Documents the 1964 Presidential campaign which resulted in the election of Lyndon B. Johnson over Republican conservative Barry M. Goldwater. Tells the story of that turbulent year of decision which began with the assassination of John F Kennedy, swept through the civil war within the Republican Party and the civil rights revolution, and climaxed in the battle for power between Lyndon B. Johnson and Barry Goldwater. It is the story of how men behave when they are caught by great forces and must act under relentless pressure to lead; and of how Americans respond to leadership at every level.--Adapted from dust jacket.

Of death and unreason -- Lyndon Johnson takes over -- The Rebublicans : rendezvous with disaster -- The primaries : duel to the death -- The dance of the elephants -- Freedom now : the Negro revolution -- Barry Goldwater's convention : coup at the Cow Palace -- Riot in the street : the politics of chaos -- Lyndon Johnson's convention -- The issues : cry Babylon! -- Barry Goldwater's campaign : "What kind of country do you want to have?" -- Lyndon Johnson's campaign : "Come down an' hear the speakin'" -- Vox populi : "For what we are about to receive ..."