Resurrection City

This is a reworked RFK Renewed. POD 10/01/62.

Chapter 1: Deja Vu All Over Again

Los Angeles Times, Jan. 10, 1962

- "Former Vice President Richard Nixon announced that he will run against Tom Kuchel in the Senate Republican primary. Mr. Nixon is narrowly trailing Sen. Kuchel in the polls, however we can expect a surge in the upcoming weeks."

Nixon press conference, Los Angeles: "I seek to retain a prominent voice in national affairs. Therefore I will be running for the Senate this November."

Mar. 15, 1962- NIXON DEFEATS KUCHEL 54-46 IN GOP PRIMARY

Apr. 27, 1962- White House Press Conference:

"Mr. President, do you have any comment on Mr. Nixon's victory?"

President Kennedy: "I think he emerged from a tough one."

May 10: Just like the Kennedys, kicking you in the shin when you're down.

Sept. 4- CABINET STUMPS FOR RICHARDS, MCNAMARA, AG TOUR STATE

Oct. 27- CUBAN CRISIS OVER, KHRUSCHEV WITHDRAWS MISSILES

Nov. 6- California Senate election

(R) Richard M. Nixon, 56.3%
(D) Richard Richards, 43.3%

Jan. 3, 1963- Richard Nixon sworn in as Senator from California.

Jan. 14- WALLACE PROMISES SEGREGATION, NOW, TOMORROW, FOREVER

Jan. 29- DE GAULLE VETOES UK EEC ENTRY

Mar. 21- AG KENNEDY CLOSES ALCATRAZ

Apr. 16-KING ISSUES LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL

PEARSON BECOMES CANADIAN PM, PROMISES CLOSER US-CANADA TIES

May 8- South Vietnamese President Diem permits a parade by celebrating Buddhists.

June 3-POPE JOHN DEAD

June 11- PRES KENNEDY DELIVERS CIVIL RIGHTS ADDRESS

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/jfkcivilrights.htm

June 20: That was a great speech from the Pres. on civil rights. What many don't talk about is that it's as great an issue in the North as the South. That's partly why they're so hostile to the civil rights agenda.

June 21- NEW POPE, PAUL VI

Aug 18- MEREDITH FIRST NEGRO OLE MISS GRAD

Aug. 19- US Ambassador Nolting informs Pres. Diem that the US doesn't approve of raids on Buddhist pagodas. Diem reluctantly acqueisces.

Aug 28- KING DELIVERS SPEECH AT LINCOLN MEMORIAL

Sept. 15- BIRMINGHAM CHURCH BOMBED, 4 GIRLS DEAD

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_Street_Baptist_Church_bombing

Oct. 19- HOME SUCCEEDS MACMILLAN AS UK PM

Nov. 2- As General Van Minh prepares his coup against the Diem brothers, he doesn't reckon with one factor...

Nov. 4- DIEM QUELLS COUP, VAN MINH EXECUTED

Nov. 22- PRESIDENT KENNEDY, FIRST LADY SHOT, KILLED IN DALLAS, JOHNSON SWORN IN


Nov. 25: Wrote letters to Mrs. Kennedy and the AG expressing my condolences. Got very nice replies.

Dec. 28- Well, it promises to be an interesting year ahead. Wonder who gets the nomination.

Jan. 3, 1964-GOLDWATER ANNOUNCES BID

Jan. 8- PRES JOHNSON DECLARES WAR ON POVERTY

Jan. 10- NIXON DECLARES NON-CANDIDACY

Jan. 27- FRANCE, RED CHINA OPEN DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

Feb. 4- POLL TAX OUTLAWED BY 24TH AMENDMENT

Feb. 17- SUPREMES RULE CONG DISTRICTS MUST BE APPROX EQUAL IN POP

May 26- ROCKEFELLER DEFEATS GOLDWATER IN OREGON

June 2- NARROW WIN FOR NELSON, ROCKY WINS 53-47 IN CALIFORNIA

June 11- SENATE PASSES CIVIL RIGHTS BILL VIA CLOTURE 70-30

June 19- TED KENNEDY KILLED IN PLANE CRASH

June 20: When will this tragedy end? Now Jack, Jackie and Ted are dead in the space of one year. Wrote another note to Bobby expressing condolences. He must be going to pieces.​

July 2- PRES JOHNSON SIGNS CIVIL RIGHTS ACT

July 9- ROCKEFELLER-SCRANTON NOMD BY GOP


July 29- PRES BARS KENNEDY, FIVE OTHERS, FROM TICKET

Aug. 10- KENNEDY DECLARES CANDIDACY FOR NY SEN SEAT

Aug 11- GULF OF TONKIN RES PASSED IN SENATE

Aug 26- JOHNSON-HUMPHREY NOM'D IN ATLANTIC CITY

Sept. 2- RFK DEM SENATE NOMINEE

Sept. 10- NEHRU DEAD, SHASTRI SUCCESSOR

Sept. 24- WARREN COMM REPORT: OSWALD ACTED ALONE

Oct. 15- KHRUSCHEV DEPOSED, BREZHNEV, KOSYGIN TAKE OVER

UK general election, 1964

Conservative: 323 seats
Labour: 300 seats
Liberals: 7 seats

Incumbent Prime Minister: Sir Alec Douglas-Home (Con)

Nov. 3- Pres. election​

genusmap.php


(D) Lyndon B. Johnson/Hubert H. Humphrey: 373 ECV, 56.3% PV

(R) Nelson A. Rockefeller/William W. Scranton: 165 ECV, 44.7% PV

Incumbent President: Lyndon B. Johnson (D)

New York Senate race:

(D/Lib) Robert F. Kennedy: 57.4% PV
(R) Kenneth B. Keating: 41.5% PV

Incumbent Senator: Kenneth B. Keating (R)
Senator-elect: Robert F. Kennedy (D)

"I would like to thank Steve Smith, President Johnson..."

Dec. 10- KING AWARDED NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

Dec. 29- Well that closes out an interesting year. Looking forward to next year...​

* Red is the Democratic colour until 2000.​
 
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Calm Before the Storm: 1965-1966

Jan. 5- Richard Nixon becomes a member of the Foreign Relations Committee and a senior GOP member of the Education and Labor Committee, with Robert Kennedy as the freshman Democrat.

*Blue is RFK Diaries, Red, Nixon Journals.

Jan. 30- CHURCHILL DEAD AT 90


Feb. 4: It's quite interesting to work with Nixon, considering the past few years. Under no illusion that he'll run in '68 though. I haven't made any plans yet. Why make plans six years in advance? Not too much going on these days however...

Feb. 20- MALCOLM X ASSN'D IN NEW YORK

Mar 8- Bloody Sunday http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Bloody_Sunday-Alabama_police_attack.jpeg



Mar 8: "Today, 3,500 Marines landed at Da Nang, the first US combat forces sent to Vietnam under President Johnson. Joining us now is a familiar guest, Senator Nixon."

"President Johnson has made the right decision. We must defend the people of Vietnam from Communism, and provide all necessary assistance."

Q: "What if more troops are needed? Should the President keep sending troops as long as they are needed?"

A: "We should honor our commitments to the South Vietnamese. However we should also remember that this is their war, not ours. It should not appear as if we are fighting North Vietnam. We are helping the South halt their Northern-backed insurgency."


Mar. 20- Voting Rights Act sent to Congress.

INDO-PAK WAR BREAKS OUT IN KASHMIR

Apr. 5: I'm going to vote for the Voting Rights Act, only Southerners will vote no. It's what I believe in any case. Not to mention helping with Rocky's people in '68.

Apr. 24- CIVIL WAR IN DOMINICAN, PRES SENDS 3500 TROOPS

Apr. 28, Senate debate on Dominican action.

9:30- Senate debate:

FULBRIGHT (D-AR): This unilateral action was undertaken without consultation of the Organization of American States or the United Nations. Why is the President involving this country in a civil war without Congressional authorization?

NIXON (R-CA): The President has dispatched our men to protect the lives and property of American citizens in the Dominican Republic. We also cannot afford another Cuba.

KENNEDY (D-NY): Is Senator Nixon proposing that we dispatch troops every time a leftist government takes power in Latin America?

NIXON: No, but when our citizens' lives are threatened, we have the obligation to ensure their safety. I am confident that the President will withdraw the troops as soon as our citizens are evacuated and Santo Domingo is secured.

May 12- WEST GERMANY, ISRAEL, OPEN RELATIONS

June 8: Johnson is moving further and further away from the President's policy. This will end up in a quagmire with no exit strategy. For now, he is coming through wonderfully on the domestic front.

June 22: US wins battle of Dong Xoai, 450 VC casualties.

July 28: PRES JOHNSON SENDS 50,000 MORE TROOPS, NOW AT 125,000

July 30: PRES JOHNSON SIGNS SOCIAL SECURITY ACT

Aug. 6- PRES JOHNSON SIGNS VOTING RIGHTS ACT

Aug. 11- WATTS RIOTS BREAK OUT

Aug. 13: "This is CBS News. President Johnson has authorized the California National Guard to suppress the rioting in the Watts area."

Aug. 26- Senate debate on Watts riots

KENNEDY (D-NY): "To us, the law is a friend which protects our lives, families, and property. To Negroes, it is an enemy under Jim Crow, which signifies denial of equal rights and repression in the worst cases."

NIXON (R-CA): "We cannot allow citizens to cherry-pick which laws to obey. As Lincoln said: "No is above the law, no one is below the law and we're going to enforce the law."

Sept. 3: Nixon was grandstanding for the South. Though I'd kill to know what he really thinks about Negroes.

Sept. 9- BETSY HITS NEW ORLEANS, $ 1 BILLION DAMAGES

Sept. 16- KOSYGIN INVITES SHASTRI, KHAN TO NEGOTIATE IN MOSCOW

Oct. 3- PRES JOHNSON SIGNS INS ACT

Oct. 26: BRAZIL JUNTA ABOLISHES CONGRESS, CONSTITUTION

Nov. 3- DE GAULLE ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION BID

Nov. 17- Philippine Presidential election

Ferdinand Marcos (N): 52.3% PV
Diosdado Macapagal (L): 46.4% PV

Incumbent President: Diosdado Macapagal (L)
President-elect: Ferdinand Marcos (N)

Nov. 30- MARCOS, PARK PLEDGE TROOPS FOR VIETNAM

Dec. 10- French Presidential election

Charles de Gaulle (UDR, inc) 56.3%
Francois Mitterand (PS): 43.5%

Incumbent President: Charles de Gaulle (UDR)

Jan. 3, 1966: Looking forward to this election year. If we can do well, they'll be killed in '68.

Jan 10: INDIA, PAK SIGN CEASEFIRE

Jan. 11- SHASTRI DEAD, INDIRA GANDHI NEW PM

Feb. 6: More Vietnam deployments. Johnson is going down a dangerous path.

Mar. 11- SUKARNO RESIGNS, SUHARTO NEW INDONESIAN PRES

DE GAULLE WITHDRAWS FROM NATO, DEMANDS RELOCATION WITHIN 1 YR

Mar. 26- HOME LOSES CONFIDENCE MOTION, ELECTION MAY 3

Apr. 11: Yet another election coming up. The time is drawing near...

NASSER ASSN'D IN CAIRO, SADAT SWORN IN

Apr. 20: How will this affect our Mideast policy? In any case we can't afford to be strongly in one camp for another, otherwise we lose our clout for mediation.

May 3- UK general election

Labour: 361 seats, 48% PV
Conservative: 259 seats, 42% PV
Liberals: 10 seats, 10% PV


Incumbent Prime Minister: Sir Alec Douglas-Home (Cons)
Subsequent Prime Minister: Harold Wilson (Lab)

June 6- MEREDITH SHOT, KILLED IN MISSISSIPPI

Aug. 7: Martin Luther King was hit by a rock yesterday. It's really spiraling out of control.

Sept. 6- ASSN ATTEMPT ON VERWOERD, PM LIGHTLY WOUNDED

Generic Congressional poll:

Democratic: 46%
Republican: 44%
Undecided: 10%

KENNEDY, JOHNSON CAMPAIGN IN NY

Oct. 10: More campaigning with him. Every appearance makes me happier. The crowds are for me, not for him.

Nov. 1- 241-193 DEM IN HOUSE, 64-36 IN SENATE

Dec. 16: Looking forward to Xmas. Next year promises to be very interesting indeed.

