America's Black President

[President Thomas E. Dewey]

In 1968, former Republican Vice President Richard Nixon realizes his life long ambition when he wins the Presidency of the United States in a narrow victory over Democratic Vice President Humbert Humphrey.

The results
Republican
Former Vice President Richard Nixon/Governor Spiro Agnew                    302
Democrat
Vice President Humbert Humphrey/Senator Edmund Muskie                    191
American Independent
Governor George Wallace/General Curtis LeMay                                        45

The first Nixon administration runs relatively smoothly, implementing an economic renewal program, a law and order agenda, and capitalizing on Nixon's extensive experience in foreign policy.  Nixon began to open up closer ties with the Communist powers, the Soviet Union and China, and began to disengage the United Staes from the Vietnam conflict.

By the time of the 1972 election, the Nixon Presidency was riding a wave of popularity while the Democratic Presidential campaign was in a state of chaos.

The results
Republican
President Richard Nixon/Vice President Spiro Agnew                               521
Democrat
Senator George McGovern/Former Ambassador Sargent Shriver               17

Following this electoral landslide, the second Nixon administration began to disintigrate.  Scandal rocked the White House.

In October, 1973, less than one year after one of the greatest electoral victories in history, Vice President Agnew was forced to resign after being charged with tax evasion, after being disbarred from practicing law in Maryland, and after it was brought to light that during his time as Governor of Maryland he had accepted bribes, to which he pleaded no contest.

Controversy and scandal were swirling around the administration.  The "Watergate Scandal" had broken wide open.

President Nixon was now in a position where he would be invoking the 25th amendment.  He would be choosing a new Vice President, and, he reasoned, he would be using this as an opportunity to attempt to salvage his disintegrating presidency.

But how to do it, who would best help him to meet this objective?

Nixon considers various options, and narrows the selection down to three individuals, former Texas Governor John Connally, New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller, and California Governor Ronald Reagan.

He eliminates each of these, however, believing Connally would not be a popular choice, and doubting that either Rockefeller or Reagan could be confirmed by both houses of congress.

He considers others, Senator Bob Dole of Kansas, Senator John Tower of Texas, former Governor and former HUD Secretary George Romney of Michigan.  All good candidates, who would bring strength to the administration.  The President decides against any of these.

Then Nixon decides on a bold move.  He is hoping to hold on to his conservative support in the country and in the House and Senate, while at the same time, hoping to expand his support beyond his traditional base.

Hoping to appeal as well to minorities, particularly to the African American community, and to moderates and liberals, Nixon makes his decision. He will tap Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts, Senator since 1967, the liberal Republican, and the only African American in the United States Senate.  He is to become the new Vice President, Nixon decides.

He can surely gain confirmation in both houses of congress.  They would not dare reject him, Nixon reasons.

If the selection of Brooke proves to be unpopular in the Republican Party, Nixon reasons, he, Nixon, will not be running again anyway, and it will be up to the Republican presidential nominee in 1976 to choose a Vice Presidential running mate.

Nixon's Chief of Staff, General Alexander Haig, contacts Senator Brooke and advises him the President would like to meet with him as soon as possible.

On Monday, October 8, 1973, President Nixon, Chief of Staff Haig, and Senator Brooke meet in the oval office.  Nixon offers Brooke the Vice Presidency of the United States.

Senator Brooke if fully aware of the deteriorating situation in the Nixon administration, and is somewhat taken aback by the offer.  He is expecting the President to be asking him perhaps to accept a cabinet posting or for his support in the Senate, knowing the support of the only African Amerian in the Senate could be symbolically important.

"I have decided that you are the best candidate for this position," Nixon says to Brooke.  Brooke responds, "Mr. President, I am indeed humbled, and somewhat surprised, that you would ask me to take on this responsibility at this time.  I will have to get back to you on this."

Nixon "As you know, a decision must be made as quickly as possible."

Brooke "Yes, of course, Mr. President.  I will get back to you tomorrow morning."

"Thank you Senator," says the President.

Senator Brooke leaves the oval office, somewhat mystified, somewhat intrigued.  "What could be the President's reasoning," he wonders.  "Why would the President nominate a black, northeastern, liberal Senator for this position?"

