Classic Presidential Campaign Ad Lyndon Johnson 1964 “Daisy” Ad

This is the first in a series of classic ads from Fantasy Politics USA. This is from the 1964 presidential campaign with Lyndon Johnson campaigning against Barry Goldwater. This ad only aired once and is known as one of the most controversial campaign ads ever produced. It was also considered an important factor in Johnson’s landslide win over Goldwater. Daisy” aired only once, during a September 7, 1964 telecast of ‘David and Bathsheba’ on The NBC Monday Movie. Johnson’s campaign was widely criticized for using the prospect of nuclear war, as well as for the implication that Goldwater would start one, to frighten voters. The ad was immediately pulled, but the point was made, appearing on the nightly news and on conversation programs in its entirety. Jack Valenti, who served as a special assistant to Johnson, later suggested that pulling the ad was a calculated move, arguing that “it showed a certain gallantry on the part of the Johnson campaign to withdraw the commercial.” “These are the stakes! To make a world in which all of God’s children can live, or to go into the dark. We must either love each other, or we must die.” “Daisy,” was also known as “Daisy Girl” or “Peace, Little Girl.” Watch for more in Fantasy Politics USA’s classic Presidential campaign ads coming soon, thanks to YouTube.