I Have Never Been A Quitter: The Impeachment of Richard Nixon
- Thread starter dartingfog
- Start date
Yes, I think there's a reason the Cyprus crisis is coming up this much in the TL, not just because it happened at the same time.
Kissinger's solution to Cyprus was: do nothing, let it play out. So I think this might be exit Kissinger.
From my research, that would be my guess.
This is very helpful. I'll be sure to mention it.
I don't know. There wasn't an explicitly conservative media in the US at the time. There were, I believe, several right-leaning newspapers as well as some prominent individuals like William Buckley of the National Review. I remember reading somewhere that even Buckley lost confidence in Nixon in his last days in office (but I am not sure of this).
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August 16, 1974
Poll: 70% of Americans support Impeachment
A new survey finds that most Americans are in favor of impeaching the President. With a dismal 24 percent [1] approval rating, President Nixon has few supporters left among the American public.
The survey shows that 70% of Americans want the House to impeach President Nixon for his involvement in the cover-up of the Watergate break-in. If Nixon is impeached, 68% of those polled say Nixon should resign, while only 19% think that he should fight removal in a Senate trial. However, 49 percent of Republicans still oppose impeachment of the President, compared to 35 percent in favor. [2]
Which Americans continue to support the President? In Lewiston, Pennsylvania, a small town in Appalachia recently chosen as an All American city by the National Municipal League, people still support Nixon, despite the Watergate scandal. "I think he's done a real good job and people like you should just get off his back," said one local [3]. One Mrs. Buffington, vice-chairman of the local Committee to Re-elect the President had more to say. She said that “I think we have moral decadence everywhere. Why not in politics? Had Lyndon Johnson or anyone – had been President, we would have gone after him. We are looking for a national scapegoat…The point is that you have people feeling that if you get rid of the President, you will have purged yourself of all this and the nation will again be good. This is a fallacious idea. He is our president and I feel that if Richard Nixon is impeached, there will be mass suicides, mass nervous breakdowns, and total demoralization of the country.” [3]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL. http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/data/final_approval.php
[2] I modified the numbers slightly from here: http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1974/08/04/page/1/article/nixon-conviction-favored-harris-poll/index.html
[3] From an OTL article from about two weeks earlier: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/can-an-all-american-town-survive-the-president-19740801. The more things change, the more things stay the same.
================================================================
August 17, 1974
Turkey announces cease-fire in Cyprus [1]
After a two-day “peace operation” in Cyprus, Turkey has called for a unilateral cease-fire in the fighting. Speaking to reporters, Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said “This time there will be a real cease-fire in Cyprus.” After peace talks fell through a few days ago, Turkey invaded the island for the second time in a month. Turkey now controls 40% of the island’s area.
The Turkish invasion has infuriated Greeks, who are calling for war against Turkey. The conflict has caused thousands of Greek Cypriots to flee their homes to the southern (majority Greek) part of the island. Greece has requested military assistance from Britain and the United States, but both countries declined to help. However, PM Karamanlis overruled his cabinet’s desire for a military response to Turkey’s invasion of the island. Instead, he appealed to NATO to invoke Article 5, a mutual pact to respond to any attack on a NATO member. Despite his desire not to go to war, Karamanlis has ordered his troops to the Turkish border. [2]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] Loosely based on this OTL article: http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1974/08/17/page/33/article/goals-met-turks-will-talk
[2] From “The Ford Presidency: A History”, pp. 47-48: “The Turkish army gained control of the northeastern third of the island in two days and called a unilateral truce, but the Greeks were furious. For a time it looked like Greece and Turkey would be drawn into a full-scale war, and a conflict was only averted when Karamanlis made the politically-unpopular decision to back down. He was more concerned about fortifying the fragile new democracy than pursuing Greece’s jingoistic aims in Cyprus. The Greek cabinet met the day after Turkey resumed the offensive, and only Karamanlis opposed a declaration of war. He convinced his cabinet to ask for a NATO response, under the principal [sic] that an attack on one is an attack on all, but the alliance was not willing to take military action against one of its members. Karamanlis massed Greek troops on the Turkish border, but he was probably using the crisis as a pretext to get the army out of Athens, preempting any possible coup. Karamanlis pulled Greece from the brink of war at the last minute, and he explained his actions in a nationally-televised speech.”
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August 18, 1974
House begins debate on Nixon impeachment [1
With debate on impeachment starting tomorrow, the White House is waiting with bated breath. With a vote of impeachment almost inevitable, President Nixon must now hope for a massive change in his favor. More Republicans are coming out in favor of impeachment, and only 30 members of the House have not indicated how they will vote.
But with many Republicans taking sides against Nixon, hope is fading. Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, House Majority Leader John J. Rhodes said that impeachment was “an inexorable movement towards what ought to have been a foregone conclusion.” [2] This comes as another Republican, Rep. Lawrence Hogan of Maryland, has expressed his support for impeaching Nixon. “The thing that's so appalling to me is that the President, when this whole idea was suggested to him, didn't, in righteous indignation, rise up and say, 'Get out of here, you're in the office of the President of the United States. How can you talk about blackmail and bribery and keeping witnesses silent? This is the Presidency of the United States.' But my President didn't do that. He sat there and he worked and worked to try to cover this thing up so it wouldn't come to light.”[3]
However, some Cabinet members still support the President. Treasury Secretary William E. Simon said that the President “sincerely believes he has not committed an impeachable offense. He intends to stay on and will allow the Constitution to be the over-riding factor. We have laws and he has sworn to uphold those laws.” [4]
While things are looking grim for the President, the Nixon administration has a few cards up its sleeve. The Nixon White House has also been flooding reporters with news from every Cabinet department. This is believed to be a strategy to drive the impeachment proceedings off the front page. Unfortunately for the President, this information-overload strategy does not seem to be working, with most of these trivial stories ignored or buried on the back pages of the newspaper. [5]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] Loosely based on an OTL article on Clinton’s impeachment: http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/12/15/house.tally/
[2] John J. Rhodes: Man of the House, pp. 106
[3] As he said in OTL http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/7/16/131217/-
[4] As he said OTL: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=19740807&id=uxAmAAAAIBAJ&sjid=q3kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5364,465518&hl=en
[5] As happened OTL. From “Manufacturing the News, Nixon Style”:
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/press_box/2009/06/manufacturing_the_news_nixon_style.html
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August 18, 1974
Kissinger's Role in Cyprus Crisis Criticized [1]
As the crisis in Cyprus continues, experts are wondering: Is Kissinger losing his diplomatic touch? The crisis has raised questions about the effectiveness of the United States in diplomatic affairs. But what could the United States have done to prevent the crisis?
Experts suggest that Kissinger was distracted by the Watergate crisis. However, this does not explain why the US was so calm about the situation. The reason for this, analysts speculate, is that the administration first supported the short-lived junta that ousted Cyprus’ President Archbishop Makarios, believing that they could prevent the Turks from invading the island. Recent stories suggest that Kissinger considered the Archbishop the “Fidel Castro” of the Mediterranean.
However, Turkey was not satisfied with American support of the junta. Seeing a lack of support for a diplomatic solution from Washington, officials in Turkey ordered an invasion. They likely felt that there use of military means to ensure the safety of the Turkish minority on the island would not upset the US too greatly.
After the invasion, the United States asked the Greeks to accept the Turks’ offer in condition for a cease fire. But it was clear that the United States had adopted a pro-Turkish stance, as Turkey was more important to NATO. By doing so, the United States lost any leverage it might have had. Turkey had little pressure from the United States and enlarged their hold on the island after talks broke down in Geneva.
American preference for Turkey over Greece was a strategic decision. The naval installations in Turkey are regarded as more important to the strategic interests of NATO than are those of Greece. In addition, Turkey shares a border with the Soviet Union. As stated by one diplomat in Athens, “America had to lose one friend or the other and they chose to lose Greece.”
This decision was met with anger in Greece. In Greece, leaders insisted that the United States should have done more to stop the Turks. Last week, Greece pulled their troops out of NATO to show their frustration over what they perceive as Mr. Kissinger's “aloofness” to the crisis and his “betrayal” of Greece.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] Loosely based on this article from OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/19/archives/kissingers-role-in-cyprus-crisis-criticized-u-s-called-too-calm-how.html?_r=0
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August 19, 1974
American Ambassador killed in Cyprus attack [1]
Today, Rodger Davies, the Ambassador to Cyprus, was killed in the line of duty by Greek Cypriot gunmen.
The attack happened during an anti-American demonstration outside the U.S. embassy, following their bitter defeat by Turkish forces. Greek Cypriots are angry that the United States failed to stop the Turkish invasion of the island. Shortly before his assassination, hundreds of Greek Cypriot protestors marched with banners saying “Kissinger murderer” and “America must pay”. Several cars, including the ambassador’s, were set on fire. [2]
Police and US Marines responded by dropping tear gas from the embassy’s roof in order to disperse the crowd, but this had little effect. Even as all this occurred, Davies refused to leave. He was killed when protestors fired automatic weapons into his office on the second floor of the embassy. An embassy secretary named Antoinette Varnavas was also killed in the attack. Ambassador Davies leaves behind two children, whom he had with his late wife Sarah Burgess. [3]
Greek officials have been quick to respond to the attack. Prime Minister Karamanlis of Greece promised to suppress further violence. President Glafkos Clerides of Cyprus said, “I denounce this terrible crime against Cyprus in the strongest terms and express my deepest sorrow and sympathy." [2]
------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodger_Davies
[2] Cyprus: A Troubled Island, pp.94
[3] http://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/20/archives/woman-aide-dies-bullets-from-outside-penetrate-besieged-nicosia.html
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August 21, 1974
President Declares Killers Must Be Brought to Justice [1]
In the midst of impeachment debate, President Nixon reacted to the death of Rodger Davies, the ambassador to Cyprus, saying “This is a very sad occasion for all Americans as we gather to pay tribute to a great patriot and one of our most respected and admired diplomats.” [2] After briefly expressing his sympathy to Mr. Davies’ family, Nixon said that “This tragic event underscores once again the need for all nations to take a firm stand against the menace of international terrorism.” He added that “the perpetrators of the crime must be brought to justice.” [3]
However, the President was quick not to implicate Greece or the Cypriot leadership in the killing of the ambassador, and praised Karamanlis and Clerides for their condemnation of the attack. The President also used the opportunity to suggest that there was still time to end the violence in Cyprus and bring the two parties back to the bargaining table. He also urged Congress to postpone its impeachment proceedings until the crisis could be brought to a resolution, calling it a distraction from more pressing matters.
--------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] The exact same headline after the death of Cleo Noel, ambassador to Sudan, who was killed a year prior: http://www.nytimes.com/1973/03/03/archives/president-declares-killers-must-be-brought-to-justice-nixon-demands.html
[2] Ford’s words from this date in OTL: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=4543
[3] Quotes from Nixon after the death of Cleo Noel: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=4125
================================================================
August 22, 1974
Kissinger steps down as impeachment vote looms [1]
Henry Kissinger, Nixon’s longtime Secretary of State has announced that he will be resigning, effective tomorrow. In a brief letter, he thanked President Nixon for allowing him to serve as his Secretary of State. Kissinger is known for his diplomatic efforts in Vietnam, for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize. Among his other highlights was his pursuit of a policy of détente with the Soviet Union, establishment of formal relations with China, and mediation peace agreements between Egypt and Israel. More controversially, Kissinger was associated with the CIA-assisted ousting of Salvador Allende in Chile.
Kissinger’s decision to call it quits comes at a time when the White House is in turmoil as the impeachment debate continues in Congress. Rumors regarding his resignation have been circulating since the latest crisis in Cyprus began last week. The death of Ambassador Rodgers may have figured into this decision. [2] John Brademas, a Democrat and a man of Greek descent, criticized Kissinger’s diplomatic efforts, calling them a “failure” [3].
However, opposition to US intervention in the conflict is growing. William Shannon, a columnist from the New York Times, said “Cyprus ought not to be an American responsibility. The crisis there is no direct concern of the American President or the American people.” [4] Congressional Democrats also questioned the need for action in Cyprus, as well as the timing.
---------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] You guessed correctly, @yourworstnightmare!
[2] Strategically, it would be a good decision for both men. Nixon gets to use Kissinger as a scapegoat for his failure in Cyprus, while Kissinger gets off a sinking ship.
[3] “Hostage to History: Cyprus from the Ottomans to Kissinger”, pp. 122
[4] As he said OTL. From: “Gerald Ford and the Challenges of the 1970s”, pp. 275-276
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August 23, 1974
Impeachment hearings delayed after ambassador’s death
Despite deep skepticism over Nixon’s reasoning for delaying the impeachment vote, Democratic leaders have decided that, out of respect for Ambassador Davies, it would be best to postpone it. The impeachment vote, which was scheduled for tomorrow, was moved so that it would not be held on the same day as Ambassador Davies’ funeral. The vote is now scheduled for August 28. [1]
------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] A minor victory for Nixon, but a victory nonetheless. Interestingly, something similar happened with Bill Clinton, where the bombing of Iraq delayed the impeachment vote: http://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/17/us/impeachment-overview-impeachment-vote-house-delayed-clinton-launches-iraq-air.html
August 16, 1974
Poll: 70% of Americans support Impeachment
A new survey finds that most Americans are in favor of impeaching the President. With a dismal 24 percent [1] approval rating, President Nixon has few supporters left among the American public.
The survey shows that 70% of Americans want the House to impeach President Nixon for his involvement in the cover-up of the Watergate break-in. If Nixon is impeached, 68% of those polled say Nixon should resign, while only 19% think that he should fight removal in a Senate trial. However, 49 percent of Republicans still oppose impeachment of the President, compared to 35 percent in favor. [2]
Which Americans continue to support the President? In Lewiston, Pennsylvania, a small town in Appalachia recently chosen as an All American city by the National Municipal League, people still support Nixon, despite the Watergate scandal. "I think he's done a real good job and people like you should just get off his back," said one local [3]. One Mrs. Buffington, vice-chairman of the local Committee to Re-elect the President had more to say. She said that “I think we have moral decadence everywhere. Why not in politics? Had Lyndon Johnson or anyone – had been President, we would have gone after him. We are looking for a national scapegoat…The point is that you have people feeling that if you get rid of the President, you will have purged yourself of all this and the nation will again be good. This is a fallacious idea. He is our president and I feel that if Richard Nixon is impeached, there will be mass suicides, mass nervous breakdowns, and total demoralization of the country.” [3]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL. http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/data/final_approval.php
[2] I modified the numbers slightly from here: http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1974/08/04/page/1/article/nixon-conviction-favored-harris-poll/index.html
[3] From an OTL article from about two weeks earlier: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/can-an-all-american-town-survive-the-president-19740801. The more things change, the more things stay the same.
