Talk Elections

This is a story that I started on another site, but I thought it was appropriate to post it here.

History will begin to diverge in 1974, but first I will start the set up, as there is a minor change in 1972.

Event Date: Febuary 23, 1972
Event Description:  During his historic trip to the People's Republic of China, President Richard M. Nixon sees a group of elderly people doing some sort of exercises.  He inquires about it and is told that it is called T'ai Chi Ch'uan.

Nixon is intrigued and upon returning to the US has his staff get information on it.

Event Date: March 27, 1972
Event Description:  After consulting with his personal physician, Dr. Lungren, Richard Nixon takes his first T'ai Chi lesson from at 29 year old former Army Lieutenant and Viet Nam veteran, David Jin.  Jin is the son of a Taiwanese immigrant and an American mother (of Scottish decent).  He also a student of William Chen, a martial arts master who is credited with bringing t'ai chi to the West (from Taiwan) in 1965.

The lessons continue roughly weekly.  This has no effect on the rest of history until the next entry.

Event Date:  September 20, 1972

Event Description:

At a Press Conference, in response to a question, Ron Zigler, Press Secretary states, "The President stays in shape by practicing t'ia chi; that's a type of martial art."

In reponse to Press requests, the White House releaseds a photo of Nixon in the "crane position" on 9/22.  He is not wearing his suit jacket, but is wearing a tie.

That night, Johnny Carson jokes, "Richard Nixon already has a backup job in case he loses, stunt double for David Caradine on Kung Fu."

Herblock does a cartoon of it on 9/24, showing Nixon, in traditional martial arts close, one leg ready to kick McGovern.  The caption reads "Dick Fu ready to battle the Democrats."

The same day, several experts, including Jin, are quoted in an AP wirestory, explaining what t'ia chi is.  There is no more press on the subject.

Event Date:  November 7, 1972

Event Description:

Nixon is reelected in a landslide.  He gets slightly more votes (2,100) than he did.  They are from younger people, who this it's cool to practice t'ia chi.

There is no change in any elections other than this.

 

Except there Nixon continues to practice t'ia chi nothing changes until this event.


Event Date: 8-8-1974
Event Description: In a nationally televised speech, President Richard Nixon vows to fight all Watergate charges, and finish his term as president.  His speech includes the statement, "I will continue perform the Constitutional duties of the presidency while defending myself from these charges."

There have been numerous calls from Republicans for Nixon's resignation, including a letter from RNC Chairman George H. W. Bush delivered the day before.

Event Date: 8-12-1974
Event Description: The US House by an overwhelming majority (526-9) adopts the articles of impeachment against President Nixon.

Event Date: 8-17-1974
Event Description: Polling numbers indicate that there is slight drop in those favoring Nixon's conviction, 68% in favor 25% and 7% undecided.


The argument that "This does not rise to a level of misconduct that warrants impeachment," is being made by the right wing.  A few people are saying that the stain on Nixon's reputation is strong enough punishment.

Event Date: 8-22-1974
Event Description: Nixon gives sworn deposition for the impeachment trail. Included in the deposition is this statement:

"When John [Haldermann] to me about the operation [the Liddy group activites], I was stunned. These were colleagues, loyal supports, people with careers and families. What they did was wrong, but they did it out of misguided loyalty to me. I wanted them protected, I felt that I owed it to them. That is a price I will have to pay."


Event Date: 8-23-1974
Event Description:  The White House announces that George H. W. Bush will named as the Special Envoy to the People's Republic of China.  Zigler notes that this is part of the "constitutional duties," that Nixon pledged to continue.


Edit:  Former Governor of Pennsylvania William Scranton replaces Bush as GOP Chairman.  He was a classmate at Yale of Vice President Ford.

Event Date: 8-31-1974
Event Description: At the University of Texas Law School, Federal Appeals Court Judge Griffin Bell speaks at a symposium. One question deals with a president violating criminal statutes.
Bell responds, "In the American judicial system, no one is above the law. There is no constitutional bar for a sitting president to be tried in court of law." His comment is carried in the September 2 student newspaper and picked up by the wire services on September 3.
Bell is a Democrat who was a co-chair of the Kennedy campaign in 1960. This remark, coming from a Democratic jurist, opens a floodgate of speculation about a criminal trial.
 
Event Date: 9-8-1974
Event Description:  Nixon's transcript is released to the public. 

Event Date: 9-15-1974
Event Description:
In a conference with Nixon, Senators Scott and Goldwater, requested by them, they report that Nixon could count on 15 votes against conviction, "no matter what." They also report that ANOTHER 19 votes, all Republican, will vote against impeachment if there is not, "a proper criminal trial" prior to the vote. While not committed, they also report that there are possibly "several" Democratic senators, and possibly one other Republican, that will take the same position.

Event Date: 9-16-1974
Event Description: It is announced that the trial will begin on November 12, 1974.
Reporting is that a number of Senators and the House managers will need time to campaign. It will also give everybody time to prepare.

Bush confirmed as envoy to China, after a brief hearing.

Event Date: 9-19-1974
Event Description: Gallop Poll results:
54% favor a criminal trial of President Nixon, in a court of law, prior to Impeachment. 42% favor impeachment first. 4% undecided.
A second question, "Should President Nixon be removed from office, by the Senate, if convicted in a criminal trial?" 34% answer, "no."
Support is somewhat regional; the South is strongly for a trial first and a bare minority favor him staying, no matter what.

More mainstream newspapers come out in favor of a trial, including the Wall Street Journal, and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Event Date: 9-23-1974
Event Description: Three US Senators call an early morning press conference. They are Democrats Stennis and Eastland of Mississippi and Republican Brooke of Massachusetts; the latter is the only Black member of the Senate at the time.
The issue the "September Manifesto." It states, in part: "The President of the United States, is both the "First Citizen of the United States," and a Citizen of the United States. He should not be removed from office unless first convicted in a court of law."
Stennis and Eastland, with the White population supporting Nixon, wished to appeal to the very large Black population (about 30%), which is registering to vote in larger numbers, due to the voting rights act, by siding with Brooke. Brooke wants to look like an independent consensus builder and "deregionalize" the trial. None of these men take a stand on the guilt or innocence of Nixon. It electrifies the country.

Brooke was the "possible" Republican.

Event Date: 9-24-1974
Event Description: Senator Allen of Alabama signs on to the "September Manifesto." Senator Brooke emerges as the leader of the "middle group," or the "September Group."
All Republican Senators either oppose Nixon's removal outright or support the September Group.

Event Date: 9-27-1974
Event Description: The exceptionally well respected Senator Fulbright (D, Arkansas) joins the "September Group," after a long dinner with Senators Brooke and Stennis the night before.
It becomes clear that there will not be the votes to remove Nixon, unless he is first convicted in a criminal trial.

Event Date: 9-28-1974
Event Description: Senator Brooke, in a press conference, is asked, by a Boston Herald reporter how his position now relates to Massachusetts' other senator, Kennedy, and his removal from the Democratic Party leadership after Chappaquiddick.
Brooke responds: "I will not comment on if Senator Kennedy should have been removed as [Democratic] whip. The conduct of the Democratic Senate conference certainly didn't, and doesn't, need the advice of a Republican to conduct it's own business.
I will point out that Senator Kennedy was not removed until his case had been ajudicated before a court of law."

Event Date: 10-1-1974
Event Description: In a stunning move, Senator Kennedy, younger brother of the President John F. Kennedy, joins the September Group. In a blunt statement, Kennedy says:
"When I committed an act, found to be in violation of the law, I remained in my leadership position until the court spoke in judgment, Richard Nixon should be given the same chance."
Also, Time runs the cover photo of Brooke, Stennis, and Eastland, with the title "The Statesmen."

Event Date: 10-2-1974
Event Description: Senators Harry Byrd (D-VA) and Buckley (Conservative -NY) join the September group; Buckley does so privately and this is not reported to the press.
48 US Senators now publicly state that they will not vote to remove the President unless he is convicted in a criminal court; more than 34 will block impeachment.
Nixon has been silent on the trial, letting it play out.


The Boston Herald and the New York Times come out in favor of a trial first.

Okay, how is this reading so far?

Event Date: 10-3-1974
Event Description: Several things happen this day. At 8:00 AM, the White House releases a statement that Nixon will be willing to go on trial in a criminal court.

A Gallop Poll, partly taken just before Senator Kennedy's announcement (and before the White House statement), is released. 60% oppose removal of Nixon unless there is a criminal trial first. A follow up question, "Should Mr. Nixon be removed from office, by the Senate, if convicted in a criminal trial," gets 58% yes, 30% no, 12% undecided. A question, "What is your opinion of Senator Edward Brooke," gets a 62% favorable, 18% unfavorable, and 20% "don't know."

Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV), Majority Whip, states in a press conference, "It is the Senate's constitutional duty to proceed with the trial."


Event Date: 10-4-1974
Event Description: A "leadership conference" is held in the office of Senate Majority Leader Mansfield. Present are Sen. Mansfield, Sen. Robert Byrd, Sen. Ervin (D-GA), chairman of the Senate Investigating Committee, House Majority Leader O'Neill (D-MA), and House Judiciary Committee (HJC) Chairman Rep. Rodino (D-NJ).
They all agree that a criminal trial is unnecessary and that the impeachment trial by the Senate should continue. They also agree that members of the HJC should openly support the continuation of the process

Event Date: 10-7-1974
Event Description: At 9:30 AM (EDT) House Judiciary Committee (HJC) Chairman Rep. Rodino (D-NJ), along with committee members Rep. Rangel (D-NY) and Rep. Jordan (D-TX), hold a press conference expressing their outrage at the idea of a criminal trial first. Rangel, echoing Sen. Byrd, states, "It is the duty of the Senate to try and convict Nixon." His comment is regarded as "shrill," in the words of the NY Times the next day.

Republican HJC member, Rep. Fish (NY), who voted for impeachment, issues a statement at noon, indicating that he would support a criminal trial first.
In a move that is considered stunning, HJC member Sarbanes (D-MD), reached for comment at 1:30 PM, "Under our Constitution, it is up to the Senate to proceed. I don't support a criminal trial first, but I don't have a vote in the Senate."

Event Date: 10-8-1974
Event Description: Sen. Buckley, emboldened by fellow New Yorker Fish's statement, publically states his support of the "September Group."
Most commentators state that this is because of Rep. Rangel's statement, seen as a challenge to the Senate.
HJC member Rep. Railsback (R-Ill.), who voted for impeachment in the HJC and on the floor calls for a delay in removal process until a trial.
House Majority Leader O'Neill, in a press conference, a quote (which he slightly misquotes) from then Congressman Gerald R. Ford, that, "An impeachable offense is whatever the House of Representatives says it is."
A Washington Star reporter then asks, "Is a convict able offense what ever the Senate says it is, even if they say it isn't unless there is a criminal trial?"
A flustered O'Neil manages to stammer out a few sentences, ending with, "The Senate has the duty to adopt what is sent to them."

