America's Greatness And The Rise Of The Romney Dynasty

[Lincoln Republican]

The Democratic Debacle In Chicago (1)

The Democrats convene at the International Amphitheatre in Chicago August 26.  However, August 25, huge crowds of protestors have already gathered outside the convention hall, chanting STOP THE KILLING!!  STOP THE KILLING!!  The opening day of the convention, the situation turns violent, with protestors clashing with the Chicago police.

Inside the convention hall, the mood of delegates is decidedly downcast.  They are not in a mood to celebrate.  Post Republican convention public opinion polls put Romney ahead of any potential Democrat nominee by anwhere from 12 to 20 points.  The nation is in crisis.  The Democrats have been in power for the past 8 years.  The signs do not look good for the Democrats.

Georgia Governor Lester Maddox surprises the convention by being nominated from the floor:

Ah am in the runnin' fer Preseedent.  Elect me and ah'll end lawlesness in the streets.  We all know whose behind this lawlesness, (voice rising to a shout) it's the blacks!  That librul Romney won't do anythin' about black lawlesness.  He loves 'em.  He's got one of 'em runnin' with 'im.    

Senator Robert Kennedy of New York:

I am a Kennedy.  We don't lose.  I deserve this nomination.  It's my right.  My right I tell you, my right.  I can beat Romney, I can, I can, I really can, (voice fading) I     really     can.

Senator George McGovern of South Dakota:

We have fallen into a trap in Vietnam.  Can we trust Romney to get us out?  No!  I'll get us out the first six months of my administration.

I'll straighten out the economy.  I'll make the rich pay.

Senator Eugene McCarthy of Minnesota:

Romney has become the peace candidate.  Can you believe it?  The Republican Presidential nominee the peace candidate?  That is exactly why I am really the only candidate who can take Romney on.  I can go toe to toe with Romney on the peace issue.  The Democratic Party must once again claim the peace issue.

Vice President Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota:

President Lyndon Johnson has been one of the most hard working and dedicated public servants in the history of this nation.  But, let me tell you, I am my own man.  I will take the nation in a new direction, not tied to the past.  A direction of peace and prosperity.  I will take the fight directly to George Romney.  

[Lincoln Republican]

The Democratic Debacle In Chicago (2)

The Convention Chair:

Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, your attention please.  ORDER, ORDER!!

Voting is now open.  Please proceed in an orderly manner to the voting booths.  I SAID IN AN ORDERLY MANNER!!  (delegates rush to the voting booths)

Chair:  Uh, uh, Senator Hayden, SENATOR HAYDEN LOOK OUT!!  LOOK OUT!!

Hayden:  Wha, AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Chair:  STOP, STOP, YOU HAVE JUST RUN OVER THE PRESIDENT PRO TEM, STOP, STOP!!!!!

NBC News:  Ladies and gentlemen, if you have just joined us, you may think we are covering events outside the convention hall, but no, we are right here, inside the hall.  It is as chaotic in here as it is outside.  (laughs)

This just in, we have a report on the condition of Senator Hayden.  It appears he suffered a sprained wrist before he was dragged out of the way of the rushing delegates.

Chair:  Ladies and gentlemen, the results of the first ballot.

Senator McCarthy 864
Vice President Humphrey 817
Senator McGovern 543
Governor Maddox 295
Senator Kennedy 89

NBC News:  Well, I guess Kennedy's speech really cost him, big time.  
Ya, I guess delegates didn't really believe he could beat Romney.  Not after that performance.

All of a sudden, Maddox rushes onto the podium, pushing aside the convention chair, and blasts into the microphone:  Ah'm in this thang ta win, y'all hear, ta win.  And a'hm gonna win, ah'm gonna wiiiiiiiiin!

Convention Chair:  Governor, Governor, you are not permitted to address the delegates at this time.  Get off the stage.  SECURITY, SECURITY!

