There are several reasons why Hubert Humphrey lost to Richard Nixon in the 1968 presidential election. Some of the key factors that contributed to Humphrey's defeat include:
The Vietnam War: The Vietnam War was a major issue in the 1968 election, and many voters were unhappy with the way the war was being handled. Humphrey, as the incumbent Vice President under President Lyndon B. Johnson, was closely associated with the administration's Vietnam policies, which were deeply unpopular with many Americans.
The split in the Democratic Party: There was a significant split in the Democratic Party in 1968, with many liberal and anti-war Democrats supporting third-party candidate George Wallace. This division within the party likely hurt Humphrey's chances of winning the election.
Nixon's campaign tactics: Nixon ran a successful campaign that focused on issues like law and order, and he was able to appeal to a broad range of voters. He also had a strong campaign organization and was able to effectively mobilize his supporters.
The economy: The economy was also a significant issue in the 1968 election, and many Americans were concerned about rising inflation and unemployment. Nixon was able to effectively tap into these concerns and present himself as a strong leader who could address these issues.