Event Date: 10-9-1974
Event Description: HJC member Rep. Flowers (D-AL), after having received a lot of pressure from both his constituents and Sen. Allen, announces that he would encourage any Senator to vote to delay the Senate trial of the impeachment until after a criminal trial. Rep. Flowers was one of the conservative Southern Democrats that had voted for impeachment.
Sen. Mansfield, speaking to the press, states, "I want to assure my colleagues, and the American people, that the impeachment trial will continue on schedule."

Even the Washington Post runs an editorial stating, "The Senate must use its collective judgment and the Senate has, in Mr. O'Neil words, no "duty to adopt."

Very interesting, JJ. :)

Event Date: 10-13-1974
Event Description: The Sunday New York Times runs an editorial titled, "A Political Show Trial?" It is a fairly anti-Nixon paper, but still asks if Nixon should be removal prior to a criminal trial. It further cites evidence, including obstruction of justice, and "abuse of powers of the Presidency" to make the case that a criminal conviction is very likely.
It concludes with, "President Nixon should be removed from office, but Citizen Nixon deserves, and is entitled to, a criminal trial. Mr. Nixon's criminal trial should come first."

Event Date: 10-14-1974
Event Description: Gallop Poll: 65% oppose Nixon's removal unless there is a trial. 43% oppose his removal even if found guilty in a criminal trial.
One question is, "Do you agree with the following statement:
Congress's attempt to remove Richard M. Nixon from the presidency is all politically motivated:
Strongly Agree: 33% Somewhat Agree: 37% Somewhat Disagree: 15% Strongly Disagree: 9% Don't Know: 6%
Sen. Mansfield calls a leadership meeting for the next day at 9:00 AM
 
Event Date: 10-15-1974
Event Description: The same group that met on 10-4-74 meets again. Sen. Mansfield states that this has become the "Democrats versus Nixon, and the country is on Nixon's side." He suggests the possibility of delaying the trial until after the 94th Congress is seated.
Both Byrd and Rodino are outraged. Recriminations about the conduct of HJC members speaking against the trial fly. Rodino and Byrd almost come to blows arguing about the conduct of HJC member Rangel.
O'Neill manages to calm both down and supports Mansfield. He does ask, "The question is how?"
Mansfield agrees to discuss the matter with the Senate parliamentarian, Dr. Riddick. The Democratic leadership will support a delay until the next session (in 1975).
In the afternoon, Senator Mansfield meets with Dr. Riddick and his assistent, Dr. Dove. As per Riddick's previous statements on the trial, Mansfield asked if the trial may be adjourned until the next session. Riddick advises him that it is in order and that it can be continued into the next session.
Mansfield asks Riddick if he delay his retirement (scheduled to take place at the current session until) the trial is finished; Riddick agrees.

Event Date: 10-16-1974
Event Description: Mansfield and Brooke meet for lunch, at Mansfield's request. Mansfield explains the adjournment.

Brooke indicates that he cannot speak for the entire "September Group," but will personally support it. He asks Mansfield to hold off until the afternoon of the 18th prior to making a public announcement.

Later that day,  Brooke approaches Sen Scott (R-PA) the minority leader. They discuss the Mansfield plan, over dinner. Scott offers his support.

Event Date: 10-17-1974
Event Description: Senators Bayh (D-IN), Church (D-ID), and Bentson (D-TX) hold a press conference opposing the criminal trial; they don't know about the Brooke-Mansfield meeting. Bentson, planning to run for president in 1976, is particularly stringent. He says, "I will not vote to stop the trial until there is a conviction." His phrasing gives the impression that he will vote continue attempts to remove Nixon even if he is aquitted by the Senate.
 

Event Date: 10-18-1974
Event Description: Senators Brooke and Scott meet with Mansfield and agree to support the "adjournment" of the trial on November 12. It will be a pro forma session.

Event Date: 10-19-1974
Event Description: Flanked by Senators Ervin and Byrd (who is opposed but will support the decision in the name of party unity), Majority Leader Mansfield announce that the trial will be adjourned almost at the minute it starts. "There will be no trial until there is a criminal conviction.  If there is a criminal conviction, the Senate will continue." This is known as the "Saturday Morning Surrender."

Event Date: 11-5-1974
Event Description:

Election Day:
Republicans gain one seat in the US Senate when Lugar defeats Bayh (IN) by 35,000. Republicans gain 5 seats in the US House. With a total of 197 GOP House members, this is the most Republicans elected since 1958. Neither House switches control.

This result shakes the Democratic leadership in both the House and Senate. Mansfield, et al., had expected gains. This is especially true because in "off year" election, the party that controls the White House usually loses seats in Congress.

Event Date: 11-8-1974
Event Description: Special Prosecutor Leon Jaworski announces that he will file a criminal case against President Nixon.

Event Date: 11-10-1974
Event Description: New York Times releases a poll on Nixon.
Approval/Disapproval at 36%/55% with 9% undecided.
On the question if there should be a criminal trial prior to any removal, 72% answer yes, 19% answer no, 9% don't know.
37% oppose removal even if Nixon is convicted in a criminal trial.

Event Date: 11-12-1974, 9:00 AM (EST)
Event Description: The Senate "pro forma" session is called to order at 9:00 AM (EST). As promised, Majority Leader Mansfield offers the motion to adjourn the trial until the case is adjudicated in criminal court.
Led by Senators Bayh, Church and Bentson, there is objection to the motion. The chair, Vice President Ford, on the advice of the parliamentarian, Riddick, rules that the motion is undebatable. Bentson, in a rare move, appeals the decision of the chair.
Mansfield is taken totally off guard; Sen. Robert Byrd supports them and knew this was going to happen. This is actually directed against Mansfield's leadership; Bayh, in particular, feels that Mansfield's "back room" maneuvering cost him his seat. The Republican senators, along with 15 Democrats, vote to overrule the chair.

Debate on the motion becomes nasty, by Senate standards, but in order. Byrd, Bayh, and especially Bentson, constantly speak about the "constitutional duty of the United States Senate." Brooke responds by with, "removal without a criminal trial is a virtual legislative lynching of the President." Debate ends at 1:45 PM and the question is put. The trial is adjourned until there is "a criminal conviction of Richard M. Nixon." The motion is adopted by a vote of 67 to 19, the remainder are absent.

Same Day  7:35 PM. EST

While dining in the family in the White House living quarters, Nixon has a spasm in pain in his left leg. It is debilitating enough that he cannot walk without assistance. It is caused by his phlebitis, a reoccuring problem. The White House doctor is summoned and recommends immediate hospitalization and suggests that surgery might be necessary. Nixon stubbornly declined, even at Pat Nixon's urging. He does yield to her to request to bring his own doctor from California, Dr. Lungren, that has served Nixon for more than 20 years. Lungren leaves on a military flight at 10:15 PM EST.

Note:  November 13, 1974 becomes known as "The longest day of the Nixon Presidency.  All event's here will be listed by times.

2:45 AM:  Dr. Lungren arrives, and immediately goes to the White House.
Mrs. Nixon is still awake, though Nixon has retired for the evening; so is the White House physician. She explains that her husband has had increasing pain, though the attack last night was the worst; the physician, a Navy Captain, also explains.
Dr. Lungren, well aware of the strain Mr. Nixon is under, and the condition of his veins, concur es; Nixon needs rest and hospitalization. He knows his patient, however, and knows that only Mrs. Nixon can, effective, nag him into doing it. They both will work on him in the morning.

6:15 AM:  Mrs. Nixon calls Chief of Staff Alexander Haig and asks to speak with him at 8:00 AM, regarding the condition of the president.

7:45 AM:  Dr. Lungren begins his examination of Nixon.

8:00 AM:  Mrs. Nixon meets with Haig and discusses Nixon's health situation. Haig, an Army General is very worried about an incapacitated President. He suggest White House counsel (and former Nixon law partner) Leonard Garment be brought in, as Haig admits not to being an expert on the US Constitution or presidential succession laws. He summons Garment.
Garment notes that the Constitution permits the President to turn executive authority over to the Vice President if he is unable to discharge the duties of his office, as per the 25nd Amendment.

Nixon does not do T'ai Chi that day

9:45 AM:  Lungren completes his examination. Mrs. Nixon is there by that time. The doctor concurs that Nixon should be hospitalized for rest. Nixon still refuses. Lungren notes that "there could be a blood clot that might be fatal, if not treated."


10:37 AM:  Pat Nixon, exceptionally worried about her husband's health, speaks with Lungren, Garment, and Haig in Haig's office. She says, "Maybe if we all try."

[Edit]
11:00 AM:  Jaworksi files the charges.
[/Edit]

11:30 AM:  The First Lady, Dr. Lungren, Counsel Garment, and Gen. Haig go to Nixon's office in the Executive Office Building. They all make an argument for Nixon's hospitalization and a temporary transfer of power to the Vice President. Haig's argument is that national security would be endangered if Nixon should become incapacitated.

Nixon smiles slightly and says, "This looks like a palace coup." He laughs at the shocked look on their faces. "I know that you are ALL doing this because you care about me," he say, reassuringly. "I'm not a quitter. Al, you have raised a very good point. Leonard, can you draft it as a contingency document?"
The four are disappointed, but its clear that this is all they are going to get at this time.
Garment drafts the documents and has them on Nixon's desk in the Oval Office when Nixon returns there for lunch. The document will become effective if Nixon is comatose, but if alert and able to sign, he will have to sign letters to the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tem of the Senate.

12:15 PM:  Nixon, at lunch signs the documents and places them in his desk. He calls Haig and tells them where they are. In the call, he asks Haig to tell Ford. Haig offers to call through immediately to the Vice President, who is addressing a state convention of the American Legion in Pennsylvania.

(Dialogue of the conversation)

Nixon: When will Jerry be back?
Haig: He's scheduled to be back at three this afternoon, sir. These trips usually run late.
Nixon: I think we can wait a few hours, don't you?
Haig: Yes, ... I think we can.
Nixon: Al, call his chief of staff and ask him to call me when he gets back in. I'll be in a meeting with, Len, Pat and that guy Stein. I want to speak to the nation, to prepare them to the trial. I am not a quitter.

1:31 PM:   The meeting to draft a speech relating to the trial begins with Nixon, Garment (for legal advice), and speechwriters Patrick J. Buchannan and Benjamin Stein (also providing legal advice).

In discussing the previous day's Senate proceedings, they refer to the group aligning itself with Senators Byrd, Bayh, and Bentson, as "the B's."
Nixon is active and seems invigorated until about a quarter after three; his left leg begins giving him trouble, but he continues.