================================================================
August 17, 1974
Turkey announces cease-fire in Cyprus [1]
After a two-day “peace operation” in Cyprus, Turkey has called for a unilateral cease-fire in the fighting. Speaking to reporters, Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said “This time there will be a real cease-fire in Cyprus.” After peace talks fell through a few days ago, Turkey invaded the island for the second time in a month. Turkey now controls 40% of the island’s area.
The Turkish invasion has infuriated Greeks, who are calling for war against Turkey. The conflict has caused thousands of Greek Cypriots to flee their homes to the southern (majority Greek) part of the island. Greece has requested military assistance from Britain and the United States, but both countries declined to help. However, PM Karamanlis overruled his cabinet’s desire for a military response to Turkey’s invasion of the island. Instead, he appealed to NATO to invoke Article 5, a mutual pact to respond to any attack on a NATO member. Despite his desire not to go to war, Karamanlis has ordered his troops to the Turkish border. [2]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] Loosely based on this OTL article: http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1974/08/17/page/33/article/goals-met-turks-will-talk
[2] From “The Ford Presidency: A History”, pp. 47-48: “The Turkish army gained control of the northeastern third of the island in two days and called a unilateral truce, but the Greeks were furious. For a time it looked like Greece and Turkey would be drawn into a full-scale war, and a conflict was only averted when Karamanlis made the politically-unpopular decision to back down. He was more concerned about fortifying the fragile new democracy than pursuing Greece’s jingoistic aims in Cyprus. The Greek cabinet met the day after Turkey resumed the offensive, and only Karamanlis opposed a declaration of war. He convinced his cabinet to ask for a NATO response, under the principal [sic] that an attack on one is an attack on all, but the alliance was not willing to take military action against one of its members. Karamanlis massed Greek troops on the Turkish border, but he was probably using the crisis as a pretext to get the army out of Athens, preempting any possible coup. Karamanlis pulled Greece from the brink of war at the last minute, and he explained his actions in a nationally-televised speech.”
================================================================
August 18, 1974
House begins debate on Nixon impeachment [1
With debate on impeachment starting tomorrow, the White House is waiting with bated breath. With a vote of impeachment almost inevitable, President Nixon must now hope for a massive change in his favor. More Republicans are coming out in favor of impeachment, and only 30 members of the House have not indicated how they will vote.
But with many Republicans taking sides against Nixon, hope is fading. Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, House Majority Leader John J. Rhodes said that impeachment was “an inexorable movement towards what ought to have been a foregone conclusion.” [2] This comes as another Republican, Rep. Lawrence Hogan of Maryland, has expressed his support for impeaching Nixon. “The thing that's so appalling to me is that the President, when this whole idea was suggested to him, didn't, in righteous indignation, rise up and say, 'Get out of here, you're in the office of the President of the United States. How can you talk about blackmail and bribery and keeping witnesses silent? This is the Presidency of the United States.' But my President didn't do that. He sat there and he worked and worked to try to cover this thing up so it wouldn't come to light.”[3]
However, some Cabinet members still support the President. Treasury Secretary William E. Simon said that the President “sincerely believes he has not committed an impeachable offense. He intends to stay on and will allow the Constitution to be the over-riding factor. We have laws and he has sworn to uphold those laws.” [4]
While things are looking grim for the President, the Nixon administration has a few cards up its sleeve. The Nixon White House has also been flooding reporters with news from every Cabinet department. This is believed to be a strategy to drive the impeachment proceedings off the front page. Unfortunately for the President, this information-overload strategy does not seem to be working, with most of these trivial stories ignored or buried on the back pages of the newspaper. [5]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] Loosely based on an OTL article on Clinton’s impeachment: http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/12/15/house.tally/
[2] John J. Rhodes: Man of the House, pp. 106
[3] As he said in OTL http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/7/16/131217/-
[4] As he said OTL: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=19740807&id=uxAmAAAAIBAJ&sjid=q3kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5364,465518&hl=en
[5] As happened OTL. From “Manufacturing the News, Nixon Style”:
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/press_box/2009/06/manufacturing_the_news_nixon_style.html
================================================================
August 18, 1974
Kissinger's Role in Cyprus Crisis Criticized [1]
As the crisis in Cyprus continues, experts are wondering: Is Kissinger losing his diplomatic touch? The crisis has raised questions about the effectiveness of the United States in diplomatic affairs. But what could the United States have done to prevent the crisis?
Experts suggest that Kissinger was distracted by the Watergate crisis. However, this does not explain why the US was so calm about the situation. The reason for this, analysts speculate, is that the administration first supported the short-lived junta that ousted Cyprus’ President Archbishop Makarios, believing that they could prevent the Turks from invading the island. Recent stories suggest that Kissinger considered the Archbishop the “Fidel Castro” of the Mediterranean.
However, Turkey was not satisfied with American support of the junta. Seeing a lack of support for a diplomatic solution from Washington, officials in Turkey ordered an invasion. They likely felt that there use of military means to ensure the safety of the Turkish minority on the island would not upset the US too greatly.
After the invasion, the United States asked the Greeks to accept the Turks’ offer in condition for a cease fire. But it was clear that the United States had adopted a pro-Turkish stance, as Turkey was more important to NATO. By doing so, the United States lost any leverage it might have had. Turkey had little pressure from the United States and enlarged their hold on the island after talks broke down in Geneva.
American preference for Turkey over Greece was a strategic decision. The naval installations in Turkey are regarded as more important to the strategic interests of NATO than are those of Greece. In addition, Turkey shares a border with the Soviet Union. As stated by one diplomat in Athens, “America had to lose one friend or the other and they chose to lose Greece.”
This decision was met with anger in Greece. In Greece, leaders insisted that the United States should have done more to stop the Turks. Last week, Greece pulled their troops out of NATO to show their frustration over what they perceive as Mr. Kissinger's “aloofness” to the crisis and his “betrayal” of Greece.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] Loosely based on this article from OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/19/archives/kissingers-role-in-cyprus-crisis-criticized-u-s-called-too-calm-how.html?_r=0
================================================================
August 19, 1974
American Ambassador killed in Cyprus attack [1]
Today, Rodger Davies, the Ambassador to Cyprus, was killed in the line of duty by Greek Cypriot gunmen.
The attack happened during an anti-American demonstration outside the U.S. embassy, following their bitter defeat by Turkish forces. Greek Cypriots are angry that the United States failed to stop the Turkish invasion of the island. Shortly before his assassination, hundreds of Greek Cypriot protestors marched with banners saying “Kissinger murderer” and “America must pay”. Several cars, including the ambassador’s, were set on fire. [2]
Police and US Marines responded by dropping tear gas from the embassy’s roof in order to disperse the crowd, but this had little effect. Even as all this occurred, Davies refused to leave. He was killed when protestors fired automatic weapons into his office on the second floor of the embassy. An embassy secretary named Antoinette Varnavas was also killed in the attack. Ambassador Davies leaves behind two children, whom he had with his late wife Sarah Burgess. [3]
Greek officials have been quick to respond to the attack. Prime Minister Karamanlis of Greece promised to suppress further violence. President Glafkos Clerides of Cyprus said, “I denounce this terrible crime against Cyprus in the strongest terms and express my deepest sorrow and sympathy." [2]
------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodger_Davies
[2] Cyprus: A Troubled Island, pp.94
[3] http://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/20/archives/woman-aide-dies-bullets-from-outside-penetrate-besieged-nicosia.html
================================================================
August 21, 1974
President Declares Killers Must Be Brought to Justice [1]
In the midst of impeachment debate, President Nixon reacted to the death of Rodger Davies, the ambassador to Cyprus, saying “This is a very sad occasion for all Americans as we gather to pay tribute to a great patriot and one of our most respected and admired diplomats.” [2] After briefly expressing his sympathy to Mr. Davies’ family, Nixon said that “This tragic event underscores once again the need for all nations to take a firm stand against the menace of international terrorism.” He added that “the perpetrators of the crime must be brought to justice.” [3]
However, the President was quick not to implicate Greece or the Cypriot leadership in the killing of the ambassador, and praised Karamanlis and Clerides for their condemnation of the attack. The President also used the opportunity to suggest that there was still time to end the violence in Cyprus and bring the two parties back to the bargaining table. He also urged Congress to postpone its impeachment proceedings until the crisis could be brought to a resolution, calling it a distraction from more pressing matters.
--------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] The exact same headline after the death of Cleo Noel, ambassador to Sudan, who was killed a year prior: http://www.nytimes.com/1973/03/03/archives/president-declares-killers-must-be-brought-to-justice-nixon-demands.html
[2] Ford’s words from this date in OTL: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=4543
[3] Quotes from Nixon after the death of Cleo Noel: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=4125
================================================================
August 22, 1974
Kissinger steps down as impeachment vote looms [1]
Henry Kissinger, Nixon’s longtime Secretary of State has announced that he will be resigning, effective tomorrow. In a brief letter, he thanked President Nixon for allowing him to serve as his Secretary of State. Kissinger is known for his diplomatic efforts in Vietnam, for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize. Among his other highlights was his pursuit of a policy of détente with the Soviet Union, establishment of formal relations with China, and mediation peace agreements between Egypt and Israel. More controversially, Kissinger was associated with the CIA-assisted ousting of Salvador Allende in Chile.
Kissinger’s decision to call it quits comes at a time when the White House is in turmoil as the impeachment debate continues in Congress. Rumors regarding his resignation have been circulating since the latest crisis in Cyprus began last week. The death of Ambassador Rodgers may have figured into this decision. [2] John Brademas, a Democrat and a man of Greek descent, criticized Kissinger’s diplomatic efforts, calling them a “failure” [3].
However, opposition to US intervention in the conflict is growing. William Shannon, a columnist from the New York Times, said “Cyprus ought not to be an American responsibility. The crisis there is no direct concern of the American President or the American people.” [4] Congressional Democrats also questioned the need for action in Cyprus, as well as the timing.
---------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] You guessed correctly, @yourworstnightmare!
[2] Strategically, it would be a good decision for both men. Nixon gets to use Kissinger as a scapegoat for his failure in Cyprus, while Kissinger gets off a sinking ship.
[3] “Hostage to History: Cyprus from the Ottomans to Kissinger”, pp. 122
[4] As he said OTL. From: “Gerald Ford and the Challenges of the 1970s”, pp. 275-276
================================================================
August 23, 1974
Impeachment hearings delayed after ambassador’s death
Despite deep skepticism over Nixon’s reasoning for delaying the impeachment vote, Democratic leaders have decided that, out of respect for Ambassador Davies, it would be best to postpone it. The impeachment vote, which was scheduled for tomorrow, was moved so that it would not be held on the same day as Ambassador Davies’ funeral. The vote is now scheduled for August 28. [1]
------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] A minor victory for Nixon, but a victory nonetheless. Interestingly, something similar happened with Bill Clinton, where the bombing of Iraq delayed the impeachment vote: http://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/17/us/impeachment-overview-impeachment-vote-house-delayed-clinton-launches-iraq-air.html
Kissinger really fucked up regarding Cyprus. His willingness to get rid of Archbishop Makarios led him to turn a blind eye to the Greek junta sending troublemakers to Cyprus to overthrow the archbishop, cleanse the Turkish population and procalim enosis with Greece. And it's not like Kissinger didn't know that the Turkish reaction to this would be to launch their own campaign on Cyprus, and that a situation where two NATO members were at war very well could come out of this. An angry letter to Athens early to stop meddling in Cyprus could have stopped it. But Kissinger saw ethnic cleansing and war as an acceptable cost to get rid of Makarios. It's astounding how much the State Department knew what was going on in Cyprus early and decided to do nothing.
August 25, 1974
Conservative pundit weighs in on Nixon
Coverage of the President for the last several months has been overwhelmingly negative, unsurprising due to the Watergate scandal. It is no secret that Nixon has a similarly negative view of the press. Nixon, after all, once said that "the press is the enemy." But what do Nixon’s supporters in the media think of him?
Unfortunately for Nixon, even conservative writers appear to be abandoning the President. In his latest column, William F. Buckley wrote, “Our leader is in deep trouble. It is altogether possible he will not succeed, finally, in extricating himself. Only the disappearance from the public scene of Richard Nixon would dissipate the miasma that, for instance, recently caused Mr. Kissinger to go to emotional extremes. Following that, a patient, cautious dissociation would appear to be prudent.” [1]
---------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] A cobbling-together of OTL quotes from Buckley. From William F. Buckley, Jr.: Patron Saint of the Conservatives, pp. 354-357.
================================================================
August 28, 1974
Nixon impeached on two counts [1]
President Nixon was impeached on two articles in today’s House vote. On Count One, Obstruction of Justice, the House vote was 370-64. On Count Two, Abuse of Power, the House vote was 276-158. On Count Three, Contempt of Congress, the House vote was 212-222, a narrow loss [2]. With today’s vote, Nixon became only the second U.S. president in history to be impeached. The first President to be impeached was President Andrew Johnson, more than 100 years ago. But unlike Johnson’s impeachment, the proceedings of the vote were televised on all major networks, allowing Americans to see the historic vote as it happened.
The first article alleged that Nixon obstructed justice by engaging in a cover-up of the wiretap and burglary of Democratic National Headquarters and other activities performed by those responsible for that crime. It was supported unanimously by Democrats, and supported by more than 100 Republicans. Sixty-four Republicans opposed the Article.
The second article alleged that Nixon abused his power by violating the constitutional rights of citizens, by interfering with investigations, and by contravening the laws of the executive branch. A few Republicans broke ranks to vote in favor of Article II, but it was mostly a party-line vote, with all Democrats (except one) voting in favor and only 22 Republicans in favor.