Dec. 18: We killed them and now '68 will be ours for the taking.


 
Year of Decision: 1967

Jan. 3- Richard Nixon becomes ranking GOP member of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Jan. 14- ARMY CONDUCTING GERM WARFARE EXPTS

Jan. 25: Not much going on these days except in Vietnam. I'm going to Europe tomorrow to meet Wilson and de Gaulle.

Jan. 27: Wilson wants to be like Lyndon, but he's not nearly ruthless enough. Unlike he and I. De Gaulle was as impressive as always. Discussed Vietnam with some Foreign Ministry specialists.

Newsweek, Feb. 2

- ... In Paris, sources inform NEWSWEEK that a substantial peace feeler may have been extended to Robert F. Kennedy for reasons unknown except to the enemy..."

Feb. 3, The Oval Office.

Pres. Johnson: Call Bobby and tell him to get over here ASAP. Tomorrow will be fine.

White House Tapes, 04/02/67
* This is my reconstruction of the meeting based on OTL accounts.
JOHNSON: Bobby, can you explain the Newsweek story?
ROBERT KENNEDY: Mr. President, I can assure you that I wasn't the source of that story. Perhaps the leak came from your State Department.
JOHNSON: "It's not my State Department, Goddammit, it's your State Department!"
KENNEDY: "My State Department?"
JOHNSON: "Yes. This is interfering with our efforts to resolve the conflict."
KENNEDY: "Mr. President, are you interested in hearing about the trip, or just in hearing yourself shout profanity at me!"
JOHNSON: " Both Wilson and de Gaulle want us out of Vietnam. Wilson is reluctant to help because of all those anti-American demonstrators on the London streets and his party's left wing. What else is there to know? Unless they did present you with a proposal."
KENNEDY: "We only discussed ideas that have been kicked around for the last two years. Nothing meriting any controversy."
JOHNSON: "In any case, the war's going so well, it'll be over by summer. I'll destroy you and every single one of your dove friends. Including that Dixiecrat asshole Fulbright, Frank Church, and the rest. What you people don't realize is that by calling for peace, you are encouraging the enemy. One could say that all the doves have blood on their hands. Not Northern blood either."
KENNEDY: "(slams fist on desk) I don't have to take that shit from you! GOODBYE!"
KATZENBACH: (locks door): "Five minutes, Five minutes. We can't have the press saying you look like you're going to floor the first person you meet."
KENNEDY: "Well I'm in the (F-bomb) mood, aren't I Nick? Sorry, but I'm so angry right now. Tell the press there was no feeler. We'll talk tomorrow, when I'm calmer."
(Door slams, leaves Oval Office)
JOHNSON: "There was no feeler or leak, was there?"
ROSTOW: "Not that I'm aware of, Mr. President. This will be in the papers."

END OF CONVERSATION.

Time, "Bellicose Bobby, Lurid Lyndon", Feb. 5

- "After a stormy Oval Office meeting between Bobby Kennedy and President Johnson, we are no closer to a Vietnam settlement, or even a ceasefire between these two antagonists. What we do know is that Bobby called the President a S.O.B. to his face, among other things. The President allegedly pledged "to destroy all the doves". The war is nearly in it's open, declared phase..."

Meet the Press, Feb. 8

"Joining us now is Senator Nixon of California. Senator, what did you think of the recent White House explosion?"

"Well, I believe the media missed the point of this meeting. Whether the President called Bobby a SOB or Bobby told the President to commit unnatural and immoral acts with himself, is irrelevant. What is relevant is that the President of the United States has called a political opponent a traitor to his country. This reminds me of the McCarthy era. I firmly believe that come January, it will be Bobby versus Lyndon..."

Feb. 15: I cannot believe how rude and abusive he was. If he can't even be civil with me, how can he negotiate with the North Vietnamese? How can we take five more years of Lyndon Johnson? Five more years of a crazy man. Even Nixon, who skated pretty close with his Truman remarks, defended me. This is the man I'll have to face in 1972 or his successor in 1976."

25TH AMENDMENT ENACTED

Mar. 9- STALIN'S DAUGHTER DEFECTS TO US

Apr. 4- KING DENOUCNCES WAR, CALLS FOR "RADICAL REORIENTATION OF VALUES"

Apr. 14- 10,000 MARCH AGAINST WAR IN SAN FRANCISCO

Apr. 26: The pressure is mounting on Johnson to solve Vietnam, and he's just staying the course. I'm definitely running in January.

May 17- EGYPT, SYRIA MOBILIZE AGAINST ISRAEL

June 5- ISRAEL LAUNCHES PREEMPTIVE STRIKE ON EGYPT, JORDAN, SYRIA

June 10- UN CEASEFIRE, ISRAEL KEEPS GAZA, WEST BANK, GOLAN & SINAI

June 13- PRES JOHNSON NOMINATES S-G MARSHALL TO SUPREME COURT

June 17- RED CHINA TESTS H-BOMB

July 23- DETROIT RIOTS, PRES CALLS IN ARMY

Sept 3- THIEU ELECTED SVN PRESIDENT

Sept. 26: I have decided to run next year. If he doesn't want to deal with the cities or Vietnam, I have to. Otherwise Nixon will wipe the floor with Lyndon.

Nov. 3- MCNAMARA RESIGNS, WILL ASSUME PRES OF WORLD BANK

Nov. 25- Richard Nixon Press Conference, Nashua, NH

"Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby declare my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States. Over the past six years, I have had the opportunity to reflect..."

Dec. 10- "I hereby declare my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States. I do not do this merely to oppose any man, but to propose new policies."

- Robert Kennedy press conference, Dec. 10, 1967

White House press conference, Dec. 12, 1967

President Johnson: "I can tell you this, I wasn't surprised to hear that Senators Nixon and Kennedy are candidates. We've been expecting this for a while."
 
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At Home and Abroad: Nashua to Eugene

Jan. 21- NVA LAY SIEGE TO KHE SANH, ARVN, US REINFORCEMENTS POUR IN

Jan. 30- NVA BEGIN COUNTRYWIDE OFFENSIVE, ARVN HOLDING HUE

Feb. 12- SAIGON CLEARED, NVA RETREAT OVER BORDER

Feb. 25- New Hampshire polls

(D)
Sen. Robert F. Kennedy- 44%
Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson (I)- 40%
Undecided- 16%
MOE: 2.5%


(R) Sen. Richard M. Nixon- 68%

Mar. 5: We are nearly there. If I get within five points or beat him, it's all over.

Mar. 12- New Hampshire primary coverage- CBS News

8 p.m. "Early returns show a clean sweep for the Republicans by Senator Nixon, in the 70% range. The hotly contested Democratic race is too close to call, but preliminary counts show President Johnson leading by a little over 650 votes."

8:30 p.m. "PROJECTION: NIXON WINS GOP PRIMARY". "20% of the returns show Senator Nixon has won a landslide victory with 80% of the vote, with 8% writing in Governor Rockefeller and 6% for Governor Romney. With 18% of the ballots counted, Senator Kennedy now leads by approximately 450 votes. This will be a long night for Democrats nationwide."

10:30 p.m. "With 53% of the votes counted, Senator Kennedy's lead has shrunk to a little over 300 votes. The winner will not be known till the wee hours of the morning."

12:45 a.m. "Senator Kennedy's lead is now at 250 votes with 79% of the vote counted."

2:30 a.m. "PROJECTION: KENNEDY WINS DEM PRIMARY" With 96% of the votes in, Senator Kennedy has won with a 350 vote plurality over President Johnson.

New Hampshire final results, Mar. 13, 1968

(D)
Sen. Robert F. Kennedy: 51.7%
Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson: 48.3%

(R)
Sen. Richard M. Nixon: 81%
Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller (WI): 8%
Gov. George W. Romney (WI): 6%

New York Times, Mar. 13, 1968

"Deja vu all over again?", James Reston

"President Johnson's defeat in the New Hampshire primary could mean further ill-fated results to come. One is reminded of when Sen. Kefauver defeated President Truman in his battle for a third term in 1952 in New Hampshire. President Truman withdrew his candidacy shortly thereafter. Could this be a portending of the future? We shall wait and see..."

Mar 20: Lots of campaigning in Wisconsin, Mass. and Calif. ahead of the primaries. If I can't win Calif. it's all over.

Mar. 25- Wisconsin polling

(D)
Sen. Robert F. Kennedy- 57%
Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson- 39%

(R): Sen. Richard M. Nixon- 83%

MOE: 3.2%

Vantage Point, Lyndon B. Johnson "... And then, the dream I had had since the beginning of my Presidency came true. Robert Kennedy had openly announced his intention to reclaim the throne in the memory of his fallen brother. And the American people, swayed by the magic of the name, were dancing in the streets..."

"Did I believe this would happen? Sure as hell I did. Even before that meeting, it was obvious that Bobby would challenge Johnson in '68. After all, the President had conducted a war with him for eight years. What did he expect? Gum and chocolate with a thank-you note?- Former President Richard Nixon, joint Nixon-Kennedy Larry King interview on Mar. 31, 1993.

Mar 31- "My fellow Americans, I shall not seek, nor will I accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President..."

JOHNSON WITHDRAWS, ADMIN SUPPORTERS LOOK TO HUMPHREY

Apr. 2- Wisconsin primary results

(D):
Sen. Robert F. Kennedy- 57%
Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson- 37%
Vice-Pres. Hubert H. Humphrey (WI): 6%

(R): Sen. Richard M. Nixon- 79%
Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller (WI): 10%
Gov. Ronald W. Reagan (WI): 9%

Apr. 4- KING SHOT, KILLED IN MEMPHIS

Apr. 10- I'm well on the way to securing the nomination. However now I think my running mate will either be Jerry Ford, Ted Agnew, or George Bush.

HUMPHREY DECLARES CANDIDACY, WILL NOT RUN IN PRIMARIES

Apr. 15- Pennsylvania polling

Sen. Robert F. Kennedy- 63%
V-P Hubert H. Humphrey (WI): 30%


Apr. 23- Pennsylvania primary

(D)
Sen. Robert F. Kennedy- 67% (only name on ballot)
Vice-Pres. Hubert H. Humphrey- 15%

Apr. 28- James Reston, Opinion

"The Democratic primaries have given Senator Robert Kennedy a clean sweep so far. However the primaries only choose 25% of the delegates to the Democratic Convention this August. The rest will be decided by power brokers like Mayor Daley of Chicago, Speaker Unruh of California, Gov. Hughes of New Jersey and others. Here's what the three have said on this subject recently:

"Mr. Mayor, do you believe Senator Kennedy can win the nomination?"
Mayor Richard Daley: "NO! Even the Lord had sceptical members of his party. Some doubted him, one betrayed him."
Gov. Hughes- "I unequivocally back the Administration. However I might have trouble holding the delegation together."
Jess Unruh: "I'm the Senator's California chairman of course."

Apr. 28- ROCKEFELLER ANNOUNCES BID AFTER PREVIOUS DISCLAIMERS

Apr. 30- Massachusetts primary

(D) Sen. Robert F. Kennedy: 76%
V.P. Hubert H. Humphrey: 15% (WI)

(R)
Gov. John A. Volpe: 53%
Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller: 45%

May 6: I'm going to win the blue-collar vote.


May 7- DC Primary

(D)
Sen. Robert F. Kennedy: 83%
V.P. Hubert H. Humphrey: 10% (WI)

Indiana primary

(D)
Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, 53%
Gov. Roger Branigin: 45%

Ohio primary (D)

Sen. Stephen M. Young: 63% (ONOB)
Sen. Robert F. Kennedy: 35% (WI)

May 14- Nebraska primary (D)

Sen. Robert F. Kennedy: 66%
V.P. Hubert H. Humphrey: 17% (WI)

(R): Sen. Richard M. Nixon: 78%
Gov. Ronald W. Reagan: 11% (WI)
Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller: 10% (WI)

West Virginia primary

(D) Sen. Robert F. Kennedy: 58%
V.P. Hubert H. Humphrey: 20% (WI)

(R)
Sen. Richard M. Nixon: 76%
Gov. Ronald W. Reagan: 22%

May 21: What worries me the most is Oregon. I can't get any traction in suburban areas. That's where Nixon and Hubert do well. Fred says it's because I come across as "evangelical, impassioned" while the other two come across as thoughtful and reasonable.