3:44 PM:  Nixon slumps in a spasm of pain and begins to have trouble breathing. The Secret Service agent calls for the doctors including Lungren, an ambulance, Haig and Mrs. Nixon. As they are working on him, Buchannan, Garment and Stein go to the outer office.

A blood clot has broken away and lodged in Nixon's lung. Dr. Lungren orders him to the hospital immediately, Walter Reed Army Hospital. Nixon is still conscious. As he's being wheeled out, he looks at Garment and says, "Get the letters." Garment runs to the desk and gets them, with a pen, and gives them to Nixon, who promptly signs them. Nixon is then wheeled away.

Garment turns to Haig and says, "Stay here, and get the Vice President." He accompanies a badly shaken Pat Nixon to Walter Reed.

An announcement is made to the press that the president has collapsed and is being taken to the hospital and a statement will be made later.

Reporters catch sight of a tearful Stein and a very distraught Buchannan, that followed Nixon out of the White House. Both men assume Nixon has had a heart attack.  Stein can't talk, but Buchannan explodes, on live television. "It those dirty Democrats in Congress. They want him out and they're willing to hound him to death to get him out. This is a lynching of the President! I hope those B's in the Senate are happy!" The "B's" he is referring to are Senators Byrd, Bayh, and Bentson (and the group aligned with them), but the public assumes Buchannan means "those 'bastards' in the Senate," the group putting Nixon through this.

An eagle-eyed ABC camera man looks into the crowd of "permanent" protesters against Nixon across the street. One has an effigy being hung with a Nixon mask on it. He focuses in. NBC and CBS camera men look at what he is aiming at also focus on, cut away from the sobbing Stein, now slumped against an out White House wall, to the protester, a Caucasian man of about 24, with long blond hair and a beard; he seems to be smirking.

These images go out live and are seen on the 6:30 PM network news broadcasts.

4:38 PM:  Surgery begins.

4:45 PM:  Vice President Ford comes to the White House after being informed of Nixon's condition and that he is NOW Acting President.

At 5:28 PM, the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tem of the Senate are informed that, under the 25 Amendment, Ford is acting president.

11:45 PM. Dr. Lungren finishes his surgery on Nixon. The surgery is a success, but the recovery could be very long.

Event Date: 11-15-1974
Event Description: 9:15 AM Nixon running a fever of 100.9 F.

8:47 PM DC police respond to reports of an assault near Lafayette Park. The first car that arrives sees a group of about 15 men and women; at least one man is wearing a suit under a raincoat.

They find a woman, bleeding from the lip, screaming and crying, kneeling over a man of about 24 with long hair and a beard; his hair color cannot be determined because of all the blood and the poor lighting conditions. The woman, about 21, is dressed in "hippie style," with long red hair. She keeps saying, "They said the saw Charlie on TV. They wanted to lynch him." The police summon an ambulance and take both to George Washington Hospital.

The assault victim's names are Charles A. "Chuck" Ritter, a Vietnam veteran with a Bronze Star, Soldier's Medal and Combat Infantry Badge, and Stacy Rourke, his girlfriend. Rourke explains that Ritter was the protester seen on television on the 13th.

10:10 PM:  Rourke, calmer, and having received medical treatment gives the police a statement, of which this is part:

"We were just walking. A man about, Chuck's age, longish brown hair and a mustache, saw him and asked if he was the protester that was on TV. When he said yes the guy just started cussing him out, saying how Chuck was responsible for Nixon being sick. Chuck tried to walk away, but there was a crowd forming. Chuck said, 'Nixon deserved it.' They just swarmed us; I got a sock in the mouth and went down. Chuck tried to defend me, and himself but they just swarmed us; it was just people off the street. One of them yelled, 'Lynch the hippie Commie!' If they had a rope, I think they would have. They were just regular people!"

Ritter is comatose until the next day, but recovered and was released from the hospital on November 24; Rourke was treated and released.

No suspect was ever arrested.

Event Date: 11-16-1974
Event Description: Nixon develops pneumonia.

Event Date: 11-18-1974
Event Description: It becomes clear to Dr. Lungren and the other physicians treating Nixon that he is severely depressed and will need treatment for it after he recovers from his current illness. Nixon was expected to recover from the phlebitis in 4-6 weeks, but they now change the estimate to 8-12 weeks, exclusive of treatment for depression.

The Nixon family, Garment, and Ford are informed.

Event Date:  11-19-1974

Event Description:  Dr. Lungren briefs the press, excluding the depression diagnosis, but says "I will be a matter of months, not weeks, until the President can return to active duty. He will be back, but it will be well after the first of the year." The other doctors concur, publicly.

Gallup Poll is released that day.   Several questions relating to "no Senate trial until a criminal trial" continue to show that the public favors a criminal trial before any Senate action. Likewise, 82% favor delaying the criminal trial until Nixon recovers.

A question, "Should Mr. Nixon be removed if convicted in a criminal trial," gets 45% yes and 43% no. Political commentators note that many people think that Nixon has suffered enough.

Event Date: 11-22-1974
Event Description: Nixon is indited on 28 counts, including conspiracy, burglary, wiretapping, "suppressing freedom of speech," obstruction of justice, 13 counts of bribery relating to campaign contributions, defrauding the government, and one count of tax evasion.

One count get a lot of public comment, especially by comics:

"21. Bribery, Fraud. Solicited and obtained for the reelection campaign of President Nixon, in June, July and August, 1972, from Ray A. Kroc, Chairman of the Board of McDonald's, Inc., contributions of $200,000, in exchange for permission from the Price Commission, first denied on May 21, 1972, then granted on September 8, 1972, to raise the price of the McDonald's quarter pounder cheeseburger, in violation of article II, section 4 of the Constitution and Section 201, 372, 872 and 1505 of the Criminal Code."

A young, politically active, law teacher at the University of Arkansas, who had worked for the McGovern campaign in 1972, said, "I didn't vote for Nixon, and I love Quarter Pounders, but this is just plain ridiculous. This isn't the basis for a constitutional crisis." Mr. William J. Clinton's remarks are included with a number of others in an AP wire story on reaction to the charges.

Garment will represent Nixon, with a young Stein in second chair.  Jaworski will prosecute.

How is this reading so far?

Great!! :) I love it!! ;D

Event Date: 11-23-1974
Event Description: HJC Chairman Rodino, meets with Jaworski and strongly urges that three more charges of obstruction of justice relating to Nixon's failure to obey the House subpoenas to turn over the tapes were returned. Jaworski initially opposed the move, as Nixon complied after the Supreme Court ordered it, but Rodino thinks it is both a criminal and an impeachable offense.  Rodino wins.

Event Date: 11-25-1974
Event Description:  Jaworski persuades the grand jury to indict on these three additional charges.

At the White House, Haig speaks with the Ford.  Haig wishes to return to the military (and become Supreme Commander of NATO).  He has wanted to leave from what was suppose to be a temporary assignment.  He also feels that the president, even an acting one, should choose his one personnel.  Ford agrees, and finally understands that for all practical reasons, he is  now the President of the United States.

Event Date 12-2-1974
Event Description: Hearing on the charges.  Garment enters a plea of not guilty to all charges for Nixon and immediately moves to have these three dropped, on the ground that Nixon complied as soon as appeals were exhausted. The judge agrees and Jaworski will not appeal.

There is much speculation in the press over the week that the criminal case is weak.

Ford announces that Haig will be leaving and be appointed as SACEUR.  He names his new chief of staff, Richard B. Cheney.

Event Date: 12-9-1974
Event Description: Garment asks for a hearing on the on the bribery, defrauding the government, and tax evasion charges. He stuns the judge and the public by requesting that the IRS perform an audit on Nixon's fax returns for the year 1969-73. He also asks for a hearing on the freedom of speech abridgment articles.

The judge agrees.   A hearing will be set just before Christmas.

Nixon's pneumonia clears, though he's very weak and only move with great difficulty.  There is still the possibility of clotting and he is very depressed.

Dr. Lungren consults with Jin about the use of T'ai Chi.  The next day, they begin a light regiment of T'ai Chi.

Event Date:  12-10-1974
Event Description:  Gallup shows that Ford has a 45% job approval rating, largely do to economic issues.

Event Date:  12-11-1974
Event Description:  Ford, through Garment, discusses filling the longstanding vacancy at the Department of Transportation.

Nixon:  Jerry's beginning to have some problems?
Garment:  Er, yes, Vi.., ah, Acting President Ford is.  It's a hard position to be in.
Nixon:  Tell him, when he's in command to command.  I can't run the county from a hospital room.

Event Date: 12-12-1974
Event Description: After serious disagreement with Ford and Kissinger on policy, Defense Secretary James Schlesinger resigns.

Event Date: 12-13-1974
Event Description:  Ford names Donald Rumsfeld to replace him.  He also names    Claude Brinegar to fill the vacancy in the Department of Transportation.  Ford had consulted with Nixon, through Garment, for this second posting, but not the first.

Nixon, however, gives his blessings.  Garment quotes Nixon's "when he's in command to command" quote when contacted by the press.

Event Date: 12-16-1974
Event Description:  Garment has several senior investigators of the IRS testify, along with three CPA's and a respected tax lawyer. All testify that, while large, the deductions were legitimate and that Nixon could have claimed an additional $127 deduction on his 1970 return. This charge is withdrawn by Jaworski.

Garment then moves onto to the defrauding charges. These charges related to government funds used on Nixon's private homes in Key Biscayne and San Clemente. Several career secret service agents testified to the security needs of these changes. One retired agent testified to a standard policy of modifying the President Eisenhower's Gettysburg residence in a similar manner as did a current agent in regard to President Johnson's private ranch. Jaworki withdraws these charges.

Event Date: 12-17-1974
Event Description: Secretary of Labor Brennan resigns.  Ford nominates John T. Dunlop to replace him.  Edit:  Also resigning is Ron Zigler, the Press Secretary; Ron Nessen is his replacement.

Event Date: 12-23-1974
Event Description: The judge rules that, at best, suppression of freedom of speech is a civil matter, and that audits do not constitute anything unusual for the IRS. He notes that, "a private citizen could have informed the IRS and that such action is not an abuse of power of the presidency." It is dismissed (appeal denied in Jan. 75).

This becomes known as "Nixon's Christmas Present." Nixon, still severely depressed, is recovering from the phlebitis.

Event Date: 1-1-1975
Event Description: Former attorney general John Mitchell and White House aides Bob Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, convicted on all counts. Each claimed that Nixon had no prior knowledge of the break-ins or the attempts to raise "hush money."
Nixon's phlebitis improves to the point where he can walk comfortably, for short distances. He is still severely depressed.