Maddox, being carried off the stage, flailing his arms wildly:  A'HM GONNA WIN, A'HM GONNA WIIIIIIIIIIN!

NBC News:  Well, that was certainly quite a performance from Governor Maddox, witnessed by tens of millions of Americans live and in color.  

McGovern is seen sitting with a smile on his face, arms folded, not giving any statements to reporters, just waiting.  From one side of the hall, Humphrey is making his way toward McGovern through the throng of delegates and reporters, security clearing a path for him.  From the other side of the hall, McCarthy makes his way toward McGovern in the same way.    

[Lincoln Republican]

The Democrats Pick A Candidate

Humphrey reaches McGovern first, shaking his hand.  

Great showing George.  Great showing.  I'm just as pleased as punch with your support in the party.  We can work together George to move America forward.  I'm prepared to be President.  You and I can work together to make life better for Americans everywhere.

Just then, McCarthy reaches McGovern, shaking his hand.  

George, congratulations on your first ballot votes.  Together, you and I can bring peace to America and can get us out of the war.  Humphrey is too closely tied to Johnson to do any good.  Join me George for the good of America.

McGovern, in a calm, low key voice, network microphones all around him:  Thank you Mr. Vice President, Senator.  I have the utmost respect for both of you, however, I am remaining on the balloting.    

Convention chair:  Please proceed, IN AN ORDERLY MANNER, to the voting booths for the second ballot.

I have the results of the second ballot.

Senator McCarthy 839
Senator McGovern 781
Vice President Humphrey 704
Governor Maddox 280  

The McGovern supporters erupt in celebration.  The Humphrey supporters are downcast.  The Mccarthy supporters are dumbfounded.  The Maddox supporters remain defiant.

Convention chair:  Ladies and gentlemen, please proceed to the voting booths for the third ballot.  DO SO ORDERLY.

I have the results of the third ballot.

Senator McGovern 1304
Senator McCarthy 652
Vice president Humphrey 646

I declare Senator George McGovern as the Democratic Presidential nominee.

[Lincoln Republican]

McGovern Names A Running Mate And Accepts The Nomination

After winning the nomination, McGovern announces to the convention:

I am honored to announce that Senator Frank Church of the great state of Idaho will be my running mate.  I am pleased to say that Senator Church was one of the first Senators to publicly oppose the Vietnam War.  Senator Church is one of the most talented and experienced public servants I know, having been serving in the Senate since 1957.   Frank has been an outstanding Senator, and I am proud to have him by my side in this campaign, and I know he will be a great Vice President.

McGovern accepts the nomination.  (thanks to GSM)

Tonight I accept your nomination with a full and grateful heart.  And as I said earlier this evening, I am proud to have Senator Frank Church by my side in this campaign as my running mate.

This is the people’s nomination and next January we will restore the government to the people of this country.

We are entering a new period of important and hopeful change in America, a period comparable to those eras that unleashed such remarkable ferment in the period of Jefferson and Jackson and Roosevelt.

I want those doors opened and I want that war closed. And I make these pledges above all others: the doors of government will be opened, and that war will be closed.

Within 90 days of my inauguration, every American soldier and every American prisoner will be out of the jungle and out of their cells and then home in America where they belong.

This is going to be a national campaign, carried to every part of the nation -- North, South, East and West. We’re not conceding a single state to George Romney.

The highest single domestic priority of the next administration will be to ensure that every American able to work has a job.

That job guarantee will and must depend on a reinvigorated private economy, freed at last from the uncertainties and burdens of war, but it is our firm commitment that whatever employment the private sector does not provide, the Federal government will either stimulate or provide itself.

We intend to begin by putting millions back to work and after that is done, we will assure to those unable to work an income fully adequate to a decent life.

An election year is the people’s year to speak, and this year, the people are going to ensure that the tax system is changed so that work is rewarded and so that those who derive the highest benefits will pay their fair share rather than slipping through the loopholes at the expense of the rest of us.

