Hubert Humphrey, American pharmacist, academic, and politician, 38th Vice President of the United States (b. 1911)

Hubert H. Humphrey Jr.: A Champion of American Liberalism and Statesmanship

Hubert Horatio Humphrey Jr. (May 27, 1911 – January 13, 1978) was a prominent American statesman whose career spanned several decades, deeply influencing mid-20th-century American politics. Initially trained as a pharmacist, a profession he practiced in his family's drug store in Huron, South Dakota, Humphrey transitioned to a distinguished career in public service. He is most widely recognized for his tenure as the 38th Vice President of the United States, serving from 1965 to 1969 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Beyond the vice presidency, Humphrey twice represented Minnesota in the United States Senate, first from 1949 to 1964 and again from 1971 until his death in 1978. Throughout his extensive time in the Senate, he emerged as a principal architect and leading voice for modern liberalism in the United States, advocating tirelessly for social justice and economic opportunity.

However, his vice presidential term was notably marked by controversy due to his unwavering support for the Vietnam War, a stance that increasingly alienated many within his own Democratic Party and the broader anti-war movement. This deep internal party division culminated in the intensely contested 1968 presidential election, where, despite securing the Democratic nomination, he ultimately lost to the Republican nominee, Richard Nixon.

Early Life, Political Ascent, and Civil Rights Advocacy

Born in Wallace, South Dakota, Hubert Humphrey’s intellectual curiosity led him to the University of Minnesota, where he pursued his higher education. In 1943, he began a brief academic career as a professor of political science at Macalester College. His ambition for public service soon manifested in a campaign for mayor of Minneapolis, though his initial attempt proved unsuccessful. Undeterred, Humphrey became a pivotal figure in the formation of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) in 1944, a merger that significantly strengthened the progressive political landscape in the state. The following year, his persistence paid off when he was elected mayor of Minneapolis, serving with distinction until 1948. During his mayoral tenure, he also co-founded Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) in 1947, a liberal anti-communist organization that played a significant role in shaping post-war liberal policy. This period marked the beginning of his national recognition as a dynamic and articulate voice for progressive causes, earning him the affectionate moniker "The Happy Warrior" due to his optimistic and energetic approach to politics.

Humphrey's national prominence truly ignited in 1948 when he was elected to the U.S. Senate. That same year, at the Democratic National Convention, he delivered a powerful and impassioned speech advocating for the full inclusion of a comprehensive civil rights plank in the party's platform, specifically calling for an end to racial segregation. His bold stance at the convention was groundbreaking and ultimately successful, despite leading to a walkout by a faction of Southern delegates who subsequently formed the Dixiecrat Party. This pivotal moment solidified his reputation as a fearless leader of American liberalism, particularly in his unwavering support for civil rights. While his civil rights advocacy earned him widespread admiration, his later strong support for the Vietnam War as Vice President would, ironically, create a profound schism among his fellow liberals, many of whom felt betrayed by his perceived abandonment of their shared anti-war principles.

A Legislative Powerhouse: Senate Leadership and Vice Presidency

Humphrey’s first tenure in the Senate was remarkably productive, spanning three terms from 1949 to 1964. His leadership skills were recognized by his peers, leading to his selection as the Senate Majority Whip for the last four years of this period (1961-1964), a key role in managing his party's legislative agenda. During this transformative era, Humphrey was instrumental in shaping landmark legislation. Most notably, he was the lead author and a tireless champion of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, widely regarded as one of the most significant legislative achievements in American history, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. His legislative foresight also extended to international relations, as he introduced the first initiative to create the Peace Corps, an agency later established by President John F. Kennedy that sends American volunteers abroad to assist in development. Furthermore, he chaired the Select Committee on Disarmament, underscoring his commitment to global peace and nuclear non-proliferation.

Despite his legislative successes and growing national profile, Humphrey twice sought his party's presidential nomination unsuccessfully, in 1952 and 1960. However, his moment for national executive leadership arrived after President Lyndon B. Johnson unexpectedly acceded to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy in November 1963. Johnson, recognizing Humphrey's political acumen, liberal credentials, and legislative experience, chose him as his running mate for the 1964 election. The Democratic ticket, leveraging Johnson's legislative achievements and a desire for stability, secured a decisive landslide victory against Republican Barry Goldwater, marking the beginning of Humphrey's vice presidency.

The Tumultuous 1968 Campaign and Enduring Legacy

The political landscape dramatically shifted in March 1968 when President Johnson made the stunning announcement that he would not seek re-election amidst escalating anti-war sentiment and declining approval ratings. In response, Hubert Humphrey launched his own campaign for the presidency. His campaign, however, was immediately overshadowed by his unwavering loyalty to the Johnson administration's controversial policies on the Vietnam War. This fidelity sparked intense opposition from a significant segment of his own party, particularly the burgeoning anti-war movement that coalesced around figures like Senator Eugene McCarthy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Opting to largely avoid the highly contentious primary elections, Humphrey focused instead on securing the delegates of non-primary states at the Democratic Convention, a strategy viable in an era before direct primaries became the dominant path to nomination.

This delegate strategy proved successful, clinching him the Democratic nomination at a deeply fractured and tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which was marred by violent clashes between anti-war protestors and police outside the convention hall. For his running mate, Humphrey chose Senator Edmund Muskie of Maine, known for his calm demeanor. In the general election, Humphrey mounted a surprisingly strong challenge, nearly matching Richard Nixon's tally in the popular vote (receiving 42.7% to Nixon's 43.4%), reflecting the deep divisions within the electorate. However, due to the winner-take-all nature of the Electoral College, he lost the electoral vote by a wide margin. Following this significant defeat, Humphrey returned to the Senate, serving from 1971 until his death from cancer in 1978. In his final years, he continued to serve with distinction, notably holding the ceremonial but respected position of Deputy President pro tempore of the United States Senate from 1977 to 1978, a role that acknowledged his long service and profound contributions to the institution. His life and career encapsulate the triumphs and tensions of 20th-century American liberalism, from its peak legislative achievements to its internal conflicts over war and social change.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hubert H. Humphrey Jr.

When was Hubert H. Humphrey Jr. Vice President?

Hubert H. Humphrey Jr. served as the 38th Vice President of the United States from January 20, 1965, to January 20, 1969, under President Lyndon B. Johnson.

What was Hubert H. Humphrey Jr.'s major legislative accomplishment?

One of his most significant legislative achievements was being the lead author and a tireless advocate for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination.

Why was Hubert H. Humphrey Jr.'s 1968 presidential campaign controversial?

His 1968 presidential campaign was controversial primarily due to his steadfast support for the Vietnam War, which created a deep divide within his own Democratic Party and alienated many anti-war voters. His strategy of largely avoiding the primaries also drew criticism.

What was Hubert H. Humphrey Jr.'s nickname?

Hubert H. Humphrey Jr. was widely known as "The Happy Warrior," a nickname that reflected his optimistic, energetic, and passionate approach to politics and public service.

Did Hubert H. Humphrey Jr. serve as Mayor of Minneapolis?

Yes, he served as the Mayor of Minneapolis from 1945 to 1948 before being elected to the U.S. Senate.