May 28: Florida primary

(D): Sen. George Smathers: 56% (ONB)

(R):
Sen. Richard M. Nixon: 73%
Gov. Ronald W. Reagan: 19% (WI)


Oregon primary

(D):
Sen. Robert F. Kennedy: 58%
V.P. Hubert H. Humphrey: 23% (WI)
 
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Summer of Discontent

June 4- Los Angeles

"With 15% of the votes counted, Senator Kennedy leads Attorney General Lynch by 120,000 votes, and Vice President Humphrey seems to have received few write-ins as of 8:30 p.m. here on the West Coast. PROJECTION: KENNEDY WINS CALIFORNIA DEM PRIMARY."

"Now we have to go downstairs..."​

- "I'd like to thank all my supporters, and on to Chicago and let's win there."​

While heading out through the pantry...​

"Allahu Akbar" Five .22 shots ring out in rapid succession. "Hit the deck" "Jesus f-king Christ!" "Someone get here, there's a casualty!" "Don't move Bobby, we need to secure the area!" "Are you hit? No, nothing worse than touch." "Someone get a doctor, an ambulance, anything." "He's dead right" "No, he's barely alive. But the police will still want to question him"​

"This is CBS Breaking News. There has been an assassination attempt on Senator Kennedy in Los Angeles. He has only been grazed according to reports. What we do know is that his wife Ethel is in critical condition at a local hospital."​

In the meantime...

California primary (D)

Sen. Robert F. Kennedy: 63%

Atty. Gen. Thomas C. Lynch: 37%

New Jersey primary (D)

Sen. Robert F. Kennedy: 61%

V.P. Hubert H. Humphrey: 20% (WI)

South Dakota primary (D)

Sen. Robert F. Kennedy: 63%

V.P. Hubert H. Humphrey: 30% (WI)

Nixon sweeps the primaries and is now the presumptive GOP nominee.

"This is CBS News. The doctors have managed to save Ethel Kennedy, but she will require a long period of convalescence. Senator Kennedy says his campaign will continue."- June 6, 1968

July 3, 1968- Chicago City Hall​

"I'd like to see Bobby as this year's nominee. I'll do all we can to make it happen. Hubert's a loser if I ever saw one."​

"Dick, I've heard rumors that the President might "drop in" on the convention."​

"No, I spoke to him and he's determined to retire. Bobby was always my second choice if it couldn't be Lyndon."​

- Conversation between Mayor Richard Daley and Council Speaker Tom Keane​

July 20- Robert Kennedy meets the Ohio delegation in Columbus. Senators Young and Lausche disagree on the choice, so they agree to keep the delegation neutral.​

July 26- Atlanta​

After a two-hour meeting, Richard Nixon secures the South from Senators Thurmond and Tower. No record is kept, except the promise to increase cotton tariffs...​

July 27- Robert Kennedy meets the Pennsylvania delegation, including Senator Joe Clark and ex-Governor David Lawrence. They agree to support him, but Humphrey still leads.​

Delegate estimates as of August 10​

Democratic

Hubert Humphrey- 1050
Robert Kennedy- 1000
Uncommitted- 600

Republican

Richard Nixon- 740 (PN)
Ronald Reagan- 250
Nelson Rockefeller- 180
Favorite sons- 114



"The major battleground states are California, Ohio, Texas and New Jersey. Total of 107. We have to worry about California and New Jersey. NJ has lots of Catholics and Bobby is very popular in California. I'm popular among suburbanites, who hate him. The key is turnout. If it's Humphrey, all I have to do is repeat Johnson's name everywhere I go."- Richard Nixon, memo to Bob Haldeman, Aug. 1, 1968

Aug. 3
Memo from: RN
To: Bob H.​

Bob, it's Ted Agnew for the veep slot.​

RN​


August 5: Republican National Convention, Miami Beach, FL​

1st ballot

Richard M. Nixon- 765
Ronald W. Reagan- 240
Nelson A. Rockefeller- 165
Favorite sons- 114

Vice-Presidential Roll Call

Spiro T. Agnew- 1210
George W. Romney- 165

Aug. 10- Blackstone Hotel​

Mayor Daley argued that Robert Kennedy must be the nominee in order to beat Nixon. Governor Hughes replied that Kennedy was incapable of attracting middle-class votes "which we need to carry New Jersey and California" because he "scares the hell out of them by summoning everyone to the barricades." Mayor Daley said that they could take Henry Jackson as the vice-presidential nominee, and Hughes was silenced. The Southern delegations, led by Richard Russell and Jim Eastland, were violently antagonistic, and could not be pacified.​

Minutes of Democratic leadership conference, August 10 1968, Assistant to National Committee Chair John Bailey.​

August 26, Conrad Hilton Hotel, Chicago. Democratic National Convention.​

1st ballot

Hubert H. Humphrey- 1140
Robert F. Kennedy- 1100
Uncommitted- 376

2nd ballot

Hubert H. Humphrey- 1275
Robert F. Kennedy- 1200
Uncommitted-351

3rd ballot

Hubert H. Humphrey- 1410
Robert F. Kennedy- 1226

"Someone get Bobby up here. I'm going to offer it to him." "Hubert, I don't want to be Vice President." "You'll get important domestic and foreign responsibilities with it. I'll put Fred Harris in Commerce and Arthur Schlesinger as Special Assistant." "As much as I dislike the spot, fine. I'll be Vice President if you'll support me in 1976." "Agreed."​

"I knew he'd be reluctant to take it. But I thought Bobby was the best man for the job."- Hubert Humphrey, Education of a Public Man.
 
Auspicious Autumn- Campaign '68

Sept. 4- Been touring the Confederate States. They're lapping up every single word of what I'm saying. Still worried about Wallace though.

Sept. 10: Hubert and I have been campaigning in Ohio, California and Texas. Johnson said he and Connally would put the machine to work for us there. Since Hubert leads the ticket, I believe him.

Sept. 20- WALLACE DENOUNCES BOTH PARTIES, "PEAS IN A POD", "FORCE MISCEGENATION ON OUR CHILDREN

Oct. 4- "I challenge Mr. Nixon to a debate. If he doesn't accept, he's Richard the Chickenhearted"- Hubert Humphrey stumping in Akron, October 4, 1968.

Oct. 12- "I will debate Mr. Humphrey under one condition. That he hold a debate between his former bleeding-heart liberal self and being a shameless apologist for President Johnson"- Richard Nixon in Stockton, Oct. 12, 1968

Oct. 17- "I'm going to vote for Humphrey, and you should all suffer with me."- Eugene McCarthy in Salem, Oregon, Oct. 17, 1968

Oct. 24

Memo from: Karl Rove, Special Operations Division, National Committee
To: Senator Nixon

Mr. Nixon, here is the latest data and electoral projections from our team.

GALLUP NATIONAL:

REPUBLICAN: 43%
DEMOCRATIC: 38%
INDEPENDENT: 14%
UNDECIDED: 5%

MOE: 3%

CALIFORNIA

REPUBLICAN: 48%
DEMOCRATIC: 44%
INDEPENDENT: 8%

TEXAS

DEMOCRATIC: 45%
REPUBLICAN: 40%
INDEPENDENT: 15%

MOE STATE POLLS: 3.5%

ELECTORAL PROJECTIONS

NIXON/AGNEW: 252 ECV
HUMPHREY/KENNEDY: 206 ECV
WALLACE/LEMAY: 80 ECV

There is a strong chance it could go to Congress. Recommend joint stops with Agnew in Texas ASAP.

Oct. 30- President Johnson is informed that Anna Chennault, co-chair of Republican Women for Nixon and a confidante of Chiang Kai-Shek and Vietnam's President Thieu, has urged Thieu to wait until January 20 to negotiate. Humphrey refuses to publicize it, fearing a Southern backlash.

Nov. 5- Election Day

"As of 11:30 p.m., neither candidate has won 270 electoral votes required to win." "We have just received word that California has voted Republican by a 27,000 vote margin and Texas Democratic by 75,000 votes."

genusmap.php


(R) Richard Milhous Nixon/Spiro Theodore Agnew: 252 ECV, 44.7% PV
(D) Hubert Horatio Humphrey/Robert Francis Kennedy- 208 ECV, 40.3% PV
(I) George Corley Wallace/ Curtis Emerson Lemay- 78 ECV, 14% PV


"The election will be decided by Congress when it convenes."

Dec. 1, 1968- "I am calling the Congress into emergency session on the 3rd of December. The people must have a President before Inauguration Day."- President Lyndon Johnson's televised address of December 1st.

Dec. 3, 1968-

Delegations voting

Alabama- Wallace/Lemay
Alaska- Nixon/Agnew
Arizona- Nixon/Agnew
Arkansas- Wallace/Lemay
California- Nixon/Agnew
Colorado- Nixon/Agnew
Connecticut- Humphrey/Kennedy
Delaware- Nixon/Agnew
District of Columbia- Humphrey/Kennedy
Florida- Nixon/Agnew
Georgia- Wallace/Lemay
Hawaii- Humphrey/Kennedy
Idaho- Nixon/Agnew
Illinois- Nixon/Agnew
Indiana- Nixon/Agnew
Iowa- Nixon/Agnew
Kansas- Nixon/Agnew
Kentucky- Wallace/Lemay
Louisiana- Wallace/Lemay
Maine- Humphrey/Kennedy
Maryland- Humphrey/Kennedy
Massachusetts- Humphrey/Kennedy
Michigan- Humphrey/Kennedy
Minnesota- Humphrey/Kennedy
Mississippi- Wallace/Lemay
Missouri- Nixon/Agnew
Montana- Nixon/Agnew
Nebraska- Nixon/Agnew
Nevada- Nixon/Agnew
New Hampshire- Nixon/Agnew
New Jersey- Humphrey/Kennedy
New York- Humphrey/Kennedy
North Carolina- Wallace/Lemay
North Dakota- Nixon/Agnew
Ohio- Nixon/Agnew
Oklahoma- Nixon/Agnew
Oregon- Nixon/Agnew
Pennsylvania- Humphrey/Kennedy
Rhode Island- Humphrey/Kennedy
South Carolina- Nixon/Agnew
South Dakota- Nixon/Agnew
Tennessee- Wallace/Lemay
Texas- Humphrey/Kennedy
Utah- Nixon/Agnew
Vermont- Nixon/Agnew
Virginia- Nixon/Agnew
Washington- Humphrey/Kennedy
West Virginia- Humphrey/Kennedy
Wisconsin- Nixon/Agnew
Wyoming- Nixon/Agnew

TOTAL: 50

DEMOCRATIC: 15 STATES
REPUBLICAN: 27 STATES
INDEPENDENT: 8 STATES

"Breaking News. The House of Representatives has declared that Senator Richard M. Nixon of California has been elected President of the United States."

Senate voting

50-50 tie between Robert Kennedy and Spiro Agnew. As President of the Senate...

"Mr. Vice President?" "Senator Kennedy"

"Breaking News, Senator Robert Kennedy of New York has been elected Vice President of the United States. This is the first time since the Founding Fathers that a Vice President has been from a different party than the President."

"Complete shock to both of us, I guess. We were heading into interesting, but uncharted waters."- Former Presidents Robert Kennedy and Richard Nixon, November 1993, Larry King Live 25th Anniversary Special Edition.
 
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The Honeymoon- First Hundred Days

Dec. 12, 1968- Pierre Hotel, New York, 2045.

NIXON- "Bobby, what kind of role do you want in the administration? I think you could work with Pat Moynihan and his team, or be a jack of all trades, in both foreign and domestic policies?"

KENNEDY- "Well, I'll do whatever you assign me."

NIXON- "I'll assign you whatever you want. You could take HUD and work with Bob Finch on integration. You will be representing me overseas and some assignments that most of the Cabinet will not know about. Henry and I are doing foreign policy projects. Now I know you favor detente with India, but I cannot stand that witch in Delhi."

KENNEDY- "Well we agree that the Chinese policy is useless, but I can't really help on Vietnam."

NIXON- "I know your plans are different than mine. We're going for a military victory in order to win a political one. What you will do is be a "roving advisor", in other words dabbling in various things. Perhaps later you'll be part of the domestic team."

KENNEDY- "Sounds good to me. How often will I be seeing you?"

