(Senators Thruston Morton and Hugh Scott - their concept of civility and respect would be an anomaly today)
The situations may be the same but, as evidenced by this edition of Issues and Answers from May of 1966, the personalities are wildly different. Republican Senators, Hugh Scott (R-Penn.) and Thruston Morton (R-Kentucky) discuss the upcoming off-year election of 1966, as well as our Foreign and domestic policies. In the area of Vietnam, history has certainly proven otherwise with regards to the Vietnamese and our role over there in general. In the area of the off-year elections of 1966, Scott speaks of responsibility, respect and civility - words I don't think anyone would remotely consider using alongside our current state of political affairs, particularly where the Republican Party is concerned. Yes, Morton and Scott were considered Moderate Republicans but in 1966 they were very visible.
Sen. Thruston Morton: “ The point that I make is that we as a party going to attack him (Pres. Johnson) on matters of this kind (Vietnam).We’re going to basically support him in the strong policy there. We’re going to point out, as the Loyal Opposition and a responsible, I hope, opposition suggestions we think we can help bring this thing to an honorable close quickly, regardless of the political situation. I think the political situation would die. I think it would at least calm down if the people realized that there is in fact a pacification of the country.”
Sen. Hugh Scott: “(It’s) important that we elect Republican Senators and more of them, and Republican Congressmen and more of them, and this is what we should primarily be talking about. The framework of your questions require us to mention names, but the important thing is that the Republican Party is the party of responsibility; should answer the need of this country for a strong and workable two party system. We can do it by being responsible, respectable and honorable.”
Scott, it must be remembered was very much a vocal supporter of the Vietnam War, as well as our invasion of Cambodia. But he was not considered a "lock-step" Republican and, along with Morton were considered benchmarks for the Moderate wing of the Party. However, their breed appears nowhere in sight today, and it makes you wonder if they're hiding or have become extinct.
