A More Perfect Union

[DKrol]

This would be interesting.

What happened to Nelson Rockefeller's brother, Winthrop, the Arkansas Governor ?

He was the Secretary of Agriculture in the Nixon Administration from 1965-1967 and was Governor of Arkansas from 1967-1971.

[DKrol]

Republican Primary Map, As of August, 1972

Governor Ronald Reagan (Presumptive Nominee)
Governor Nelson Rockefeller (Withdrew June 7, Endorsed Reagan)
Senator Howard Baker (Withdrew May 10, Endorsed Reagan)
Governor Spiro Agnew (Withdrew May 1, Endorsed Rockefeller)
Senator Charles Percy (Withdrew April 11, Endorsed Rockefeller)
Senator Everett Dirksen (Withdrew March 3, Endorsed Agnew)

Governor Reagan’s Vice Presidential Shortlist
- Senator Barry Goldwater (R-AZ)
- Former Governor Jim Rhodes (R-OH)
- House Minority Leader Gerald Ford (R-MI)
- Senator James L. Buckley (Con.-NY)

[TX Conservative Dem]

On Winthrop: Cool.

I assume he chose not to seek reelection in 1970 to a 3rd term.

What about The Ole Gipper Ronald Reagan?

[DKrol]

On Winthrop: Cool.

I assume he chose not to seek reelection in 1970 to a 3rd term.

What about The Ole Gipper Ronald Reagan?

It literally says, in the post above, that he is the presumptive Republican Nominee in 1972.

[DKrol]

Michigan gave me a great primary win a few months ago and I hope that it can help me in November. Michigan has always been a center of American business and success, it has given our nation some of it’s finest minds, and now it has given me my running mate. Ladies and gentleman, the next Vice President of the United States! - Governor Ronald Reagan, the 1972 Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee, speaking at a rally in Ann Arbor, MI (July 4, 1972)



Thank you, Governor Reagan and thank you, Michigan! This man next to me is the best candidate that the Republican party has had in half a century and he’s going right to the White House! We’ve got to fight back this tide of liberalism that President Yarborough has brought into Washington and Governor Reagan is the man for the job! - Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford, the 1972 Presumptive Republican Vice Presidential Nominee, speaking at a rally in Ann Arbor, MI (July 4, 1972)

1972 Electoral Map, as of July 5

Governor Ronald W. Reagan/Congressman Gerald R. Ford, Jr. (R) - 284
President Ralph Yarborough/Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey (D) - 85
Toss-up - 169

Governor Reagan Calls for Debate
A master orator, Governor Reagan has issued a challenge to President Yarborough: let’s have a debate. Reagan proposed the idea yesterday afternoon during an interview with NBC’s Johnny Carson, saying “The President and I have different views on the future of America. Why don’t we meet and present our ideas, directly to the American people. Doesn’t that seem like a good idea?” Reagan spent his early adult years as a film actor, before becoming a spokesman for G.E., and is well associated with television and the camera. President Yarborough has not responded to Reagan’s suggestion. - Washington Post (July 7, 1972)

[TX Conservative Dem]

Reagan doing the Southern Strategy ?

[DKrol]

It is time that we move into a new era. An era of social justice. An era of peace at home and abroad. An era of technological advancement. An era that will bring an end to the Cold War. The only man who can do this is President Ralph Yarborough. - Senator John F. Kennedy’s Keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in Miami, FL (July 10, 1972)


I am proud to accept this party’s nomination for Vice President! The President and I have worked hard over the last four years and we have lots of accomplishments to show for it. We’ve put a man on the moon. We’ve brought about an end to segregation. We’ve fought for the rights of all Americans. Imagine what we could do with four more years. - Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Miami, FL (July 11, 1972)