Event Date: 1-8-1975
Event Description: Pre-trial depositions of the principles, excluding Nixon, begins. Called in are corporate executives that alledgedly paid bribes for favors, along with Mitchell, Haldeman, Ehrlichman, Dean and Liddy. The depositions will take weeks, except for Liddy, who refuses to be sworn.

Event Date: 1-16-1975
Event Description: Dean, Magruder, and Colson are deposed first. Their testimony is identical to their prior court testimony. None, however, could state that Nixon was aware of the corporate bribes. None could testify that Nixon knew about the break-in or approved it before the fact.

In China, Bush begins writing a book contrasting the Communism with Capitalism.

Event Date: 1-20-1975
Event Description: Mitchell pleads the Fifth. Over the next two days, Haldeman and Ehrlichman do the same.

Event Date: 1-20-1975
Event Description: Ford delivers his State of the Union address, stating that the state of the Union is "unsound." Aside from the economic problems and what is perceived a "weakening America" around the world, he cites:
"Our political system has produced a situation where the President of the United States has been hounded nearly to death for questionable political causes. It is a caustic example of politics over not only the national interest but over the life of an elected leader. This national nightmare must stop." He pounded the podium (once) for emphasis.

Republicans cheered while a few Democrats booed. Senators Church and Bentson walked out.

Event Date: 1-23-1975
Event Description: Gallup Poll: Ford's approval rating jumps to 56%. Jaworski starts deposing the corporate executives.

Sounds good! :)

Event Date: 1-31-1975
Event Description: Nixon's depression begins to lift. He is able to walk, but with a cane.  The T'ai Chi has pr oven to be excellent therapy.

 Dr. Lungren suggests that he could return to work in about a month to six weeks. 

Event Date: 2-5-1975
Event Description: Nixon summons Garment to Walter Reed; also present is Dr. Lungren. Nixon pointedly asks Garment if, in his opinion, the 25th amendment would only apply for health reasons. Could Ford remain on as Acting President while the trial is going on, and during possible trial by the Senate?
Garment tentatively says he thinks that the amendment would apply, and thinks that Ford can stay on as Acting President. "I'd like to check with the Attorney General and some constitutional scholars, Mr. President," Garment said, "before I'd give a definitive answer."

"You also better ask Jerry," Nixon says.

Dr. Lungren explains that, while the Nixon has been depressed, and while that does effect his ability to function as president, it has had a negative impact on his health. It is being treated by medication, but is likely to clear.

Event Date: 2-7-1975
Event Description: Garment speaks to Ford, who is receptive to the idea. It has been exceptionally hard for Ford, as he has been reluctant to remove appointees, with the possibility of Nixon returning. They call Attorney General Saxbe who agrees that the 25th Amendment would apply.
Garment privately discusses the matter with other noted constitutional scholars, who concur. Several not that this was not the intent of the framers, but that the text does not preclude it.


Event Date: 2-10-1975
Event Description:  Garment, with Nixon's permission takes the unusual step of contacting Jaworski, who not only agrees, but is relieved! He will be prosecuting a defendant, not a president.


Event Date: 2-16-1975
Event Description: The depositions of all the executives named are completed. It is a disaster for Jaworski. All of them had no direct dealings with Nixon, meeting only with Mitchell, Haldeman and Ehrlichman.

Garment reports back to Nixon, but Dr. Lungren suggests waiting until at least March 1, in order to see how the treatment for depression is going.

Event Date: 2-19-1975
Event Description: Over the next two weeks, Jaworski offers reductions in sentences for testimony.

Event Date: 2-24-1975
Event Description:  Bush finishes his manuscript.  He sends a copy to Kissinger who send a copy of it Ford.  The title of this manuscript is The Free Market.


Event Date: 2-26-1975
Event Description:  At a hearing, and after reviewing the depositions, Garment asks the judge for a hearing the next day to throw out all the bribery related charges.

Jaworski manages to convince the judge for a delay until March 14.

Event Date: 3-2-1975
Event Description:  Lungren recommends at least another two weeks of treatment.

Event Date: 3-9-1975
Event Description: Secretary of Commerce Dent resigns.  Ford immediately recalls Bush from China and nominates him to fill the vacancy.

Event Date: 3-11-1975
Event Description:  Finally, Jaworski offers Mitchell a deal, suspended sentence, no fine, immunity from further prosecution, if he testifies that Nixon knew about the "slush funds."

Mitchell responded, "If I say anything, it will be that Richard Nixon had no idea that there was a slush fund!"

Event Date: 3-14-1975
Event Description: On Garment's motion, the judge throws out 16 counts against Nixon.

Jaworski appeals, and loses (April '75).

The hearing is continued until Monday.


Event Date: 3-15-1975
Event Description: The date, the Ides of March, has a tie in with the assassination of a leader. Editorial cartoonists have a field day, depicting Jaworski as a failed Brutus, or, in some "Brutus Democratus."

Event Date: 3-18-1975
Event Description: One more count is thrown out. This one relates to a suggestion that Judge Byrne, who was the trial judge in the Ellsberg case, be appointed as FBI Director. Internal memos, including one from Liddy, showed that they were looking to replace Hoover prior to the trial. Several other internal memos, from before the trial, mentioned Bryne as a replacement well prior to him being assigned the case.

Out of the 28 original indictments, plus the three added and quickly dismissed, only these remain:

Garment informs the court that his expected to recover "sooner, rather than later."

Dr. Lungren, after examining Nixon, now feels that is able to return to work.

Event Date: 3-19-1975
Event Description:

Nixon meets in hospital room with both Garment and Lungren.  He asks Garment if he's willing to go to trial; Garment notes his recent successes.

Nixon:  Can you inform the court tomorrow?

Garment:  Yes, by letter, but the day after tomorrow will be be better.  Dr. Lungren, I need some medical records.

Nixon:  Dr. Lungren, can you hold a press conference after that about my condition and prognosis?

Lungren:  Certainly, you can appear yourself and explain the treatment.  You could even do your T'ai Chi.

Nixon:  No, I mean my diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for depression.

A stunned Lungren stammers out a yes.

I hadn't seen this until today, its quite interesting.

Event Date: 3-20-1975
Event Description: Garment sends the letter to the judge.  It outlines Nixon’s medical condition and states, “Mr. Nixon will be ready to stand trial at this time.”  A copy is given to the White House.

Nixon leaves the Walter Reed for Blair House, which he occupied while Vice President.  Ford has arranged it.

Event Date: 3-24-1975
Event Description:   In the Press Briefing, Ron Nessen, announces that after speaking with both Ford and Garment, “President Nixon will continue to invoke the 25th Amendment and not submit his declaration of ability to discharge his duties of office.  He will focus all of his attention on the trial.”

He notes that Nixon might have a statement on it in the future.

Event Date: 3-25-1975
Event Description:   Dr. Lungren holds his press conference where he states that Nixon was treated for depression, but also notes that he has recovered and is not being treated with any medication.  He also notes that the court, prosecution, and the White House have been informed of this and that, in his opinion Nixon is able to stand trial and serve as President.

During the conference a Washington Post reporter asks if Nixon plans to use an insanity defense.  Lungren replies:  “Richard Nixon is not now nor ever has been insane, to the best of my knowledge.  He suffered from depression, anyone who was hounded by the Press and the politicians for nearly three years now would be!  Next question.”


Event Date: 3-26-1975
Event Description:  Gallup poll released.  Nixon has as 49% favorable rating 46% unfavorable rating.  In answer to this question, "Should Mr. Nixon be removed from office if convicted in a criminal trial," a full 46% say no, to 45% who say yes.


Event Date: 3-27-1975
Event Description:  Garment also moves to have the conspiracy charges dropped, on the grounds that Nixon’s actions were “coerced by overly zealous law enforcement officials.”  The judge does not grant this motion.

Garment then moves to have the "Illegal Wiretaps," as there is no evidence that Nixon conspired before the break-in.  The judge grants that request. 

Jaworski, knowing that no one will state under oath that they told Nixon about the wiretaps prior to the Watergate break-in, does not appeal. 

Garment tries to get "Illegally Influencing the Election" charge dropped; the Judge leaves it in.  It's Garment's turn to appeal (rejected in Apr.).

The trial is set for June 2.  Nixon is now facing six specific charges.

Nixon requests air time from the three networks on Monday 3/31/75.

This is great!  I can't wait to see where it will turn.

These parts are pure fiction.

T'ai Chi (though the master is real and contemporary, but not Jin).

The tax return (I have no idea).

Nixon's health is pretty much what happened; his doctor is the father of Dan Lungren, former Attorney General of CA.

The Ray Kroc charge was taken from the HJC.

j.j.,

this is quite interesting. as a history/government teacher, i am able to say that this is more than able to happen in real life. fine job.

-wbecker

I'm formerly a local government official, and I'm actually old enough to remember some of this.  I'm quite fortunate in that my father's cousin very strongly resembled Archie Bunker.  :)

The T'ai Chi will become very important in 1978, though I promise that Nixon will not be in a remake of Enter the Dragon. ;)  I'll write more tomorrow.

SO we have many more years of this timeline?

Awesome!

In our time line, Nixon did an interview with David Frost in 1978.  He might do the same one in this one.

Ah, you might not like the result.

Event Date: 3-31-1975
Event Description:  At 9:00 PM EST, Easter Monday, Richard Nixon delivers what becomes as “The Resurrection Speech,” from Blair House.   If anything, it’s better than the Checker’s speech.

The tag political line is, “I’m not a quitter.  I am a fighter.”  It’s repeated several times.

One line is, “The President is not above the law, but no citizen is below it.  I will, in a few weeks, place myself in the hands of justice, just like any other citizen.  It is not appropriate here for me to offer a defense for my actions, but it will be offered and it will be strong.  I can understand why some people may feel that some of my actions were inappropriate, or even illegal, but they will be explained.  I’m a fighter, not a quitter and the forum in which I now fight is the Federal Court.

The last line is, “As you all know, this fight has taken a toll on me, both physically and emotionally.  I have suffered both from phlebitis and depression, but such the toll of this mighty struggle.  I‘m not a quitter, I’m a fighter, but you all have helped in my struggle with your well wishes and your prayers.  I thank you, and may God bless all of you, may God Bless America and all Americans.”

Event Date: 4-1-1975
Event Description:   The Press on the speech is excellent.  Man on the street commentaries praise Nixon.  A quote from a Baton Rouge attorney and registered Democrat, is included in an AP story on public reaction.  "That was the most magnificent political speech I've ever heard," says James Carville.

Event Date: 4-2-1975
Event Description:   Bush confirmed after stating, under oath, that he would not run for President or Vice President in 1976.  His bookThe Free Market is published.  It has blurbs from Ford, Frederick Hayek, and Milton Freidman.