So join with me in this campaign. Lend Senator Church and me your strength and your support, and together we will call America home to the ideals that nourished us from the beginning.

Now is the time to meet that challenge.

Good night, and Godspeed to you all.

[Lincoln Republican]

Interesting Pick. However I'm not sure if Church would accept such an offer, giving the fact his seat was up for reelection a very same November (McGovern's seat too, but he seems to not care)

You make a good point.  I'm not sure what the election laws are in Idaho, but I know in some states you can run for reelection to the Senate as well as for Vice President.  Perhaps Church is doing this. 

As for McGovern, he actually was a candidate for the Dem nomination in 1968, as you know.

McGovern picks Church mainly because of his long standing anti war stand.

[Lincoln Republican]

More Convention Drama

Just as Presidential nominee George McGovern finishes his acceptance speech, a loud ruckus can be heard on the convention floor.

Governor Lester Maddox, surrounded by hundreds of supporters from the deep south, is giving an interview to the press, which all the press agencies and television networks are covering live.

Maddox:  Well ain't this just enuff to turn yer stomach, two commie luvin' libruls.  Well, ah got news fer ya,

at which point Maddox and hundreds of followers begin exiting the convention hall, singing as they march on their way out of the hall

Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton,
Old times there are not forgotten,
Look away, look away, look away Dixie Land.

In Dixie Land, where I was born in,
early on one frosty mornin',
Look away, look away, look away Dixie Land.

I wish I was in Dixie, Hooray! Hooray!
In Dixie Land I'll take my stand
to live and die in Dixie.
Away, away, away down south in Dixie.
Away, away, away down south in Dixie

As Maddox and his followers are on their way out, others in the hall begin yelling , throwing paper cups, and shaking their fists at them.  Scuffles are breaking out on the convention floor between Maddox followers and others on the floor.  

Good riddance, we don't need you and your kind anyway.  Democrats don't like southern racist bigots.

Then, someone yells out, picked up clearly by the cameras and microphones

Who needs the south anyway?

The networks stop talking about McGovern and Church, and the Democratic platform, and start talking about this latest incident.

Well, I've been covering national conventions for years, and I have never, in my life, seen a convention as chaotic as this one.  To top it off, we have Democrats in the hall denouncing the south and saying to the nation they don't need the south anyway.

I'm sure Romney and the Republicans will have something to say about all this.

What a night.

This is NBC News signing off of the Democratic National Convention, and returning you to regular programming.

        

[Lincoln Republican]

Romney And Brooke Get Some Mileage Out Of The DNC 

Republican Presidential nominee George Romney speaks in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Did you get a look at the Democratic convention?  Quite something huh?  I think my name was mentioned there more than McGovern's.  (Audience laughter)

You didn't have to buy circus tickets for entertainment.  The Democrats put on an entire three ring circus complete with clowns and trapeze artists who kept missing the connecting swing.  (Audience laughter)

I haven't been this entertained since Jerry Lewis last played Detroit.  (Audience laughter)

The tax spend, tax spend, tax spend ultra liberal McGovern ready for the White House?

Not by a country mile my friends, not by a c**ntry mile.       

Republican Vice Presidential nominee Edward Brooke speaks in Portland, Oregon.

Americans can choose between the barker of a three ring circus, George McGovern, who will take this country to unprecendented high taxes and unsustainable spending, or they can choose George Romney, a proven executive, an accomplished Governor, a man with a vision for America, a leader to inspire the nation.

[Lincoln Republican]

Chair:  Uh, uh, Senator Hayden, SENATOR HAYDEN LOOK OUT!!  LOOK OUT!!

Hayden:  Wha, AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Chair:  STOP, STOP, YOU HAVE JUST RUN OVER THE PRESIDENT PRO TEM, STOP, STOP!!!!!

Okay, I confess I laughed.

Thank you Nathan.

