Nixon v. Kennedy in '72?

MOST likely to succeed in winning the Democratic nomination in 1972? Edmund Muskieeveryone knows that. Everyone, that is, but the sole Republican contender. After scouting the opposition last week, Richard Nixon told his staff and most intimate political friends that he expects to run against Edward Kennedy.

Muskie, said the President, is "the George Romney of the Democratic Party." Romney seemed to be in a commanding position after the 1966 election, but faded even before the 1968 primary season was seriously under way. Nixon said that Muskie's candidacy, too, would not stand up under the extended attention of press and public. Hubert Humphrey, Nixon went on, simply cannot rise again for a rematch, though Nixon still puts him in the top three. By the President's estimate, that leaves only Kennedy, who, Nixon thinks, will receive and accept the nomination.

As Nixon's prediction percolated through the White House, reaction was mixed. Some remembered that early in 1969, Nixon considered Kennedy nearly a sure thing. As was done with other potential rivals, a file was developed on Kennedymaterial one might use against a political opponent. Mary Jo Kopechne's death fattened the file, but made it seem less relevant. The recollection of that initial approach made Nixon's recent remarks at least consistent. Another theory was less generous. Building Kennedy up at this stage could be a way of dividing the Democrats, who seem to have achieved a fragile unity after this month's elections.

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