NIXON- "At Cabinet, NSC and weekly Thursday lunches. If you need to see me, of course you can come by at your leisure. I don't know if you're aware that I have very little use for the full Cabinet. The only people I'm listening to are Dr. Burns, Henry, Bob Finch, George Shultz and Pat Moynihan. You're the newest member of this inner Cabinet.

KENNEDY- "I really appreciate it. I also dislike having all these mass meetings. Why does Transportation have to hear from Commerce?"

NIXON- "Precisely. Now Henry will be in State and General Walters as NSA. Cy Vance will be briefing you on NSC matters once a week. You'll work it out with him. Part of the reason these people are so valuable is because they're independent. If they can see me no more than once or twice a month on something, it's a great relief."

KENNEDY- "Thank you, and goodnight Mr. Nixon."

END OF CONVERSATION.

Dec. 14, 1968- Vice-President-elect Robert Kennedy's last child, Roseanne Elizabeth, is born.

Jan. 4, 1969- Congress convenes, 237-201 Democratic in the House, 62-38 Democratic in the Senate.

Jan. 20, 1969- "I, Richard Milhous Nixon, do solemnly swear..."

"The greatest title history can bestow is the title of peacemaker..."

Nixon I Cabinet:

Vice President: Robert Kennedy
Secretary of the Treasury: David Kennedy
Secretary of State: Henry Kissinger
Attorney General: William Rogers
Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: Robert Finch
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: George Romney
Secretary of Defense: Melvin Laird
Postmaster General: Winton Blount
Secretary of Transportation: John Volpe
Secretary of the Interior: Walter Hickel
Secretary of Labor: George Shultz
Secretary of Agriculture: Earl Butz
Secretary of Commerce: Maurice Stans

National Security Adviser: General Vernon Walters
Chief of Staff: Bob Haldeman
Urban Affairs Council Chair: Pat Moynihan
UN Ambassador: Sargent Shriver



Jan. 27: General Abrams has implemented Search and Clear. This promises to be a great improvement over Search and Destroy, for it emphasizes counterinsurgency and "hearts and minds" instead of shooting every pyjama-clad peasant.

Feb. 4- Executive Order 14510

The Office of Economic Opportunity will become a division of the Department of Housing and Urban Development effective March 1, 1969.

Feb. 9- 747 makes maiden flight.

Feb. 19- Israel Prime Minister Levi Eshkol dies of a coronary. Yigal Allon becomes Acting Prime Minister.

Feb. 20- NSC meeting

GEN WALTERS: The FLQ have bombed the Montreal Exchange, 15 were killed and 73 injured.
PRESIDENT: Will this shake up the Canadian economy?
WALTERS: To a slight degree.
VICE PRESIDENT: Are the Canadians using normal police operations?
WALTERS: Everything, the Special Division of the RCMP, the military, all available resources. It's a gang of thugs.
PRESIDENT: I'll have to call Pierre and express condolences.
END OF CONVERSATION.

Mar. 2: NSC Meeting

SEC STATE: Soviet and Chinese forces have clashed at Ussuri with mass casualties.
HELMS: Reports indicate the Soviets are sending in reinforcements to their Far Eastern Command, including tactical nukes and MIG-25's to stop this. 120,000 men are on their way.
DEFENSE: These clashes can get very serious, though I doubt we'll get into a tactical exchange.
PRESIDENT: For now, no comment from us.

END OF CONVERSATION.

Mar. 10- Ray confesses to Dr. King's murder

Mar. 20- Golda Meir sworn in as Prime Minister.

Mar. 21- Meeting between President Nixon and Vice President Kennedy

NIXON: Bobby, I'm thinking of freezing public housing construction in DC and allowing the tenants to purchase the existing ones. It's not much, but it is a first home for people who've never had the experience. After this is done by Executive Order, it will be implemented on the national level by the governors. I want you to be the point man on this. There's going to be an ad-hoc committee chaired by you, with George Romney, Bob Finch, Pat Moynihan and some civil servants. Bring in some black leaders if you can. The order will be signed later.

KENNEDY: This is something I can get my teeth into. Would you like a report at the end?

NIXON: Yes, and when we meet you can update me. You will have wide discretion, but the staff must be properly vetted, as you well know.

KENNEDY: I'll speak to Bill Rogers about it.

NIXON: So how's everyone doing?

KENNEDY: Fine, and yourself?

NIXON: Tricia's dating a blueblood New Yorker named Ed Cox. They seem to fit well together.

KENNEDY: We're just getting to that stage.

NIXON: It can be a roller coaster or smooth. Being prepared for the former makes the latter occur.

KENNEDY: Agreed. See you on Friday.

NIXON: Bye Bobby.

END OF CONVERSATION.

Mar. 27- EX-PRESIDENT EISENHOWER DEAD AT 78

Mar. 29- Operation CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, the interdiction of the Trail along with ARVN forces, begins.

Apr. 7- White House Tapes, 07/04/69

KISSINGER: The operation is going beautifully. We've cleared Duck's Hook.
NIXON: Excellent Henry. Now for the other one and we're all set.
KISSINGER: Trudeau is coming in May for a state dinner and official visit.
NIXON: And I have to visit Ottawa. I don't mind visiting Canada, but I do mind meeting Trudeau. I almost feel like sending Bobby over there.
KISSINGER: What's going on there anyways?
NIXON: Henry, you're Secretary of State. Surely you know what's going on with one of our major allies?
KISSINGER: No, with Bobby.
NIXON: Far more reasonable than I thought. Of course, he might be doing this to be the bipartisan candidate in '76.
KISSINGER: Sounds like him.
NIXON: Henry, he'll be here any minute. That is all.

END OF CONVERSATION.

NIXON: Good afternoon.

KENNEDY: Hello Mr. President. I've managed to get Farmer and Abernathy on board. Not Mrs. King though.
NIXON: You can't get them all. What's important is that we have some black representatives. I've also talked to Ed Brooke on the QT.
KENNEDY: Ed Brooke might be your only black Senator, but there aren't many blacks in Boston, I can tell you that.
NIXON: You deal with the cards you have, not the ideal ones. What about the governors?
KENNEDY: Rockefeller's interested, Rhodes, many Democrats. Not Reagan.
NIXON: Don't try. It's pointless. I don't want you using the legislature to override his veto because that will cause me problems at home. Use the existing Johnson Great Society programs.
KENNEDY: Those words...
NIXON: There's nothing great about welfare dependency. You saw Pat's report into that?
KENNEDY: If that leaks, there'll be a hue and cry among the black community. It implies that loose black morals are the cause.
NIXON: That's why we have to do welfare reform now Bobby. It's like Wilbur Mills said, every year his mother's neighbour has a kid. Eliminate all loopholes of this sort.
KENNEDY: What about civil rights?
NIXON: Ultimately, we share the same goal.
KENNEDY: Well that's it. Is there anything else?
NIXON: No, you can go now.
KENNEDY: Bye Mr. President.

END OF CONVERSATION

April 18- WILSON DISPATCHES ARMY TO N. IRELAND

Apr. 28 - French decentralization referendum

OUI: 53.4%
NON: 46.6%

Apr. 30- President Nixon holds a 100th Day press conference.
 
The Two Souths: 1969-70

As 1969 progressed, the President made Vietnam and the delicate civil rights situation his top priority. On civil rights, Nixon ignored the advice of both George Romney and Bobby Kennedy, instead making Pat Moynihan his chief domestic advisor.

UAC Chairman Pat Moynihan, 1969



Over at the HEW Department, Bob Finch had set down the "no more and no less" policy that President Nixon had promulgated in the late campaign. Some younger liberals in the Department, led by Civil Rights Office Head Leon Panetta, had begun to advocate forced bussing in order to achieve "racial balance", deplored by the President as "pure Georgetown social engineering". Some were less succinct. What follows are a series of Administration memos on the subject.

From: The President

To: Bob Haldeman

10.04.69

Bob Finch must take control of his department. This threatens our whole game in the South. It shocks me that such a good man can hand-wring in a potentially politically devastating scenario.
RN

From: The President
To: Bob Finch
10.04.69
Bob, tell Panetta to shut it. This is not helping us down South, as you well know. Our policy is "no more, no less". Once the Supremes rule, we'll have to act. Not a moment before.

From: Robert Kintner
To: Bob Haldeman
11.04/69
Doesn't Panetta know that the President promised the Southerners that he would stop enforcing the Voting and Civil Rights Acts?

13.04.69
From: Bob Kennedy
To: The President

Mr. President,
It seems unclear as to our policy on civil rights. From the information I've been receiving, it either looks like we're double talking or generally confused as to our policy. I'd appreciate a clarification before I make an appearance for Meet the Press on Sunday.

Respectfully yours,
Bob



From: The President
To: The Vice President

Bobby,

We are not double talking. The policy is "no more, no less" than the law requires. This means compliance with Supreme Court rulings, but no forced busing and definitely no talk of "racial balance". There will be no social engineering when I am in the White House. Will we enforce existing legislation? Yes. Will we propose new legislation? No. That is what you can tell them on Sunday. As always, your political analysis is quite astute, between you and I. Just don't advertise it.

RN

Meanwhile, the Vietnam War was continuing. Kissinger, Laird and Nixon managed to assemble an arms package entitled Peace Lynx I. The stated objective was to "transfer equipment as to enable the South Vietnamese Armed Forces to retain an offensive capability." The list included A-4 Skyhawks, A-7 Corsairs, C/KC-130's, M48 Patton tanks, and ECM equipment, enabling South Vietnam to take the fight to the enemy. In June, he met with President Thieu on Midway Island, announcing the deal and the withdrawal of 35,000 US troops by September.

L-R: ARVN 4th Armored M48 Patton on patrol at Pleiku, April 10, 1969

VNAF 487th Transport C-130F, on approach to TSN AFB, May 5, 1969

VNAF A-4E Skyhawk, 546th Fighter Sqn, Bin Thuy AFB, June 3, 1969






In August, serious border clashes occured between the PRC and the Soviet Union at Urumqi. After the arrival of Soviet reinforcements to Far Eastern Command and the transfer of IRBM's to the region, the Chinese agreed to negotiate the border dispute. On September 15-16, President Nixon entertained Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau at the White House.

President Nixon and Prime Minister Trudeau, Sept. 15, 1969



The President made tentative plans to embark on a European tour in October, to meet Prime Minister Wilson, President de Gaulle and Chancellor Brandt. On Sept. 26, Vice President Kennedy left on a diplomatic tour of Asia in order to meet Presidents Thieu and Marcos in Manila. Robert Kennedy wrote this report to President Nixon and Secretary Kissinger:

"Thieu is the best man available in Vietnam. He has a good military mind, seems concerned with domestic issues, and a decent man. His priorities are thus: 1) Win the war, with a Korea-type scenario if necessary. 2) Build a robust economy and social fabric in South Vietnam 3) disengage South Vietnam from "constant vigilance" 4) corruption. Says that Ky is becoming more and more erratic. It would seem to me that Ky gives Thieu his popularity, for he's much more charismatic than the General could ever hope to be. In Manila, President Marcos was the most impressive Asian leader I've met. Very intelligent, charming and a fair bit of guile. Says his biggest concern is the currency crunch, as that "impoverishes the average Filipino in his quest for social status." Completely unconcerned about his re-election in November. He said "I don't even look at the polls. I expect to get between 60% to two thirds of the vote." Surprisingly well-versed in US politics. Asked him how much he thought was possible to do for the poor in the next four years. "Quite a lot. Now you might wonder, well what if there isn't enough time? I won't say that there are no plans to deal with that, but that is in the future. Rest assured you will be informed." Talked a bit about the Church's role, etc. Recommend further talks with both."

Presidents Nixon and de Gaulle reviewing an honor guard, Oct. 24, 1969


Nov. 10, 1969-

PRESIDENT MAKES SILENT MAJORITY SPEECH, CALLS ON AMERICANS TO UNITE


As 1970 opened, President Nixon turned his thoughts to the upcoming congressional campaign. The key would be elected a Republican/Dixiecrat majority in order to obtain support for his Vietnam policies. As the year progressed the President was optimistic at the latest polling.