The third article alleged that Nixon failed to produce evidence requested by subpoenas issued by the House of Representatives’ Judiciary Committee. All but three Republicans voted against Article III. They were joined by 40 Southern Democrats, who also voted against the measure. Thus, it failed to pass.
While Democrats were almost united in their support of impeachment, Republicans were deeply divided over the issue. But even Charles Wiggins (R-CA), one of the President's staunchest defenders, voted for Article I. [3] Charles Sandman (R-NJ), who recently said impeachment would be a “blotch on the history of this great nation," also voted for Article I [4]. The Republicans who voted against all three articles of impeachment were generally more conservative and represented districts that voted overwhelmingly for Nixon in 1972 [2]. Among these Republicans were Carl Curtis (R-NE) and Earl Landgrebe (R-IN). Curtis defended his vote by saying that “I do not believe Watergate is worth starting the parade toward becoming a banana republic.” [5] Landgrebe, meanwhile, had told reporters prior to the vote: “Don't confuse me with the facts. I've got a closed mind. I will not vote for impeachment.” [6]
How did the President react? According to top aides, the President was mostly calm about the matter. As the President watched the proceeding on a television in the dining room off the Oval Office, Nixon expressed his anger toward Republicans whom he believed had betrayed him. “I campaigned for a lot of these people. Some were turkeys, but I campaigned for all of them.” [7] But President Nixon took comfort in the fact that impeachment would mean little in terms of removing him from office and remained optimistic that he would not be found guilty in the Senate.
Committee Chairman Peter Rodino will deliver the impeachment articles to the Secretary of the Senate, Gary Sisco. This moves the issue from the House to the Senate. The President will be tried on the two allegations of "obstruction of justice" and “abuse of power” in the Senate. The trial is expected to start in mid-September. However, before the Senate trial would begin, there will be pleadings and motions before the Senate takes any evidence. This means start of the trial will depend on how much time Senate leaders give to the President and his lawyers to prepare their defense case. [1]
Before adjourning, the House appointed thirteen managers who will act as the prosecutors in the Senate trial. All of the managers were chosen by House leadership from the Judiciary Committee. They include 6 Democrats and 6 Republicans: Jack Brooks (D-TX), William Hungate (D-MO), Barbara Jordan (D-TX), James Mann (D-SC), Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), Ray Thornton (D-AR), Caldwell Butler (R-VA), William S. Cohen (R-ME), Lawrence J. Hogan (R-MD), Hamilton “Ham” Fish Jr. (R-NY), Harold V. Froehlich (R-WI), and Robert McClory (R-IL) [8]. They will be led by a thirteenth man, Judiciary Committee chairman Peter Rodino (D-NJ). Chief Justice Warren Burger will preside over the trial. [9]
While impeachment means that the President could be put on trial, it may not happen at all. Because the impeachment trial will divert the attention of the President and the Congress away from the business of leading the country, Senators may be motivated to avoid a trial altogether. Some Republicans are already pushing for a deal to avoid a trial for Nixon. If the President resigns now, proponents of the deal say, he should not have to endure the indignity of a trial.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] Loosely based on this OTL article on the impeachment vote of the Judiciary Committee a month earlier: http://time.com/3079519/the-fateful-vote-to-impeach/ and Clinton’s impeachment: http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/12/19/impeachment.01/
[2] Thanks to @troosvelt_68: https://www.jstor.org/stable/27547720?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
Based on their numbers, it appears the House would have had 250 Democrats and 185 Republicans at that time.
[3] http://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/06/a...s-in-gop-join-him-wiggins-says-hell-vote.html
[4] He was against impeachment up until the very day before Nixon resigned OTL, when he came out in favor of it: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/07/nixon-richard-president-watergate-archive
[5] https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/15129249
[6] https://library.cqpress.com/cqalmanac/document.php?id=cqal74-1223105. Such profound words.
[7] http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1996/analysis/back.time/9608/21/index.shtml
[8] I chose the six Republicans because I think that the House leadership would not want to give the appearance of a partisan witch-hunt. The House also knows they will have to persuade a few Republicans in the Senate in order for Nixon to be found guilty (they need a 2/3 majority). However, this group would likely be chosen because all six voted in favor of 2 or 3 of the articles of impeachment when they were on the House Judiciary Committee in OTL: http://watergate.info/impeachment/analysis-judiciary-committee-impeachment-votes
The Democrats were harder to choose, but I made sure to choose some of the more prominent members of the Committee. According to “Encyclopedia of the Clinton Presidency”, pp. 185, the managers chosen in his impeachment were all lawyers and the majority had experience as prosecutors. In Nixon’s case, all of the Democratic members of the Committee had law degrees, but only Hungate had prosecutorial experience. As for the rest, the Southerners (Thornton, Brooks, and Mann) were influential in getting Republican support. Jordan made a particularly famous speech during the Judiciary Committee’s impeachment proceedings in OTL. And Sarbanes was considered as a possible contender for chairman of the managers.
[9] https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/what-would-a-nixon-impeachment-trial-have-looked-like/
================================================================
I have a super-busy week ahead of me, so it may be a while until my next post…
Conservative pundit weighs in on Nixon
Coverage of the President for the last several months has been overwhelmingly negative, unsurprising due to the Watergate scandal. It is no secret that Nixon has a similarly negative view of the press. Nixon, after all, once said that "the press is the enemy." But what do Nixon’s supporters in the media think of him?
Unfortunately for Nixon, even conservative writers appear to be abandoning the President. In his latest column, William F. Buckley wrote, “Our leader is in deep trouble. It is altogether possible he will not succeed, finally, in extricating himself. Only the disappearance from the public scene of Richard Nixon would dissipate the miasma that, for instance, recently caused Mr. Kissinger to go to emotional extremes. Following that, a patient, cautious dissociation would appear to be prudent.” [1]
---------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] A cobbling-together of OTL quotes from Buckley. From William F. Buckley, Jr.: Patron Saint of the Conservatives, pp. 354-357.
================================================================
August 28, 1974
Nixon impeached on two counts [1]
President Nixon was impeached on two articles in today’s House vote. On Count One, Obstruction of Justice, the House vote was 370-64. On Count Two, Abuse of Power, the House vote was 276-158. On Count Three, Contempt of Congress, the House vote was 212-222, a narrow loss [2]. With today’s vote, Nixon became only the second U.S. president in history to be impeached. The first President to be impeached was President Andrew Johnson, more than 100 years ago. But unlike Johnson’s impeachment, the proceedings of the vote were televised on all major networks, allowing Americans to see the historic vote as it happened.
The first article alleged that Nixon obstructed justice by engaging in a cover-up of the wiretap and burglary of Democratic National Headquarters and other activities performed by those responsible for that crime. It was supported unanimously by Democrats, and supported by more than 100 Republicans. Sixty-four Republicans opposed the Article.
The second article alleged that Nixon abused his power by violating the constitutional rights of citizens, by interfering with investigations, and by contravening the laws of the executive branch. A few Republicans broke ranks to vote in favor of Article II, but it was mostly a party-line vote, with all Democrats (except one) voting in favor and only 22 Republicans in favor.
The third article alleged that Nixon failed to produce evidence requested by subpoenas issued by the House of Representatives’ Judiciary Committee. All but three Republicans voted against Article III. They were joined by 40 Southern Democrats, who also voted against the measure. Thus, it failed to pass.
While Democrats were almost united in their support of impeachment, Republicans were deeply divided over the issue. But even Charles Wiggins (R-CA), one of the President's staunchest defenders, voted for Article I. [3] Charles Sandman (R-NJ), who recently said impeachment would be a “blotch on the history of this great nation," also voted for Article I [4]. The Republicans who voted against all three articles of impeachment were generally more conservative and represented districts that voted overwhelmingly for Nixon in 1972 [2]. Among these Republicans were Carl Curtis (R-NE) and Earl Landgrebe (R-IN). Curtis defended his vote by saying that “I do not believe Watergate is worth starting the parade toward becoming a banana republic.” [5] Landgrebe, meanwhile, had told reporters prior to the vote: “Don't confuse me with the facts. I've got a closed mind. I will not vote for impeachment.” [6]
How did the President react? According to top aides, the President was mostly calm about the matter. As the President watched the proceeding on a television in the dining room off the Oval Office, Nixon expressed his anger toward Republicans whom he believed had betrayed him. “I campaigned for a lot of these people. Some were turkeys, but I campaigned for all of them.” [7] But President Nixon took comfort in the fact that impeachment would mean little in terms of removing him from office and remained optimistic that he would not be found guilty in the Senate.
Committee Chairman Peter Rodino will deliver the impeachment articles to the Secretary of the Senate, Gary Sisco. This moves the issue from the House to the Senate. The President will be tried on the two allegations of "obstruction of justice" and “abuse of power” in the Senate. The trial is expected to start in mid-September. However, before the Senate trial would begin, there will be pleadings and motions before the Senate takes any evidence. This means start of the trial will depend on how much time Senate leaders give to the President and his lawyers to prepare their defense case. [1]
Before adjourning, the House appointed thirteen managers who will act as the prosecutors in the Senate trial. All of the managers were chosen by House leadership from the Judiciary Committee. They include 6 Democrats and 6 Republicans: Jack Brooks (D-TX), William Hungate (D-MO), Barbara Jordan (D-TX), James Mann (D-SC), Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), Ray Thornton (D-AR), Caldwell Butler (R-VA), William S. Cohen (R-ME), Lawrence J. Hogan (R-MD), Hamilton “Ham” Fish Jr. (R-NY), Harold V. Froehlich (R-WI), and Robert McClory (R-IL) [8]. They will be led by a thirteenth man, Judiciary Committee chairman Peter Rodino (D-NJ). Chief Justice Warren Burger will preside over the trial. [9]
While impeachment means that the President could be put on trial, it may not happen at all. Because the impeachment trial will divert the attention of the President and the Congress away from the business of leading the country, Senators may be motivated to avoid a trial altogether. Some Republicans are already pushing for a deal to avoid a trial for Nixon. If the President resigns now, proponents of the deal say, he should not have to endure the indignity of a trial.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] Loosely based on this OTL article on the impeachment vote of the Judiciary Committee a month earlier: http://time.com/3079519/the-fateful-vote-to-impeach/ and Clinton’s impeachment: http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/12/19/impeachment.01/
[2] Thanks to @troosvelt_68: https://www.jstor.org/stable/27547720?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
Based on their numbers, it appears the House would have had 250 Democrats and 185 Republicans at that time.
[3] http://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/06/a...s-in-gop-join-him-wiggins-says-hell-vote.html
[4] He was against impeachment up until the very day before Nixon resigned OTL, when he came out in favor of it: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/07/nixon-richard-president-watergate-archive
[5] https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/15129249
[6] https://library.cqpress.com/cqalmanac/document.php?id=cqal74-1223105. Such profound words.
[7] http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1996/analysis/back.time/9608/21/index.shtml
[8] I chose the six Republicans because I think that the House leadership would not want to give the appearance of a partisan witch-hunt. The House also knows they will have to persuade a few Republicans in the Senate in order for Nixon to be found guilty (they need a 2/3 majority). However, this group would likely be chosen because all six voted in favor of 2 or 3 of the articles of impeachment when they were on the House Judiciary Committee in OTL: http://watergate.info/impeachment/analysis-judiciary-committee-impeachment-votes
The Democrats were harder to choose, but I made sure to choose some of the more prominent members of the Committee. According to “Encyclopedia of the Clinton Presidency”, pp. 185, the managers chosen in his impeachment were all lawyers and the majority had experience as prosecutors. In Nixon’s case, all of the Democratic members of the Committee had law degrees, but only Hungate had prosecutorial experience. As for the rest, the Southerners (Thornton, Brooks, and Mann) were influential in getting Republican support. Jordan made a particularly famous speech during the Judiciary Committee’s impeachment proceedings in OTL. And Sarbanes was considered as a possible contender for chairman of the managers.
[9] https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/what-would-a-nixon-impeachment-trial-have-looked-like/
================================================================
I have a super-busy week ahead of me, so it may be a while until my next post…
================================================================
August 30, 1974
Nixon nominates Sisco for Secretary of State
Seemingly undaunted by his recent impeachment, President Nixon named Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Joseph Sisco as his replacement for outgoing Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. A long-time diplomat, Sisco recently helped to defuse the Cyprus crisis, preventing Greek retaliation against Turkey [1]. He has also been instrumental in negotiating peace between Israel and its neighbors. Former Secretary of State Kissinger has praised Sisco, calling him "enormously inventive, with a talent for the stratagems that are the lifeblood of Middle East diplomacy, sometimes offering more solutions than there were problems". [2] A Senate vote on confirmation is expected to be held sometime next month.
This comes as the ongoing Cyprus crisis still remains unresolved. With the guns stilled and Turkish troops in control of more than one-third of the island, the once-dominant Greek community is assessing the damage caused by four weeks of war. [3] The President recently appointed former Ambassador to Yemen William Crawford [4] to replace the assassinated former ambassador to Cyprus, Rodger Davies.
To succeed Kissinger in his role as National Security Advisor, a post which Kissinger also held while he was Secretary of State, the President named Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft. Scowcroft is currently the Deputy National Security Advisor and was recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in the U.S. Air Force. [5]
-------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] From https://www.theguardian.com/news/2004/dec/01/guardianobituaries.usa:
“Joseph Sisco…was probably the only US state department official who managed to shout down his truculent boss, Henry Kissinger…One of Sisco's most delicate assignments was in July 1974, when an attempted coup against President Makarios of Cyprus provoked an immediate Turkish invasion. It seemed likely that war might erupt between two members of NATO, with unforeseeable consequences for the rest of the alliance. Sisco was rushed into the breach and arrived in Athens to find the Greek military junta preparing a counter- invasion. Faced with the stupidity of the colonels in charge of the regime, Sisco abandoned any pretence [sic] of diplomacy and bluntly pointed out not only the strength of the Turkish military forces, but that the Soviet Union had also put 40,000 men on alert. Were Athens to deploy its troops, he shouted, Washington would not move a muscle to help as the men faced inevitable disaster. There was no way his message could be misunderstood and the colonels gave way. Two days later they were out on their ear and Constantine Karamanlis returned from exile to re-establish civilian rule and calm the situation.”
[2] From White House Years: The First Volume of His Classic Memoirs (Henry Kissinger).