Mr. Chairman and Delegates, I proudly accept our party’s re-nomination for President. As Vice President Humphrey stated, we have done great work over the last four years. If given another four years, I pledge to the American people that I will wage a war on poverty. I will fight for the rights of poor in every corner of this nation. I will fight for a livable wage for all Americans - be they black, white, or in-between... Governor Reagan has issued a challenge to me, a challenge for a debate on television. It is a noble idea, but it is not possible for an active President to set aside the time required to prepare and participate in a debate. However, Vice President Humphrey has agreed to debate either the Governor or Mr. Ford on my behalf. - President Ralph Yarborough’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Miami, FL (July 12, 1972)

Post DNC Electoral Map

Governor Ronald W. Reagan/Congressman Gerald R. Ford, Jr. (R) - 272
President Ralph Yarborough/Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey (D) - 110
Toss-up - 156

[DKrol]

Our nation was built on the ideas of freedom, liberty, and brotherhood. We have made massive leaps forward in the way of racial and gender equality. We are a socially free and socially equal society. Now we must become economically free. We have to fight back the ideas of socialism and communism that have worked their way into our society. - Former Vice President George W. Romney’s keynote address at the Republican National Convention in Miami, FL (August 21, 1972)


Mr. Chairman and Delegates! I proudly accept our party’s nomination for Vice President of the United States! Four years ago Senator Fong stood here and made a giant step forward for racial equality. I want to thank him for his service to our party and our nation. - Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford, Jr.’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in Miami, FL (August 22, 1972)


Mr. Chairman and Delegates! I proudly accept this party’s nomination for President of the United States! It is time that we return to the laissez-faire economic policies that launched our nation into the great prosperity of the 1920s. We need to cut back the scale of government involvement and the size of our government to one that is lean and efficient. - Governor Ronald W. Reagan’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in Miami, FL (August 23, 1972)

Post- RNC Electoral Map

Governor Ronald W. Reagan/Congressman Gerald R. Ford, Jr. (R) - 348
President Ralph Yarborough/Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey (D) - 85
Toss-up - 105

[DKrol]

Humphrey, Ford Debate in New York
In July, Governor Reagan challenged President Yarborough to  debate. However the President deflected the debate to Vice President Humphrey, leading Governor Reagan to leave the task up to Minority Leader Ford. The two men met at Hofstra University in New York City last night and debated each other on the finer policy points between the two campaigns. The debate took nearly three hours and was moderated by ABC’s Peter Jennings. Ford came off as strong and capable, while Humphrey appeared to be flustered and a bit testy. Listeners on radio largely agreed that Humphrey won, but those who viewed it on television felt that Ford clearly out-debated that Vice President. - Washington Post (July 7, 1972)

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Governor Ronald W. Reagan/Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford, Jr. (R) - 403, 56.3%
President Ralph W. Yarborough/Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey (D) - 135, 41.4%
Mr. John Hospers/Mrs. Tonie Nathan (L) - 0, 2.3%

93rd United States Congress
Senate
55 Republican Senators (Led by Senator Everett Dirksen, IL)
44 Democratic Senators (Led by Senator John F. Kennedy, MA)
1 Independent Senator (Senator Harry F. Byrd, VA)

House
243 Republican Congressmen (Led by Speaker John Rhodes, AZ)
192 Democratic Congressmen (Led by Congressman Tip O’Neill, MA)

[Maxwell]

That is a fascinating map.

[DKrol]

