You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
alternatehistory.com
Aug. 31, 1967
August 31, 1967
Romney embarks on 3-week tour of Europe [1]
After several weeks on the campaign trail, Michigan Governor George Romney is headed off on a trip to Europe. However, this is no sight-seeing tour, insists Romney’s chief strategist Leonard W. Hall. The fact-finding trip is intended to shore up Romney’s foreign policy credentials. Romney first plans to visit England, France and West Germany, and will then cross the Iron Curtain to visit Warsaw and Moscow. [2]
But the trip won’t be all business. During his visit, Romney will visit his son Mitt, who is currently doing missionary work in France. For the past year, the younger Romney has been on a mission to convert the people of France to the Mormon faith. [3]
Some are questioning the wisdom of the governor’s timing, as recent polls show the governor falling behind his chief rival, former Vice President Richard Nixon. Despite this, there are reasons to believe that Romney still has a chance of winning the Republican nomination. Not all is well with the Nixon campaign. The recent resignation of Nixon’s national chairman, Dr. Gaylord Parkinson, has created an element of instability in the campaign. While the reason why Parkinson resigned was to take care of his ill wife, there are rumors of strained relations between Nixon and his personal staff. [4]
[1] On this date in OTL, Romney's interview with Detroit-based pundit Lou Gordon was taped on this date. It was during this interview that Romney made his infamous “brainwashing” gaffe