Who Won the 1968 Oregon Democratic Primary?

In 1968, the Oregon Democratic Primary was a pivotal moment in the presidential race. The primary took place on May 28th, and the two main contenders were Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Eugene McCarthy. Both candidates were vying for the Democratic nomination to run for President of the United States.

Ultimately, it was Senator Eugene McCarthy who emerged victorious in the Oregon Democratic Primary. McCarthy, who had gained popularity for his anti-Vietnam War stance, won with a narrow margin of victory over Kennedy. This win solidified McCarthy's position as a serious contender in the race, and it was a significant blow to Kennedy's campaign.

The 1968 Oregon Democratic Primary was a closely watched event, as it was seen as a key indicator of the public's mood and attitudes towards the candidates. McCarthy's win in Oregon gave his campaign a much-needed boost, and he continued to campaign vigorously in the remaining primaries.

However, the race took a tragic turn just a few weeks later when Senator Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated on June 6th, 1968, after winning the California primary. Kennedy's assassination shocked the nation and changed the course of the Democratic primary race.

Following Kennedy's assassination, McCarthy's campaign gained even more momentum, but ultimately, it was Vice President Hubert Humphrey who won the Democratic nomination at the party's convention in Chicago. Humphrey went on to lose the general election to Republican candidate Richard Nixon.

The 1968 Oregon Democratic Primary remains a significant moment in American political history, as it marked the rise of Eugene McCarthy as a formidable candidate and the tragic loss of Robert F. Kennedy. The primary also highlighted the deep divisions within the Democratic Party at the time, as the nation grappled with issues of war, civil rights, and social change.

In conclusion, Eugene McCarthy won the 1968 Oregon Democratic Primary, but the events that followed would change the course of the presidential race and have a lasting impact on American politics.

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