Overview of the Reagan Administration (1973-1977)
January, 1973: In the case Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court votes to uphold state bans on abortions in a 5-4 decision following heavy lobbying by the Reagan Administration.
March, 1973: President Reagan rejects a plan to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
June, 1973: President Reagan launches the “War on Drugs” and established the Drug Enforcement Agency to combat drug use and the illicit drug trade.
August, 1973: Augusto Pinochet takes office as the military-strong man of Chile. He is backed by the United States.
September, 1973: Unemployment rises to 5.8%, up 1.4% since President Reagan took office.
December, 1973: O.J. Simpson is welcomed to the White House after a stellar season in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills.
March, 1974: OPEC institutes a ban on oil and petroleum exports to the United States in response to American activities in Iran.
May, 1974: President Reagan announces strict economic sanctions on Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela in response to the OPEC export ban.
September, 1974: Secretary of State Henry Kissinger travels to Iran to meet with Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The two discuss the OPEC oil embargo and the Shah agrees to work with OPEC to bring an end to the embargo.
November, 1974: Republicans hold the Senate (51-47-2) and the House (220-215).
April, 1975: An article from the Washington Post alleges that President Reagan misused campaign finances. The report says that the President used campaign donations to buy a new car, put an addition onto his Los Angeles home, and fly his dog to Washington after the election.
May, 1975: The White House denies any connections or truth behind the Washington Post report.
July, 1975: Unemployment peaks at 7.5%, following a fall in automobile production from the OPEC Embargo.
November, 1975: A reporter from the Washington Post, known only as “Deep Throat”, releases a series of papers showing a connection between President Reagan and campaign finance abuses.
December, 1975: Congress passes a bailout for the City of New York, but President Reagan vetos it, saying that “Mayors and Governors must learn to live within the boundaries of their own budgets”. Congress overrides his veto.
January, 1976: President Reagan announces he will seek a second term as President, despite having a 42%-54%-4% approval/disapproval/unsure rating.

94th United States Congress
Senate
51 Republican Senators (Led by Senator Everett Dirksen, IL)
47 Democratic Senators (Led by Senator John F. Kennedy, MA)
2 Independent Senators (Senator Harry F. Byrd, VA and Senator James L. Buckley, NY)

House
220 Republican Congressmen (Led by Speaker John Rhodes, AZ)
215 Democratic Congressmen (Led by Congressman Tip O’Neill, MA)

[NHI]

Go Ronnie! Go!

[DKrol]

1976 Republican Candidates

President Reagan: I Need a Second Term


Senator Buckley: Reagan Had Failed Us

 
1976 Democratic Candidates

Former President Yarborough: I’m Done


Governor Carter: Let’s Bring Back Southern Moderation


Senator Kennedy: We Need To Bring Back Progressivism


Representative Udall: Liberalism Will Fix America


Senator Bentsen: I’m The Heir of Yarborough


Republican Poll
Pres. Reagan: 72%
Sen. Buckley: 25%
Unsure: 3%

Democratic Poll
Sen. Kennedy: 37%
Sen. Bentsen: 29%
Gov. Carter: 28%
Rep. Udall: 5%
Unsure: 1%

[MATTROSE94]

A Reagan vs. Kennedy race would be pretty awesome in my opinion.

[Incipimus iterum]

I hope Buckley gives Reagan a run for his money

[TX Conservative Dem]

Wondering how the 1974 Midterms looked like ?

[DKrol]

Wondering how the 1974 Midterms looked like ?

Do you read TLs before commenting on them? It says in the second-most recent post the outcome of the '74 midterms.

[MATTROSE94]

Is Lyndon Johnson still in the Senate, or did he retire in 1972?

[DKrol]

Is Lyndon Johnson still in the Senate, or did he retire in 1972?

LBJ was booted out of Senate Leadership in 1970 and lost re-election in 1972 to John Tower.

[DKrol]

Republican Primary Map, As of June 21, 1976

Senator Bob Dole (Presumptive Nominee)
Vice President Jerry Ford (Withdrew June 1, Endorsed Senator Dole)
Senator James Buckley (Withdrew May 2, Endorsed Vice President Ford)
President Ronald Reagan (Withdrew February 26th, Did Not Endorse)

Ronald Reagan’s low approval ratings allowed Senator Buckley to score two upset wins in Iowa and New Hampshire, which effectively ended President Reagan’s career. He became the first sitting President to lose re-nomination since Chester Arthur in 1884. With Reagan’s withdrawal in February, a flood of other candidates launched bids (Vice President Jerry Ford, Senator Strom Thurmond, Ambassador to China George Bush, Senator Howard Baker, and Senator Bob Dole). Senator Dole, a young Senator and World War II Veteran, swept many states and forced a two man contest between himself and Vice President Ford. Discontent over Ford’s ties to Reagan allowed Dole to clinch the nomination by the end of May. - Howard Zinn, A People’s History of the United States (1980)