Generic Congressional Ballot

Republican: 49%
Democratic: 44%
Undecided: 7%
MOE: 2.5%


All was not well for the Labour Government of Prime Minister Wilson. A series of wildcat strikes over the winter, and the tricky problem of a crackdown on their base constituency, who still elected the Labour leader, had caused severe damage to his image and numbers. Wilson was loath to delay the election until 1971, for he felt that a mandate was needed to deal with the unions. Meanwhile, Gen. Lon Nol had overthrown Prince Sihanouk in March, with the tacit approval of the Administration. On March 18, the USPS had gone on strike, and the President ordered the military to help distribute mail until the strike was resolved. On April Fool's, the President signed the PHCSA, forbidding tobacco ads on TV effective in the New Year. In a humourous exchange after the ceremony, he told the Vice President: "don't throw away your perfectly good Cubanos. Just the pictures if you have any."​

Memo from: The President
To: Secretary Kissinger
CC: Secretary Laird​

Initiate Operation Breakfast at month's end. It should be a regular feature of NSC meetings.​

RN​

In May, campuses erupted in rioting, with deaths at Kent State, Jackson State, and the pro-Administration Hard Hat Riot in New York. On May 14, Prime Minister Wilson dissolved Parliament for a June 18 election. The result was never in doubt.​

UK general election, 1970- 630 Commons seats

Conservative: 341 seats, 47.1% PV
Labour: 42.2% PV, 277 seats
Liberal Democrat: 7.7% PV, 6 seats

Incumbent PM: Harold Wilson (Labour)
Subsequent PM: Edward Heath (Tory)

A mostly quiet summer led to a turbulent autumn, as Black September unfolded. The Palestinian revolt in Jordan against King Hussein had occurred simultaneously with the Dawson's Field hijackings, with many casualties when the planes were stormed by the Jordanian Army. Within the month the King's forces had destroyed the PLO in Jordan, exterminated the refugee camps and repulsed them back into Syria. The FLQ crisis in October, leading to the death of a Quebec minister, was ably handled by the Canadian authorities. On November 3rd, the nation went to the Congressional polls.​

House elections, 1970

Democrat: 237 seats (-20)
Republican: 198 seats (+20)

Senate elections, 1970

Democrat: 51 seats
Republican: 49 seats

Lawton Chiles (R-FL) defeats Spessard Holland (D-FL)
Richard Roudebush (R-IN) defeats Vance Hartke (D-IN)
James Buckley (C-NY) defeats Charles Goodel (R-NY)
George H.W. Bush (R-TX) defeats Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX)

The President's political goals have now been accomplished. The Indian Parliament was dissolved at year's end for a Feb. 20 federal election, leading into an exciting two years ahead...​
 
Last edited:
Question

This is an out of this world proposal.
These men, for all their differences, fundementally understood each other.
I like the govt of national unity idea.
Does Verwoerd's survival mean anything?
Of all the aparthied leaders, he is the only one who had some reedmiing features. He really believed sepertism, could work. Vorster is a thug,
He also make his country disabilty acessible 40 years before the rest of the world.
 
As 1969 progressed, the President made Vietnam and the delicate civil rights situation his top priority. On civil rights, Nixon ignored the advice of both George Romney and Bobby Kennedy, instead making Pat Moynihan his chief domestic advisor.


UAC Chairman Pat Moynihan, 1969



Over at the HEW Department, Bob Finch had set down the "no more and no less" policy that President Nixon had promulgated in the late campaign. Some younger liberals in the Department, led by Civil Rights Office Head Leon Panetta, had begun to advocate forced bussing in order to achieve "racial balance", deplored by the President as "pure Georgetown social engineering". Some were less succinct. What follows are a series of Administration memos on the subject.

From: The President

To: Bob Haldeman

10.04.69

Bob Finch must take control of his department. This threatens our whole game in the South. It shocks me that such a good man can hand-wring in a potentially politically devastating scenario.
RN

From: The President
To: Bob Finch
10.04.69
Bob, tell Panetta to shut it. This is not helping us down South, as you well know. Our policy is "no more, no less". Once the Supremes rule, we'll have to act. Not a moment before.

From: Robert Kintner
To: Bob Haldeman
11.04/69
Doesn't Panetta know that the President promised the Southerners that he would stop enforcing the Voting and Civil Rights Acts?

13.04.69
From: Bob Kennedy
To: The President

Mr. President,
It seems unclear as to our policy on civil rights. From the information I've been receiving, it either looks like we're double talking or generally confused as to our policy. I'd appreciate a clarification before I make an appearance for Meet the Press on Sunday.

Respectfully yours,
Bob



From: The President
To: The Vice President

Bobby,

We are not double talking. The policy is "no more, no less" than the law requires. This means compliance with Supreme Court rulings, but no forced busing and definitely no talk of "racial balance". There will be no social engineering when I am in the White House. Will we enforce existing legislation? Yes. Will we propose new legislation? No. That is what you can tell them on Sunday. As always, your political analysis is quite astute, between you and I. Just don't advertise it.

RN

Meanwhile, the Vietnam War was continuing. Kissinger, Laird and Nixon managed to assemble an arms package entitled Peace Lynx I. The stated objective was to "transfer equipment as to enable the South Vietnamese Armed Forces to retain an offensive capability." The list included A-4 Skyhawks, A-7 Corsairs, C/KC-130's, M48 Patton tanks, and ECM equipment, enabling South Vietnam to take the fight to the enemy. In June, he met with President Thieu on Midway Island, announcing the deal and the withdrawal of 35,000 US troops by September.

L-R: ARVN 4th Armored M48 Patton on patrol at Pleiku, April 10, 1969

VNAF 487th Transport C-130F, on approach to TSN AFB, May 5, 1969

VNAF A-4E Skyhawk, 546th Fighter Sqn, Bin Thuy AFB, June 3, 1969






In August, serious border clashes occured between the PRC and the Soviet Union at Urumqi. After the arrival of Soviet reinforcements to Far Eastern Command and the transfer of IRBM's to the region, the Chinese agreed to negotiate the border dispute. On September 15-16, President Nixon entertained Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau at the White House.

President Nixon and Prime Minister Trudeau, Sept. 15, 1969



The President made tentative plans to embark on a European tour in October, to meet Prime Minister Wilson, President de Gaulle and Chancellor Brandt. On Sept. 26, Vice President Kennedy left on a diplomatic tour of Asia in order to meet Presidents Thieu and Marcos in Manila. Robert Kennedy wrote this report to President Nixon and Secretary Kissinger:

"Thieu is the best man available in Vietnam. He has a good military mind, seems concerned with domestic issues, and a decent man. His priorities are thus: 1) Win the war, with a Korea-type scenario if necessary. 2) Build a robust economy and social fabric in South Vietnam 3) disengage South Vietnam from "constant vigilance" 4) corruption. Says that Ky is becoming more and more erratic. It would seem to me that Ky gives Thieu his popularity, for he's much more charismatic than the General could ever hope to be. In Manila, President Marcos was the most impressive Asian leader I've met. Very intelligent, charming and a fair bit of guile. Says his biggest concern is the currency crunch, as that "impoverishes the average Filipino in his quest for social status." Completely unconcerned about his re-election in November. He said "I don't even look at the polls. I expect to get between 60% to two thirds of the vote." Surprisingly well-versed in US politics. Asked him how much he thought was possible to do for the poor in the next four years. "Quite a lot. Now you might wonder, well what if there isn't enough time? I won't say that there are no plans to deal with that, but that is in the future. Rest assured you will be informed." Talked a bit about the Church's role, etc. Recommend further talks with both."

Presidents Nixon and de Gaulle reviewing an honor guard, Oct. 24, 1969


Nov. 10, 1969-

PRESIDENT MAKES SILENT MAJORITY SPEECH, CALLS ON AMERICANS TO UNITE


As 1970 opened, President Nixon turned his thoughts to the upcoming congressional campaign. The key would be elected a Republican/Dixiecrat majority in order to obtain support for his Vietnam policies. As the year progressed the President was optimistic at the latest polling.

Generic Congressional Ballot

Republican: 49%
Democratic: 44%
Undecided: 7%
MOE: 2.5%


All was not well for the Labour Government of Prime Minister Wilson. A series of wildcat strikes over the winter, and the tricky problem of a crackdown on their base constituency, who still elected the Labour leader, had caused severe damage to his image and numbers. Wilson was loath to delay the election until 1971, for he felt that a mandate was needed to deal with the unions. Meanwhile, Gen. Lon Nol had overthrown Prince Sihanouk in March, with the tacit approval of the Administration. On March 18, the USPS had gone on strike, and the President ordered the military to help distribute mail until the strike was resolved. On April Fool's, the President signed the PHCSA, forbidding tobacco ads on TV effective in the New Year. In a humourous exchange after the ceremony, he told the Vice President: "don't throw away your perfectly good Cubanos. Just the pictures if you have any."​

Memo from: The President
To: Secretary Kissinger
CC: Secretary Laird​

Initiate Operation Breakfast at month's end. It should be a regular feature of NSC meetings.​

RN​

In May, campuses erupted in rioting, with deaths at Kent State, Jackson State, and the pro-Administration Hard Hat Riot in New York. On May 14, Prime Minister Wilson dissolved Parliament for a June 18 election. The result was never in doubt.​

UK general election, 1970- 630 Commons seats

Conservative: 341 seats, 47.1% PV
Labour: 42.2% PV, 277 seats
Liberal Democrat: 7.7% PV, 6 seats

Incumbent PM: Harold Wilson (Labour)
Subsequent PM: Edward Heath (Tory)

A mostly quiet summer led to a turbulent autumn, as Black September unfolded. The Palestinian revolt in Jordan against King Hussein had occurred simultaneously with the Dawson's Field hijackings, with many casualties when the planes were stormed by the Jordanian Army. Within the month the King's forces had destroyed the PLO in Jordan, exterminated the refugee camps and repulsed them back into Syria. The FLQ crisis in October, leading to the death of a Quebec minister, was ably handled by the Canadian authorities. On November 3rd, the nation went to the Congressional polls.​

House elections, 1970

Democrat: 237 seats (-20)
Republican: 198 seats (+20)

Senate elections, 1970

Democrat: 51 seats
Republican: 49 seats

Lawton Chiles (R-FL) defeats Spessard Holland (D-FL)
Richard Roudebush (R-IN) defeats Vance Hartke (D-IN)
James Buckley (C-NY) defeats Charles Goodel (R-NY)
George H.W. Bush (R-TX) defeats Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX)

The President's political goals have now been accomplished. The Indian Parliament was dissolved at year's end for a Feb. 20 federal election, leading into an exciting two years ahead...​


Unless there is a mysterious butterfly at work here, isn't Lawton Chiles a Democrat?

Other than that minor quibble, this is another great TL. You have a real talent for this kind of thing. Thank you.
 
It doesn't, the success of Vietnam and Nixon's urban proposals contributed. Verwoerd will have some interesting proposals down the road. As for Nixon/RFK, there might or might not be some *interesting* things down the road.
 
Minor quibble:
While Sirhan Sirhan had sympathy with the Palestinian cause, he would not say "Allahu Akbar", since he was not a Muslim. (He was, depending on who you talk to, a Christian or a Theosophist...) Of course, Sirhan may not have been the shooter here...
 
1971-72: Eastern Elections, Machiavellian Machinations

At the beginning of 1971, Vice President Robert Kennedy sent the following memo to DNC Chairman Larry O'Brien:
Larry,

Take steps to reform the primary process. Get Scoop and George M to set up a committee at the DNC. You and I must take full control of the party. Our model should be what Mrs. Gandhi did in that internal Congress coup. If we can set up a full primary system, they'll lose their national power. I really don't give a damn about any of them except Daley, and he controls the city and the state, which is rather more than could be said for most. I'm thinking of taking back my old seat either next year or in '74. This is only the beginning of the journey back. I want to see if the Pres. will follow through on healthcare before the end of my term.

All the best,

Bob K

President Nixon was not overly concerned with Vietnam this year, seeing as the ARVN was steadily improving and was now conducting hit and run raids over the border without US assistance. There are three elections this year. In India, Prime Minister Gandhi appears to be on her way to a crushing victory over Congress (O) and the assorted opposition parties. President Thieu in Vietnam also appears to be coasting towards re-election, though there are concerns about possible fraud. President Marcos has to deal with his final midterm election due to term limits. All involved, including the President, the Vice President and the Secretary of State, are skeptical as to Marcos' intentions...

