Senator Barry Goldwater (R-Arizona), running for the Republican Party nomination in the upcoming presidential election, gives an interview in which he discusses the use of low-yield atomic bombs in North Vietnam to defoliate forests and destroy bridges, roads, and railroad lines bringing supplies from communist China. During the storm of criticism that followed, Goldwater tried to back away from these drastic actions, claiming that he did not mean to advocate the use of atomic bombs but was "repeating a suggestion made by competent military people." Democrats painted Goldwater as a warmonger who was overly eager to use nuclear weapons in Vietnam. Though he won his party's nomination, Goldwater was never able to shake his image as an extremist in Vietnam policies. This image was a key factor in his crushing defeat by opponent Lyndon B. Johnson, who took about 61 percent of the vote to Goldwater's 39 percent.
Also on This Day
- Lead Story
- Brooklyn Bridge opens, 1883
- American Revolution
- John Hancock becomes president of Congress, 1775
- Automotive
- "Thelma and Louise," featuring 1966 Ford Thunderbird, released, 1991
- Civil War
- Battle of North Anna continues, 1864
- Cold War
- John Foster Dulles dies, 1959
- Crime
- Lori Ann Auker disappears from a parking lot, 1989
- Disaster
- Riot erupts at soccer match, 1964
- General Interest
- Copernicus dies, 1543
- What hath God wrought?, 1844
- Hollywood
- sex, lies and videotape wins top prize at Cannes, 1989
- Literary
- Joseph Brodsky is born, 1940
- Music
- Duke Ellington dies, 1974
- Old West
- Henry Plummer is elected sheriff of Bannack, Montana, 1863
- Presidential
- Thomas Jefferson inquires about a former flame, 1797
- Sports
- MLB holds first night game, 1935
- Vietnam War
- Goldwater suggests using atomic weapons, 1964
- Soldiers place controversial ad in antiwar newspaper, 1971
- World War I
- British naval convoy system introduced, 1917
- World War II
- The Bismarck sinks the Hood, 1941
- Auschwitz gets a new doctor: "the Angel of Death", 1943
Goldwater suggests using atomic weapons
Fact Check We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!
This Week in History, May 24 - May 30
- May 24, 1964
- Goldwater suggests using atomic weapons
- May 24, 1971
- Soldiers place controversial ad in antiwar newspaper
- May 25, 1968
- Communist launch new offensive
- May 25, 1969
- National Democratic Front formed in Saigon
- May 26, 1965
- Australian troops depart for Vietnam
- May 26, 1971
- North Vietnamese seize Snoul, Cambodia
- May 27, 1965
- U.S. warships begin bombardment of Viet Cong targets
- May 27, 1971
- Sweden announces support to Viet Cong
- May 28, 1969
- U.S. troops abandon "Hamburger Hill"
- May 29, 1972
- United States and USSR issue a joint communique
- May 30, 1966
- U.S. aircraft carry out new raids
- May 30, 1969
- Thieu vows never to agree to a coalition government
Related Topics
What Happened on Your Birthday?
Pick a DateEditor’s Picks
-
Ultimate History Quiz
Challenge yourself with thousands of questions about American and global history.
-
Bet You Didn't Know: London Landmarks
Get all the facts on London's most iconic buildings and places.
-
Ice Road Showdown
Could you make it as an ice road trucker? Show your driving skills in the new game.
-
Civil War 150
Explore the people, places, events and technology that defined the Civil War.
Shop HISTORY
-
Vietnam in HD DVD Set
Their story is in danger of being lost to history. This six-hour miniseries spans the massive initial troop build-up in 1965 to the fall of Saigon a decade later.
$24.95
Buy Now -
Civil War: Rebellion to Reconstruction DVD Set
Experience the turbulent events that ignited the bloodiest, most divisive war this country has known.
$97.99
Buy Now -
The American Civil War DVD Set
Experience for yourself the historical and personal impact of the Civil War.
$69.99
Buy Now