After talking it over with his wife, and after going over and over in his mind what the implications are, or could become, Senator Brooke decides the bottom line is this, the administration, indeed, the country, have been through, and are going through, tumultuous times, and if there is anything he can do to help resolve the situation, he feels duty bound to do so.

After spending a sleepless night, Senator Brooke meets with President Nixon and General Haig at 9:00 A.M. in the oval office, Tuesday, October 9, 1973.  "Mr. President," says Brooke, "I have always considered it an honor and a privilege, and indeed, a duty, to serve my country.  If I can, in any way, help this nation and this administration move forward by accepting the Vice Peresidency, I will by all means do it.  I humbly and dutifully accept your offer of the Vice Presidency."

"Wonderful," says the President.  "We will make the announcement tomorrow, October 10.  Thank you for your willingness to serve." 

Wednesday, October 10, 1973, 9:00 A.M., with Senator Brooke and his wife by his side, President Nixon formally nominates Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts as his choice to become the next Vice President.

"Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Americans," says the President, "it is my honor today to officially announce to the nation my choice of Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts as the next Vice President of the United States.  Senator Brooke is a man of unquestionable integrity and exceptional ability."                 

Senator Brooke addreses the audience and the nation, "Mr. President, thank you for having the faith and confidence in me to nominate me for this office.  Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Americans, I stand before you today, humbled by the responsibility for which President Nixon has nominated me, and with a pledge to this nation, if so honored to become Vice President, I will work tirelessly to do what I can to move this nation forward."   

     

[J. J.]

Brooke was a major player in the early to mid 1970's.  Had he survived re-election in 1978, he might have been GOP leader in the Senate in 1980's-90's.

In my Watergate alternate history, Brooke becomes a major player, and was  elected minority leader of the Senate in 1976.

It's not too well known, but Brooke was early "encourager" of conservative James C. Miller, III (R-VA), who was Reagan's OMB director after Stockman resigned.

[Lewis Trondheim the Amazing Bouncing Ferret]

Minor note - Brooke was not the first Black Senator. That honour belongs to Hiram Revels of Mississippi (served, 1869-71). Brooke was the third, the second being Blanche K Bruce of Mississippi (served, 1875-1881) - a freedman.

[PBrunsel]

Minor note - Brooke was not the first Black Senator. That honour belongs to Hiram Revels of Mississippi (served, 1869-71). Brooke was the third, the second being Blanche K Bruce of Mississippi (served, 1875-1881) - a freedman.

But Brooke was the first to be elected by the people's vote, not the legislature.

[President Thomas E. Dewey]

Minor note - Brooke was not the first Black Senator. That honour belongs to Hiram Revels of Mississippi (served, 1869-71). Brooke was the third, the second being Blanche K Bruce of Mississippi (served, 1875-1881) - a freedman.

Yes, thank you.

However, Edward Brooke was the first African American to be elected to the United States Senate by popular vote.

I will make the correction.

[President Thomas E. Dewey]

The new Vice Presidential nominee is under no illusions as to why Nixon chose him for the office.  Clearly, Brooke realizes, the President is using him in an attempt to bolster his support amongst minorities and non conservatives, in an attempt to remain in office.  "If I wasn't black and if I wasn't liberal, there is no way Nixon would have picked me for Vice President," Brooke tells his wife later that day, October 10.  "Nevertheless," Brooke continues, "I will do my utmost to serve my country to the best of my ability, regardless of what office I may hold."

The House and Senate confirmation hearings go smoothly.  There is a thorough background check done by the FBI, which finds absolutely nothing amiss in Brooke's life that would disqualify him from serving in the office.  The Senate votes to confirm Brooke on November 27 by a vote of 93-3 and the House votes to confirm Brooke on December 6 by a vote of 387-35.

Later that same day, December 6, 1973, Edward Brooke is sworn as the 40th Vice President of the United States by Chief Justice Warren Burger.