[Lincoln Republican]

Wallace Speaks Out

We’ll use the power and prestige of the President's office to try to awaken the American people to the trends that are rampant in our country, a trend that says we must fight the Communists in Vietnam while at the same time the Communist-controlled beatnik mobs in the streets influence national affairs in Washington, D.C.

And it is a sad day in our country that you cannot walk even in your neighborhoods at night or even in the daytime because both national parties, in the last number of years, have kowtowed to every group of anarchists that have roamed the streets of San Francisco and Los Angeles and throughout the country. And now they have created themselves a Frankenstein monster, and the chickens are coming home to roost all over this country. Yes, they’ve looked down their nose at you and me a long time. They’ve called us rednecks -- the Republicans and the Democrats. Well, we’re going to show, there sure are a lot of rednecks in this country.

If any demonstrator ever lays down in front of my car, it'll be the last car he'll ever lay down in front of.

[Lincoln Republican]

Election 1968

What  had been dubbed The Battle Of The Georges turns out to be a one sided affair.

(Perhaps I should have had three running mates whose names all start with George as well)  

America resoundingly rejects the Democraic ticket, overwhelmingly elects new and promising leadership, while at the same time the south sends a strong message to DC that they are not happy with either of the established parties.

The Republicans succeed in putting across their message to the electorate:

George Romney/Edward Brooke = Competent, capable, responsible leadership, who will lead the natioin to peace abroad and peace and prosperity at home

George McGovern/Frank Church = Tax and spend liberals who would lead the nation to economic and military disaster

George Wallace/J. William Fulbright = Would lead to divisiveness and intolerance, Romney and Brooke offer unity and understanding          

George Romney/Edward Brooke             484 EV  65% PV    
George Wallace/J. William Fulbright          54 EV  20% PV
George McGovern/Frank Church                 0 EV  15% PV

And so it is that George W Romney is elected President of the United States of America with an overwhelming mandate.

George Romney becomes the second member of the Romney family to be elected President, following his father Gaskell Romney, who was elected President in 1944, serving until January 1949.

George Romney becomes the first Republican Presidential candidate in history to  win DC.

The Republican win in DC is attributed to the fact that Edward Brooke is on the ticket.

The Democratic Party is devastated in both the electoral vote and the popular vote.

The Republicans sweep to smashing victories in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as in Governorships and state legislatures and state senates, on the coattails of President Elect George W Romney.

President Elect George Romney and Vice President Elect Edward Brooke know full well they have much work to do in uniting the nation, bringing about peace at home and abroad, revitalizing the economy, and gaining the confidence of the south.

They look forward to the task with confidence and enthusiasm.

[Lincoln Republican]

Excerpts From The Inaugural Address of President George W Romney

(With thanks to JSM)

Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, and that's an association that means more to me than any other we're going to reach out our hand to any willing patriot, make this government start working for you again, and
get this country back on the road to prosperity and peace.

To Americans everywehre, I will stand side by side with you and fight for your future.

And I've found just the right partner to help me move America forward, Vice President Edward Brooke of the great state of Massachusetts.

My fellow Americans, change is coming.  Vice President Brooke is just the one to help me in bringing about change in this nation.

I'm going to fight for Americans every day as your President. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank him, that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on Earth.

And with hard work, strong faith, and a little courage, great things are always within our reach.

Fight with me. Fight with me.  Fight for what's right for our country. Fight for the ideals and
character of a free people.  Fight for our children's future. Fight for justice and opportunity for all.

(Romney makes a moving appeal to the nation)

Stand up to defend our country from its enemies. Stand up for each other, for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.  Stand up, stand up, stand up, and fight. 

Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up.

We never quit.

We never hide from history. We make history.

Thank youmy fellowAmericans, and God bless you, and God bless America.