Event Date: 4-3-1975
Event Description:   Gallop poll shows that Nixon’s positives are at 66%, 28% unfavorable.  Ford has slipped below 50%, due to the deteriorating situation in South Vietnam, and a slumping economy.

Event Date: 4-4-1975
Event Description:   Ford asks Congress for aid to South Vietnam; it is refused.

Event Date: 4-5-1975
Event Description:   Garment travels to Lewisburg, PA to inverveiw Liddy.  He knows what Liddy will say and pursuades him to testify.

Event Date: 4-8-1975
Event Description:  Liddy deposed by Garment.  He will testify that he never briefed Nixon on anything regarding the burglaries.

I won't post on this until tomorrow, at least.  I have to research April-June, 1975.  I will that Saigon falls during this period.

It sounds good! :) It's been great so far!! ;D

Event Date: 4-9-1975

Jaworksi asks Sam Dash, attorney to the HJC and Fred Thompson, an aide to Sen. Howard Baker (R-TN) to join his staff for the hearing.  They agree.

They agree that most of pre break-in charges rest on Dean's testimony.

Event Date: 4-10-1975
Event Description:  Harris poll reports Ford has 41% favorable, to 51% unfavorable job approval rating.


Event Date: 4-21-1975
Event Description:  Garment moves to subpoena, Gordon C. Strachan, an aide to Haldeman and  S. Harrison Dogole, President of Globe Security Systems, who's on Nixon's "Enemies List."

The Dogole request prompts questions from both the judge and Jaworski.   "This information is needed to support the testimony of one of our witnesses, G. Gordon Liddy." 

Event Date: 4-22-1975
Event Description:  Levi confirmed as Attorney General.

Dash meets with Dean.  Dean is shaken with the news that both Dogole and Strachan.  He starts answering questions with, “I refuse to answer the question on the grounds it might tend to incriminate me.”

Event Date: 4-23-1975
Event Description:  Ford gives a speech announcing that American involvement in South Vietnam is over.

Event Date: 4-24-1975
Event Description:  Jaworski meats with Dash and Thompson.  Dean has dried up and Liddy, "The Sphinx" in Jaworski's terms, will start talking.
 Liddy will appear as a witness for Nixon and Garment will be calling Gordon C. Strachan, an aide to Haldeman.

Dash:  What’s Strachan status?
Jaworski:  Indicted, but the case is not strong.  He might be filing to have them dropped, and he’ll get them.
Thompson:  Has he been deposed?
Jaworski:  He’s taking the Fifth.
Thompson:  Dean pleads the Fifth; Libby testifies and contradicts him; Strachan takes the Fifth.  I’d believe Libby in that case.
Jaworski:  It’s not only that, but they’ve subpoenaed Larry O’Brien, and some of their records.  And what are doing with Dogole?

Event Date: 4-30-1975
Event Description:   Saigon falls. 

Event Date: 5-1-1975
Event Description:   Several conservative newspapers run editorials to the effect that “Nixon would not have let this happen,”  which is a direct quote from The Manchester Union Leader the NH newspaper of William Loeb.

Event Date: 5-5-1975
Event Description:   Strachan files a petition to have the charges dismissed.

Event Date: 5-7-1975
Event Description:   Gallup Poll results:

Do you approve of the job Gerald Ford is doing as President?

37% Favorable, 59% Unfavorable

What is your opinion of Richard Nixon?

61% Favorable, 30% Unfavorable.

Do you believe that Richard Nixon is guilty of some or all of the charges he is facing?

48% yes,  41% no.

If Richard Nixon is found guilty of any of the allegation he is currently charged with, should he resign?

45% yes, 48% no.

If Richard Nixon is found guilty of any of the allegation he is currently charged with, should he be impeached?

43% yes, 47% no.

Event Date: 5-12-1975
Event Description:   Thompson goes to Allenwood to attempt to interview Liddy.  Liddy laughs in face and says, “What are you going to do, put me in jail?”

Event Date: 5-15-1975
Event Description:   Jaworski interviews Strachan, or rather attempts to.  Strachan pleads the Fifth.  Jaworski offers to have the charges dropped.  Strachan who has filed a petition to gets them dropped, says no.

Thompson attempts to get Dean to open up; he threatens contempt of court.  Dean agrees, only if he gets immunity.  He adds, cryptically, “You might not want me to testify.”

 Mayagüez incident

Event Date: 5-16-1975
Event Description:  The press on the Mayagüez incident is oddly bad.  It is considered to be a botched attempt, due to the casualties.

Event Date: 5-17-1975
Event Description:   Jaworski, Dash, and Thompson meet, and go over their options.

Jaworski sums up the situation:

1.  Liddy, who has nothing left to lose, will testify as a defense witness.

2.  Dean will plead the Fifth.

3.  Strachan, will plead the Fifth.

If Liddy says anything about Dean or Strachan, it will, in effect be supported by their silence.

He concludes: “We only have Liddy.  Liddy!  Fred, he laughed in your face, we can’t turn him.

Thompson:  We only have two choices.  Get Dean or Strachan to tell us what’s happening.

A number of conservative papers follow the "We need Nixon back, NOW!" line.  Even the moderate Pittsburgh Press joins the line, stating "There has been enough time to try this case."

Event Date: 5-19-1975
Event Description:   Jaworski asks for a two week delay.  Though Garment opposes this, it is granted.  The trial will begin on June 16.

He offers both Dean and Strachan limited use immunity.  Dean accepts. Strachan says no, he wants full immunity.

Event Date: 5-20-1975
Event Description:   Dean gives the full story.  His wife’s former roommate was running a prostitution ring out their shared apartment.  The Democrats, using legal means and Globe Security, got the information.  The burglary, in part, was to get that information back.  Strachan knew about the break-in and Liddy knows the whole story.  Strachan might have told Haldeman, but he would be the only link.

Former Georgia Governor James E. “Jimmy” Carter announces his bid for the Democratic nomination for president.

Event Date: 5-30-1975
Event Description:  Jaworski meets with Strachan again and offers to have the charges dropped.  Strachan says no.  He wants full immunity. 

Event Date: 6-4-1975
Event Description:  Jaworski meets with Attorney General Levi about an offer of full immunity to Strachan; Jaworski will only do this is the charges are against Strachan are dropped.

Event Date: 6-9-1975
Event Description:   Jury selection is very slow.  The judge delays the trial until July 8; Garment objects, but is overruled.

Event Date: 6-10-1975
Event Description:   The charges against Strachan are dropped; Jaworski files a brief in opposition, but the evidence it way too weak.

Event Date: 6-11-1975
Event Description:   Jaworski calls Garment, and tells him that Strachan will be offered immunity (he’s a defense witness).  Garment responds with, “What makes you think Strachan is talking to us? I will be deposing him, if he’s talking.”

Gallup Poll:

Event Description:   Gallup Poll results:

Do you approve of the job Gerald Ford is doing as President?

31% Favorable, 61% Unfavorable

What is your opinion of Richard Nixon?

60% Favorable, 28% Unfavorable.

Do you believe that Richard Nixon is guilty of some or all of the charges he is facing?

47% yes,  41% no.

If Richard Nixon is found guilty of any of the allegation he is currently charged with, should he resign?

42% yes, 49% no.

If Richard Nixon is found guilty of any of the allegation he is currently charged with, should he be impeached?

41% yes, 51% no.

Who would you prefer to see as President, Richard Nixon or Gerald Ford?

Nixon 55%  Ford 32%

Event Date: 6-13-1975
Event Description:    Strachan deposed.  It goes until 6/16.  What comes out is:

1.  Haldeman and Ehrlichman authorized the illegal activities of the Plumbers, without telling Nixon in advance; he, Strachan, was aware of it.  Neither Haldeman , Ehrlichman nor the tapes gave any indication

2.  Dean authorized the Watergate break-in, primarily for the purposes stated.  Haldeman and Ehrlichman did not know when they first briefed Nixon.

3.  Haldeman and Ehrlichman did not suggest “hush money,” they were looking at money for a defense.

Jaworski is devastated.  Garment is elated.

Event Date: 6-17-1975
Event Description:  All three networks were preparing retrospectives when the news broke at 1:37 PM. 

One count of conspiracy (the first),  Conspiracy to Commit Burglary and Other Crimes, both counts of Burglary,

What’s left are:


Jaworski says to the Press afterward, “There just isn’t legitimate evidence to try Richard Nixon on these charges.  There will be no appeal."

That night Johnny Carson starts his monologue with, “Tomorrow is the 170th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, and today Leon Jaworski met his.”

Event Date: 6-18-1975
Event Description:  Five jurors empaneled to date.

Event Date: 6-19-1975
Event Description:   Jaworski now surveys the situation.  The case is weak, Liddy will talk, Nixon’s approval is soaring.  He’d hoped to that by this point Nixon would be facing most of the original charges.  Perhaps it’s time to plea bargain.

After consulting with Dash and Thompson, he will make the following offer.

1.  Nixon resigns.

2.  Nixon pleads nolo contendre and gets a suspended sentence with no fine.

That evening, he meets with Garment, who will recommend against it, but will pass it to Nixon.

Event Date: 6-19-1975
Event Description:   Nixon formally rejects the offer.  Garment tell Jaworski, “He laughed at it.”  One more juror selected.

Event Date: 6-20-1975
Event Description:   Two jurors selected, eight total.

Event Date: 6-22-1975
Event Description:  The Sunday talk shows have numerous former Nixon staffers complaining about the, “Travesty of justice.”  Pat Buchannan on Issues and Answers calls on Ford to pardon Nixon.

For the other side, there are Rep. Rodino, Wrangle, and Sen. Bentson.  Bentson again criticizes the Senate for not moving on with the impeachment trial, and declares that “Nixon is guilty, no matter what the courts say.”

The Free Market hits number one on the NYT best seller list.  If will remain there until the first week in October.

Event Date: 6-23-1975
Event Description:   Ford announces that he will seek the Republican nomination for President.  He notes, “President Nixon cannot, constitutionally, run in 1976, whatever the result of this trial.”  James Baker, an Undersecretary of Commerce, will chair the campaign.

Another Juror selected.

Event Date: 6-24-1975
Event Description:  Two more Jurors selected.

Event Date: 6-25-1975
Event Description: 

Gallup Poll results:

Do you approve of the job Gerald Ford is doing as President?

33% Favorable, 58% Unfavorable

What is your opinion of Richard Nixon?

65% Favorable, 25% Unfavorable.

Do you believe that Richard Nixon is guilty of some or all of the charges he is facing?

39% yes,  55% no.

If Richard Nixon is found guilty of any of the allegation he is currently charged with, should he resign?

