Kevin Phillips, GOP Strategist Behind Nixon’s Southern Strategy, Dies at 82 from Alzheimer’s

By | October 12, 2023

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Death – Obituary News : Republican strategist Kevin Phillips, known for his role in the race-baiting Southern Strategy that helped Nixon win the White House, has died at 82 from Alzheimer’s. Phillips once stated that “The whole secret of politics is knowing who hates who.”

Republican strategist Kevin Phillips, known for his role in shaping the race-baiting Southern Strategy that propelled Richard Nixon to the White House, has passed away at the age of 82. His death was caused by complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on November 30, 1940, in the small town of Bronxville, New York, Phillips displayed a strong intellect from an early age. He attended Colgate University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history, before going on to complete a master’s degree in government at Harvard University.

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Phillips rose to prominence in the late 1960s when he devised the Southern Strategy, a campaign tactic that exploited racial tensions and sought to appeal to disaffected white voters in the South. This strategy played a pivotal role in securing Nixon’s victory in the 1968 presidential election.

In an interview with journalist Garry Wills in 1968, Phillips revealed his belief that “The whole secret of politics is knowing who hates who.” This statement encapsulated his approach to political strategy, which often emphasized division and polarization.

Despite the success of the Southern Strategy, Phillips later distanced himself from it, expressing regret for the racial animosity it fueled. He went on to become a prolific author, writing numerous books on topics such as American politics, economics, and history.

Phillips’ contributions to the Republican Party and his impact on American politics cannot be understated. His strategies shaped the political landscape, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence political campaigns to this day.

In addition to his political career, Phillips was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret, and their three children. He will be remembered as a brilliant strategist and a significant figure in American political history, even as his controversial tactics continue to spark debate and reflection..

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@Dreamtwister6 said Republican strategist Kevin Phillips has died at 82 from Alzheimer's. He was the mastermind behind the race-baiting Southern Strategy that put Nixon in the White House. In 1968, Phillips told journalist Garry Wills, "The whole secret of politics is knowing who hates who."