(The audience and millions across America are visibly moved to tears in the midst of their  thunderous applause as a military band plays a stirring rendition of God Bless America, with the audience, and millions across the nation, in their homes, in shopping malls, in sports arenas, in schools and universities, in places of work, on their feet, joining in the singing of this patriotic anthem)

[Lincoln Republican]

Now that my foray into Atlasian politics has come to an end, I hope to get back to this time line.

[Lincoln Republican]

Now that my foray into Atlasian politics has come to an end, I hope to get back to this time line.

And it should! Also what do you think would have happened if Mitt Romney had decided to run for Governor of Michigan?

Simfan, I refer to your recent post.  

Sorry it has taken me almost three years to reply    but I have not checked in for almost three years.  

If Mitt Romney had run for Governor of Michigan, I believe it would depend under which circumstances he was running.  If he had been living in Michigan, working in Michigan, raising his family in Michigan, and had established the solid credentials in his education and in his business leadership for some time before running, then I believe, as is the case in Massachusetts, he would have won.

If, however, he moved from Massachusetts to Michigan for the purpose of running for Governor, he would have been labelled as an opportunist, and likely would not have won the Governorship.

What?  Mitt an opportunist?  Perish the thought.  



I have decided to continue this time line.

Keep in mind that it is an exaggerated Romney story.

[Lincoln Republican]

The George W Romney Cabinet

President                          Governor George W Romney (MI)
Vice President                    Senator Edward Brooke (MA)
State                                Former Vice President Richard Nixon (NY)
Treasury                           Business Executive J Willard Marriott (NH)
Defense                            Governor Nelson Rockefeller (NY)
Attorney General               Former Governor William Scranton (PA)
Postmaster General            Business Executive Winton M Blount (AL)
Interior                              Senator Joseph Montoya (Democrat) NM)
Agriculture                         Senator Clifford Hansen (WY)
Commerce                         Senator George Aiken (VT)
Labor                                Professor George P Schultz (NY)
HEW                                 Senator Margaret Chase Smith (ME)
HUD                                  Attorney General of MA Elliot Richardson (MA)
Transportation                   Assistant Attorney General of AZ Sandra Day O'Connor (AZ)      

[Lincoln Republican]

President GWR:  Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to this, the first cabinet meeting  of this new era for America.

Vice President Brooke and I are absolutely delighted that you are all willing to serve.  I believe this cabinet to be one of the finest, most capable group of individuals gathered together in one place in the history of this nation.

As you know, Vice President Brooke and myself have taken our message of change and renewal across America for the past several months.  We have made promises to the American people, and we are determined to honor those promises.

Vice President Brooke would like to make a few remarks.  Mr. Vice President.

EB:  Thank you Mr. President.  It is indeed an honor for me to be sitting here today in the presence of all of you.  If you would have told me a few months ago that I would be sitting here in this capacity with each of you, I would have thought you must be out of your minds.  (laughter)  I want each of you to know that I will be doing all in my power to ensure that our policies and goals which we have set for America will come to pass.  Working together, I have no doubt we will be successful in turning this nation around, and in bringing unity to this divided nation.

GWR:  Thank you Mr. Vice President.  I very much appreciate your remarks.

As all of you know, we have set our priorities.  We absolutely must and we shall free ourselves from the quagmire we find ourselves in in Vietnam.  Until that is accomplished, this nation will not find domestic peace.  We must and we shall restore order and peace at home.  We must and we shall create an environment in this nation whereby business and commerce can prosper.  We must and we shall ensure that where government help is required, government help is provided, for those who need it.  We must and we shall ensure that all Americans have affordable and effective health care.  We must and we shall ensure that we have a social safety net in this nation through which no one will fall.  We must and we shall ensure that taxes are not so high that they make it impossible or difficult for our people to make ends meet.  We must and we shall ensure that our children have an education system second to none, that will prepare them for the future.  We must and we shall ensure that our universities and other institutes of higher learning, trade schools, etc., are not out of reach for those who wish to attend.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have our work cut out for us, but that is why we entered public life, to serve the people of America.  We know our responsibilities and our duties.  Let us proceed and act upon them.