[3] As OTL: http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,943726,00.html
[4] As OTL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Ambassador_to_Cyprus
[5] Much like OTL, but a year earlier. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brent_Scowcroft
================================================================
September 3, 1974
Nixon assembles defense team
In the wake of his impeachment in the House, the President has turned his attention to assembling his defense team for his upcoming trial in the Senate. It is expected that James St. Clair, Nixon’s special counsel, will serve as the chief member of Nixon’s defense team. Special counsel members Leonard Garment, J. Fred Buzhardt, and Charles Alan Wright are also believed to be among those who will defend the President. [1]
Although it is far from certain, the tapes subpoenaed by Special Prosecutor Jaworski from the President could play an influential role in the Senate trial. Just how and when any Congressional investigators could acquire them is not clear either, since the Supreme Court directed that the tapes be made available for use in the criminal-conspiracy trial of six former Nixon aides, scheduled to begin on September 9. Some legal experts believe that the Senate could subpoena the tapes from Judge Sirica in ample time for a presidential trial. [2]
In advance of Nixon’s trial, Senate parliamentarian Floyd Riddick has published a set of new rules for the trial proceedings [3]. Although a date for a trial has not been set, speculations have already begun. Senator Jacob Javits (R-NY) has predicted that the Senate trial would be unlikely to begin until November, with the outcome not known until late January [4]. He also predicted that the President would be forced to be ‘in court’ for the greater part of the trial.
The President has indicated his desire to testify on his own behalf, despite the advice from some of his legal advisors. A month ago, Nixon said that he intends to “appear before the Senate, and answer under oath before the Senate any and all questions put to me there.” [5]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] In OTL, they were all members of Nixon’s special counsel during the Watergate investigations: https://nacla.org/article/nixon-defense-team. It could be that Nixon chooses someone else to defend him, but it’s possible he could change his defense team midway.
[2] http://www.time.com%2F3079519%2Fthe-fateful-vote-to-impeach%2F&usg=AFQjCNGrPheFSBk6jdfYHMHKuDkOhH-D6A
[3] As OTL: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CDOC-99sdoc33/html/CDOC-99sdoc33.htm
[4] From Years of Upheaval (by Henry Kissinger), pp. 1193: “Senator Jacob Javits told me that he did not expect the Senate trial to start before November: the outcome would not be certain until late January…Worse, Javits predicted that Nixon would be forced to be ‘in court’ for the greater part of the trial.”
[5] Based on the speech mentioned above: http://watergate.info/1996/12/22/nixon-refuses-to-resign-speech.html
================================================================
September 7, 1974
Nixon promotes agenda to help economy
With a sagging economy and high inflation, many Americans are naturally concerned about the state of the economy. But President Nixon says he has a plan to put America’s economy back on track. In a televised speech, Nixon said that resolving the economic crisis was his most important priority. Nixon promised to work with Congress cut “unnecessary” legislative programs, resolve the energy crisis by increasing oil and coal output, reform health care, and to promote joint programs in space and health with the Soviet Union and China [1]. Nixon also restated his commitment to opposing school busing by denouncing a recent controversial decision by Judge W. Arthur Garrity Jr. to integrate Boston’s schools (set to take effect on September 12), calling it a “classic case of the remedy for one evil creating another evil.” [2][3]
Nixon closed his speech by warning that if he were unable to see these plans through (implying that if he were to be removed from office) they might never come to pass. [4] His agenda is thought by some to be an attempt to woo Republicans in the Senate, who may be contemplating impeaching the President. But they are skeptical about Nixon’s intentions. Senator Jacob K. Javits of New York warned President Nixon today against playing ‘impeachment politics” by trimming his legislative programs “to please a given number of senators: 33 plus one.” [5] Mr. Javits said that he feared that the Administration was trying to please Senate conservatives, in hope of gaining 34 votes needed to block an impeachment conviction, which requires a two–thirds vote.
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NOTES:
[1] This plan was outlined in Nixon’s Oklahoma State commencement address in May 1974: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=4205. Gerald Ford gave a similar speech to Congress in October 1974.
[2] Nixon’s quote from OTL 1972: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=3776
[3]For context: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/03/the-boston-busing-crisis-was-never-intended-to-work/474264/
[4] Nixon said something similar in OTL: “It is also essential that we not be so distracted by events such as this [referring to Watergate] that we neglect the vital work before us.” Source: http://watergate.info/1973/04/30/nixons-first-watergate-speech.html
[5] As he said in OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/04/archives/javits-says-nixon-plays-impeachment-politics-senator-calls-it-plan.html
================================================================
September 14, 1974
Doctor Says Nixon Has a New Attack of Phlebitis in Leg
President Richard M. Nixon's physician, Air Force Major Gen. Walter Tkach, said late yesterday that the President had suffered a new attack of painful phlebitis in his left leg and that a new blood clot had formed. After examining Mr. Nixon, Dr. Tkach said: “I have found the former President to be suffering from severe physical strain and physical fatigue, but he is mentally alert and has been working in his office or at home each day.” Dr. Tkach said that he had consulted with Dr. John C. Lungren, a specialist in internal medicine and heart disease, and had been Mr. Nixon's personal physician before he moved to the White House. Dr. Lungren had treated Mr. Nixon for his first attack of phlebitis 10 years ago. [1]
Phlebitis is a common medical problem. Doctors typically advise patients to stay off their feet to speed recovery. Doctors are concerned about Nixon, however, because there is a risk that the clot may have broken off and gotten lodged in the lungs, which could cause life‐threatening complications. [1]
Nixon’s symptoms began in June, after a tour of the Middle East and a visit to the Moscow summit. Reporters observed Nixon limping, and his leg had become swollen. His condition has noticeably worsened of late. On September 10, Dr. Lungren first visited Nixon. Two days later, Nixon’s son in law, David Eisenhower, said that the President was “not feeling well.” Yesterday, Drs. Lungren and Tkach visited Nixon once again and recommended that he go to the hospital. However, the President refused, saying “If I go into the hospital, I’ll never come out alive.” [2]
----------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL. It’s possible that the stress of impeachment makes Nixon’s phlebitis even worse than OTL. But I’ll play it safe and assume no change in his condition. Source: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/14/archives/doctor-says-nixon-has-a-new-attack-of-phlebitis-in-leg-doctor-says.html?mcubz=0&_r=0
[2] https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DS19741030.2.34
================================================================
August 30, 1974
Nixon nominates Sisco for Secretary of State
Seemingly undaunted by his recent impeachment, President Nixon named Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Joseph Sisco as his replacement for outgoing Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. A long-time diplomat, Sisco recently helped to defuse the Cyprus crisis, preventing Greek retaliation against Turkey [1]. He has also been instrumental in negotiating peace between Israel and its neighbors. Former Secretary of State Kissinger has praised Sisco, calling him "enormously inventive, with a talent for the stratagems that are the lifeblood of Middle East diplomacy, sometimes offering more solutions than there were problems". [2] A Senate vote on confirmation is expected to be held sometime next month.
This comes as the ongoing Cyprus crisis still remains unresolved. With the guns stilled and Turkish troops in control of more than one-third of the island, the once-dominant Greek community is assessing the damage caused by four weeks of war. [3] The President recently appointed former Ambassador to Yemen William Crawford [4] to replace the assassinated former ambassador to Cyprus, Rodger Davies.
To succeed Kissinger in his role as National Security Advisor, a post which Kissinger also held while he was Secretary of State, the President named Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft. Scowcroft is currently the Deputy National Security Advisor and was recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in the U.S. Air Force. [5]
-------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] From https://www.theguardian.com/news/2004/dec/01/guardianobituaries.usa:
“Joseph Sisco…was probably the only US state department official who managed to shout down his truculent boss, Henry Kissinger…One of Sisco's most delicate assignments was in July 1974, when an attempted coup against President Makarios of Cyprus provoked an immediate Turkish invasion. It seemed likely that war might erupt between two members of NATO, with unforeseeable consequences for the rest of the alliance. Sisco was rushed into the breach and arrived in Athens to find the Greek military junta preparing a counter- invasion. Faced with the stupidity of the colonels in charge of the regime, Sisco abandoned any pretence [sic] of diplomacy and bluntly pointed out not only the strength of the Turkish military forces, but that the Soviet Union had also put 40,000 men on alert. Were Athens to deploy its troops, he shouted, Washington would not move a muscle to help as the men faced inevitable disaster. There was no way his message could be misunderstood and the colonels gave way. Two days later they were out on their ear and Constantine Karamanlis returned from exile to re-establish civilian rule and calm the situation.”
[2] From White House Years: The First Volume of His Classic Memoirs (Henry Kissinger).
[3] As OTL: http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,943726,00.html
[4] As OTL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Ambassador_to_Cyprus
[5] Much like OTL, but a year earlier. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brent_Scowcroft
================================================================
September 3, 1974
Nixon assembles defense team
In the wake of his impeachment in the House, the President has turned his attention to assembling his defense team for his upcoming trial in the Senate. It is expected that James St. Clair, Nixon’s special counsel, will serve as the chief member of Nixon’s defense team. Special counsel members Leonard Garment, J. Fred Buzhardt, and Charles Alan Wright are also believed to be among those who will defend the President. [1]
Although it is far from certain, the tapes subpoenaed by Special Prosecutor Jaworski from the President could play an influential role in the Senate trial. Just how and when any Congressional investigators could acquire them is not clear either, since the Supreme Court directed that the tapes be made available for use in the criminal-conspiracy trial of six former Nixon aides, scheduled to begin on September 9. Some legal experts believe that the Senate could subpoena the tapes from Judge Sirica in ample time for a presidential trial. [2]
In advance of Nixon’s trial, Senate parliamentarian Floyd Riddick has published a set of new rules for the trial proceedings [3]. Although a date for a trial has not been set, speculations have already begun. Senator Jacob Javits (R-NY) has predicted that the Senate trial would be unlikely to begin until November, with the outcome not known until late January [4]. He also predicted that the President would be forced to be ‘in court’ for the greater part of the trial.
The President has indicated his desire to testify on his own behalf, despite the advice from some of his legal advisors. A month ago, Nixon said that he intends to “appear before the Senate, and answer under oath before the Senate any and all questions put to me there.” [5]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] In OTL, they were all members of Nixon’s special counsel during the Watergate investigations: https://nacla.org/article/nixon-defense-team. It could be that Nixon chooses someone else to defend him, but it’s possible he could change his defense team midway.
[2] http://www.time.com%2F3079519%2Fthe-fateful-vote-to-impeach%2F&usg=AFQjCNGrPheFSBk6jdfYHMHKuDkOhH-D6A
[3] As OTL: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CDOC-99sdoc33/html/CDOC-99sdoc33.htm
[4] From Years of Upheaval (by Henry Kissinger), pp. 1193: “Senator Jacob Javits told me that he did not expect the Senate trial to start before November: the outcome would not be certain until late January…Worse, Javits predicted that Nixon would be forced to be ‘in court’ for the greater part of the trial.”
[5] Based on the speech mentioned above: http://watergate.info/1996/12/22/nixon-refuses-to-resign-speech.html
================================================================
September 7, 1974
Nixon promotes agenda to help economy
With a sagging economy and high inflation, many Americans are naturally concerned about the state of the economy. But President Nixon says he has a plan to put America’s economy back on track. In a televised speech, Nixon said that resolving the economic crisis was his most important priority. Nixon promised to work with Congress cut “unnecessary” legislative programs, resolve the energy crisis by increasing oil and coal output, reform health care, and to promote joint programs in space and health with the Soviet Union and China [1]. Nixon also restated his commitment to opposing school busing by denouncing a recent controversial decision by Judge W. Arthur Garrity Jr. to integrate Boston’s schools (set to take effect on September 12), calling it a “classic case of the remedy for one evil creating another evil.” [2][3]
Nixon closed his speech by warning that if he were unable to see these plans through (implying that if he were to be removed from office) they might never come to pass. [4] His agenda is thought by some to be an attempt to woo Republicans in the Senate, who may be contemplating impeaching the President. But they are skeptical about Nixon’s intentions. Senator Jacob K. Javits of New York warned President Nixon today against playing ‘impeachment politics” by trimming his legislative programs “to please a given number of senators: 33 plus one.” [5] Mr. Javits said that he feared that the Administration was trying to please Senate conservatives, in hope of gaining 34 votes needed to block an impeachment conviction, which requires a two–thirds vote.
---------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] This plan was outlined in Nixon’s Oklahoma State commencement address in May 1974: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=4205. Gerald Ford gave a similar speech to Congress in October 1974.
[2] Nixon’s quote from OTL 1972: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=3776
[3]For context: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/03/the-boston-busing-crisis-was-never-intended-to-work/474264/
[4] Nixon said something similar in OTL: “It is also essential that we not be so distracted by events such as this [referring to Watergate] that we neglect the vital work before us.” Source: http://watergate.info/1973/04/30/nixons-first-watergate-speech.html
[5] As he said in OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/04/archives/javits-says-nixon-plays-impeachment-politics-senator-calls-it-plan.html
================================================================
September 14, 1974
Doctor Says Nixon Has a New Attack of Phlebitis in Leg
President Richard M. Nixon's physician, Air Force Major Gen. Walter Tkach, said late yesterday that the President had suffered a new attack of painful phlebitis in his left leg and that a new blood clot had formed. After examining Mr. Nixon, Dr. Tkach said: “I have found the former President to be suffering from severe physical strain and physical fatigue, but he is mentally alert and has been working in his office or at home each day.” Dr. Tkach said that he had consulted with Dr. John C. Lungren, a specialist in internal medicine and heart disease, and had been Mr. Nixon's personal physician before he moved to the White House. Dr. Lungren had treated Mr. Nixon for his first attack of phlebitis 10 years ago. [1]
Phlebitis is a common medical problem. Doctors typically advise patients to stay off their feet to speed recovery. Doctors are concerned about Nixon, however, because there is a risk that the clot may have broken off and gotten lodged in the lungs, which could cause life‐threatening complications. [1]
Nixon’s symptoms began in June, after a tour of the Middle East and a visit to the Moscow summit. Reporters observed Nixon limping, and his leg had become swollen. His condition has noticeably worsened of late. On September 10, Dr. Lungren first visited Nixon. Two days later, Nixon’s son in law, David Eisenhower, said that the President was “not feeling well.” Yesterday, Drs. Lungren and Tkach visited Nixon once again and recommended that he go to the hospital. However, the President refused, saying “If I go into the hospital, I’ll never come out alive.” [2]
----------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL. It’s possible that the stress of impeachment makes Nixon’s phlebitis even worse than OTL. But I’ll play it safe and assume no change in his condition. Source: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/14/archives/doctor-says-nixon-has-a-new-attack-of-phlebitis-in-leg-doctor-says.html?mcubz=0&_r=0
[2] https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DS19741030.2.34
================================================================
================================================================
September 15, 1974
Nixon's New Lawyer Herbert John Miller Jr.