Vice President Brooke sets to work immediately in his stated goal of moving the nation forward.  In his position of Vice President, he realizes, he must be supportive of the President, and emphazises the positive achievements of the Nixon Presidency, Detente, Vietnamization, gasoline conservation, establishment of the EPA, of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the supplemental security income, the Office of Minority Business Enterprise, Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), which led to the anti-ballistic missle treaty, the space shuttle program.

Publicly, the Vice President steers clear of the increasing scandal and controversy engulfing the Nixon administration.  When asked to comment, he would say words to the effect that "I have a job to do, and I intend to continue doing it.  The nation's business must move forward."

President Nixon seemed powerless to be able to do anything about the Watergate matter.  The sitution was quickly and increasingly spinning out of control.  The growing scandal revealed rampant corruption, illegality, and deceit in the Nixon administration.  Secret recordings of White House conversations revealed details of Nixon's complicity in the cover up of illegal activities.  On May 9, 1974, the House Judiciary Committee opened formal and public impeachment hearings against Nixon.  In light of his loss of political and public support, and the certainty of his impeachment by the House of Representatives, and his conviction by the Senate, Nixon was forced to either resign or be the first President since Andrew Johnson, 100 years earlier, to be impeached.

The evening of August 8, 1974, President Nixon addresses the nation in a televisied broadcast.  "I shall resign the Presidency of the United States effective at noon tomorrow, August 9, 1974.  Vice President Brooke, a man of unquestionable integrity, will be sworn in as President of the United States."

At noon, on August 9, 1974, President Richard Milhous Nixon resigns the Presidency of the United States.

That same day, Vice President Edward William Brooke III is sworn in as the 38th President of the United States, by Chief Justice Warren Burger.

The Edward Brooke administration begins.     

[President Thomas E. Dewey]

The evening of August 9, 1974, the new President makes a statement to the country. 

"This is a time for healing in our nation.  This is not a time for recriminations or retribution.  Justice will take its course.  My administration is focused on the nation's business and on moving the nation forward.  Let me assure every American, there is a new administration steering the machinery of government.  There cannot be, must not be, and will not be, any toleration in this administration for anything less than what Americans expect of their government, and what Americans deserve from their government, honesty, integrity, and effecieny."

President Brooke addresses the race issue head on and right at the beginning of his administration.

"Yes, I am the first black President, and I am proud of my heritage.  My Presidency, however, is not a black Presidency.  My Presidency is an American Presidency.  My responsibility is to all Americans, and I will be the President for all Americans."           

President Brooke's first responsibility is clear.  He absolutely must, first and foremost, regardless of any other pressing issues facing the nation, begin the process of healing and of restoring confidence in government, and indeed, in the institution of the Presidency itself.  He began this process the very evening of his first day in office with his nationally televised address.

President Brooke orders a complete review of White House operations and staff.  Next on the Presidential agenda, the White House staff and the cabinet.  Where replacements are required for those who have been relieved of their duties, individuals of impeccable credentials and integrity are appointed.  The President does a thorough house cleaning.

The senior levels of the civil service as well undergo a thorough review.  These are handled in the same way as for the White House staff and the cabinet.  President Brooke wants to ensure that his administration will have no remnants of any corruption ramaining.

If the new President was going to "move the nation forward," then he must have complete confidence in those helping him to achieve this.

The new President focused most of his attentions from August to December on an ambitious domestic agenda, with his administration pursuing initiatives to strengthen the economy, to keep and strengthen social programs, initiating stronger anti crime legislation, improving the educational system at all levels.   

President Brooke wanted no uncertainty in the world community as to the stability of the new administration.  He undertook an ambitious schedule of meetings with other world leaders beginning in January of 1975.

The President wanted to ensure that the initiative begun by President Nixon, closer ties with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and with the People's Republic of China, continued.  With Secretary of State Henry Kissinger again making the initial diplomatic contacts, President Brooke met with Leonid Brezhnev, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in January, with Mao Tse-tung, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and with Chou Enlai, Premier, of the People's Republic of China in February.

In March, President Brooke met with Harold Wilson, Prime Minister of Great Britain, with Valery Giscard d'Estaing, President of France, and with Helmut Schmidt, Chancellor of West Germany.   