My door is always open.

       

[Lincoln Republican]

I'm soooo happy to see this masterpiece ressurected!

I just knew  you would be. 

[Lincoln Republican]

The Oval Office

President Romney meets with Vice President Brooke, Secretary of State Nixon, Secretary of Defense Rockefeller, Chief of Staff Clifford Case, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

GR:  Gentlemen, as you know, the single most important and most divisive issue facing America today is Vietnam.  My administration is committed to resolving this issue.  Far too many Americans, as well as innocent Vietnamese, have paid the ultimate price in this conflict.  And to you Joint Chiefs, I pose the question, for what?  We are no further ahead in Vietnam now than we were years ago.  If anything, we are falling behind.  I will not oversee the continued slaughter of our soldiers in an unwinnable war in the jungles of Vietnam.

Joint Chiefs, give me your assessment of the situation.

Chief:  Mr. President, as you know, the previous administration has had a policy of escalating the conflict, and that is what has been done.  

GR:  And your view of that?

Chief:  I agree with your assessment Mr. President.  We simply cannot keep pouring more and more troops into Vietnam.  It simply will not work.

GR:  I am pleased to see you agree.  For every North Vietnamese soldier killed, they have plenty of replacements.  At some point, sooner or later, we simply will not be able to hold them off any further.  The North will over run  the south, that is clear.  You have been dealing with this issue first hand for years now, so you must have a withdrawal strategy.  Get back to us in two days.

Chief:  Yes, Mr. President.

[Lincoln Republican]

Very excited that this is back!

Thanks so much old friend.

I am very pleased to see some interest expressed.

Brings back memories. 

[Lincoln Republican]

Very excited that this is back!

Thank you.  Much appreciated.

I intend to be posting regular updates.

[Lincoln Republican]

Two days later, the Oval Office.

President Romney, Vice President Brooke, Secretary of State Nixon, Secretary of Defense  Rockefeller, White House Chief of Staff Case, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

GR:  General Wheeler, what do you and your staff propose for ending our involvement in Vietnam?

GW:  Mr. President, as you know, the previous administration has had a policy of escalation.  That makes this operation all the more difficult on the one hand, but leaves us with possibly at least some more options for withdrawal.

Have a look at these maps. 

The President and his administration officials look at the maps along with the Joint Chiefs.

GW:  Mr. President, we propose that we begin the withdrawal process at this point. (pointing at the location on the map)

GR:  Excuse me General, but what about this point here for the commencement? (pointing to a different location on the map)

GW:  You know, Mr. President, that might be even better.

GR:  Ed, Dick, Nelson, what do you think?

NR:  Well, having recently returned from Vietnam, and discussing the situation with the officers, and the troops, over there, I would agree with you, Mr. President, this location seems ideal.

The rest agree.

GR:  OK then, let's proceed.  General, get me the details of how this will all work, and we will meet again in two days.

GW:  Thank you Mr. President.

GR:  Thank you General.   

[Lincoln Republican]

The President meets with Vice President Brooke, Secretary of State Nixon, Secretary of Defense Rockefeller,  White House Chief of Staff Clifford P Case.

GWR:  Ed, you will navigate this plan through Congress.  

EB:  On it Mr. President.  I have meetings scheduled today with Senate and House majority and minority leaders, the House Speaker, the President Pro Tem, and with the Senate and House Defense and Foreign Relations Committees.

GWR:  Great work Ed.  I knew I made the right pick with you.

GWR:  Dick, how are the talks with the South Vietnamese and the North Vietnamese coming along?

RN:  Very well Mr. President.  We have really had to push the South along, but they know we are serious.  The North knows we mean business, and have agreed to our terms.

GWR:  Great work Dick.

GWR:  Nelson, how are things coming along on the ground?  

NR:  On schedule, Mr. President.  The plan has commenced. and falling nicely into place.

