The Daily History Chronicle

On November 3, 1964, Lyndon Johnson won the most lopsided presidential victory in modern American history, crushing Republican Barry Goldwater with 61% of the popular vote. It looked like the triumph of liberal governance and the death of conservative politics. However, these appearances were deceptive.

Join host Richard Backus as we explore the election that launched the Great Society, featured the infamous "Daisy ad" that revolutionized political advertising, and triggered a political realignment that continues to shape America today. Discover how Goldwater's crushing defeat in five Deep South states marked the beginning of the Republican Party's Southern strategy, how Johnson's landslide enabled Medicare and civil rights legislation but couldn't save him from Vietnam, and how a losing candidate's message can ultimately win the long-term argument.

From a little girl counting daisy petals to a nuclear explosion, from the Civil Rights Act to the conservative movement's awakening, this is the story of an election that changed everything, just not in the way anyone expected.

What is The Daily History Chronicle?

Every date on the calendar marks a moment that changed everything.

Welcome to The Daily History Chronicle, where host Richard Backus, publisher of University Teaching Edition, brings history to life through compelling 15-minute stories that connect the past to our present.

Each day, we travel back to explore a pivotal moment in history, from revolutions and discoveries to tragedies and triumphs. But these aren't just dates and facts. They're stories of courage, conflict, innovation, and consequence that continue to echo through our lives today.

What makes The Daily History Chronicle different? We don't just tell you what happened—we explore why it still matters. Every episode connects historical events to contemporary issues, revealing how the decisions of yesterday shape the challenges and opportunities of today.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about the forces that shaped our world, join us daily for thought-provoking storytelling that makes history relevant, accessible, and unforgettable.

Because, as philosopher George Santayana reminds us, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

New episodes daily. Subscribe now and never miss a moment from history.