Indian federal election; Feb. 20, 1971- 515 seats

Congress (R): 352 seats, 45% PV

Combined opposition total: 165 seats
Incumbent PM: Indira Gandhi (Congress-R)

In mid-February, the ARVN invaded Laos with US air support. The operation, codenamed LEEVIR, was a success in inderdicting the Trail in Laos. The commander of the operation was handpicked by President Thieu for his third star. President Nixon was shocked when PM Heath nationalized Rolls-Royce, among the outraged Tories were the controversial backbencher Enoch Powell and Education Secretary Margaret Thatcher.​

NSC meeting- March 1​

WALTERS: Mr. President, General Khan has prorogued the National Assembly in response to the League's victory. Mass civil disobedience is breaking out as we speak.​

NIXON: We must consider the possibility of a UDI. The witch will wage war and get her moment of glory if they secede. Yahya will be given our full support.​

KENNEDY: I've never understood why we've never tried detente with India.​

NIXON: Because she's a "neutralist" who asks for and receives Soviet assistance. Almost as bad as Sukarno was before that was dealt with.​

END OF TRANSCRIPT​

Mar 5: The Pak Army occupied the East today. It's heading rapidly towards a war situation.

Mar. 26- EAST PAKISTAN ISSUES UDI, ARMY REVOLTS, W. PAK FORCES ROLL IN

During May, the currency crisis came to the fore as the US Dollar flooded European markets. President Nixon and Secretary Connally began negotiations with the EEC. The results would mark the end of an era as Bretton Woods was ended after 27 years. On June 10, President Nixon ended the 22 year old trade embargo on the PRC, perhaps signalling a new direction...

On June 3rd, the McGovern-Jackson commission released its recommendations as follows:​

1) Limitation of participation/registration fees
2) State committees choose no more than 10% of delegates
3) Elimination of petition requirements
4) Abolition of literacy/residency requirements
5) Affirmative action
6) Winner-take-all primaries
7) Extension of the primary system nationwide

All but the last take effect Jan. 1, 1972. Mayor Daley's violent objections are overruled by closure.​


On June 15 the Times began to publish the Pentagon Papers. What follows is a conversation between the President and the Secretary of State.​

W.H. Tapes 30/06/71​

NIXON: Henry, this is outrageous that they're allowed to publish this stuff. On the bright side, the reports don't mention what we've done in this regard. It puts the Dems under a squeeze. Bobby's probably the angriest at this whole business.​

KISSINGER: Precisely why we shouldn't get involved. We have to monitor East Pakistan and the currency situation this summer.​

END OF CONVERSATION​

W.H. Tapes 09/08/71​

NIXON: Bobby, this is why I'm not initiating detente with that woman. I'm told that that "Friendship Treaty" includes mutual defense provisions. We cannot allow the Soviets to dominate that area.​

KENNEDY: Mr. President, whether we like it or not, she's going to be there till she decides to leave. We'll have to deal with the Indians at some point. Congress is like the LDP, except controlled by one family. Trust me, you don't want to be dealing with Sanjay. Desai has little chance of ever being Prime Minister.​

NIXON: She's letting the kid run amok. I've forbidden US companies to help out with that car nonsense.​

KENNEDY: A wise decision in my opinion.​

END OF CONVERSATION.​

PRES NIXON IMPOSES 90 DAY WAGE/PRICE FREEZE

Aug. 21- Two small bombs explode at a Liberal Party midterm rally in Manila. Senator Aquino alleges ties to the Marcos Administration, the President angrily denies the charge.​

September was another stormy month. The only bright spot was the inauguration of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with both the President and Vice President attending the reception and opening gala. Nixon later told Kissinger that this was "a cruel twist of fate for Bobby" to be, as he put it "the lone survivor". In New York, the Attica Prison revolt forced Governor Rockefeller to deploy the National Guard with Nixon's full support. President Thieu was re-elected with 94% of the vote due to the lack of an opposition candidate. By October, the President had nominated two Southerners to the Supreme Court, with the confirmation hearings to begin in January. Despite Shriver's best efforts, the PRC was admitted to both the General Assembly and the Security Council, with the ROC expelled. Privately, the President is glad to be rid of the corrupt, ineffectual Chiang Kai-Shek. November brought an intensification of the INDOPAK crisis, the UK joining the EEC, and the troop levels in Vietnam below 200,000 for the first time in nearly six years. At the end of November Vice President Kennedy told the President that he would resign before the summer.​

W.H. Tapes 30/11/71​

WOODS: Mr. President, the VP on 1.
NIXON: Thank you Rose.
(Transfer)
NIXON: Hi Bobby.
ROBERT KENNEDY: Mr. President, I have some news for you. I will resign the Vice Presidency in March.
NIXON: I understand, however surely you're not a candidate this year?
KENNEDY: Not for the Presidency. Larry got the report adopted, and that's my contribution this year.
NIXON: Going back to the Senate? There's no seat open in New York, doubt you'll get nominated in Virginia, so presumably Massachussetts?
KENNEDY: None. I'll return to private life for the meantime. Perhaps some legal work, academia, don't know. Only for four years though.
NIXON: Never doubted that one. I want to see you for an informal discussion before then. You made a great contribution to the administration.
KENNEDY: Thanks, Mr. President.​

END OF CONVERSATION​

December brought war to the subcontinent, and the Indian Army destroyed the Pakistani forces, saved only by the Seventh Fleet and joint US-Soviet pressure for a ceasefire. Among the effects were the idolization of PM Gandhi and General Khan's resignation at year's end, to be replaced by Z.A. Bhutto as the first civilian Prime Minister in thirteen years.​


The Perils of Democracy: Primary Season '72

As the presidential election year opened, attention focused on the Democratic race. There were many contenders, but a few quickly rose to the fore. Hubert Humphrey, who had announced and made it clear that he desired a rematch with Nixon, Henry Jackson, the leader of the conservative Democrats, George Wallace for the South, and George McGovern, the antiwar senator and a longtime friend and ally of Vice President Robert Kennedy.​

Memo from: John Ehrlichman
To: Don Segretti
CC: Karl Rove​

Initiate Operation Chaos immediately.​

Jan. 24: Iowa caucus (D)​

HUBERT HUMPHREY: 42%
HENRY JACKSON: 40%
GEORGE MCGOVERN: 18%​

Muskie Campaign HQ, Portland, ME​

Campaign manager: WTF is all this Jackson stationery doing here?
Worker: Here's a note. "Stop insinuating we support busing or you'll be sorry. Don't send John Lindsay anything either."​

Feb. 21- NIXON VISITS PRC, MEETS MAO, CHOU

Mar. 7- New Hampshire primary (D)​

GEORGE MCGOVERN: 40%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 34%
HENRY JACKSON: 20%
GEORGE WALLACE: 6%​

Mar 14- Florida primary (D)​

GEORGE WALLACE: 57%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 20%
HENRY JACKSON: 18%​

Mar 17- VP KENNEDY RESIGNS, NIXON CONSIDERING REPLACEMENT

Mar. 21- Illinois primary (D)​

HUBERT HUMPHREY: 54%
GEORGE MCGOVERN: 40%
HERNY JACKSON: 16%​

Mar. 24- PRESIDENT NIXON NOMS FORD AS VP

Mar. 27- House confirms Ford 385-50.​

Apr. 2- Senate confirms Ford 79-21.​

Apr. 3- Gerald Ford sworn in as Vice President.​

ARVN BEGINS AIR OFFENSIVE AGAINST INVADING NVA, MODERATE NORTHERN LOSSES

President Thieu orders a general offensive against the NVA employing his best divisions.​

Apr. 4- Wisconsin primary (D)​

GEORGE MCGOVERN: 43%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 40%
HENRY JACKSON: 17%​

Apr. 15- President Nixon orders bombing of Haiphong and Hanoi.​

Boston Globe, Apr. 20, 1972

"Informed sources tell the Globe that the presidency of Amherst College has been offered to Robert F. Kennedy. The sources say that the announcement is imminent, perhaps at the end of the current academic year..."

Apr. 25- Massachusetts primary (D)​

GEORGE MCGOVERN: 56%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 30%
HENRY JACKSON: 24%​

Pennsylvania primary (D)​

HUBERT HUMPHREY: 45%
GEORGE MCGOVERN: 23%
GEORGE WALLACE: 21%
HENRY JACKSON: 11%​

Apr. 30- KENNEDY NEW AMHERST PRES, TAKES OFFICE AT END OF JUNE

May 2- DC primary (D)​

GEORGE MCGOVERN: 63%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 37%​

Indiana primary (D)​

GEORGE MCGOVERN: 46%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 44%
GEORGE WALLACE: 10%​

Ohio primary (D)​

GEORGE MCGOVERN: 44%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 40%
GEORGE WALLACE: 16%​

May 4- Tennessee primary (D)​

GEORGE WALLACE: 74%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 23%
GEORGE MCGOVERN: 3%​

May 6- North Carolina primary (D)​

GEORGE WALLACE: 78% (ONOB)
HUBERT HUMPHREY (WI): 22%​

May 9- Nebraska primary (D)​

GEORGE MCGOVERN: 45%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 35%
GEORGE WALLACE: 20%​

West Virginia primary (D)​

HUBERT HUMPHREY: 60%
GEORGE WALLACE: 40%​

May 16- Maryland primary (D)​

GEORGE WALLACE: 44%
GEORGE MCGOVERN: 30%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 26%​

Michigan primary (D)​

GEORGE WALLACE: 53%
GEORGE MCGOVERN: 40%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 17%​

May 23- Oregon primary (D)​

GEORGE MCGOVERN: 54%
GEORGE WALLACE: 30%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 16%​

Rhode Island primary (D)​

GEORGE MCGOVERN: 44%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 41%
GEORGE WALLACE: 15%​

June 6- California primary (D)​

GEORGE MCGOVERN: 45%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 40%
HENRY JACKSON: 10%​

New Jersey primary (D)​

HUBERT HUMPHREY: 46%
GEORGE MCGOVERN: 44%
GEORGE WALLACE: 10%​

New Mexico primary (D)​

GEORGE MCGOVERN: 40%
HUBERT HUMPHREY: 36%
HENRY JACKSON: 24%​

South Dakota primary (D)​

MCGOVERN BY ACCLAMATION


MCGOVERN PRESUMPTIVE NOMINEE

July 14, Democratic National Convention- Miami Beach, FL​

There is a challenge to the seating of the Illinois delegation. McGovern replaces it with one led by Jesse Jackson, but allows Mayor Daley to remain a member of the delegation. A fuming Mayor tells Robert Kennedy, temporarily back in "civilian" life: "Don't expect one precinct worker or cent in Chicago come November 7. Not that I'll help Nixon, but the engine is at FULL STOP."​

1st ballot:

George McGovern: 1,950
Hubert Humphrey: 660
George Wallace: 500
Rest scattered

The vice-presidential nomination was a poisoned chalice, and everyone knew it. Hubert Humphrey declined, as did Scoop Jackson and Terry Sanford. Boston Mayor Kevin White was vetoed by Robert Kennedy, who refused to campaign for McGovern "due to my current position". In the end, McGovern settled on Abe Ribicoff, the former Senator from Connecticut with ties to the Stevenson and Kennedy wings of the party.​

Vice-Presidential balloting

Abraham Ribicoff: 1,875
Rest scattered

W.H. Tapes 11/08/72​

NIXON: Can you believe how pathetic the Democrats are? A radical overaged hippie and a mediocre has-been.​

HALDEMAN: It wasn't surprising though. Perhaps the others didn't really want it.​

NIXON: If only all elections were this easy. The priorities should be saving South Vietnam, with Thieu if possible, and healthcare reform. Has you-know-who planned any more things for the general?​

HALDEMAN: Too risky.​

END OF CONVERSATION​

Aug. 21- Republican National Convention, Miami Beach, FL​

President Nixon and Vice President Ford walk onstage to a deafening chant of "Four more years". After their unanimous renomination, the President personally signs off on the platform, including tax cuts, diplomatic relations with China and tax cuts.​

W.H. Tapes 03/09/72​

WOODS: Mr. President, President Marcos on 1.
NIXON: Thanks Rose.
MARCOS: Mr. Nixon, I'm calling to inform you that I will declare martial law in two weeks time. Are there any objections on your part?
NIXON: No, but can you delay it till after the election?
MARCOS: It cannot be delayed any longer than I have already.
NIXON: The whole works, including scrapping the Constitution?
MARCOS: Yes. A new one will be drawn up along last year's lines. The eventual one will be a parliamentary system with a figurehead President. I will assume both roles, Prime Minister and President, once that is completed. The status of the bases will not change, and I will renew it by decree when the time comes.
NIXON: Do you anticipate any difficulties?
MARCOS: No. The boy will be imprisoned of course. I've got him on record as supporting it, so his credibility is zero. Give my best to Mr. Kennedy.
NIXON: I will, and good luck.​

END OF CONVERSATION​

Proclamation No. 1072: "As of midnight, the Republic is under martial law. Elections are postponed indefinitely. I ask all Filipinos to join me in the quest for a New Society."