GWR:  Great work Nelson.

GWR:  And don't worry about that old Communist sitting in Hanoi.  Him and I have had a little talk, and I don't think he's about to try anything.

I'm going on air in one week to explain to the American people what we are doing in Vietnam.  It's time the people were given the truth and the facts by their President, instead of empty words that have no bearing with reality.

[Lincoln Republican]

President Romney Speaks To The Nation From The Oval Office

Good evening my fellow Americans.

As you are aware, during the recent Presidential campaign, I pledged to bring our troops home from Vietnam.  Many of you have read in the news and seen on news programs that our administration has began this process.  As well, I have given press conferences and briefings.

So there is no misinterpretation as to the actual facts in this matter, I have requested air time to explain the details.

For some time before being sworn in, my advisors and I have been planning the best course of action.  Upon taking office, we began the actual implementation of this plan.

Since the very early days of this administration, Secretary of State Nixon has been in negotiations with North Vietnamese government officials establishing the diplomatic procedures.  Secretary of Defense Rockefeller has been meeting extensively with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and with the American officers in charge in Vietnam to determine the safest and most efficient course for withdrawal.

I myself have met personally with Ho Chi Minh, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and Chairman Minh has ordered the North Vietnamese government and military to be on side.

The first phase of this plan institutes a complete and total cease fire, and a cessation of all hostilities.  

I am pleased to report that as of twelve noon eastern standard time, yesterday, the guns in Vietnam have fallen silent, our troops and the innocent people of South Vietnam are not in danger, and peace is coming to that part of the world.    

Let me be clear, the North Vietnamese government and military have been warned by me that  violation of this agreement will be met with swift and harsh retaliation.

The second phase of this plan calls for the immediate release of all American prisoners of war being  held.  This has already started.  I am pleased to report that even now, some American prisoners of war have been reunited with their families.  As well, the plan calls for the immediate release of South Vietnamese prisoners of war as well.  This is in process as I speak.  

We have offered the most endangered South Vietnamese officials and their families refuge in the United States, as their lives would be in danger should they remain in Vietnam.  We will as well be taking South Vietnamese refugees.

We will be removing from Vietnam, as much as possible, all armaments and munitions, so they will not fall into the hands of the North Vietnamese.  

The United States Ambassador to South Vietnam, Ellsworth Bunker, is overseeing the closure of the American embassy, and the removal of all data and records.

Is this plan perfect?  No.  We realize the potential consequences.  Does this plan save the lives of our American troops?  Absolutely, no doubt thousands.  And in this administration, the lives and well being of our people is foremost.

My fellow Americans, thank you, good night, and God bless America.    

[Lincoln Republican]

This is NBC News.

New polling numbers about President Romney's approval ratings are out, and they are astounding.

These polling numbers are showing the President's approval ratings at 82%.  This comes after the President's address to the nation about his decision to withdraw American troops from Vietnam.

Presidential press conference the day after the President's address to the nation

Mr. President, new polling numbers are out since your address to the nation about your approval ratings showing you with an 82% approval amongst the American public.  To what to you attribute this very high approval rate?

GWR:  Well, first of all, let me say I of course find these numbers extremely gratifying.  It is clear that the American public share my view that we are going nowhere in Vietnam, in an unwinnable war, killing thousands or our young soldiers.  

Mr. President, what about the arguments of the possibility that the fall of South Vietnam will lead to a domino effect, and that Southeast Asia will then fall to Communism.

GWR:  I do not believe this will happen.  The North Vietnamese military does not have the resources nor the manpower to march into other countries in Southeast Asia and overrun them and install a Communist regime.  

This theory about Southeast Asia falling to the Communists is largely a creation of the Military-Industrial Complex, who profit from war, let me say, who profit obscenely from war.  Let me be clear, neither I nor my administration will be beholden to the Military-Industrial Complex.  My focus, and that of my administration, is on improving the lives of all Americans, not enriching the coffers of the Military-Industrial Complex, nor of any other special interest group.

