The 1964 Presidential campaign was a critical point in the formation of the New Right. A significant portion of the Republican party’s rhetoric focused on themes of excessive government control, economic liberties, and the threat of totalitarianism. This rhetoric was particularly heavy in Ronald Reagan’s famous speech given on behalf of the party; it focused on governmental overregulation, which led to excessive spending and reduced transparency of the national budget (Reagan, 1964). The same speech also included indictments of socialism and direct comparisons of the politics promoted by the Democratic party to those of communist and socialist leaders (Reagan, 1964). These statements reflect the ideals proclaimed by the Young Americans for Freedom movement four years prior, particularly the idea that governmental regulation of the market is impossible without infringing on personal freedoms (New Guard Staff, 2016). More concerns voiced in the Republican candidate Barry Goldwater’s campaign were government corruption and the police’s inability to enforce the law amid civil unrest due to overly restrictive policies (CONELRAD6401240, 2011). Although Goldwater lost that election, the attention his campaign brought to these issues allowed conservatives to rally and organize behind its ideas.
Reagan’s speech was also a pivotal moment in the emergence of the New Right, support of conservative ideas, and subsequent shift to conservative Republican politics. It gained him personal visibility as a politician and helped him to be elected as the governor of California in 1966. With the newly organized and united New Right, support for conservative politics increased, leading to the victories of Republican candidates in subsequent elections. Ultimately, the campaign led to Reagan himself being elected President in 1980 and the second term in 1984.
References
CONELRAD6401240. (2011). “Choice” [1964 Barry Goldwater campaign film] [Video]. YouTube.
New Guard Staff (2016). The Sharon statement: A timeless declaration of conservative principles. Young America’s Foundation. Web.
Reagan, R. A time for choosing Speech, 1964. The Reagan Library. Web.