From the time he assumed the Presidency, President Brooke had on his mind a very important nomination he must make, the nomination of  who he wants to see become the new Vice President.  Succession in the Presidency must once again become secured, and that nomination was made by President Brooke on August 20, 1974. 

       

[Lewis Trondheim the Amazing Bouncing Ferret]

Minor note - Brooke was not the first Black Senator. That honour belongs to Hiram Revels of Mississippi (served, 1869-71). Brooke was the third, the second being Blanche K Bruce of Mississippi (served, 1875-1881) - a freedman.

Yes, thank you.

However, Edward Brooke was the first African American to be elected to the United States Senate by popular vote.

I will make the correction.

[Kevin]

Just wondering what do you mean by January of 1995? It kind of looks like a typo just thought I would let you know.   

[DanielX]

I think Brooke's nomination would be a trifle tougher than 93-3. I mean, there were quite a few old Southern Democrat senators kicking around in 1973 who would likely rather eat bees than vote for a black man into the #2 position.

[TexasGurl]

There is a movie called "the man" with James earl Jones as the PPT who becomes president. it's pretty good.

[President Thomas E. Dewey]

Just wondering what do you mean by January of 1995? It kind of looks like a typo just thought I would let you know.   

Correction made, to January of 1975.  Thank you.

I am pleased to see some are reading this story.  Thanks to all.

[President Thomas E. Dewey]

I think Brooke's nomination would be a trifle tougher than 93-3. I mean, there were quite a few old Southern Democrat senators kicking around in 1973 who would likely rather eat bees than vote for a black man into the #2 position.

Thank you, and an accurate observation, no doubt.

What do you think would be a more realistic vote in the Senate to confirm Brooke?  Something like 82-14?  (Assuming 4 absentees at the time)

[President Thomas E. Dewey]

Right at the beginning of his administration, President Brooke instructed his top advisors to begin the process of the search for a suitable Vice Presidential nominee, and to make recommendations to him of their findings.  He would consider the recommendations, but he and he alone would make the ultimate decision as to who would be the nominee.

Going through the names of Vice Presidents in the history of the nation, the President realized that fully thirteen of them succeded to the Presidency, four through election as Presidential candidates, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Van Buren, Richard Nixon, eight upon the death of a President, John Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Andrew Johnson, Chester Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, and one upon the resignation of a President, himself.

Given the history of Vice Presidents being required to assume the Presidency, President Brooke was determined to nominate a candidate who he believed would be able to serve the nation well as President, should the necessity arise.

Several names were discussed and debated amongst the President and his senior advisors.  Senator Howard Baker of Tennessee, one of the favorites, Senator Robert Griffin of Michigan, former Michigan Governor and former HUD Secretary George Romney, former New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller, distinguished Senator Everett Dirksen of Illinois, great choice, but too old, Senator Lowell Weicker of Pennsylvania, Senator Robert Taft Jr of Ohio, another one of the top contenders, Senator Charles Percy of Illinois, a solid choice, another favorite, Senator Clifford Case of New Jersey, again, a great pick, but too old, Senator Mark Hatfield of Oregon, Senator and former Governor of Oklahoma Henry Bellmon, former Treasury Secretary George Schultz, former Defense Secretary Melvin Laird.

There was a tremendous amount of experience, talent, and ability in the names being discused for nomination, but, although most of these men would make top notch Vice Presidents, and many of them would even be very capable of assuming the Presidency, President Brooke was not completely convinced that he should choose any of them.

Besides being a dedicated public servant, the President is as well  possessed of a shrewd and practical political instinct.  The 1976 election is a little more than two years away, and he realizes he must have someone as Vice President, who will be working closely with him and supporting him over the next two years, who not only can be a potential President, but, as well, someone who can help him politically, indeed help him electorally.  The President knows full well there is always a practical aspect to a Presidency, as well as the administrative and leadership aspects.

The President would like to think that the election of 1976 will be like the election of 1972, with a big Republican win, however, he knows full well that if he is to win at all, it will be more like the election of 1968, tough and close.  Indeed if he is even to win the Republican Presidential nomination in 1976, he must show the party and the country that he is open to all wings of the party, conservative, moderate, liberal, and that all will have a strong voice in the party and in the administration.  President Brooke himself is making moves and sending out signals that he is moving increasingly to the political center.

