cross-posted at kos and ProgressiveHistorians

I have been working my way through Theodore H. White's The Making of the President 1968, and it is impossible not to notice some uncanny similarities to our current presidential contest. There are broad historical parallels that derive from the political climates created by the war in Vietnam and the U.S. occupation of Iraq. And there are amusing coincidences.

Some of the failed candidates vying for their party's 1968 nomination included a Republican Mayor of New York; a Senator from Illinois, "bright, eager, handsome...vibrantly attractive to young voters;" and even a Mormon candidate -- a hapless Republican named Romney. But beyond these superficial analogs to the candidates of 2008, some profound resonances, consequences of larger forces, may be lurking.

This post, the first in a series, will focus on Richard Nixon's early strategy following the Republican gains of 1966, and what that comeback campaign by a former vice president could reveal about a theoretical Al Gore candidacy in 2008.

There's more...

Chris Shays, moderate Republican from Connecticut, on why he didn't press harder for accountability from the Pentagon on Iraq.

"I was hearing voices in my own head that this was going to cost more and I accepted the Pentagon numbers that were too low. I should have had hearings early on."

George Romney, moderate Republican from Michigan, on why he supported the Vietnam War.

"... I just had the greatest brainwashing that anybody can get when you go over to Vietnam."

When it comes to warfare, at least moderate Republicans admit to being insane.

There's more...