-President Ferdinand Marcos' Address to the Nation, Sept. 21, 1972

Oct. 10- MARCOS ABOLISHES CONSTITUTION

Oct. 16- Gallup polling

Republican: 59%
Democratic: 41%

Whom do you trust with the nation's defenses?

Nixon: 74%
McGovern: 26%

Who has proven leadership qualities?

Nixon: 66%
McGovern: 34%

Nov. 7- Election Day.​

"All results indicate a landslide for President Nixon as of 8:30 p.m. PROJECTION: NIXON WINS. We can now declare that President Nixon has been re-elected over Senator McGovern.

genusmap.php


(R): Richard M. Nixon/Gerald R. Ford: 535 ECV, 61.3%
(D): George S. McGovern/Abraham A. Ribicoff: 3 ECV, 38.7%

Incumbent President: Richard M. Nixon (R)
President-elect: Richard M. Nixon (R)


Congressional Results:

Republican: 229 seats
Democratic: 216 seats

Senate:

Republican: 53 seats
Democratic: 47 seats

Gordon Allott (R-CO) retains seat
Caleb Boggs (R-DE) defeats Joe Biden
Louie Nunn (R-KY) defeats Walter Huddeston (D-KY)
Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME) retains seat

Incumbent Majority Leader: Mike Mansfield (D-MT)
Majority Leader-elect: Hugh Scott (R-PA)
 
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Reform, not Rollback: 1973-75

President Nixon was optimistic about his second term in office. He planned to propose a universal healthcare plan, was moving towards peace in Vietnam, and had stabilized the economy. On January 22, former President Lyndon Johnson died at his Texas ranch of a coronary at age 64. His state funeral was held three days later. At the same Roe v. Wade legalized abortion throughout the United States. On Feb. 2, J. Edgar Hoover's secretary had gone out for lunch when Deputy Director Deke Deloach found his boss slumped at his desk, and called an ambulance, but to no avail. As soon as he was informed of Hoover's death at 77, President Nixon ordered his 130 "master files" secured and brought to the White House. This was done in the nick of time by a sympathetic FBI agent. What the President saw shocked him. Numerous members of Congress and prominenti were found to have committed numerous indiscretions. The largest files were on the Kennedy family, namely former President Kennedy and Ted Kennedy, not to mention their father. Nixon put these files in Rose Woods' safe, but kept some in a small compartment in his Oval Office desk. What made it even worse for Nixon was that at the end of June, Robert Kennedy would be presiding over the graduation of his daughter Julie. It was "quite sickening", Nixon later wrote, "to have a man who had always been a loyal and worthy adversary, as well as a capable and trusted colleague for most of my first term, hear such things." Nixon knew that Kennedy had received most of the information while Attorney General, but the public was unaware of this. Nixon ordered the files sealed for thirty years. Thereafter, he focused on healthcare.

On February 22, the United States and the People's Republic of China exchanged embassies. President Nixon appointed Pat Moynihan his Ambassador, with Bob Finch retiring as HEW Secretary to become the UAC Chairman. By April, most US ground forces had been withdrawn to the Philippines. Nixon decided to announce his healthcare plan in May. Called CHIP, Comprehensive Healthcare Insurance Proposal, the plan included employer mandates and the first mention of HMO's. Private insurance companies could be hired by the states to cover low-income, high-risk individuals. This was not looked upon favorably by the Senate Democrats, but Nixon managed to gain unanimous Republican support. On May 20, the leadership began negotiations with their Democratic counterparts. Nixon phoned Robert Kennedy to discuss this in June.

White House Tapes, 06/06/73

NIXON: Rose, get Bobby Kennedy on the line.
WOODS: Right away Mr. President.
ROBERT KENNEDY: Good morning Mr. President.
NIXON: Firstly, I'd like to say that I'm looking forward to meeting you next week at Julie's graduation.
KENNEDY: As am I Mr. President.
NIXON: What do you think of the healthcare plan?
KENNEDY: The private sector can do wonders for the poor, as I proved in Bed-Stuy. In healthcare I would be wary. You don't have Johnson's numbers to ram it through.
NIXON: Which is why we're compromising with your party. I will not budge on it being a PPP under any circumstances.
KENNEDY: That might be problematic. Though I firmly agree that healthcare should not be a partisan issue. Since I am now a civilian, it would be inappropriate for me to comment. However, if any senators call me for advice, I'll urge them to be constructive.
NIXON: Thank you.
KENNEDY: You're welcome.

END OF CONVERSATION

By the summer a compromise was being worked out in the House-Senate Conference committee. In anticipation of fall passage, Nixon spent time at Key Biscayne, for there was little news worth discussing. On Sept. 5, clouds began to form overseas.

W.H. Tapes 07/09/73

KISSINGER: The General's all ready to go. It's reached the breaking point.
NIXON: Whenever he's ready he should do it.
KISSINGER: I'll tell Corry.

END OF CONVERSATION.

On September 11, 1973 in Chile, the military led by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Pinochet overthrew Marxist President Allende as tanks rolled into downtown Santiago. While Air Force Hunters bombed the palace, Allende grabbed his AK-47, courtesy of Fidel Castro, pointed it at his temple, and pulled the trigger. On September 12, the service chiefs formed a junta with General Pinochet as it's permanent head. Later that month they prorogued Congress and abolished the constitution. Meanwhile, war clouds were forming in the Middle East. Even though there were imminent warnings of an all-Arab attack, Prime Minister Meir chose not to strike preemptively. Later, Kissinger would say that, had she done so, the Israelis would not have received "so much as a spare nut."

Oct. 6- EGYPT, SYRIA, CROSS SUEZ, MIDEAST AT WAR

After initial heavy losses, President Nixon ordered an American airlift to resupply Israel. By month's end the Israelis had crossed the Canal, approached Cairo and encircled the Third Army.

Oct. 26- UNSC MANDATES CEASEFIRE, ISRAELIS KEEP BORDERS

In November, a CHIP compromise was finally achieved with HMO tinkering. On Nov. 10, the House passed the compromise bill 277-168. On Nov. 25, the Senate passed it 57-43, with four Southern Democratic votes.

Below: President Nixon with legislative leaders at the signing of the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan, Dec. 4, 1973.

histor1.jpg



1974 would be known as the Universal election year. On Jan. 15, Prime Minister Heath dissolved Parliament for a February 28 election.

UK general election, February 1974

Labour: 305 seats, 37.5%
Conservative: 294 seats, 38%
Liberal Democrat: 6 seats, 20%


Incumbent Prime Minister: Edward Heath (Conservative)
Subsequent Prime Minister: Harold Wilson (Labour)

Now Wilson was back leading a minority government depending on the rebel Unionists and the flighty Liberals...

On March 3rd, Turkish Flight 981, a DC-10, crashed after takeoff from Orly, killing everyone aboard at impact. A month later, President Pompidou died in Paris. A snap presidential election was arranged.

French presidential election, 1974

Valery Giscard D'Estaing (RI): 54.4%
Francois Mitterrand (PS): 46.6%

Incumbent President: Alain Poher
President-elect: Valery Giscard D'Estaing (RI)

Ten days later, as a result of the devastating Agravat Report blaming lack of military preparedness in the Yom Kippur War, Golda Meir resigned as Prime Minister, to be succeeded by Yitzhak Rabin. In late April, the Carnation Revolution in Portugal, led by leftist junior officers, ousted Salazar's successor Marcelo Caetano to usher in democracy for the first time in a half-century. Willy Brandt was ousted by the Gunter affair, to be replaced by Helmut Schmidt as Reichskanzler. One of the biggest shocks was the Indian nuclear test, codenamed Smiling Buddha, a major propaganda coup for Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

June 30- A.W. KING, MOTHER OF LATE DR. KING, MURDERED IN ATLANTA

July 2- As in 1968, Robert Kennedy attended the funeral at the request of Coretta King, Dr. King's widow.

GEORGIA GOV CARTER KILLED IN CAR CRASH NEAR SAVANNAH

Before the summer was out, two more dictatorships would collapse, one the ouster of Emperor Haile Selassie by a Communist junta led by Col. Mengistu, and the collapse of the Administration-backed Greek junta. In mid-September, Prime Minister Wilson dissolved Parliament for an October 10 election. Surprisingly, little changed, for Wilson had a de facto minority.

UK general election, October 1974

Labour: 322 seats, 40%
Conservative: 277 seats, 36%
Liberal Democrat: 10 seats, 17%

Incumbent Prime Minister: Harold Wilson (Labour)

On Nov. 5, the nation went to the polls to make their last electoral judgment of President Nixon.

Midterm elections, 1974

House elections

Democratic: 233 seats
Republican: 202 seats

Senate elections

Republican: 56 seats (+2)
Democratic: 44 seats

Jack Eckhard (R-FL) defeats Richard Stone (D-FL)
Richard Mallary (R-VT) defeats Patrick Leahy (D-VT)

At the beginning of 1975, President Nixon is a happy man. He had enacted his Big Three: Diplomatic relations with the PRC, the enactment of CHIP, and gradual integration. The last thing to do was to ensure the survival of South Vietnam, for the three-year cycle indicated an offensive in that year. Plans are already being made for his library...

NVA LAUNCH GENERAL OFFENSIVE INTO SOUTH VIETNAM, THIEU ORDERS TACTICAL RETREAT TO HIGHLANDS

In the Highland plains, South Vietnamese airpower hammers the Northern armored columns, while American B-52's provide occasional assistance with carpet bombing. After amassing nearly 350,000 troops, the ARVN begins to repulse the invaders. In a long, bloody battle, they are pushed back to the deserted northern provinces near the former DMZ. The war would then settle into a stalemate. The South could not successfully invade North Vietnam, but the North could not break Southern air superiority. President Thieu then announced a presidential election for October. Meanwhile, on February 11, Margaret Thatcher had defeated Ted Heath to become Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition. All was not well in Indochina, for Phnom Penh fell on April 12, Lon Nol having fled to Taiwan. President Thieu wanted to assure victory rather than a pointless diversion to save a hopeless regime. In Delhi, a far more interesting drama was unfolding. On June 8 the Indian High Court in Allahabad ruled that Prime Minister Gandhi was guilty of electoral violations in her riding during the 1971 campaign. She was stripped of her Parliamentary seat, but allowed to remain as Prime Minister pending judgement.

June 25- GANDHI DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY

The summer was relatively quiet, with one notable exception. On August 27, Robert Kennedy resigned the Amherst Presidency three years into the five-year term. On October 11, a terminally ill General Franco temporarily handed over power to his chosen successor, Prince Juan Carlos. A month later, on Armistice Day, the UN passed Resolution 3379, equating Zionism with racism. This was condemned across the political spectrum including President Nixon. On the same day, Governor General Kerr dismissed Gough Whitlam and commissioned Malcolm Fraser Prime Minister, simultaneously dissolving Parliament for a Dec. 15 election. General Franco died on Nov. 18, and Juan Carlos was proclaimed King of Spain.

Nov. 19, 1975- REAGAN DECLARES CANDIDACY FOR GOP NOMINATION

Nov. 20, 1975- Robert Kennedy Press Conference, NPC

"Some of you may know that today is my 50th birthday. However I'm not here to distribute invitations. I hereby declare my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States. What this country needs is an individualist liberalism, which I have found lacking in recent years. The right to an education, tax reform and hope for the future shall be the focus of my campaign..."

Nov. 24- JACKSON, WALLACE DECLARE CANDIDACY

Nov. 30- BROWN DECLARES CANDIDACY

Dec. 13- Australian federal election

Coalition: 94 seats, 57%
Labour: 33 seats, 43%

Incumbent Prime Minister: Malcolm Fraser (Liberal)

Now the most exciting campaign since 1968 begins, and the closest since 1960...
 