The President has announced that his new defense lawyer will be Herbert J. Miller Jr, a 50‐year‐old Washington lawyer who has been an active participant in Republican politics. Government officials and lawyers point to several reasons why Mr. Miller would be the logical candidate for the job. They call him a 'fine Republican lawyer' and a man with a strong commitment to the law but no particular political ideology.
According to his friends and colleagues, Mr. Miller has achieved an outstanding reputation as a criminal lawyer. A 1949 graduate of George Washington University Law School, he first came to public attention in 1959 during the scandals involving the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Mr. Miller was the lawyer for the court‐appointed board of monitors supervising the union's affairs and the late Robert F. Kennedy was counsel for the Senate committee investigating the teamsters.
Under Mr. Miller's direction, the division successfully carried on the long and complicated prosecution of James R. Hoffa, head of the teamsters' union. In addition, Mr. Miller initiated the indictment of Robert G. Baker, who was later convicted of income tax evasion, theft and conspiracy to defraud the Government. Mr. Baker had been secretary to the Senate Democratic majority when Lyndon B. Johnson was the majority leader.
One of the reasons Mr. Nixon chose Mr. Miller as his attorney is that he is well versed in the Watergate case, having represented several of its prominent figures and he enjoys old friendships with many of the men running the special Watergate prosecutor's office. He served as counsel for Richard G. Kleindienst, the former Attorney General, when he was permitted to plead guilty in May to a misdemeanor after extended discussions were held with Leon Jaworski; the special prosecutor. Mr, Miller has also represented William O. Bittman and Richard Moore, two other Watergate figures.
“There are a lot of people from Justice in a new arena, on different sides now,” said one former Justice Department official, and many observers here have noted how many friends Mr. Miller has in the special prosecutor's office.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] After doing a bit more research, I found that Nixon chose a new defense lawyer in late August 1974. Based on this article from OTL: https://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/29/archives/nixons-new-lawyer-herbert-john-miller-jr-joins-justice-department.html
================================================================
September 18, 1974
Senate approves Sisco for Secretary of State
Today, the Senate voted to approve President Nixon's nominee for Secretary of State, Jospeh Sisco, by a margin of 78-11.
================================================================
September 24, 1974
Nixon Hospitalized for Phlebitis [1]
A physically fatigued Richard M. Nixon was admitted to the hospital today for extensive tests and treatment of a flare‐up of chronic phlebitis condition in his left‐leg. Mr. Nixon walked several yards from a car to the hospital. Two police cars and a hovering helicopter were in front of the main entrance in an apparent move to keep newsmen from a close view or Mr. Nixon. Secret Service agents also blocked off access. Witnesses said he walked unsupported; stiffly but without a limp, with his wife and daughter flanking him. As Nixon walked in, a reporter asked Mr. Nixon how he felt. The President replied, “Good morning, good afternoon.”
Ronald L. Ziegler, the White House press secretary, was asked at a news conference whether Mr. Nixon would be able to respond to court subpoenas. “I don’t think this is the occasion to discuss impending court action,” Mr. Ziegler responded. “The fact that the President is here in the hospital has no bearing on that particular question.”
One of Nixon’s physicians, Dr. Lungren, made a brief statement to the press about the President’s condition [2]:
“I am here to issue a statement with regard to President Nixon's hospitalization. At the outset, may I say that this session or any other press releases that might follow will be conducted strictly within the code of the patient-doctor relationship. Accordingly, such issues as the progress of therapy, treatment, medication usage, new developments, all will be reported first to the patient, then to his wife and his immediate family, and then with their permission, a statement may be made.
I have just examined Mr. Nixon again; understandably, he exhibits evidence of physical fatigue. Mr. Nixon's hospital admission has a two-fold purpose. Number one, to treat a chronic phlebitis, an acute phase which first developed on his trip to the Middle East and which has already had three episodes of reactivation. The treatment will consist primarily of the introduction of prophylactic use of anticoagulation drugs, and to conduct exhaustive studies in an attempt to identify the primary causative agent or agents of this original, non-traumatic phlebitis.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.”
--------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/24/archives/nixon-enters-the-hospital-for-treatment-of-phlebitis-nixon-enters.html?mcubz=0 This isn’t the first time that Nixon was hospitalized; he was in the hospital for a week in July 1973 for a bout of viral pneumonia.
[2] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 26
================================================================
October 1, 1974
Is Nixon Really Sick?[1]
After almost a week in the hospital, rumors of President Nixon’s true physical condition have been swirling the last few days. There have been more than a few suggestions that the President is not actually sick and that he is feigning illness to gain sympathy or to postpone his Senate trial. One reporter even suggested that Nixon was using “pancake makeup” to look sicker than he actually was.
In response to the rumors, Nixon’s personal physician, Dr. Lungren, stepped up to the podium to make a statement to the press about the President’s condition [2]:
“Good afternoon. Just a few off-the-record remarks if I may. This particular exercise [referring to the press conference] was not suggested by me. This was requested by representatives of the news media. I had nothing to do with the selection of these individuals [referring to the reporters]. Incidentally, I got permission from the President and he told me ‘OK. Give them hell!’
From my own standpoint, I’m a bit confused. From some of you I get the impression I’m doing a good job, but others are more skeptical Such statements as the rumor that this is a hoax is a despicable remark as far as I’m concerned. Anybody knowing me or my background knows that this is impossible. I’ve been in the practice of medicine for thirty years, and I resent certain innuendos and will leave it there.”
Dr. Lungren also took a few questions from the press corps. One reporter asked Dr. Lungren: “Doctor, from what you said today, isn’t it highly unlikely that Mr. Nixon will be able to make a personal appearance in Washington during the duration of the trial?”
In response, Dr. Lungren replied, “I have no idea in the first place of how long the trial is going to last and I don’t think anybody else does.”
--------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] The irony of this is that the public will think that Nixon is exaggerating the nature of his illness to get sympathy. But in reality, he really was that sick.
[2] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 31-33
================================================================
October 3, 1974
Watergate cover-up trial begins in Washington
Jury selection continued for the second day in the Watergate cover-up trial. The defendants in the case include five of the so-called Watergate Seven: John N. Mitchell, the former Attorney General; H. R. Haldeman, the former White House chief of staff; John D. Ehrlichman, the former White House adviser on domestic matters; Robert C. Mardian, a former Assistant Attorney General, and Kenneth Wells Parkinson, an attorney for the Committee for Re-election of the President. [1]
The judge, John J. Sirica, continues his efforts to select a jury. The majority of the members of the pool of prospective jurors have sought to be excused. Jurors were apparently dissuaded by the prospect of spending three to four months in a sequestered jury, spending their days in court and their nights in a motel guarded by marshals. Judge Sirica asked whether any juror would feel "most uncomfortable" on the sequestered' jury or whether service on the jury would seriously interfere with a prior obligation. All 92 answered affirmatively. [1]
In related news, President Nixon continues to be hospitalized for phlebitis. President Nixon’s personal physician, Dr. Lungren, swore an affidavit yesterday that Nixon’s phlebitis was a life-threatening condition and that there was a serious risk of clotting and hemorrhaging if he did not receive adequate time for therapy and recovery. [2]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] On this date in OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/03/archives/unindictedcoconspirator-is-added-in-coverup-case-a-coconspirator-is.html
[2] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 83
================================================================
October 4, 1974
Nixon released from hospital
After more than a week in the hospital, President Nixon was released today. His personal physician, Dr. Lungren, announced that a “potentially dangerous” clot had traveled to Nixon’s right lung and had been successfully treated with anticoagulant drugs. Medical tests ruled out malignancy as the cause of the phlebitis, and other tests came back negative. However, Dr. Lungren told the news media that Nixon’s convalescence would continue for one to three months. [1] [2] This means that the President must refrain from strenuous activities that might worsen his condition.
The President appeared to be in good spirits as he was wheeled out of the hospital. He was quickly besieged by reporters, who were held back by Secret Service personnel. As he was being lifted into his awaiting limousine, Nixon quipped to reporters, “You’re not done kicking around old Dick Nixon yet!” [3]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DS19741030.2.34
[2] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 34
[3] Nixon didn’t actually say that in OTL, but I can imagine him saying it. Loosely based on this quote from 1962: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya1GWB2AMnY
September 15, 1974
Nixon's New Lawyer Herbert John Miller Jr.
The President has announced that his new defense lawyer will be Herbert J. Miller Jr, a 50‐year‐old Washington lawyer who has been an active participant in Republican politics. Government officials and lawyers point to several reasons why Mr. Miller would be the logical candidate for the job. They call him a 'fine Republican lawyer' and a man with a strong commitment to the law but no particular political ideology.
According to his friends and colleagues, Mr. Miller has achieved an outstanding reputation as a criminal lawyer. A 1949 graduate of George Washington University Law School, he first came to public attention in 1959 during the scandals involving the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Mr. Miller was the lawyer for the court‐appointed board of monitors supervising the union's affairs and the late Robert F. Kennedy was counsel for the Senate committee investigating the teamsters.
Under Mr. Miller's direction, the division successfully carried on the long and complicated prosecution of James R. Hoffa, head of the teamsters' union. In addition, Mr. Miller initiated the indictment of Robert G. Baker, who was later convicted of income tax evasion, theft and conspiracy to defraud the Government. Mr. Baker had been secretary to the Senate Democratic majority when Lyndon B. Johnson was the majority leader.
One of the reasons Mr. Nixon chose Mr. Miller as his attorney is that he is well versed in the Watergate case, having represented several of its prominent figures and he enjoys old friendships with many of the men running the special Watergate prosecutor's office. He served as counsel for Richard G. Kleindienst, the former Attorney General, when he was permitted to plead guilty in May to a misdemeanor after extended discussions were held with Leon Jaworski; the special prosecutor. Mr, Miller has also represented William O. Bittman and Richard Moore, two other Watergate figures.
“There are a lot of people from Justice in a new arena, on different sides now,” said one former Justice Department official, and many observers here have noted how many friends Mr. Miller has in the special prosecutor's office.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] After doing a bit more research, I found that Nixon chose a new defense lawyer in late August 1974. Based on this article from OTL: https://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/29/archives/nixons-new-lawyer-herbert-john-miller-jr-joins-justice-department.html
================================================================
September 18, 1974
Senate approves Sisco for Secretary of State
Today, the Senate voted to approve President Nixon's nominee for Secretary of State, Jospeh Sisco, by a margin of 78-11.
================================================================
September 24, 1974
Nixon Hospitalized for Phlebitis [1]
A physically fatigued Richard M. Nixon was admitted to the hospital today for extensive tests and treatment of a flare‐up of chronic phlebitis condition in his left‐leg. Mr. Nixon walked several yards from a car to the hospital. Two police cars and a hovering helicopter were in front of the main entrance in an apparent move to keep newsmen from a close view or Mr. Nixon. Secret Service agents also blocked off access. Witnesses said he walked unsupported; stiffly but without a limp, with his wife and daughter flanking him. As Nixon walked in, a reporter asked Mr. Nixon how he felt. The President replied, “Good morning, good afternoon.”
Ronald L. Ziegler, the White House press secretary, was asked at a news conference whether Mr. Nixon would be able to respond to court subpoenas. “I don’t think this is the occasion to discuss impending court action,” Mr. Ziegler responded. “The fact that the President is here in the hospital has no bearing on that particular question.”
One of Nixon’s physicians, Dr. Lungren, made a brief statement to the press about the President’s condition [2]:
“I am here to issue a statement with regard to President Nixon's hospitalization. At the outset, may I say that this session or any other press releases that might follow will be conducted strictly within the code of the patient-doctor relationship. Accordingly, such issues as the progress of therapy, treatment, medication usage, new developments, all will be reported first to the patient, then to his wife and his immediate family, and then with their permission, a statement may be made.
I have just examined Mr. Nixon again; understandably, he exhibits evidence of physical fatigue. Mr. Nixon's hospital admission has a two-fold purpose. Number one, to treat a chronic phlebitis, an acute phase which first developed on his trip to the Middle East and which has already had three episodes of reactivation. The treatment will consist primarily of the introduction of prophylactic use of anticoagulation drugs, and to conduct exhaustive studies in an attempt to identify the primary causative agent or agents of this original, non-traumatic phlebitis.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.”
--------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/24/archives/nixon-enters-the-hospital-for-treatment-of-phlebitis-nixon-enters.html?mcubz=0 This isn’t the first time that Nixon was hospitalized; he was in the hospital for a week in July 1973 for a bout of viral pneumonia.
[2] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 26
================================================================
October 1, 1974
Is Nixon Really Sick?[1]
After almost a week in the hospital, rumors of President Nixon’s true physical condition have been swirling the last few days. There have been more than a few suggestions that the President is not actually sick and that he is feigning illness to gain sympathy or to postpone his Senate trial. One reporter even suggested that Nixon was using “pancake makeup” to look sicker than he actually was.
In response to the rumors, Nixon’s personal physician, Dr. Lungren, stepped up to the podium to make a statement to the press about the President’s condition [2]:
“Good afternoon. Just a few off-the-record remarks if I may. This particular exercise [referring to the press conference] was not suggested by me. This was requested by representatives of the news media. I had nothing to do with the selection of these individuals [referring to the reporters]. Incidentally, I got permission from the President and he told me ‘OK. Give them hell!’
From my own standpoint, I’m a bit confused. From some of you I get the impression I’m doing a good job, but others are more skeptical Such statements as the rumor that this is a hoax is a despicable remark as far as I’m concerned. Anybody knowing me or my background knows that this is impossible. I’ve been in the practice of medicine for thirty years, and I resent certain innuendos and will leave it there.”