Democratic Primary Map, as of June 21, 1976

Senator John Kennedy (Presumptive Nominee)
Governor Jimmy Carter (Withdrew June 5, Endorsed Senator Kennedy)
Senator Lloyd Bentsen (Withdrew May 15, Endorsed Governor Carter)
Representative Mo Udall (Withdrew March 3, Endorsed Senator Kennedy)

The Democratic Primary of 1976 was almost as thrilling as that of the Republicans. Senator Kennedy and Governor Carter emerged as the clear frontrunners from the first race in Iowa, where Carter pulled off a 24 vote victory, with Senator Bentsen stealing some Southern and Western delegates from Carter. Senator Kennedy pulled on his family’s personal wealth and ran numerous ads nationwide. Many voters also felt that Kennedy provided more of a contrast to Senator Dole than Carter did. - Howard Zinn, A People’s History of the United States (1980)

[badgate]

Wow is this the first time an incumbent President lost renomination?

[DKrol]

Wow is this the first time an incumbent President lost renomination?

IRL: John Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, Andrew Johnson, Chester Arthur and Lyndon Johnson lost renomination.

[badgate]

Wow is this the first time an incumbent President lost renomination?

IRL: John Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, Andrew Johnson, Chester Arthur and Lyndon Johnson lost renomination.

LBJ stood down, imo. So he wouldn't meet the criteria for what I meant by 'lost renomination.' Didn't know about the others.

[DKrol]

General Election Polling, as of July 4th, 1976

Senator Bob Dole/VP (R) - 245
Senator John Kennedy/VP (D) - 162
Former Senator Eugene McCarthy/Mrs. Margaret Wright (I) - 22

1976 was an interesting year, election wise. We had the charming Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy, the dashing war-hero Senator Bob Dole, and the anti-war former Senator Eugene McCarthy. McCarthy ran to Kennedy’s left, challenging him for the new base of the Democratic Party. Kennedy also turned off many Southern Democrats, who perceived the Senator as a New England-elitist. This helped Dole make headways into the Democratic South that President Yarborough had worked hard to hold together. - Walter Cronkite, A Reporter’s Life (1996)

[DKrol]

Over the last four years, President Reagan has hurt America. His policies have hurt Americans. His economics have hurt American jobs. More people are currently unemployed now, than when he took office. A vote for Bob Dole is a vote for four more years of Ronald Reagan. Let us move on and put Jack Kennedy in the White House! - Former Governor Terry Sanford of North Carolina’s Keynote Address to the Democratic National Convention, New York City (July 12th, 1976)



I’m honor to be able to stand on this stage and speak to our party and our nation. Senator Kennedy asked me to run with him for the White House, and you nominated me. Mr. Chairman, and Delegates, I proudly accept your nomination for Vice President of these United States! I hope that we can unite our nation around Senator Kennedy and fight back the bad policies of President Reagan. - Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia’s Vice Presidential acceptance speech to the Democratic National Convention, New York City (July 13th, 1976)



Mr. Chairman and Delegates, I proudly accept this party’s nomination for President of the United States! My brother should have stood here nearly a decade ago and gave a similar speech. He would have spoke about the need for equality and the hope of economic success. I know that he is watching down on us tonight. - Senator John Kennedy of Massachusetts’ Presidential acceptance speech to the Democratic National Convention, New York City (July 14th, 1976)

Electoral Map, Post-DNC

Senator John Kennedy/Senator Robert Byrd (D) - 213
Senator Bob Dole/VP (R) - 178
Former Senator Eugene McCarthy/Mrs. Margaret Wright (I) - 4