LOOKING TO 1972

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31841, 20 November 1968, Page 12

LOOKING TO 1972

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter) WASHINGTON. Senator Edward Kennedy is already being viewed as a strong contender for the 1972 Presidential contest, as democrats begin facing up to the need to rejuvenate their defeated party. Weary and dispirited after Mr Richard Nixon's victory over Vice-President Hubert Humphrey, Democratic leaders have began talking of serious efforts to re-build the party in a modern image. Political observers are chary of assessing how much the Democrats suffered because of the factionism and strife which split the party for months before the election, but there is little doubt that lack of unity, plus a widespread national mood for change, were important factors in Mr Humphrey’s defeat. Already, some influential Democrats are talking of the 36-year-old Senator Kennedy as a possible “new force” to help heal the party’s wounds and give it some of the charisma attached to the Kennedy name. NO HINT Although the Massachusetts Senator is widely regarded as a potential leader, he has given no hint so far of his intentions. Last August, when the Democratic Convention was split by deep dissension, he rej sisted strong pressure that he .should offer himself as a can- ! didate. Later, he threw his I support solidly behind >Mr 1 Humphrey. ' Senator Kennedy could

find himself challenged by j several prominent Democrat 'who won increased stature [during the election campaign j Although Mr Humphrey remains titular head of the i party, he is considered unlikely tq make another bid for the Presidency. But he is expected to continue to exercise strong influence on party policies and future strategy. STILL A PUZZLE Senator Eugene McCarthy’s intentions remain a puzzle, although he has said he will i not run for the Senate on the ; Democratic ticket when his (present terms ends in 1970. i The 52-year-old leader of ! the dissident Vietnam “doves" has also said he has no plans to offer himself as a Democratic nominee for the Presidency in 1972. This has led to speculation that he might try to lead his youthful followers into a new splinter party. Mr McCarthy is expected to do nothing until he sees whether the [Democrats first act on his repeated demands for internal reform, to free the party of the powerful grip now exercised by local “bosses." Mr Humphrey has sought to answer demands for party reform by promising a houseicleaning of the organisation. He still has power to control 'the party’s z national commitSOME CHANGES? In conceding defeat he said he would continue to work ’for a “responsive and vital Democratic Party," an apparent gesture to the young dissidents. Political experts believe there is a strong possibility Mr Humphrey will make a bid for the Minnesota Senate seat to be vacated by Senator McCarthy in 1970. He has already said he intends to

“bounce back” into national politics. ( If Senator Kennedy has Presidential notions he might find the Kennedy family’s traditional power base among 'young people fragmented by the strong emotional appeal generated during the campaign not only by Senator McCarthy but also by SenaItor Edmund Muskie, Mr Humphrey's running mate.