1977 PART III
On June 14th, in one of the closest elections in the State of Tennessee, Fred Thompson defeats Harold Ford for the open Senate Seat.
In mid October, Secretary of State Bush has asked the President to meet with him in the Oval Office for a private conference on foreign affairs.
BUSH: Jerry, there's a situation unfolding in the Middle East. Namely Iran.
PRESIDENT FORD: Is it a National Emergency?
BUSH: Not at the moment, but it could easily escalate into one if we don't address it.
PRESIDENT FORD: I prided myself during the election that I was the first President since Ike to serve the people during peace time and I want to keep it that way. We cannot afford to dive into another full blown, long term war.
BUSH: We may not have to go to that extreme, but the situation could get ugly. Hell, it's already ugly.
PRESIDENT FORD: What's the situation?
BUSH: Houchang Nahvandi, the Shah's closest advisor, has made it known that there is overwhelming support not only from the mullah's, but from Soviet Insurgents as well as Britain and the Council of Foreign Relations to overthrow the Shah. The National Security Council is said to be involved as well.
PRESIDENT FORD: Kissinger?
BUSH: It looks that way. We need to let Nahavandi know if we stand with the Shah or against him.
PRESIDENT FORD: Get Howard in here, we'll discuss it in further detail with him.