44% yes, 46% no.

If Richard Nixon is found guilty of any of the allegation he is currently charged with, should he be impeached?

38% yes, 55% no.

Who would you prefer to see as President, Richard Nixon or Gerald Ford?

Nixon 55%  Ford 32%

Another juror selected.  Jaworsky ask for a one day break.

Event Date: 6-26-1975
Event Description:  8:00 AM.  Jaworski, Thompson and Dash again consult.   They agree to offer Nixon another deal.  Nolo contendre, suspended sentence, and Nixon does not have to resign.  Thompson notes that he could still be impeached.  Jaworski notes that he could be even if he’s found guilty and he says something that has been unspoken between these men until now, “Even if Nixon is convicted, I doubt if the sentence can be imposed upon him.  He’s trying to run out the clock.”

At 11:30 AM Jaworski calls Garment and makes the offer.  At 4:30 PM Garment responds with, “You better get you ducks in a row; we’re going to trial.”

At 7:00 PM, “the Troika,” as they’ve become known meet again.  They develop a strategy of not fighting out side issues, especially jury selections.  If it doesn’t matter, don’t delay.

Event Date: 6-27-1975
Event Description:  As a result of the new strategy, the remaining jurors and two alternates are selected.

Event Date: 6-29-1975
Event Description:  Sen. Church pens an op ed piece in the Washington Post on how the Senate can procede without regard to the result of the trial.

Event Date: 6-30-1975
Event Description:  Bentson announces his bid for the presidency.

A have dozen technical expects on audio taping are qualified as expert witnesses by the defense.  Jaworski offers minimal objections.

How is this going so far?  ???

A+

Very interesting J.J.

The fall of Saigon angle is interesting.  In the years after the fall, Nixon repeatedly implied that he would have prevented it from happening had he still been in office.  He never says what he actually would have done, but the implication is that he would have resumed B-52 bombing of North Vietnam in defiance of congressional opposition and prohibitions against Indochina military activity that he himself signed in June 1973.

I wonder what might have happened differently had Ford been the acting president only, and Nixon officially the president and recovering politically, at the time the Vietnam crisis came to a head in early 1975.

I'm trying to keep a lot of this as close to what really happened.

Strachan really was indicted and had the charges dropped on 6/10/75.  He had the potential of being a central figure.

Bentson really ran for president in 1976.

The part about Dean's wife's roommate has is been claimed books, Liddy currently claims that.  Dean, in fact sued Liddy over it, and lost in court.

The fall of Saigon is one of the numerous things that outraged the GOP right against Ford.

Bush really did write a letter, in early August, calling on Nixon to resign.

Most importantly, Griffin Bell, who in our time line was Carter's first Attorney General, does hold that a sitting President can be tried in court for criminal charges, and testified to such during Clinton's impeachment.

I'm trying to create a credible scenario.

I understand.  But that what's make alternative history so difficult.  A small change can have an effect that can ripple through everything.

I happen to think that a lot of what Nixon says about Vietnam is simply bravado and cheap talk.  When he had the power as president, he let the situation slide, and the situation had severely deteriorated before he turned it over to Ford in August 1974.  By that time, it was too late for a different outcome, in my opinion.  Still, it would be interesting to consider the possibility of a politically revitalized Nixon defying the congressional bans on Indochina bombing.  I do know that even in 1975, the North Vietnamese sufficiently feared renewed US bombing to move large numbers of people out of their major cities before they undertook their 1975 offensive.

I doubt if Nixon would have had the political will to aid South Vietnam, even if in 1975 he had survived Watergate.  This is just basically the same event, but the political effect is different.

The right is saying, "Nixon wouldn't have let this happen," but he probably would have.

I agree.  I don't think he would have had a choice.

But the fall of Saigon did cost Ford.  Reagan never discussed it directly in his 1976 run, but what else could he have been referring to when he lamented the "collapse of American will" and the "retreat of American power"?

In this time line, you will see this theme exploited, more so than in OTL.  I'm planning on running this through the 1976 election, with a reference to 1978.

I look forward to seeing it.  Very interesting and good work, J.J.

Event Date: 7-1-1975
Event Description:  Former California Governor Ronald Reagan announces his second bid for the Republican nomination for President.


Event Date: 7-8-1975
Event Description:  Jaworski’s opening statement.  He outlines the case.

1.  The Committee to Re-Elect the President (CRP), engaged in activities that were illegal and were for the specific purpose of  helping Nixon get re-elected.  Jaworski says that “Mr. Nixon knew or had reason to believe and should have known about these actions.”

He includes a massive series of charts showing the “flow of information to Nixon,” all of which passes through Haldeman and Ehrlichman and most of which passes through Magruder and Strachan first.

2.  Nixon conspired with Haldeman,  Ehrlichman, and Dean to (1.) destroying documentary evidence, (2.) concealing the existence of documentary evidence, (3.) promising executive clemency and paying money and causing money to be paid.  Here, Jaworski cites:

1.  The missing 181/2 minutes of tape, and the removal and destruction of evidence from burglar E Howard Hunt’s safe.

2.  Nixon’s refusal to turn over the tapes.

3.  Payments to the Watergate burglars and an offer to Magruder of clemency given through Colson.

The opening statement concluded late on July 9.  The opening statement for the defense will be offered on the next day.


Event Date: 7-10-1975
Event Description:  The defense’s rebuttal. 

“The President had reason to believe and should have known about these actions” Garment begins, rhetorically.  He rattles of some statistics about the size of the campaign staff and then the White House staff, and the civilian Federal government workforce.  “Do any of you really think that one man should know every detail of each one does each day?   President Nixon had no idea that these things were being done in his name!  And, evidence will be produced for that fact.”

He continues on to hit the prosecution’s arguments point by point.  The Links, will stop mostly at Dean, but will include Haldeman.  He concludes that, “There was a ‘Berlin Wall’ surrounding the President on the ‘dirty tricks’ of the campaign.  That ‘Berlin Wall’ kept the information from the President.”

His defense for the obstruction was fairly short.

1.  The tape was accidentally erased; Garment will offer proof

2.  The refusal was based on Nixon’s attempt to quash the subpoena for the taped, “and there is nothing illegal in that.”

3.  Nixon did not offer anything other than paying for a legal defense; Colson suggested the pardon to Haldeman, who was non-committal.

He then moves to have the part of the obstruction on Nixon appealing the subpoena be removed.  The judge concurs.

Event Date: 7-12-1975
Event Description: 
Hunt is the first witness.  He testifies in line with his previous testimony before the Ervin committee and his own trial.  Garment does not even cross examine him.  Same with McCord, the second witness.

Event Date: 7-15-1975
Event Description: 

Fred LaRue, the “Bagman,” is called to testify.  On short direct testimony he admits to delivering money to the burglars. 

On cross, re-direct, re-cross, which lasts until the 17th, he states repeatedly that the purpose was for attorney fees, not to “buy anyone off.”  He further states that the order came from a meeting from Mitchell and Dean and that he only heard about it after the break –in.

Event Date: 7-18-75
Event Description:  Former Attorney General and Chairman of CRP, John Mitchell is the next to testify.  He testifies that there were conversations about the payouts with Dean,  Magruder, Liddy and Strachan, but not Haldeman,  Ehrlichman, or Nixon. 

He specifically states

His testimony continues through 7/22/75

Gallup Poll results:

Do you approve of the job Gerald Ford is doing as President?

33% Favorable, 57% Unfavorable

What is your opinion of Richard Nixon?

66% Favorable, 25% Unfavorable.

Do you believe that Richard Nixon is guilty of some or all of the charges he is facing?

38% yes,  54% no.

If Richard Nixon is found guilty of any of the allegation he is currently charged with, should he resign?

40% yes, 48% no.

If Richard Nixon is found guilty of any of the allegation he is currently charged with, should he be impeached?

37% yes, 57% no.

Who would you prefer to see as President, Richard Nixon or Gerald Ford?

Nixon 57%  Ford 30%

Event Date: 7-23-75
Event Description:  Magruder testifies.  He claims that he heard Nixon, in a phone call, order the break-in.  He also testifies that he did not inform the President about the breaking, but had spoken to Dean regarding it.

On cross, he admits to passing the room when he heard “part of the conversation.”  He believes that Mitchell and LaRue were present.

Jaworski recalls both Mitchell and LaRue, who remember the call and testify that this was not the conversation.  The call was to Dean. 

Jaworski was bluffing, hoping that Magruder was right, and knowing that Dean did not get the call.  It did not work.

Event Date: 7-24-75
Event Description:  Dean, the star witness, is called.  Over the next three days, Dean testifies.  He admits to authorizing Watergate and only telling Strachan after the first break-in.  His first mention of it to Nixon was after the break-in.  He never told Nixon that he authorized it.  Nixon, at the defense table, shakes his head slightly.

He does mention the discussion of money, but, on cross, admits that they never discussed clemency; the money could have referred to payment of legal fees.   He also, when confronted with the transcripts, admits that Nixon never suggested perjury or suggested how anyone should plead.

Garment:  When you said “That there was cancer growing near the presidency,” did you mean that the cancer was the President?”

Dean:  No.

Garment:  Did you feel, at that point, as an attorney, that President Nixon had obstructed justice or induced anyone to commit perjury?

Dean:  Ah, no, or I wouldn’t have said it.


Dean also states that he was not the recipient of the call Magruder heard; he further states that it was impossible as the idea for the break-in was his.

J.J., I do have to say that having lived through that time (as did you -- we are exactly the same age), I find such a sharp recovery of Nixon's political fortunes pretty implausible.

Well, there are a couple of things.  First of all, in OTL Nixon had about 30% support, so that's the base.

Second, it's not sharp.  It bottomed out in 11/74; it's been building since then.

Third, Nixon, in office, got sick; in OTL, Nixon was out by that time.  A lot of this is sympathy.  The American public is saying to itself, "Maybe we came close to hounding Nixon to death."

Fourth, Watergate, in the public mind was largely that Nixon ordered a burglary.  That was a very understandable criminal action.  Those charges were dropped and there is an admission that he did not know about it.  The charges left are a bit more abstract.  It looks to the American public that he violated the technicalities, but not the substance, of the law.

Fifth, people are comparing Nixon to Ford, and Nixon wins this comparison.  It is the idea that "Nixon might be a crook, but he's a competent crook.  Ford's a Boy Scout (actually an Eagle Scout), but he's incompentent."

Sixth, Nixon started this fight an ill man, well below any expectation of success.  He's the underdog fighting against the odds.  The fight helps him.

I'm suggesting that a combination of all of these things came together to boost his numbers, over an 8-9 month period.

