WI: RFK nominated for VP in 1964

[Vidal]

At the 1964 Democratic National Convention, Johnson's team switched the schedule so that the JFK tribute film and RFK speech would occur following the vice presidential roll call as opposed to before it, as was originally planned. They believed the film would wash the delegates in a nostalgic glow for JFK, and ultimately they would nominate RFK to be Johnson's running mate. Let's suppose that - through some relatively minor POD (the staffer who makes this suggestion is absent from the meeting, etc), RFK becomes the VP nominee from the floor. (ie, Johnson does not choose RFK). There was a point where RFK really thought he wanted the vice presidency.

What happens?

LBJ had threatened to not run himself if he was forced to run with RFK on the ticket. Does he follow through on this threat? It was characteristic of LBJ to be a self-doubter and to dangle withdrawing in order for people to assure him that he was their choice. See his Congressional and Senate bids. But was he serious this time? Would the thought of his victory being owed to RFK, not his own prowess, be enough for LBJ to walk away from the presidency? If he does walk away, does the party decide instead to nominate RFK at the top of the ticket in his place?

Or does LBJ suck it up and run with Kennedy? What happens then? Do they feud publicly over Vietnam? Does RFK resign from the vice presidency in protest and challenge LBJ? Or does he calculate differently, staying in line and supporting LBJ - even though privately they don't share the same vision.

 

[Emperor Norton I]

LBJ was possibly manic-depressive: a lot of ups and downs and ridiculous tantrum statements. However, RFK would be a problem for him. Johnson would put on a false face of positivity and friendship for the public and immediately freeze Robert Kennedy out of any role in the administration, and keep him out of the public eye as much as conceivable. This is what he did to Humphrey when he privately criticized the US role in Vietnam. Johnson would basically put Kennedy on a shelf to keep him from being able to have any successes or play any important role, and to prevent him from challenging him in 1968.

 

[redjirachi]

The only more hostile president-vice president pair I could think of than this was Andrew Jackson and John C Calhoun. Oh, the pair would certainly win(then again, when you're up against Goldwater). But the 1968 Democratic primaries are going to be what professional historians would call a shitshow.

 

[Emperor Norton I]

I can see RFK basically trying a soft coup for influence and power in the White House. Factions vs factions.

 

[VoidTemplar]

I can see RFK basically trying a soft coup for influence and power in the White House. Factions vs factions.

RFK would not have a hint of power in the administration. Whatever Cabinet members he can sway serve at "The Pleasure of the President" and can thusly be sacked if Johnson feels that they are insufficiently loyal to him first. Johnson can wield constitutional authority, something that Kennedy cannot. RFK going into the VP-slot would basically force him to stay the line (because you don't want to sabotage your own party). History moves on mostly as normal, though presumably with Humphrey running in 1972 against Nixon, if he hasn't become Majority Leader by that point (who knows) and RFK becomes the worlds most highly-placed prisoner.

 

[Amadeus]

The only more hostile president-vice president pair I could think of than this was Andrew Jackson and John C Calhoun. Oh, the pair would certainly win(then again, when you're up against Goldwater). But the 1968 Democratic primaries are going to be what professional historians would call a shitshow.

Would Kennedy seriously challenge the incumbent President when he is a member of the administration? TBH RFK would probably be forced on the sidelines for four years, then run for Senate or Governor in 1970.

 

[marktaha]

Promises to Keep by George Bernau deals with something similar. Bobby as VP VP between rock and hard place .Possible political thriller- VP challenges President but refuses to resign.