George H.W. Bush - Senator in 1970, POTUS in 1974?

MrHola

Banned
Let's say Bush faces Yarborough rather than Bentsen in the general election. Had Bentsen not run, maybe Yarborough's conservative Democratic primary opposition would have been weaker or more divided than in OTL, and Bush might have squeaked by in the primary instead of losing 53-47. He would then be very vulnerable in the general election.

Nixon-Agnew gets reelected, Agnew resigns on schedule in 1973, and Nixon appoints Senator Bush rather than Congressman Ford to replace him. True, Nixon could have named Bush even in OTL - but there might be more support in the party for the idea if Bush had been elected Senator -"let's have a proven vote winner.")

What would a 1974 Bush administration look like? Would he pardon Nixon? Would he face a primary challenge from Reagan in 1976? Assuming he survived such a challenge, could he defeat Carter or whoever the Democrats would nominate? (At the very least, he would probably carry Texas, which Ford narrowly lost, though he might lose some states Ford won, especially Michigan.)

This could lead to a lesser oil crisis as I can see Bush lift off shore drilling restrictions for the California and Oregon coasts in order for the US to become completely self-sufficient energy-wise and become an oil exporter. Thoughts?
 
Bush is a very plausable alternative to Ford, and may, as you say, have had support among the GOP "elders" in TTL, but, would the choice of Bush have been acceptable to Congressional Democrats? In OTL Ford was pretty much the only man they'd accept. Bush's steadfast loyalty to Nixon might work against him.
 
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