alabama, and St. Augustine” will spread throughout the country if Goldwater wins. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 10, 1964 - J. Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI, disclosed today that the bureau’s force in Mississippi had been increased to 153 agents because of the civil rights drive. This is roughly 10 times the number normally stationed in the state. Hoover flew to Jackson, Miss., this morning from Washington at President Johnson’s request and opened an FBI field headquarters which covers two full floors of the First Federal Savings and Loan Building. His disclosure of the bureau’s build-up came at a news conference following the headquarters ceremony, which was attended by Governor Paul Johnson Jr., Mayor Allen C. Thompson (right), and other state and local officials. Hoover’s aides said that before his return to Washington tomorrow he might visit Philadelphia, Miss., focal point of the continuing search for three civil rights workers missing since June 21. Hoover said in reply to newsmen’s questions that he thought the three were dead and that “there is, at the present time, no positive indication that there is an imminent break” in the investigation. “The investigation is intensively being carried on,” he said. “This may be a prolonged effort. But it will be continued until it is solved, until we find the bodies of those three men that have disappeared and the persons who may be responsible for their disappearance.” The missing men are Michael Schwerner, 24 years old, and Andrew Goodman, 20, both of New York, and James Chaney, 21, of Meridian, Miss. At his news conference, Hoover emphasized that FBI agents were not in Mississippi to protect civil rights workers but, rather, to investigate violations of Federal law. “We most certainly do not and will not give protection to civil rights workers,” he declared. “In the first place, the FBI is not a police organization. It is purely an investigative organization. “The protection of individual citizens, either natives of this state or those coming into the state, is a matter for the local authorities. The FBI will not participate in any such protection.” Charles Evers, state field secretary of the NAACP, brother of the slain integration leader Medgar Evers, stepped in front of Hoover as the director walked out for his news conference. He introduced himself and said he would like to speak to him. Hoover took him into a conference room and conferred with him for about 10 minutes. “We wanted to give our side of the picture,” Evers said later. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 10, 1964 - Fantastic scenes marked the return of the Beatles to their hometown of Liverpool tonight. They got a frenzied welcome from at least 100,000 fans — “the biggest thing that has ever happened in Liverpool,” said Chief Constable Joseph Smith. At least 40 people caught in the crush were taken to the hospital — and one hospital had to close its casualty ward because it could take no more cases. Ambulance men treated more than 300 who fainted in the swaying, screaming crowds. The greatest ever welcome for the Beatles began at 5:25 p.m., when their airliner touched down at Speke airport, Liverpool. Five thousand shrieking, banner-waving fans were waiting there — but all that most saw of their idols was the mopheaded musicians submerged in a sea of policemen. All police leaves in the city had been suspended, and reinforcements were rushed to the airport in double-decker buses. Chief Constable Smith was brushed aside as the fans broke through a cordon and tried to touch the Beatles. And the storming welcome went on all the way along the seven-mile route from the airport to the town hall, where the Beatles had a civic reception before the premiere of their film, “A Hard Day’s Night.” As the Beatles’ limousine, followed by two official cars, crawled into the center of the city, the police linked arms and leaned at an angle of 45 degrees to keep back the cheering crowds. Teenagers were bowled over in the rush. “They went down like ninepins,” said one police officer. Castle Street, in front of the town hall, was jammed with people — and three mobile first-aid stations worked at top pressure. Girls sat along the wall of an insurance building waiting for treatment. Others, who appeared to be hysterical, had sponges of water flung into their faces — which were also slapped by nurses. When the Beatles appeared on the balcony of the town hall with the Lord Mayor, Alderman Louis Caplan, the crowd went crazy. Casualties being treated in the street rose from their stretchers on the pavement and fought men and women police to get back in front of the town hall. Mounted police rode down the street to block the way. Girls screamed more loudly when they realized they could not get through. The crowd in front of the Town Hall kept calling back the Beatles, who eventually pointed to their watches to indicate that it was time for the civic reception at which there were 650 guests. On their way to the reception, the Beatles came across the Liverpool City Police Band. Paul McCartney grabbed a trumpet, George Harrison a horn, and Ringo Starr whipped the conductor’s baton from the hands of a chief inspector. Outside, the excitement was dying down. And Chief Constable Smith wiped his brow and said: “I estimate that at least 100,000 people turned out. The crowds were quite fantastic. The only thing I am sorry about is that so many people have been hurt.” Earlier, after arriving at the airport, the Beatles had held a press conference full of noise and confusion. John Lennon began the conference with: “Anyone from Liverpool here?” Fellow Beatles Paul McCartney said: “We have no intention of going to South Africa or to any other places in America where there is segregation for the audiences.” Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 9, 1964 - Ida Blackburn interviewed the Beach Boys tonight following their concert at the Spring Lake Amusement Park in Oklahoma City. Also appearing on the program were Freddie Cannon, Jimmy Griffin, Lynn Easton, and the Kingsmen. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 8, 1964 - “He’s beat us enough. I figured he owed me something.” That was manager Walter Alston’s reaction to the three-run homer that Johnny Callison of the league-leading Phillies hit in the ninth inning of yesterday’s All-Star Game for a 7-4 National League victory. Alston chose Callison as an extra man beyond the vote of the players, coaches, and managers because of the outfielder’s hitting against his Dodgers. “Callison may not hit everybody like he hits us,” Alston said. “But I know one thing — he wears us out.” By an odd coincidence, the homer beat Al Lopez, the American League manager who used to be Callison’s boss with the White Sox. It took the National League 31 years to catch up with the American, which led 12-4 after the 1949 All-Star Game. Finally, they have squared the series at 17-17-1. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

July 2, 1964 - President Johnson signed the historic civil rights bill into law tonight and urged “every American to join in this effort to bring justice and hope to all our people and to bring peace to our land.” “This is a time of testing,” he said, “and we must not fail.” The President signed the measure less than five hours after it received final Congressional approval, the House voting for it by a sweeping margin. In a ceremony carried on live TV from the White House East Room, the President said he had asked all Federal agencies “to fully discharge the new responsibilities imposed upon them by the law without delay and to keep me personally informed of their progress.” Calling the far-reaching act a challenge to Americans to “eliminate the last vestiges of injustice in America,” Johnson told his nationwide audience: “Let us close the springs of racial poison. Let us pray for wise and understanding hearts. Let us lay aside irrelevant differences and make our nation whole. “Let us hasten the day when our unmeasured strength and our unbounded spirit will be free to do the great works ordained for this nation by the just and wise God who is the father of us all.” The President promised that enforcement of the new law would not be approached in a “vengeful spirit.” He said: “Its purpose is not to punish. Its purpose is not to divide but to end divisions — divisions which have lasted too long. Its purpose is national, not regional.” He added that the law will work because “most Americans are law-abiding citizens who want to do what is right.” The new law outlaws racial discrimination in public accommodation, employment, voting, education, and use of Federal funds. In all, 153 Democrats and 136 Republicans voted for the bill today. Voting against it were 91 Democrats and 35 Republicans. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s