Dr. Lungren also took a few questions from the press corps. One reporter asked Dr. Lungren: “Doctor, from what you said today, isn’t it highly unlikely that Mr. Nixon will be able to make a personal appearance in Washington during the duration of the trial?”
In response, Dr. Lungren replied, “I have no idea in the first place of how long the trial is going to last and I don’t think anybody else does.”
--------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] The irony of this is that the public will think that Nixon is exaggerating the nature of his illness to get sympathy. But in reality, he really was that sick.
[2] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 31-33
================================================================
October 3, 1974
Watergate cover-up trial begins in Washington
Jury selection continued for the second day in the Watergate cover-up trial. The defendants in the case include five of the so-called Watergate Seven: John N. Mitchell, the former Attorney General; H. R. Haldeman, the former White House chief of staff; John D. Ehrlichman, the former White House adviser on domestic matters; Robert C. Mardian, a former Assistant Attorney General, and Kenneth Wells Parkinson, an attorney for the Committee for Re-election of the President. [1]
The judge, John J. Sirica, continues his efforts to select a jury. The majority of the members of the pool of prospective jurors have sought to be excused. Jurors were apparently dissuaded by the prospect of spending three to four months in a sequestered jury, spending their days in court and their nights in a motel guarded by marshals. Judge Sirica asked whether any juror would feel "most uncomfortable" on the sequestered' jury or whether service on the jury would seriously interfere with a prior obligation. All 92 answered affirmatively. [1]
In related news, President Nixon continues to be hospitalized for phlebitis. President Nixon’s personal physician, Dr. Lungren, swore an affidavit yesterday that Nixon’s phlebitis was a life-threatening condition and that there was a serious risk of clotting and hemorrhaging if he did not receive adequate time for therapy and recovery. [2]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] On this date in OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/03/archives/unindictedcoconspirator-is-added-in-coverup-case-a-coconspirator-is.html
[2] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 83
================================================================
October 4, 1974
Nixon released from hospital
After more than a week in the hospital, President Nixon was released today. His personal physician, Dr. Lungren, announced that a “potentially dangerous” clot had traveled to Nixon’s right lung and had been successfully treated with anticoagulant drugs. Medical tests ruled out malignancy as the cause of the phlebitis, and other tests came back negative. However, Dr. Lungren told the news media that Nixon’s convalescence would continue for one to three months. [1] [2] This means that the President must refrain from strenuous activities that might worsen his condition.
The President appeared to be in good spirits as he was wheeled out of the hospital. He was quickly besieged by reporters, who were held back by Secret Service personnel. As he was being lifted into his awaiting limousine, Nixon quipped to reporters, “You’re not done kicking around old Dick Nixon yet!” [3]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DS19741030.2.34
[2] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 34
[3] Nixon didn’t actually say that in OTL, but I can imagine him saying it. Loosely based on this quote from 1962: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya1GWB2AMnY
interesting. will be curious to see how far he can drag it out and what events from Cyprus and elsewhere could impact the trial....a small group of holdouts could filibuster and delay for quite a while...
Bad idea. While it could theoretically keep Nixon out of danger, it could also backfire and hurt the party.
Thanks for the comments! 
I was beginning to wonder where everybody was...I guess that means everything seems plausible thus far? (though I will admit that things haven't diverged much from OTL)
I think you'll find there will be some interesting things happening soon...
I was beginning to wonder where everybody was...I guess that means everything seems plausible thus far? (though I will admit that things haven't diverged much from OTL)I think you'll find there will be some interesting things happening soon...
October 12, 1974
Impeachment trial scheduled to begin November 15
With Nixon recuperating from his recent release from the hospital, there is increasing speculation over when his impeachment trial will begin. The Senate announced that today that the trial of President Nixon will begin on November 15, after the midterm elections. The timing is not coincidental. Since many Senators [1] will be spending the next few weeks campaigning for the upcoming races, they are not going to be available to be present at the trial.
--------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] But only 1/3 of them, since that is how many come up for re-election every two years.
================================================================
October 23, 1974
President hospitalized for second time
President Nixon has entered the hospital in Washington, D.C. for a second time in a month for complications from phlebitis. Using a venogram, doctors have discovered more blockages of blood vessels in the femoral vein of his left upper thigh. The lung scan revealed no evidence of new clots; however, the blockage in the left leg presents a danger of further clots advancing to the lung and causing a fatal massive embolism. Tests show that the anticoagulation medication was inadequate and the President will be placed on intravenous Heparin. If intravenous Heparin does not work, surgical intervention will be needed to prevent clots from advancing to the lung. [1][2]
-------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DS19741030.2.34
[2] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 84-85
===============================================================
October 24, 1974
Impeachment trial put on hold for President’s hospitalization
President Nixon’s defense team has asked for an extension to gather evidence and witnesses and to allow the President the ability to appear at his trial. His recent hospitalization calls into question whether he will be medically able to stand trial.
This comes during the trial of former Attorney General John Mitchell, implicated in the Watergate case [1]. Recently, jurors heard tape recordings related to the Watergate case. Judge John J. Sirica declared the tapes as admissible evidence, over the heated objections of defense counsel.
Jurors heard a conversation between Mr. Nixon, Mr. Dean, and two of the other defendants in the case, John D. Ehrlichman, then the White House adviser on domestic matters, and H. R. Haldeman, Mr. Nixon's chief of staff. Mr. Nixon, speaking quickly and in a low voice, told Mr. Mitchell that he did not want to treat his staff the way Sherman Adams, an aide to President Eisenhower who had been dismissed after a scandal, had been treated. And for that reason, Mr. Nixon said, he did not care what happened. “I want you all to stonewall it, let them plead the Fifth Amendment, cover up or anything else, if it'll save it—save the plan,” Mr. Nixon said, according to the transcript of the conversation prepared by the prosecution. “That's the whole point.”
Mr. Nixon immediately adds that he would, however, “prefer” that “you do it the other way,” revealing the truth. “And I would particularly prefer to do it that other way if it's going to come out that way anyway,” he said. Mr. Nixon makes a few more remarks about the likelihood of the story coming out. Mr. Mitchell says, “Well—”
“I don't know,” Mr. Nixon interjects, “but that's, uh, you know, up to this point the whole theory has been containment, as you know, John.”
Judge Sirica, in his rulings on previous tapes, has made it clear that he believes a tape is admissible if one of the participants in the conversation can recall the conversation and verify the tape as a recording of the conversation. But neither Mr. Nixon nor Mr. Mitchell was available today to the prosecution to verify the accuracy of the March 22, 1973 tape —Mr Mitchell because he cannot be compelled to testify against himself; Mr. Nixon because he has contended that he is too sick to appear at the moment.
-----------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/22/a...ixon-urgingaides-to-stonewall-balking-of.html
================================================================
October 29, 1974
Nixon to undergo surgery; Ford becomes Acting President
Today, President Nixon invoked the 25th Amendment to hand over the Presidency to the Vice President, Gerald Ford. Nixon was hospitalized about a week ago for complications for phlebitis. But over the past few days, the President’s condition has worsened. The President’s doctors have decided that surgery is necessary to treat the clot in his leg. The President reportedly said to his physician, Dr. Lungren, “Jack, I am glad you’re here. Let’s go and get it over with.”
Dr. Lungren issued the following statement to the media [1]:
“X-ray pictures made during the special test confirmed the presence of a large clot extending to the left external iliac artery, the vessel that connects the femoral artery in the thigh to the interior vena cava. Based on this concern, the doctors agreed that urgent surgery should be scheduled at 5:30 A.M. Tuesday.”
The seriousness of the President’s medical condition has led him to temporarily relinquish power to the Vice President. Ford will serve as Acting President during the remainder of Nixon’s hospitalization and convalescence. Prior to undergoing surgery, President Nixon transmitted the following letter to the President pro tempore of the Senate (James Eastland) and the Speaker of the House of Representatives (Carl Albert):
“I hereby declare that I am unable to discharge the powers and duties of my office, and until I transmit to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.” [2]
-------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 86
[2] See the 25th Amendment of the Constitution, Section III.
================================================================
October 30, 1974
President Nixon recovering from surgery
The ailing President Nixon, who has been hospitalized for the past week, is said to be recovering from surgery on his leg. Since his re-hospitalization on October 23, an examination by Nixon’s personal physician, Dr. John Lungren, revealed a total obstruction in Nixon’s left leg. After another large clot was discovered in Nixon’s left hip, doctors scheduled an urgent surgery to remove the clot. The operation took place yesterday morning. [1]
Although the surgery was a success, the President was reportedly near death when he went into shock from bleeding as a complication from the operation. [2] Shortly after surgery took place, Nixon’s blood pressure was abnormally low and he was slipping into unconsciousness. It was discovered that blood had begun to accumulate in the President’s lower abdomen. Countershock treatments were administered, and Nixon’s condition has now stabilized. [3]
------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DS19741030.2.34
[2] http://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/01/us/john-c-lungren-83-nixon-s-doctor-is-dead.html?mcubz=0
[3] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 87-88
===================================================================================-
October 31, 1974
Republicans worried about midterms
With less than a week until the election, Republicans are nervous about whether they can hold on to their seats in Congress. At this point, barring some major event, it seems inevitable that the Republicans will suffer at least a few losses. Due to Nixon’s unpopularity (his latest approval rating is a mere 23%); the Democrats are poised for a landslide. Republicans in Congress aware of public sentiment and their fear is that Nixon will drag them down. Some have sugegsted that the President should resign due to his ill health, but given the President’s condition, that seems unlikely to happen before the midterms.
On the campaign trail, Republicans have tried to distance themselves as much as they can from the scandal-ridden President. Some House Republicans are emphasizing their pro-impeachment vote in television ads. Many have even dropped their party affiliation from their advertisements. [1]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] The Age of Reagan: The Fall of the Old Liberal Order, p. 384
Impeachment trial scheduled to begin November 15
With Nixon recuperating from his recent release from the hospital, there is increasing speculation over when his impeachment trial will begin. The Senate announced that today that the trial of President Nixon will begin on November 15, after the midterm elections. The timing is not coincidental. Since many Senators [1] will be spending the next few weeks campaigning for the upcoming races, they are not going to be available to be present at the trial.
--------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] But only 1/3 of them, since that is how many come up for re-election every two years.
================================================================
October 23, 1974
President hospitalized for second time
President Nixon has entered the hospital in Washington, D.C. for a second time in a month for complications from phlebitis. Using a venogram, doctors have discovered more blockages of blood vessels in the femoral vein of his left upper thigh. The lung scan revealed no evidence of new clots; however, the blockage in the left leg presents a danger of further clots advancing to the lung and causing a fatal massive embolism. Tests show that the anticoagulation medication was inadequate and the President will be placed on intravenous Heparin. If intravenous Heparin does not work, surgical intervention will be needed to prevent clots from advancing to the lung. [1][2]
-------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DS19741030.2.34
[2] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 84-85
===============================================================
October 24, 1974
Impeachment trial put on hold for President’s hospitalization
President Nixon’s defense team has asked for an extension to gather evidence and witnesses and to allow the President the ability to appear at his trial. His recent hospitalization calls into question whether he will be medically able to stand trial.
This comes during the trial of former Attorney General John Mitchell, implicated in the Watergate case [1]. Recently, jurors heard tape recordings related to the Watergate case. Judge John J. Sirica declared the tapes as admissible evidence, over the heated objections of defense counsel.
Jurors heard a conversation between Mr. Nixon, Mr. Dean, and two of the other defendants in the case, John D. Ehrlichman, then the White House adviser on domestic matters, and H. R. Haldeman, Mr. Nixon's chief of staff. Mr. Nixon, speaking quickly and in a low voice, told Mr. Mitchell that he did not want to treat his staff the way Sherman Adams, an aide to President Eisenhower who had been dismissed after a scandal, had been treated. And for that reason, Mr. Nixon said, he did not care what happened. “I want you all to stonewall it, let them plead the Fifth Amendment, cover up or anything else, if it'll save it—save the plan,” Mr. Nixon said, according to the transcript of the conversation prepared by the prosecution. “That's the whole point.”
Mr. Nixon immediately adds that he would, however, “prefer” that “you do it the other way,” revealing the truth. “And I would particularly prefer to do it that other way if it's going to come out that way anyway,” he said. Mr. Nixon makes a few more remarks about the likelihood of the story coming out. Mr. Mitchell says, “Well—”
“I don't know,” Mr. Nixon interjects, “but that's, uh, you know, up to this point the whole theory has been containment, as you know, John.”
Judge Sirica, in his rulings on previous tapes, has made it clear that he believes a tape is admissible if one of the participants in the conversation can recall the conversation and verify the tape as a recording of the conversation. But neither Mr. Nixon nor Mr. Mitchell was available today to the prosecution to verify the accuracy of the March 22, 1973 tape —Mr Mitchell because he cannot be compelled to testify against himself; Mr. Nixon because he has contended that he is too sick to appear at the moment.
-----------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/22/a...ixon-urgingaides-to-stonewall-balking-of.html
================================================================
October 29, 1974
Nixon to undergo surgery; Ford becomes Acting President
Today, President Nixon invoked the 25th Amendment to hand over the Presidency to the Vice President, Gerald Ford. Nixon was hospitalized about a week ago for complications for phlebitis. But over the past few days, the President’s condition has worsened. The President’s doctors have decided that surgery is necessary to treat the clot in his leg. The President reportedly said to his physician, Dr. Lungren, “Jack, I am glad you’re here. Let’s go and get it over with.”
Dr. Lungren issued the following statement to the media [1]:
“X-ray pictures made during the special test confirmed the presence of a large clot extending to the left external iliac artery, the vessel that connects the femoral artery in the thigh to the interior vena cava. Based on this concern, the doctors agreed that urgent surgery should be scheduled at 5:30 A.M. Tuesday.”
The seriousness of the President’s medical condition has led him to temporarily relinquish power to the Vice President. Ford will serve as Acting President during the remainder of Nixon’s hospitalization and convalescence. Prior to undergoing surgery, President Nixon transmitted the following letter to the President pro tempore of the Senate (James Eastland) and the Speaker of the House of Representatives (Carl Albert):
“I hereby declare that I am unable to discharge the powers and duties of my office, and until I transmit to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.” [2]
-------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 86
[2] See the 25th Amendment of the Constitution, Section III.