Event Date: 8-1-75 
Event Description:  Haldeman testifies.  For five days he testifies, is cross examined, re-directed,  re-cross, re-re-directed, etc.  He is often testy, both with Jaworski and Garment.  In the end, he testifies that he first heard about the break-in, a day after it occurred, from Strachan.  There were no clemency offers, the money was defense, not to get anyone to be silent.

Haldeman also answers questions about the taping system.

Event Date: 8-8-75 
Event Description:  There is a “Brady hearing” on the technical experts for recording analysis.  Also “expert witnesses” are qualified.  This continues through Monday, 8/11.

Event Date: 8-12-75 
Event Description:   Four audio engineers testify for the prosecution and insist that the tape show signs separate erasures; these are tiny clicks at various points in the tape.  One testifies that it something else might have caused it and two of concede that this effect could possibly have been caused by something else.

Event Date: 8-15-75 
Event Description:   After last expert testifies, the prosecution rests.

Event Date: 8-18-75 
Event Description:   The prosecution begins by calling Alexander Butterfield.  He briefly described the taping equipment including the location of the machines.  There is a meager cross examination.

Garment also asks if there was an attempt by anyone in the White House to influence his testimony; the answer is no. 

Garment then calls Nixon’s longtime secretary Rose Mary Woods.  She describes how she erased the tape, cause an 18 ½ minute gap. 

Jaworsky begins an intense cross examination which last through the next day.  Woods holds to story increasing tense testimony. 

Event Date: 8-20-75 
Event Description:   Garment then calls his audio experts.  Over the next two days, they testify that the “multiple erasures,” the clicks on the tapes, could have been caused by electrical interference.  They have a demonstration of how flicking on a light near the tape machine could cause it.  While not identical, it produces a similar effect.

They also analyzed some tapes recorded and found interference. 

Jaworski calls one his expert in rebuttal on 8/22, but on cross, he admits. “It’s possible, certainly.  I don’t know the electrical system at the White House.  Yes, it’s very possible that electrical equipment there could cause this effect.”

Event Date: 8-24-75 
Event Description:   The first words out Garment’s mouth were, “I call G. Gordon Liddy.”  The young Benjamin Stein questions him, over the next three days.  The effect of Stein’s speech style versus Liddy’s is comical (just as Garment had planned).

Liddy has never testified before and in the next day’s Village Voice “The Sphinx Speaks.”  The effect is electric.  What Liddy says is even more electric.  He tells the story of Mitchell, Strachan, and Dean knowing, but that was it.  He relays the details of the break-in plan primarily to cover Dean and his wife. 

When asked if the money received was “hush money,” Liddy answers, “Mr. Stein, I didn’t need money to hush!”

Liddy comes of as exceptionally charismatic, if not a bit roguish. 

Event Date: 8-27-75 
Event Description:   Jaworski cross examines Liddy.  Jaworski very quickly becomes exasterbated and there is a lot of verbal fencing, with Liddy getting the best lines.  For example:

Jaworski:  There was no hint of clemency?
Liddy:  Mr. Jaworski, I’m currently in Allenwood Federal Prison.  Obviously there was no clemency or hint of clemency.

Jaworski had planned to continue to cross examine him on Tuesday, 9/2 (the day after Labor Day), but in the early afternoon abandons the plans.


Event Date: 9-2-75 
Event Description:   Strachan called.  He confirms Liddy’s account and testifies in detail about whom he told.  When Haldeman first talked to Nixon, Haldeman had no idea that Dean had authorized the break-in.  His testimony, including cross examination, lasts until the 9/5. 

Nothing is going Jaworski’s way.  After the Liddy debacle, the prosecution’s case seems to have deflated.

And you've made fun of some other poster's temporal perception?

:P

Great story.  Keep going.

Ack!  Right post, wrong date.  ;)

Wiki has been having trouble today, so I'm not posting anything more for the day. 

Event Date: 9-6-75 
Event Description:   Editorials across the county now urge for a speedy resolution of the Nixon Trial, because of the previous day’s assassination attempt by Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme. 

The most anti-Nixon of these is Washington Post which urges Nixon to resign “in the name of national security.” 

Event Date: 9-8-75 
Event Description:   Garment moves for a mistrial on the grounds of adverse publicity.  After questioning the jurors, the judge rules against the motion.

 
Event Date: 9-9-75 
Event Description:   Hugh W. Sloan, Jr., the former CRP treasurer, testifies.  He states that he resigned when heard about giving money to the burglar’s but stated that he was told it was for their legal fees.

Johnny Carson’s monologue includes this joke:  Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme tried to shoot Acting President Ford in Sacramento, with and empty gun.  First we have an incompetent acting president, then we have an incompetent acting presidential assassin.

Event Date: 9-10-75 
Event Description:   Maurice Stans, the CRP Finance Chairman, testifies, and indicates that the payments were for legal fees.

Event Date: 9-11-75 
Event Description:   L. Patrick Gray, acting head of the FBI at the time of Watergate, testifies that, on the orders Dean, he destroyed the material in Hunt’s safe. 

He also states that he openly revealed this during testimony and that he did not consider the material to be anything other than personal.  He notes that there was not efforts from the White House to keep him from testifying to this.

Event Date: 9-12-75 
Event Description:   Dogole, President of Globe Security Systems, is called.  He testifies that his agents, though legal means, is called.  He states that, on contract from the DNC, he had “researched” the “Dean’s wife” situation.  He testifies that he had delivered the information to Larry O'Brien, whose office was the one burgled.

He notes that the material was found “though totally legal means.”

Event Date: 9-15-75 
Event Description:   O’Brien testifies that he had  the material and it was missing after the burglary.  When Garment asks him why he didn’t report the missing documents to the police, he says, “Well, while this type of opposition research is common and legal, it can be embarrassing if it gets out.”

He is not cross examined.

The defense rests.

After the jury is dismissed, Garment files a motion to have a directed verdict of not guilty on both motions.  The judge will hold a hearing on it tomorrow.

Event Date: 9-16-75 
Event Description:   After a hearing, directed verdict of not guilty on the Conspiracy to Commit Crimes to Influence the Election is ordered.  The closing arguments will begin the next day.

Nixon will only be facing the Obstruction of Justice charge.

Event Date: 9-17-75 
Event Description:   Jaworski gives the closing arguments, using the chart again.  Finally, he points to the top and says, “It is Richard M. Nixon that is at the top of this pyramid of obstruction.  He set up the culture where this corruption occurred.”

Ford cancels next weekend’s trip to California, in anticipation of a result.

Event Date: 9-18-75 
Event Description:   Garment responds:

“Richard M. Nixon is guilty.  Guilty of not standing over every member of  the CRP and the government of the United States and telling them what to do every second of every day of the last six years.  He is guilty of not being Superman, able to fly around, looking at how each staffer is performing his job.”

Garment lays out his version of the Watergate  scandal.  The break-in occurred without Nixon’s knowledge, the cover-up began even without the knowledge of his chief aides, Hadreman and Ehrlichman.  Nixon did not order the removal of documents from Hunt’s safe, did not offer “hush money,” only money for defense, and the 18 ½ minute gap was accidental.

He points out that all the prosecution witnesses were convicted of crimes relating to Watergate.  With one exception, all the defense witnesses have either been found not guilty, had the charges dropped, or were never charged.  Garment says, “And that one person is G. Gordon Liddy, who never talked until you heard him here, but was not pardoned and who received no money except for his defense.”

Garment concludes:  Richard Nixon, President of the United States, obviously wanted to help his loyal supporters, but only did so legally.  As President, Richard Nixon has a duty to see that the laws are faithfully enforced.  He fulfilled that duty.

Event Date: 9-19-75 
Event Description:   The judge charges the jury.  It takes most of the day.

Event Date: 9-20-75 
Event Description:   Cheney and Levi meets with Stein, at Stein’s request.  They go over the initial “transition plans” in the event that Nixon is found not guilty and returns.

Event Date: 9-22-75 
Event Description:   Deliberation begins.  Late in the day, they ask for some testimony, Strachan and Liddy’s.

Event Date: 9-23-75 
Event Description:   The jury returns a verdict at 10:30 AM.  Nixon is found to not guilty. 

Outside cheering crowds great Nixon (Buchannan has arranged for pro-Nixon demonstrators).  The stock market bounces up 61 points.

At 5:00 PM the White House announces that Nixon has sent a letter stating that he is able to discharge the duties of office.  Beginning on Friday 9/29 at Noon.

Event Date: 9-24-75 
Event Description:   Except for the Washington Post press coverage is fairly positive.  The Post notes that impeachment is possible.

Several jurors talk, stating that there just was not legal proof that Nixon did anything that obstructed justice.

There will be more tomorrow.

Event Date: 9-26-75 
Event Description:  Nixon arrive just before noon, to the band playing “Hail To the Chief.”  He turns and gives the crowd his famous “V” salute.  He’s greeted by Ford and both men make remarks.

Nixon’s begin with, “It’s good to be back!”  He ends with, “I want to thank everyone who supported me through this ordeal, and I also want to thank those who didn’t, but were willing to support the concept of innocent until proved guilty.” 

Later that day, the appointment of Zigler as chief of staff, Buchannan as press secretary, and Stein as counsel is announced.  Cheney will serve as Ford’s chief of staff, Nesson campaign spokesman.

Event Date: 9-27-75 
Event Description:   “Nixon Back AGAIN” is  Washington Star ‘s headline.  Some newspapers comment on possible obstruction charges against Dean.

The Washington Post runs an editorial that “It’s not over.”  They note that a criminal conviction is not necessary for impeachment.

The leadership of the Senate meets privately.  Scott bluntly informs Mansfield that not a single Republican will vote for impeachment and urges that the matter be dropped.  Mansfield agrees, but Robert Byrd disagrees.  He’d rather see it stay out there as a potential threat, “should the President misbehave some more.”

Event Date: 9-30-75 
Event Description:   Nixon meets with two Cabinet Secretaries, Bush and Levi.  Both are expecting to be fired and offer their resignation. 

Nixon, however, commends Bush on his book and asks him to stay.  A stunned Bush says yes and admits that he’s looking to run against Bentson again in 1976.  Nixon asks him to stay until the first of the, “at least.”  Bush agrees.

This request to stay, along with Bush’s letter is leaked to the press on 10/17 as evidence of a “New Nixon.”

Levi is also retained, but Nixon has a special project for him.  He is to report back the next day.

Event Date: 10-1-75 
Event Description:   Levi reports back, Nixon asks for national air time on the 10/2.

Gallup Poll results:

Do you approve of the job Richard Nixon is doing as President?

46% Favorable, 29% Unfavorable

What is your opinion of Richard Nixon?

65% Favorable, 28% Unfavorable.

Do you believe that Richard Nixon was guilty of some or all of the charges he faced?

28% yes,  64% no.

