Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin shared her thoughts on the current political landscape, describing the 2024 election cycle as the most “head-spinning” she’s seen in decades. Goodwin made her remarks during an appearance on CNN’s OutFront with Erin Burnett on Wednesday.
Burnett asked Goodwin if the recent events in this election season — including an assassination attempt, Joe Biden’s unexpected exit from the race after a disastrous debate performance, and the first Black and Asian woman winning the Democratic nomination — had left her feeling overwhelmed, reported Raw Story.
“Without question,” Goodwin replied.
She drew a comparison between the current political climate and the tumultuous 1968 convention and election.
“Everybody thought Lyndon Johnson was the nominee to be the candidate running against the Republican, who turned out to be Richard Nixon once again. They thought that there was no chance that anyone could undo him. He then decides to withdraw from the race on March 31. And then it looks like it’s going to be a debate between Robert Kennedy and Eugene McCarthy.
Then Martin Luther King is killed, and Robert Kennedy is killed. And then you get to that Democratic convention,” she explained, where the Democrats “lost that election that day.” Reflecting on her experiences, Goodwin remarked, “I lived through that time. It was head-spinning then, it’s head-spinning now.”
Despite the chaos and unpredictability of the current election cycle, Goodwin expressed confidence in the country’s ability to persevere, regardless of whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump emerges victorious.
“This is why history is so important!” Goodwin exclaimed. “It’s why I love it so much.”
She emphasized the nation’s need for historical perspective, saying, “We need perspective. We need their lessons. We need their hope!” Goodwin’s insights highlight the cyclical nature of history and the enduring importance of learning from past events to navigate present challenges.