================================================================
October 30, 1974
President Nixon recovering from surgery
The ailing President Nixon, who has been hospitalized for the past week, is said to be recovering from surgery on his leg. Since his re-hospitalization on October 23, an examination by Nixon’s personal physician, Dr. John Lungren, revealed a total obstruction in Nixon’s left leg. After another large clot was discovered in Nixon’s left hip, doctors scheduled an urgent surgery to remove the clot. The operation took place yesterday morning. [1]
Although the surgery was a success, the President was reportedly near death when he went into shock from bleeding as a complication from the operation. [2] Shortly after surgery took place, Nixon’s blood pressure was abnormally low and he was slipping into unconsciousness. It was discovered that blood had begun to accumulate in the President’s lower abdomen. Countershock treatments were administered, and Nixon’s condition has now stabilized. [3]
------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DS19741030.2.34
[2] http://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/01/us/john-c-lungren-83-nixon-s-doctor-is-dead.html?mcubz=0
[3] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 87-88
===================================================================================-
October 31, 1974
Republicans worried about midterms
With less than a week until the election, Republicans are nervous about whether they can hold on to their seats in Congress. At this point, barring some major event, it seems inevitable that the Republicans will suffer at least a few losses. Due to Nixon’s unpopularity (his latest approval rating is a mere 23%); the Democrats are poised for a landslide. Republicans in Congress aware of public sentiment and their fear is that Nixon will drag them down. Some have sugegsted that the President should resign due to his ill health, but given the President’s condition, that seems unlikely to happen before the midterms.
On the campaign trail, Republicans have tried to distance themselves as much as they can from the scandal-ridden President. Some House Republicans are emphasizing their pro-impeachment vote in television ads. Many have even dropped their party affiliation from their advertisements. [1]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] The Age of Reagan: The Fall of the Old Liberal Order, p. 384
================================================================
November 1, 1974
Senator Talmadge denies financial irregularities
Just four days before the midterm elections, Senator Herman Talmadge (D-GA) has become embroiled in a financial scandal. An IRS probe into Talmadge’s finances has revealed irregularities in his financial reporting. [1] The audit uncovered that Talmadge accepted reimbursements for official expenses not incurred, and that the Senator improperly reported the "expenses" as campaign expenditures. The Senator explained that he received most of his pocket money in small amounts of cash from constituents.
The audit found that Talmadge's required financial disclosure reports were inaccurate for the years 1972 to 1974, campaign finance reports mandated by the Federal Election Campaign Act were filed late for 1973, and inaccurate reports were filed in 1974; and more than $10,000 in campaign funds were not reported, were deposited by the senator's campaign chairman in a bank account, and were used for non-campaign purposes, in violation of both campaign laws and a Senate rule. [2]
The thought of a scandal affecting such a high-ranking Democratic Senator has shaken many Senate Democrats, who were confident of a landslide next week. Talmadge was elected to the Senate in 1956, and has served 3 terms. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Talmadge is among the 34 Senators coming up for election in a few days. His opponent, Jerry Johnson, a Republican, is an almost unknown figure [3]. It is too early to say whether this late-breaking development will shift voters’ allegiances in favor of Johnson.
The scandal is the second one for Democrats in the past month. On October 9, Representative Wilbur Mills (D-AR) was caught driving drunk with a stripper from Argentina named Fanne Foxe in the passenger seat. Mills was stopped by pulled over by police while driving with Foxe near Washington D.C.'s Tidal Basin. Foxe ran from the car into the basin, leaving the drunk Congressman behind in the car. Mills later issued a public apology. [4]
----------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] Nixon certainly was capable of digging up dirt on prominent Democrats using the IRS (to my knowledge, Talmadge was not under audit in OTL). In OTL, Nixon had ordered the IRS to audit the tax returns of Democratic Party chairman Larry O’Brien (Nixon Defense: What He Knew and When He Knew It, pp. 122).
Since Talmadge had been on the Senate Watergate Committee since early 1973, he plausibly could have been targeted by Nixon. No doubt Nixon could have had one of his lackeys at the IRS investigate Talmadge at some point in the past two years. If Nixon knows about Talmadge’s secrets, he would make an excellent target of blackmail. In OTL, these financial irregularities were uncovered during the litigation related to the divorce with his wife, and in 1979, Talmadge was censured for "improper financial conduct" that he engaged in between 1973 to 1978. And Nixon very well might had have been tipped off about Talmadge without the help of the IRS; Talmadge’s wife Betty often had lunch with Pat Nixon and was often very outspoken: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/10/AR2005051001409.html
[2] https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/censure_cases/139HermanTalmadge.htm
[3] Really, I could find nothing more about Mr. Johnson. I suspect that Republicans didn’t seriously expect to win against Talmadge, so they ran an empty suit.
[4] As OTL: Something Happened: A Political and Cultural Overview of the Seventies, pp. 89
================================================================
November 2, 1974
Vice President Visits Nixon for 8 Minutes [1]
Acting President and Vice President Gerald Ford visited President Richard M. Nixon in the hospital today as he recovers from surgery to reduce the hazard of a phlebitis condition. Mr. Nixon's doctors reported today that the President's condition was stable but remained serious, with evidence that there has been a halt in the internal bleeding that had complicated his recovery since surgery Tuesday.
Mr. Ford entered talked with Mrs. Nixon and her daughters for five minutes. After this, he went to visit with the President. He was taken in by Dr. John C. Lungren, who stayed only briefly. The two men talked for eight minutes. Mr. Nessen, Mr. Ford's press secretary, said later that the visit had been essentially a surprise to the President, who was told about it three minutes before Mr. Ford walked in the door.
The President was fully conscious and was wearing a white hospital gown. He was propped up in the bed. Mr. Nessen said that Mr. Nixon had no difficulty talking but that “his voice was husky.” He added, “His hair was mussed, he was clearly drawn) and he had lost weight.” But Mr. Nessen did not think the President appeared haggard.
Mr. Ford asked Mr. Nixon, “Did you have a good night?” Mr. Nixon replied, “None of the nights are too good.” As he got up to leave, Mr., Ford exhorted Mr. Nixon to “be well” then took the President's right hand in his right hand.
Mr. Ziegler, the White House press secretary, said the President had not been informed of Mr. Ford's visit until a few minutes before the President entered the room, on the advice of Mr. Nixon's physicians, who wanted to minimize the “excitement” connected with the visit.
“I saw President Nixon briefly after the visit and he was, of course, very tired and appeared to be very weak after this morning's activity,” Mr. Ziegler said. Mr. Ziegler said that much of his exhaustion was due to routine tests and activity that the President underwent before the visit. When he entered the President's room, Mr. Ziegler told newsmen, Mr. Nixon was telling a nurse:
“You know with the bath this morning and the other things you've been doing to me, it's been a very busy morning and I'm very tired.”
“He did say, however, in about the 45 seconds I spent with him, Mr. Ziegler continued, “that it was very nice of Vice President Ford ‘to come see me’ and then he said it was really very thoughtful of him to take the time to come to the hospital.”
Before leaving, Ford made a brief statement to the press [2]:
“I spent approximately 8 minutes with the President. Obviously he is a very, very sick man, but I think he is coming along very, very well.
The President was very alert. He was very interested, but it was very obvious to me that he had been very, very ill. But he showed a great deal of strength mentally and, I think, physically in meeting this very serious challenge.
I told him that I had talked this morning to my wife before I came here and indicated to him that she had asked me, as I told him, that all of our family were praying for his full and complete recovery.
Thank you very much.”
The President’s ill health is prompting speculation about his resignation. Some have suggested that Nixon could use his illness as an excuse to bow out gracefully, without admitting guilt. However, no word has come from the President’s spokesman about whether any decision has been made.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/11/02/archives/president-visits-nixon-for-8-minutes-ford-asserts-patient-shows.html
[2] http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=4535
================================================================
November 6, 1974
Democrats make large gains in midterm elections [1]
Yesterday’s midterm election resulted in a landslide of victories for the Democratic Party. Democrats swept toward domination of the next Congress as voters across the nation turned against the Republican Party. The Watergate scandal, combined with high inflation, was responsible for a wave of victory of Democratic politicians, whom some are dubbing "Watergate babies"
In the House, Democrats added to their majority. The Democrats had a net gain of 56 seats [2], while Republicans lost 55. This means that Democrats now have 298 seats in the House, 80 more than is needed for a majority. Republicans now have only 137 seats, the smallest number in since the 75th Congress, 35 years ago.
In the Senate, the Democrats had a net gain of eight seats [3]; Republicans had an equal net loss. The Senate is now comprised of 64 Democrats, 34 Republicans, and 2 independents (one caucusing with Republicans, one caucusing with Democrats). Including independent Senator Harry Byrd (VA), Democrats now have 65 votes, which is only 2 votes short of the 67 needed to convict President Nixon, assuming he does not resign before the trial. They also have a filibuster-proof majority, which means that Republicans no longer have the power to block legislation using the filibuster.
The Democratic wave was felt even at the state level. The Democrats achieved a net gain of seven, Republicans took a net loss of eight, and one Independent was elected to the governorship of a state. There are now 39 Democratic governors, 10 Republican governors, and one Independent governor. [4] Democrats picked up the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California (where Governor Reagan was defeated), Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Tennessee and Wyoming. Democrats lost only South Carolina (to Republican James Edwards) and Maine (to an Independent, James Longley).
Notably, Democratic Senator Herman Talmadge of Georgia, who is currently embroiled in a financial scandal, won re-election by a wide margin [5] of 67-33%. Democratic Congressman Wilbur Mills also won in the Arkansas race, despite his recent scandal.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] I think the fact that Richard Nixon is still President would have a slightly greater effect on voters’ behavior than Ford’s controversial pardon, but not by much. My method was simply to subtract 1% of the vote for Republican candidates and add 1% to the Democratic candidates. This will tip over a lot of close races in the Senate, but surprisingly few in the House. Overall, my election results are similar to those of @Pericles, in this thread: https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/wi-nixon-doesnt-resign.413731/
[2] In OTL, Democrats gained 49 seats; Republicans lost 48. Seven races differed from OTL:
FL-12: Friedman (D challenger) wins over Burke (R incumbent)
IA-3: Rapp (D) over Grassley (R); former occupant was HR Gross (R), who retired
ME-1: Kyros (incumbent D) wins over Emery (R challenger)
NE-3: Ziebarth (D) wins over Smith (R); former occupant was David Martin (R), who retired
OH-1: Luken (D incumbent) over Gradison (R challenger)
OH-12: Ryan (D challenger) over Devine (R incumbent)
VA-9: Horne (D challenger) over Wampler (R incumbent)
[3] In OTL, as a result of the 1974 midterm, there were 59 Democrats, 38 Republicans, and 2 Independents (1 caucusing with Democrats, 1 caucusing with Republicans). One seat remained vacant, due to a contested election in New Hampshire; it eventually went to the Democratic candidate (Durkin) after a special election held in September 1975. Five races differed from OTL:
KS: Roy (D challenger) over Dole (R incumbent)
NV: Reid (D) over Laxalt (R); former occupant was Alan Bible (D), who retired
NH: Durkin (D) over Wyman (R); former occupant was Norris Cotton (R), who retired
ND: Guy (D challenger) over Young (R incumbent)
OK: Edmonson (D challenger) over Bellmon (R incumbent)
[4] In OTL, there were 36 Democratic governors, 13 Republican governors, and one Independent governor. Three gubernatorial races differed from OTL:
AK: Egan (D incumbent) wins over Hammond (R challenger)
KS: Miller (D) wins over Bennett (R); Robert Docking (D) retired
OH: Gilligan (D incumbent) wins over Rhodes (R challenger)
[5] This sounds like a lot, but in OTL, the margin was even wider: 72-28%
================================================================
November 9, 1974
Kent State National Guardsmen acquitted [1]
The chief judge of the Federal District Court of Cleveland acquitted eight former Ohio National Guardsmen today in the 1970 Kent State shootings. In sudden and dramatic end, Judge Frank J. Battisti held that the Government prosecutors had not proved “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the guardsmen willfully intended to deprive the students of their civil rights. The judge said in his opinion: “There is no evidence from which the jury could conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendants acted with premeditation, prior consultation with each other, or any actively formulated intention to punish or otherwise deprive any students of their constitutional rights.”
The guardsmen were accused of violating the rights of students at a demonstration in which four of them were killed and nine were wounded.
The judge said in his opinion: “It is vital that state and National Guard officials not regard this decision as authorizing or approving the use of force against demonstrators, whatever the occasion of the issue involved. Such use of force is, and was, deplorable.”
In his opinion, the judge held out the possibility that state officials may “wish to pursue criminal prosecutions against various persons responsible for the events at Kent State.” Such course was considered highly unlikely, however.
James Rhodes, the former Governor of Ohio, said today that “justice has prevailed” with the judgment of acquittal. The eight defendants were members of guard units ordered to the Kent State campus by Mr. Rhodes, as Governor, after demonstrators had burned the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps building. Mr. Rhodes was recently defeated in his bid for re-election. [2]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/11/09/archives/judge-acquits-guardsmen-in-slayings-at-kent-state-judge-acquits.html
[2] In OTL, he was narrowly elected.
================================================================
November 14, 1974
Nixon Released from Hospital, Faces a Lengthy Recuperation. [1][2]
President Nixon was released from the hospital after a three-week stay, during which he almost lost his life. His personal physician, Dr. John C. Lungren, has prescribed a long, stress-free recuperation for the President. Lungren said that the President faces the possibility of further medical problems, including massive internal bleeding that followed an operation to prevent blood clots from going into the President’s lungs. Doctors are also concerned the President may develop hepatitis (as a result of blood transfusions) and painful swelling of his leg. Another of Nixon’s physicians, Dr. Eldon Hickman, said that Nixon’s progress was “better today than it might have been a couple of weeks ago”, but added that “it would be unrealistic to guess and speculate that problems wouldn’t develop in the future.”
President Nixon left the hospital in a wheelchair, wearing pajamas and a bathrobe. He has lost 10-15 pounds in the past two months, leaving him looking thin. Nixon was reportedly pale and weak, helped into a limousine by his wife Pat. As his car drove past reporters, he smiled and waved weakly.