Should impeachment proceedings against Richard Nixon continue?

18% yes, 71% no.

Event Date: 10-2-75 
Event Description:   Richard Nixon delivers the “Time To Heal” speech.  He quotes Lincoln second inaugural address.  At the end, he concludes with this:

“As this is a time to heal the country, as a first step, I am issuing clemency to all people convicted, or currently facing indicted for any crimes associated with the Watergate burglary, or obstruction of justice, perjury or making false statements with that regard prior to my own indictment of November 12, 1974.  While I realize that this action will be controversial, it will help end this long national nightmare and give the government of these great United States a chance to return to governing this great nation.  God bless you all and God bless America.”

Event Date: 10-3-75 
Event Description:    Byrd, Bentson and Church are hopping mad at the pardons.  They meet and decide to attempt to revive the impeachment.  Mansfield is opposed, but after discussing the matter with the current parliamentarian Dr. Robert Dove and the former one Dr. Riddick, he discovers that it can be revived.  Mansfield, who will be retiring in 1976, wants it stopped but cannot stop it.

Liddy is released from jail.  When asked what he was doing, he says, “T’ai Chi.”

Event Date: 10-8-75 
Event Description:
Gallup poll:
Do you approve of the job Richard Nixon is doing as President?

41% Favorable, 39% Unfavorable


What is your opinion of Richard Nixon?

49% Favorable, 38% Unfavorable.

Do you believe that Richard Nixon was guilty of some or all of the charges he faced?

33% yes,  55% no.

Should impeachment proceedings against Richard Nixon continue?

35% yes, 55% no.

Bentson moves to schedule the impeachment trial, supported by Church and Byrd (and numerous other Democrats).  This prompts a 77 hour filibuster.  The main opponent is Edward Brooke, whose motion to “Postpone the trial indefinitely,” is finally adopted by a vote 42 to 46.  This ends impeachment.

Event Date: 10-14-75 
Event Description:  Nixon, on advice from both Kissinger and Ford, fires CIA Director William Colby.  Over the previous weekend Nixon convinced Elliot Richardson, the Attorney General who resigned over the “Saturday Night Massacre,” to take the post.

Richardson is seen as someone who works with the Senate and as being someone who will stand up to Nixon.  He’s confirmed on 10/29.

This along, with the leaking of the Bush letter, goes a long way to improving relations with the Senate, especially Mansfield.


Event Date: 11-5-75 
Event Description:  Do you approve of the job Richard Nixon is doing as President?

44% Favorable, 36% Unfavorable


What is your opinion of Richard Nixon?

51% Favorable, 38% Unfavorable.

Event Date: 11-8-75 
Event Description:  Church announces for President.

Event Date: 12-8-75 
Event Description:  Richard M. Nixon, Leonard Garment, and Benjamin Stein named Time Magazine's "Men of the Year."  It's the third time for Nixon, tying the record with FDR.

Event Date: 1-1-76 
Event Description:  Bush resigns as Commerce Secretary to run for Senate from Texas;  Thruston B. Morton replaces him.

There will be at least two more general posts.  One will focus on the 1976 campaign and one will focus on the David Frost interview.

January to June, 1976:
Event Description: 

Democratic Primaries:

Carter wins the Iowa Caucuses, with AZ Congressman Morris Udall coming in a reasonably strong second.  Bentson and Church basically cancel each other out; the drop out after NH.

In NH, Carter wins by one percent, followed by Udall.  While it becomes a race between "Udall and you all," in the words of Johnny Carson.  Carter has a string of wins and by April, it's clear that he is the nominee.

Republican Primaries:  Ford narrowly defeats Reagan in Iowa and loses by 273 in NH.  Ford, however recovers in a bitter fight that includes the famous ad, "Governor Reagan couldn't start a war, President Reagan could."

Reagan responds with:  "Vice President Ford couldn't lose Vietnam; acting president Ford did."

Ford holds most of the "Superdelegates," the party and elected officials and the "unpledged" delegates.  For example, Reagan wins the PA Primary by 55% of the votes and get 27% of the delegates.

Nixon also openly supports Ford, stemming the losses.

A Gallup Poll of 6/28/76:

If the election were held today between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, who would you vote for?

Ford:  34%
Carter:  54%


If the election were held today between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, who would you vote for?

Reagan: 35%
Carter:  52%

July to August, 1976:
Event Description:  The Democratic Convention is one of the best run ones in history, with Carter/Mondale getting the nod in July.

The Republican Convention follows.  It is not bad, but not as well run.  It's fairly close and Reagan states that, if nominated, he'll chose Sen. Richard Schweiker (PA) as his running mate.  It swings some of those unpledged PA delegates, but not enough.  Reagan does get to speak, and does so brilliantly.

Nixon does appear, and has been supporting Ford.  He continues.

Ford selects Sen. Robert Dole (KS) to appeal to the right of the GOP.

A Gallup poll released on 9/1/76:

Who would your vote for for President?

Carter:  54%

Ford:  35%

September to October, 1976:

Event Description:  The campaign breaks down almost the same way as before.  Ford makes the same mistakes, as does Carter.  Carter uses the "Misery Index" a combination of Inflation and Unemployment, but he also uses the "Eleven Months of Misery," the time that Ford was acting president.

Ford lacks the powers of the incumbency so he is always trailing; still. the Gallup Poll shows a dead heat of 47% to 47%.

November, 1976

Carter gets 51.9% of the popular vote to Ford's 46.4%; the remainder going to third party candidates.  The breakdown is:

()

Electoral Votes:

Carter 334

Ford   204

In the House, the Democrats gain 14 seats, dropping the GOP Congress to 183. 


While Buckley (R) loses to Moynihan in NY, it's the only Democratic Gain.  It's offset by Hayakawa's victory in CA,  Edgar D. Whitcomb, the former governor, in IN, and Bush defeating Bentson in TX.  The Senate in January of 1977 will be 54 Democrats, 45 Republicans, and one Independent.

December, 1976:  No change in the party leadership in House.  Byrd (D-WV) becomes Majority Leader of the Senate.  There is a new leader of the Republican Conference, Brooke (R-MA).  This is the highest post that has ever been held a Black person.  Baker (R-TN) becomes Assistant Minority Leader.

The choice of Brooke has several elements:

1.  His leadership of the September Group has really raised his stature in the eyes of the Senate.

2.  A number of people look at the the near total lack of support of Black voters for the GOP.

3.  Brooke has moved somewhat to the right in the last two years.

Jimmy Carter named Time Magazine's "Man of the Year."

January 1977.

Carter sworn in.

Date:  3/15/77
Event Description:  Nixon sits down with David Frost for an interview, five hours long.

[Excerpt]

Frost:  You were acquitted for Watergate.

Nixon:  Yes, in a court of law.  The Senate postponed the impeachment trial indefinitely.  By that time, they and the country were tired of Watergate.

Frost:  Did you consider resigning?

Nixon:  Well, yes, in August of 1974, Hugh Scott came to me and told me that there were only about 15 Senators that would vote against it.  But, I knew that they could be tired out and deflected and I'm not a quitter.

Frost:  "Tired out and deflected?"

Nixon:  Yes, I got the idea from T'ai Chi, ah you know I practiced it, right?

Frost:  Yes, ah, how did did T'ai Chi inspire you?

Nixon:  T'ai Chi is a form of martial art that causes the opponent's blows to be deflected.  The more your opponent attacks, the more he wears himself out.  I felt that the Senate would tire of a trial and that many of the charges would fall.  It would be difficult because true legal proof would not be needed.

Frost:  But then there was the court trial?

Nixon:  As soon as I heard about it, I thought it was a great idea.  Most of the charges were very poorly constructed and could be easily dismissed.  My illness also provided another diversion.

Frost:  You, ah, planned it?

Nixon:  No, good heavens, no.  Nobody in their right minds would plan it.  I did use it, however, it delayed the trial and I felt that there would be a sympathetic response from the public.  Pat urged me to resign in December of 1974, but I could see the result; I told her that I wouldn't quit.  That was inspired by T'ai Chi as well, yes.  As a martial art, it teaches you to use your own body as a weapon and in a way, that's what I did. 

Frost:  It worked out quite well.

Nixon (laughing):  Yes, yes it did.

Okay, that's it.  How'd I do?  ;)

One of the best TLs ever.

A few things to consider:

1.  George Bush will be in his first Senate term in 1980, and may not run for President.  He may not be the VP Nominee in 1980.

2.  Howard Baker may not run for President in 1980 (or do even worse).

3.  Lloyd Bentson will probably not be the Democratic Nominee for VP in 1988 nor Secretary of the Treasury.

4.  Dan Quayle will probably not be the Republican Nominee for VP in 1988.

5.  Edward Brooke may be able to survive his 1978 defeat and Paul Tsongas will never be a presidential candidate in 1992. Likewise John Kerry might never be Senator.  (Brooke's still alive today.)  Brooke might be on the ticket in the future.

6.  Fred Thompson might return to private practice, and become neither a Senator nor an actor.

7.  If 1978 and 1980 go the way they did in OTL the GOP might gain the House in 1980 and have a much stronger hold in the Senate.  There probably will be no public perception of a "Gingrich Revolution" in 1994, though Gingrich might have been Speaker.

8.  Just to tie this into current event, PA-12 was won John Murtha over Harry Fox in 1974 in a special election, by less than 200 votes.  It probably would have been one of those seats lost in the 1974 general, as it was, in 1974, a GOP district.  It might not have been recaptured in 1976 or it could have been lost in 1978 or 1980 (Murtha was implicated in the Abscam Scandal in 1980, though not charged.)  I kinda saw PA-12 as being the PA-13 of the 1970's.

[Edit]  I forgot the big one.  If Brooke stays on as GOP Leader and survives 1978, Dole is probably not the GOP leader and probably is not the GOP Nominee in 1996 (and may not be a candidate in 1988).

I liked the format, too.  I'm thinking of doing a TL on a hypothetical Dukakis Presidency, and I hope you don't mind if I steal your format with "Event Description".

No, I copied if from an alternate history site.  :)

Interestingly, there is very little divergence from OTL until about 1980, mid year.  There would be the possibility of Reagan/Brooke in 1980, which could be a bigger win than Reagan/Bush.

I've made some very minor changes to the time line, i.e. same candidates for president, same results, not skewed to one party,  and there are major divergences twelve years away.  That was just over three years.

Good work; nicely done :)

J.J,

This was one of the best Alternative History timelines ever written! Just thought I'd let you know ;).

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I've hinted at it, but in 1980, the Republican ticket is Reagan/Brooke. :)

I've been thinking about another one "Hart Attack," on the 1988 election.

J.J.

You seriously need to do another one. Like I've said before (though not via this post), this is hands down the best TL I've seen.