Restoration vs. Rollback- 1976 Presidential Campaign

Jan. 3- DOLE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY

Jan. 10- VP FORD DECLINES

Des Moines Register, Jan. 22, 1976

"Both parties' caucuses are hotly contested among the aspirants. On the Democratic side, this will be a straight Kennedy-Jackson contest, with most estimates showing a toss-up. Ronald Reagan is expected to win the Republican caucus barring an upset by Senator Dole. All Iowans anticipate their pivotal role in choosing the next President of the United States."

Jan. 27- Iowa caucus

(D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 48%
HENRY JACKSON: 45%
EDMUND BROWN JR.: 7%

(R)

ROBERT DOLE: 52%
RONALD REAGAN: 48%

Mar. 24- New Hampshire primary (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 59%
HENRY JACKSON: 41%

Mar. 26- New Hampshire primary (R)

RONALD REAGAN: 56%
ROBERT DOLE: 44%

March 2- Massachusetts primary (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 78%
EDMUND BROWN JR.: 22%

(R)
ROBERT DOLE: 57%
RONALD REAGAN: 43%

Vermont (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 54%
EDMUND BROWN JR.: 46%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 54%
ROBERT DOLE: 46%

March 8- South Carolina (D)

GEORGE WALLACE: 60%
ROBERT KENNEDY: 40%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 66%
ROBERT DOLE: 34%

March 9- Florida (D)

GEORGE WALLACE: 57%
ROBERT KENNEDY: 43%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 63%
ROBERT DOLE: 37%

March 16- Illinois (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 58%
HENRY JACKSON: 35%
GEORGE WALLACE: 7%

(R)

ROBERT DOLE: 52%
RONALD REAGAN: 48%

March 23- North Carolina (D)

GEORGE WALLACE: 61%
ROBERT KENNEDY: 39%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 63%
ROBERT DOLE: 37%

April 6- Wisconsin (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 57%
HENRY JACKSON: 43%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 54%
ROBERT DOLE: 46%

April 27- Pennsylvania (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 47%
HENRY JACKSON: 43%
EDMUND BROWN JR.: 7%

(R)

ROBERT DOLE: 54%
RONALD REAGAN: 46%

May 1- Texas (R)

RONALD REAGAN: 65%
ROBERT DOLE: 35%

May 4- Georgia (D)

GEORGE WALLACE: 56%
ROBERT KENNEDY: 44%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 64%
ROBERT DOLE: 36%

Indiana (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 60%
GEORGE WALLACE: 30%
HENRY JACKSON: 10%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 54%
ROBERT DOLE: 46%

D.C. (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 79%
EDMUND BROWN JR.: 21%

New York Times, May 9, 1976

"What the primaries have indicated so far is what we already know. Robert Kennedy is still stigmatized in the South. However the only choice he will have to make is that of a running mate. His overwhelming popularity among the poor, rural Americans and minorities now has a potent new ingredient: suburbanites. President Nixon has had a monopoly on them since 1968, however they seem to have warmed to Bobby over the course of this Administration. For the Republicans, Ronald Reagan has a comfortable lead over Senator Dole, but victory is not assured. What is certain is that we will have a very close election with two formidable candidates..."

May 11- Nebraska (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 62%
HENRY JACKSON: 38%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 57%
ROBERT DOLE: 43%

West Virginia (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 52%
GEORGE WALLACE: 48%

(R)

ROBERT DOLE: 53%
RONALD REAGAN: 47%

May 18- Maryland (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 54%
HENRY JACKSON: 33%
EDMUND BROWN JR.: 23%

(R)

ROBERT DOLE: 54%
RONALD REAGAN: 46%

Michigan (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 48%
GEORGE WALLACE: 44%
HENRY JACKSON: 8%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 55%
ROBERT DOLE: 45%

May 25- multiple primaries

Arkansas (D)

GEORGE WALLACE: 64%
ROBERT KENNEDY: 36%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 65%
ROBERT DOLE: 35%

Kentucky (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 51%
GEORGE WALLACE: 49%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 56%
ROBERT DOLE: 44%

Idaho (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 58%
HENRY JACKSON: 42%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 61%
ROBERT DOLE: 39%

Nevada (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 56%
HENRY JACKSON: 44%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 59%
ROBERT DOLE: 41%

Oregon (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 47%
HENRY JACKSON: 44%
GEORGE WALLACE: 9%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 54%
ROBERT DOLE: 46%

Tennessee (D)

GEORGE WALLACE: 61%
ROBERT KENNEDY: 39%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 63%
ROBERT DOLE: 37%

June 1- Montana (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 50.6%
HENRY JACKSON: 49.4%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 62%
ROBERT DOLE: 38%

Rhode Island (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 61%
HENRY JACKSON: 39%

(R)

ROBERT DOLE: 57%
RONALD REAGAN: 43%

South Dakota (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 54%
HENRY JACKSON: 46%

June 8- California- (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 48%
EDMUND BROWN JR: 44%
HENRY JACKSON: 8%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 63%
ROBERT DOLE: 37%

New Jersey (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 56%
HENRY JACKSON: 44%

(R)
ROBERT DOLE: 100% (ONOB)

Ohio (D)

ROBERT KENNEDY: 58%
HENRY JACKSON: 42%

(R)

RONALD REAGAN: 54%
ROBERT DOLE: 46%

REAGAN, KENNEDY PRESUMPTIVE NOMINEES

July 15, Democratic Convention, Madison Square Garden, NY

Robert Kennedy prepares to accept his party's nomination. The only dilemma is that of a vice-presidential nominee. His preference would be for a New Southerner...

1st ballot

Robert F. Kennedy- 2380
George C. Wallace- 250
Henry Jackson- 175
Edmund Brown Jr. -35

Senator Ernest "Fritz" Hollings of South Carolina is his pick. Privately, Kennedy offers Jackson Defense, which he accepts. In the convention address Kennedy calls for a moderate foreign policy and energy independence.

Vice-Presidential balloting

Ernest Hollings- 2750
Edmund Brown Jr.- 200


July 25- Harold Wilson resigns and is succeeded as Prime Minister by Jim Callaghan.

Republican Convention, Kansas City, Aug. 19

1st ballot

Ronald Reagan: 1775
Robert Dole: 481

Vice Presidential balloting

Howard Baker- 2040
Robert Dole: 157

Sept 4- Robert Kennedy addresses the Democratic kickoff rally in Boston Garden before a 150,000 strong crowd. Ronald Reagan does the same at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Sept 9- Chairman Mao dies in Beijing. Hua Guofeng and Deng Xiaoping take power.

Sept 25- President Nixon addresses a Dallas rally while Reagan and Bush look on.

Oct 2- First and only Presidential debate in Chicago.

From The Making of the President, 1976: "From the outset, Robert Kennedy attacked Nixon's handling of the economy and focused mainly on domestic issues. Reagan focused on the President's foreign policy successes in China and Vietnam, but Kennedy's superior knowledge of foreign policy was evident. Reagan referred to "the successful outcome in Vietnam, while you, Senator, advocated withdrawal eight years ago." Kennedy replied by saying he was opposed to escalation and had never called for unilateral withdrawal. He focused on his legislative record, energy independence and pragmatism in foreign policy. "Under my administration, the American consumer will not be hostage to OPEC's whims." Reagan countered with the need for a strong defense and Mideast policy to safeguard the oil supply. The debate continued in this vein for the next ninety minutes..."

"White House Years, A Memoir" by Robert F. Kennedy: "I was determined to avoid being portrayed the aggressor by the media. The debate with Keating in 1964 had shown that the media portrayed a younger opponent attacking an older one as a verbal mugging. Therefore I stuck to the facts and focused on my plans for the administration, because the viewers didn't want to hear sarcastic jabs. They wanted answers to the country's problems, and I provided mine, as Reagan did his. The main themes were taming the economy, energy independence and a pragmatic foreign policy. With the partial exception of Vietnam, there was little to criticize or that needed change in Nixon's foreign-policy record..."

Oct 14- Both candidates tour California, Ohio, Oregon and Texas. Mid October polling data shows a 53-47 Democratic lead, but electoral projections show a toss-up or a narrow Democratic victory.

Oct 20- President Nixon tours Ohio, Virginia, and California in the final two weeks of the campaign.

Oct 28- Democratic 52-48 lead, every indication points to a repeat of 1960 and 1968.

Nov. 2- Election Day. 85% turnout and for most of the night the results are too close to call.
"This just in. Washington, Oregon and Virginia have voted Democratic by a combined total of under 80,000 votes. We can now declare that Robert F. Kennedy has been elected President. Repeat, Robert Kennedy is now President-elect of the United States. This is the closest election in the nation's history..."
genusmap.php


(D) Robert F. Kennedy/Ernest Hollings: 273 ECV, 50.6%
(R) Ronald W. Reagan/ Howard H. Baker: 267 ECV, 49.4%

Incumbent President: Richard M. Nixon (R)
President-elect: Robert F. Kennedy (D)

W.H. Tapes 04/11/76

NIXON: Rose, can you please phone the President-elect?
WOODS: Yes, Mr. President.
(Transfer)

ROBERT KENNEDY: Good morning Mr. President.
NIXON: It must be a great thrill Bobby.
KENNEDY: I'm still quite excited, but now I have to put the Cabinet and administration together. I'd like to meet at your convenience.
NIXON: I'll arrange a PDB and national security meeting as soon as I can. Do you know any names yet?
KENNEDY: Scoop Jackson for Defense, Nick back in Justice. The White House staff is already done.
NIXON: These all sound like excellent, well-qualified nominees. I don't see any trouble for confirmation hearings. How about December 10, and then January 15th? The first for national security, the second for the economy and logistics.
KENNEDY: That's a good idea, and the transition team has been in touch, correct?
NIXON: Yes, I've set up a joint committee, and everything should go smoothly until your Inauguration. All the best.
KENNEDY: Thank you Mr. President.

END OF RECORDING.

Nov 24- Vice-President-elect Hollings resigns his Senate seat.

Dec 4- In an unprecedented move, President-elect Kennedy asks Pat Moynihan to replace Shriver at the UN, and retains Henry Kissinger as Secretary of State.

Dec 10- President Nixon presides over a joint meeting of the outgoing and incoming national security teams. Nixon and Kissinger tell Kennedy to watch Asia and the Soviet Union. He also warns them that a coup is imminent against Pakistani President Z.A. Bhutto, but that without overt US warnings, General Zia will go ahead.

Dec 23- President-elect Kennedy announces the rest of his cabinet nominees, and that Arthur Schlesinger will be the "intellectual-in-residence". In a bipartisan move, he asks Ambassador to China Pat Moynihan to become UN Ambassador ,to which he agrees.

Jan 3- New Congress convenes. 61-39 Democratic in the Senate, 270-165 in the House.

Jan 15- Final joint meeting.

Jan 20- Inauguration Day. Chief Justice Burger swears in President Robert Kennedy. "I, Robert Francis Kennedy, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." So help me God."

President Kennedy refers graciously to Nixon, and states: "Make no small plans, for they do not stir the people to action. Every American can contribute to their community in their own unique way." Nixon shakes the President's hand, telling him it was a "fine, inspiring speech." He then boards SAM 18000 (off-duty A.F. One) for California.

Kennedy I Cabinet:

Vice President: Ernest Hollings
Secretary of the Treasury: Michael Blumenthal
Secretary of State: Henry Kissinger
Attorney General: Nicholas Katzenbach
Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: Joseph Califano
Secretary of Defense: Henry Jackson
Secretary of Energy: James Schlesinger
Secretary of Transportation: Ray Marshall
Secretary of the Interior: Abraham Ribicoff
Secretary of Labor: Archibald Cox
Secretary of Agriculture: Patricia Harris
Secretary of Commerce: Reubin Askew

Senior Administration officials:
Chief of Staff: Fred Dutton
National Security Adviser: Zbigniew Brzezenski
US Trade Representative: Robert Strauss
UN Ambassador: Pat Moynihan
 
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I think you are with your election-map to close to OTL. No way that RFK would be as sucessfull in the South as Carter. I would say give Reagan the South exept Arkansa, South Carolina and Virginia, and RFK Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Conneticut and Maine.
 
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