July 14, 1964 - Richard M. Nixon defended the Republican platform, Senator Barry Goldwater, and conservatism at a press conference in San Francisco this afternoon.
The former Vice President also said he thought it would be a good thing if Governor George Wallace of Alabama continued his campaign for the Presidency.
“That will leave the racist vote where it belongs — in that wing of the Democratic party,” the 1960 Republican Presidential candidate said in a 30-minute appearance at the Hilton Hotel.
In many ways, it appeared that Nixon was adjusting his expressions about government and American life in order to fulfill his role as a peacemaker of the Republican party of 1964.
He said repeatedly during the conference that he found Goldwater’s views to be completely defensible and that he expected to campaign in support of the Arizona conservative if he is the party’s candidate.
Nixon said positively and unequivocally that he would not accept the Vice-Presidential nomination. To a question whether he would be a compromise candidate for President if the convention should deadlock, he refused to comment “because that can’t happen.”
He said that Goldwater, with his “very refreshing candor,” has admitted that the outlook would not be very bright against President Johnson now.
But Nixon said things would look by November “when the Republican candidate can win.”
He said Goldwater would have three advantages over Johnson — as the underdog, as the attacker, and as a more attractive television personality.
He said, however, that it appeared that a substantial number of Negroes would vote against Goldwater, although this could change before November.
“The jury is still out on that issue,” said Nixon.
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