Hubert Horatio... HORNBLOWER?

[liberalpragmatist]

Thumbing through Wikipedia and I found this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_Democratic_National_Convention

The 1980 convention was notable, as it was the last time in either major party that a candidate tried to get delegates released from their voting commitment. This was done by Senator Ted Kennedy, Carter's chief rival for the nomination in the Democratic primaries, who sought the votes of delegates held by Carter.

After losing his challenge for the nomination earlier that day, Kennedy spoke on August 12 and delivered a rousing and memorable speech in support of President Carter and the Democratic Party. His speech closed with the rousing lines "For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." The speech was written by Bob Shrum.

President Carter gave his acceptance speech on August 14. This was notable for his tribute to "Hubert Horatio HORNBLOWER, er, Humphrey," a gaffe which kept the late night talk shows busy for a week.

Did this actually happen? I can imagine it was an awfully awkward moment, if true.

[Richardo]

1. Yes it did happen

And it was as awkward as you might imagine. There was no denying he said it, he yelled it out - then 'Humphrey!!'
:blush:

[ramblin_dave]

2. I remember it, it happened

I cringed when he said it.

[SoCalDem]

3. That's what happens when people don't write their own speeches

People who do public speaking, use techniques to remember speeches, and when a word like Horatio appears, sometimes their brain plays tricks on them..

Poor Jimmy.. I remember that gaffe too :)

Also back then there were no sophisticated teleprompters, and my guess would be that Hubert Horatio was on one line, and Humphrey on the next.. Jimmy just goofed.:)

[dflprincess]

4. I remember that

As a Minnesotan, I found it amusing.

[DemBones DemBones]

5. If you've heard of "Horatio Hornblower," it's easy to

understand why Jimmy made the mistake.

[UTUSN]

6. Especially with CARTER being a Navy man and literate

The mental autopilot function takes over under stress. But a mistake like that is disastrous in the realm of public perception.

[catnhatnh]

7. Ummm...

I think this is fallacious-will check in a moment.As best I recall Humphrey ran for 68 or 72...I saw him as a kid...

[catnhatnh]

8. OK...

the quote is correct...it happened after Humphrey's death...my bad.

[momster]

9. A president who read real books...

those were the days.