Nixon will be flown from Washington, DC to recuperate at the Western White House in San Clemente, California. He will sleep in a hospital bed where he can keep his left leg elevated. Dr. Lungren said that “extended periods of standing, sitting, and walking will not be permitted…It is impossible…to render a decision on how long this restrictive period of activity will be necessary.”
Yesterday, Judge Warren Burger issued an order appointing three physicians to examine the President to verify that Nixon is too ill to testify at a Senate trial. Dr. Lungren said that the examination by court-appointed doctors challenged his “medical integrity” and said that examination could raise the President’s blood pressure, worsening his condition. [2]
------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL (except that Nixon was already in California when he was in the hospital): http://www.jfk.hood.edu/Collection/Weisberg%20Subject%20Index%20Files/N20Disk/Nixon%20Richard%20M%20President%20Watergate%20Files/74-23-74%20Hospitalization/Item%2037.pdf
[2] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 93-99.
================================================================
November 1, 1974
Senator Talmadge denies financial irregularities
Just four days before the midterm elections, Senator Herman Talmadge (D-GA) has become embroiled in a financial scandal. An IRS probe into Talmadge’s finances has revealed irregularities in his financial reporting. [1] The audit uncovered that Talmadge accepted reimbursements for official expenses not incurred, and that the Senator improperly reported the "expenses" as campaign expenditures. The Senator explained that he received most of his pocket money in small amounts of cash from constituents.
The audit found that Talmadge's required financial disclosure reports were inaccurate for the years 1972 to 1974, campaign finance reports mandated by the Federal Election Campaign Act were filed late for 1973, and inaccurate reports were filed in 1974; and more than $10,000 in campaign funds were not reported, were deposited by the senator's campaign chairman in a bank account, and were used for non-campaign purposes, in violation of both campaign laws and a Senate rule. [2]
The thought of a scandal affecting such a high-ranking Democratic Senator has shaken many Senate Democrats, who were confident of a landslide next week. Talmadge was elected to the Senate in 1956, and has served 3 terms. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Talmadge is among the 34 Senators coming up for election in a few days. His opponent, Jerry Johnson, a Republican, is an almost unknown figure [3]. It is too early to say whether this late-breaking development will shift voters’ allegiances in favor of Johnson.
The scandal is the second one for Democrats in the past month. On October 9, Representative Wilbur Mills (D-AR) was caught driving drunk with a stripper from Argentina named Fanne Foxe in the passenger seat. Mills was stopped by pulled over by police while driving with Foxe near Washington D.C.'s Tidal Basin. Foxe ran from the car into the basin, leaving the drunk Congressman behind in the car. Mills later issued a public apology. [4]
----------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] Nixon certainly was capable of digging up dirt on prominent Democrats using the IRS (to my knowledge, Talmadge was not under audit in OTL). In OTL, Nixon had ordered the IRS to audit the tax returns of Democratic Party chairman Larry O’Brien (Nixon Defense: What He Knew and When He Knew It, pp. 122).
Since Talmadge had been on the Senate Watergate Committee since early 1973, he plausibly could have been targeted by Nixon. No doubt Nixon could have had one of his lackeys at the IRS investigate Talmadge at some point in the past two years. If Nixon knows about Talmadge’s secrets, he would make an excellent target of blackmail. In OTL, these financial irregularities were uncovered during the litigation related to the divorce with his wife, and in 1979, Talmadge was censured for "improper financial conduct" that he engaged in between 1973 to 1978. And Nixon very well might had have been tipped off about Talmadge without the help of the IRS; Talmadge’s wife Betty often had lunch with Pat Nixon and was often very outspoken: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/10/AR2005051001409.html
[2] https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/censure_cases/139HermanTalmadge.htm
[3] Really, I could find nothing more about Mr. Johnson. I suspect that Republicans didn’t seriously expect to win against Talmadge, so they ran an empty suit.
[4] As OTL: Something Happened: A Political and Cultural Overview of the Seventies, pp. 89
================================================================
November 2, 1974
Vice President Visits Nixon for 8 Minutes [1]
Acting President and Vice President Gerald Ford visited President Richard M. Nixon in the hospital today as he recovers from surgery to reduce the hazard of a phlebitis condition. Mr. Nixon's doctors reported today that the President's condition was stable but remained serious, with evidence that there has been a halt in the internal bleeding that had complicated his recovery since surgery Tuesday.
Mr. Ford entered talked with Mrs. Nixon and her daughters for five minutes. After this, he went to visit with the President. He was taken in by Dr. John C. Lungren, who stayed only briefly. The two men talked for eight minutes. Mr. Nessen, Mr. Ford's press secretary, said later that the visit had been essentially a surprise to the President, who was told about it three minutes before Mr. Ford walked in the door.
The President was fully conscious and was wearing a white hospital gown. He was propped up in the bed. Mr. Nessen said that Mr. Nixon had no difficulty talking but that “his voice was husky.” He added, “His hair was mussed, he was clearly drawn) and he had lost weight.” But Mr. Nessen did not think the President appeared haggard.
Mr. Ford asked Mr. Nixon, “Did you have a good night?” Mr. Nixon replied, “None of the nights are too good.” As he got up to leave, Mr., Ford exhorted Mr. Nixon to “be well” then took the President's right hand in his right hand.
Mr. Ziegler, the White House press secretary, said the President had not been informed of Mr. Ford's visit until a few minutes before the President entered the room, on the advice of Mr. Nixon's physicians, who wanted to minimize the “excitement” connected with the visit.
“I saw President Nixon briefly after the visit and he was, of course, very tired and appeared to be very weak after this morning's activity,” Mr. Ziegler said. Mr. Ziegler said that much of his exhaustion was due to routine tests and activity that the President underwent before the visit. When he entered the President's room, Mr. Ziegler told newsmen, Mr. Nixon was telling a nurse:
“You know with the bath this morning and the other things you've been doing to me, it's been a very busy morning and I'm very tired.”
“He did say, however, in about the 45 seconds I spent with him, Mr. Ziegler continued, “that it was very nice of Vice President Ford ‘to come see me’ and then he said it was really very thoughtful of him to take the time to come to the hospital.”
Before leaving, Ford made a brief statement to the press [2]:
“I spent approximately 8 minutes with the President. Obviously he is a very, very sick man, but I think he is coming along very, very well.
The President was very alert. He was very interested, but it was very obvious to me that he had been very, very ill. But he showed a great deal of strength mentally and, I think, physically in meeting this very serious challenge.
I told him that I had talked this morning to my wife before I came here and indicated to him that she had asked me, as I told him, that all of our family were praying for his full and complete recovery.
Thank you very much.”
The President’s ill health is prompting speculation about his resignation. Some have suggested that Nixon could use his illness as an excuse to bow out gracefully, without admitting guilt. However, no word has come from the President’s spokesman about whether any decision has been made.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] As OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/11/02/archives/president-visits-nixon-for-8-minutes-ford-asserts-patient-shows.html
[2] http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=4535
================================================================
November 6, 1974
Democrats make large gains in midterm elections [1]
Yesterday’s midterm election resulted in a landslide of victories for the Democratic Party. Democrats swept toward domination of the next Congress as voters across the nation turned against the Republican Party. The Watergate scandal, combined with high inflation, was responsible for a wave of victory of Democratic politicians, whom some are dubbing "Watergate babies"
In the House, Democrats added to their majority. The Democrats had a net gain of 56 seats [2], while Republicans lost 55. This means that Democrats now have 298 seats in the House, 80 more than is needed for a majority. Republicans now have only 137 seats, the smallest number in since the 75th Congress, 35 years ago.
In the Senate, the Democrats had a net gain of eight seats [3]; Republicans had an equal net loss. The Senate is now comprised of 64 Democrats, 34 Republicans, and 2 independents (one caucusing with Republicans, one caucusing with Democrats). Including independent Senator Harry Byrd (VA), Democrats now have 65 votes, which is only 2 votes short of the 67 needed to convict President Nixon, assuming he does not resign before the trial. They also have a filibuster-proof majority, which means that Republicans no longer have the power to block legislation using the filibuster.
The Democratic wave was felt even at the state level. The Democrats achieved a net gain of seven, Republicans took a net loss of eight, and one Independent was elected to the governorship of a state. There are now 39 Democratic governors, 10 Republican governors, and one Independent governor. [4] Democrats picked up the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California (where Governor Reagan was defeated), Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Tennessee and Wyoming. Democrats lost only South Carolina (to Republican James Edwards) and Maine (to an Independent, James Longley).
Notably, Democratic Senator Herman Talmadge of Georgia, who is currently embroiled in a financial scandal, won re-election by a wide margin [5] of 67-33%. Democratic Congressman Wilbur Mills also won in the Arkansas race, despite his recent scandal.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
[1] I think the fact that Richard Nixon is still President would have a slightly greater effect on voters’ behavior than Ford’s controversial pardon, but not by much. My method was simply to subtract 1% of the vote for Republican candidates and add 1% to the Democratic candidates. This will tip over a lot of close races in the Senate, but surprisingly few in the House. Overall, my election results are similar to those of @Pericles, in this thread: https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/wi-nixon-doesnt-resign.413731/
[2] In OTL, Democrats gained 49 seats; Republicans lost 48. Seven races differed from OTL:
FL-12: Friedman (D challenger) wins over Burke (R incumbent)
IA-3: Rapp (D) over Grassley (R); former occupant was HR Gross (R), who retired
ME-1: Kyros (incumbent D) wins over Emery (R challenger)
NE-3: Ziebarth (D) wins over Smith (R); former occupant was David Martin (R), who retired
OH-1: Luken (D incumbent) over Gradison (R challenger)
OH-12: Ryan (D challenger) over Devine (R incumbent)
VA-9: Horne (D challenger) over Wampler (R incumbent)
[3] In OTL, as a result of the 1974 midterm, there were 59 Democrats, 38 Republicans, and 2 Independents (1 caucusing with Democrats, 1 caucusing with Republicans). One seat remained vacant, due to a contested election in New Hampshire; it eventually went to the Democratic candidate (Durkin) after a special election held in September 1975. Five races differed from OTL:
KS: Roy (D challenger) over Dole (R incumbent)
NV: Reid (D) over Laxalt (R); former occupant was Alan Bible (D), who retired
NH: Durkin (D) over Wyman (R); former occupant was Norris Cotton (R), who retired
ND: Guy (D challenger) over Young (R incumbent)
OK: Edmonson (D challenger) over Bellmon (R incumbent)
[4] In OTL, there were 36 Democratic governors, 13 Republican governors, and one Independent governor. Three gubernatorial races differed from OTL:
AK: Egan (D incumbent) wins over Hammond (R challenger)
KS: Miller (D) wins over Bennett (R); Robert Docking (D) retired
OH: Gilligan (D incumbent) wins over Rhodes (R challenger)
[5] This sounds like a lot, but in OTL, the margin was even wider: 72-28%
================================================================
November 9, 1974
Kent State National Guardsmen acquitted [1]
The chief judge of the Federal District Court of Cleveland acquitted eight former Ohio National Guardsmen today in the 1970 Kent State shootings. In sudden and dramatic end, Judge Frank J. Battisti held that the Government prosecutors had not proved “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the guardsmen willfully intended to deprive the students of their civil rights. The judge said in his opinion: “There is no evidence from which the jury could conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendants acted with premeditation, prior consultation with each other, or any actively formulated intention to punish or otherwise deprive any students of their constitutional rights.”
The guardsmen were accused of violating the rights of students at a demonstration in which four of them were killed and nine were wounded.
The judge said in his opinion: “It is vital that state and National Guard officials not regard this decision as authorizing or approving the use of force against demonstrators, whatever the occasion of the issue involved. Such use of force is, and was, deplorable.”
In his opinion, the judge held out the possibility that state officials may “wish to pursue criminal prosecutions against various persons responsible for the events at Kent State.” Such course was considered highly unlikely, however.
James Rhodes, the former Governor of Ohio, said today that “justice has prevailed” with the judgment of acquittal. The eight defendants were members of guard units ordered to the Kent State campus by Mr. Rhodes, as Governor, after demonstrators had burned the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps building. Mr. Rhodes was recently defeated in his bid for re-election. [2]
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NOTES:
[1] As OTL: http://www.nytimes.com/1974/11/09/archives/judge-acquits-guardsmen-in-slayings-at-kent-state-judge-acquits.html
[2] In OTL, he was narrowly elected.
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November 14, 1974
Nixon Released from Hospital, Faces a Lengthy Recuperation. [1][2]
President Nixon was released from the hospital after a three-week stay, during which he almost lost his life. His personal physician, Dr. John C. Lungren, has prescribed a long, stress-free recuperation for the President. Lungren said that the President faces the possibility of further medical problems, including massive internal bleeding that followed an operation to prevent blood clots from going into the President’s lungs. Doctors are also concerned the President may develop hepatitis (as a result of blood transfusions) and painful swelling of his leg. Another of Nixon’s physicians, Dr. Eldon Hickman, said that Nixon’s progress was “better today than it might have been a couple of weeks ago”, but added that “it would be unrealistic to guess and speculate that problems wouldn’t develop in the future.”
President Nixon left the hospital in a wheelchair, wearing pajamas and a bathrobe. He has lost 10-15 pounds in the past two months, leaving him looking thin. Nixon was reportedly pale and weak, helped into a limousine by his wife Pat. As his car drove past reporters, he smiled and waved weakly.
Nixon will be flown from Washington, DC to recuperate at the Western White House in San Clemente, California. He will sleep in a hospital bed where he can keep his left leg elevated. Dr. Lungren said that “extended periods of standing, sitting, and walking will not be permitted…It is impossible…to render a decision on how long this restrictive period of activity will be necessary.”
Yesterday, Judge Warren Burger issued an order appointing three physicians to examine the President to verify that Nixon is too ill to testify at a Senate trial. Dr. Lungren said that the examination by court-appointed doctors challenged his “medical integrity” and said that examination could raise the President’s blood pressure, worsening his condition. [2]
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NOTES:
[1] As OTL (except that Nixon was already in California when he was in the hospital): http://www.jfk.hood.edu/Collection/Weisberg%20Subject%20Index%20Files/N20Disk/Nixon%20Richard%20M%20President%20Watergate%20Files/74-23-74%20Hospitalization/Item%2037.pdf
[2] Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir, pp. 93-99.
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