Just a quick thought I've had, but what would have happened if Gerald Ford was assassinated during the 1976 presidential election? Lets say it happens after Ford get the Republican nomination.
So, my first thoughts are, this makes Nelson Rockerfeller President, although he refused to stay on Vice-President. He'll be President for at least a few months. So...
How will people react?
What happens to the Republican Ticket?
How do the Democrats react?
Who wins the election?