March 16 , 2024 - This year marks the 60th anniversary of the race for the White House of Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson vs. Republican U.S. Senator Barry M. Goldwater. While Johnson as a popular incumbent would be easily nominated at the Democratic National Convention held in Atlantic City , New Jersey , Goldwater would emerge from a contentious Republican National Convention held in San Francisco , California.

Goldwater represented a new wave of conservativism that was then sweeping the Republican Party. Despite resistance from moderates , Goldwater was nominated on the first ballot. Goldwater's campaign slogan "A Choice - Not An Echo" would be reflected on bumper stickers and on some Barry Goldwater campaign buttons. Gold coloring would also be featured on some Goldwater buttons along with his trademark black framed glassed. As his vice presidential running mate Goldwater selected U.S. Congressman William E. Miller of New York. 

For the Democrats  , Robert F. Kennedy was believed to be a strong possibility to join Johnson on the ticket.  A Johnson Kennedy pairing  was unlikely though  as the two men were not the best of friends. Ultimately ,  Johnson gave the nod to U.S. Senator Hubert H. Humphrey of Minnesota. Humphrey was no stranger to presidential politics as he had sought the Democratic Party nomination in 1960. Lyndon Johnson campaign buttons for the most part would utilize traditional red, while and blue color schemes. Some LBJ buttons would features his trademark cowboy hat. 

With both parties having selected their nominees the candidates moved on into the fall campaign. Through out the year and continuing till November , Johnson always led Goldwater by large margins in poll after poll. When the votes were tallied on election day , Johnson won 61.05% of the vote to 38.47% for Goldwater. In the Electoral College , Johnson won 486 to 52 for Goldwater. 

While the 1964 presidential campaign long ago entered the pages of histories , Lyndon Johnson campaign buttons and Barry Goldwater campaign buttons continue to be reminders of that era. Below is a photo history of the 1964 presidential campaign.