Mr. President, with the withdrawal from Vietnam now well under way, do you now plan on focusing your administration more on domestic issues?

GWR:  This is a dangerous world in which we live.  I and my administration will always be diligent of what is happening in the world, and we will always be focused on the safety and security of Americans and of American interests at home and abroad.

Our work on the domestic front has been ongoing since my administration has taken office.  Clearly, it has been overshadowed by world events and by the high profile of the Vietnam conflict and of our resolution of that conflict.

Our work on the domestic front will continue apace, and yes, we shall be expediting and furthering our efforts here at home.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for being here today.

[Lincoln Republican]

Two days following the press conference, President Romney and First Lady Lenore Romney are at Andrews Air Force Base to personally welcome home from Vietnam two plane loads of former prisoners of war, the first two loads from the Vietnam conflict to arrive on American soil.

The following day, President Romney meets with his Chief of Staff and with the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, Margaret Chase Smith.

GWR: Margaret, I have been thinking for some time now that what this nation needs is a comprehensive, affordable,  and efficient universal health care plan.

I am thinking about a plan that will be funded by payroll deductions combined with government funds.  I want a plan that will not go bankrupt in a few years.

Margaret, do you believe such a plan is possible?

MCS:  Well, Mr. President, that is certainly a concept that I would support. 

GWR:  We have the majority in the House and Senate now.  This is the time to get this going.  I am confident we will be able to get support from enough Republicans combined with enough Democrats to get this through Congress.

MCS:  I agree.  I'll have my department draw up a plan for discussion.

GWR:  I would like to call this the Universal Health Care Act. 

[Lincoln Republican]

1972 Election

Having brought the troops home from Vietnam and ending America's involvement in the conflict, thereby restoring peace to America's cities, having brought in an affordable, efficient, and universal health care act, and having made life better for Americans, President Romney stood at approval ratings of 75-82%, and leading the election polls at 67% to 31% against any Democrat.

Nonetheless, conservative Republican Representative from Ohio, John Ashbrook, launched a candidacy for the Republican Presidential nomination.  Romney won the nomination hands down, however, President Romney made certain to thank Ashbrook publicly for the great campaign he had run for the nomination, and arranged for Ashbrook to speak at the Republican National Convention.

Due to the fact that President Romney was dominating the polls so strongly, the big names in the Democratic Party, Senator Hubert Humphrey, Senator Edmund Muskie, Senator Henry Jackson, Senator Vance Hartke, Senator Eugene McCarthy, had all declined to run for the Democratic Presidential nomination.

The winner of the nomination, almost by default, was Representative Wilbur Mills of Arkansas, the long serving Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. In order to bring some liberal balance to the ticket, Mills picks Mayor John Lindsay of New York City for Vice President.

Ten days before the election, Mills was involved in a traffic incident in Washington, DC.  At 2 a.m., his car was stopped by U.S. Park Police because the driver had not turned on the lights. Mills was intoxicated, and his face was injured from a scuffle with Annabelle Battistella, better known as Fanne Foxe, a stripper from Argentina, who was in the car with Mills.

The Mills campaign continued its' precipitous slide from there.

Campaigning in Delaware, President Romney was asked for his comments regarding the Mills incident.  President Romney replied "I have no comment."

Campaigning in Mississippi, Vice President Brooke was asked for his comments regarding the Mills incident.  Vice President Brooke replied "I have no comment."        

President George Romney/Vice President Edward Brooke       538 EV     73% PV
Representative Wilbur Mills/Mayor John Lindsay                       0 EV      25% PV
Others                                                                                  0 EV        2% PV

President Romney and Vice President Brooke are reelected with the largest percentage of the popular vote in the history of U.S. Presidential elections, and made history as the first ticket to win all 50 states and the District of Columbia.