With this in mind, the President has decided there is one choice and one choice only for who he will nominate for Vice President.  The President has set his sites on convincing the popular, charismatic, conservative, Governor of California, Ronald Reagan, to accept the nomination to become Vice President of the United States.

It is no secret that Governor Reagan has Presidential ambitions for 1976.  This may be a way not only to get the best Vice President, and what that means is the best Vice President for the sake of the country, as well as the best Vice President for the 1976 Republican campaign, but also to ensure that the Governor will not run for the Republican nomination in 1976.  The latter would be a bonus indeed for the new President. 

The courting of Ronald Reagan is about to begin.           

[President Thomas E. Dewey]

The meeting between President Brooke and Governor Reagan is arranged for Friday, August 16, 1974, exactly one week after the new President was sworn into office.  The President decides to fly to Sacramento himself and meet with the Governor.  Air Force One sets off for California the morning of August 15.

Accompanying the President was his Chief of Staff, Elliot Richardson.  The President had chosen his Chief of Staff carefully and meticulously.  Elliot Richardson, the Harvard educted lawyer from Massachusetts, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, had clerked for two associate justices of the United States Supreme Court, Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General in the Nixon administration, yet untainted by any scandal.  In fact, refusing to follow a presidential order he believed to be wrong, when told to fire the special prosecutor investigating the Watergate matter, Archibald Cox, on the night known as The Saturday Night Massacre, the night of October 20, 1973.  Nixon fired Attorney General Richardson, who, in all good conscience, could not carry out this unjustified order.  Nixon then fired Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus, who also refused to carry out this order.  By all accounts, Elliot Richardson is considered to be a top notch manager and administrator, and a man of integrity.

The meeting begins at 8:00 A.M. on August 16 in the Governor's office.  The only ones in attendance are President Brooke, his Chief of Staff, Elliot Richardson, Governor Reagan, and his trusted confidante, Caspar Weinberger.

The President and his Chief of Staff are met with the usual cheery Reagan welcome of "good morning, Mr. President, Mr. Richardson.  You know my good friend, Cap Weinberger."  "Yes, good morning Governor, Mr. Weinberger, so nice to see you" replies the President.  All shake hands, then settle down at one end of the Governor's conference table.

"Governor, you know why I'm here," says the President.  "I have given this matter my most serious attention and deliberation.  I want you to serve as Vice President of the United States in my administration, and to be my running mate in 1976.  I will be seeking a full term as President.  Governor, I and my staff have been through an exhaustive list of potential candidates.  I have myself carefully considered all the names.  The final decision was made by me and me alone.  You are best for the country, and, let me be absolutely honest, Governor, you are best for me and my hopes of election in 1976." 

"Thank you, Mr. President, for your confidence in me, and for your honesty," says the Governor.  "It's no secret, as you know, and as I'm sure to most of the country, that I have presidential ambitions of my own.  I'm not so sure I want to spend the next six years in a supportive role, as President of the Senate."

"You'll be much more than the President of the Senate, I can assure you," replies the President.  "You will be a key member of my administration, in everything from the domestic council to national security.  As Vice President, you will be involved in crucial discussions and decisions.  Being only a heartbeat away from the Presidency, it cannot be any other way.  I know I have been considered to be a liberal in many respects, however, as a practical politician, I must move to the political center.  It is my responsibility to be the President for all Americans, and, I believe, most Americans are in the center, not on the far right or the far left.  I know how much importance you place in judges who will respect the constitution, and who will not legislate from the bench.  As President, you have my solemn pledge, if and when vacancies in the judiciary arise, that I will not appoint liberals who I believe would take it upon themselves to make laws.  Any judicial appointments I make as President will be be moderate at most.  Governor, I will be seeking one full term, and one full term only as President, and that will be in 1976.  Should I succeed in being elected in 1976 as President, you, as  Vice President, will have my full support and endorsement as the Republican Pesidential nominee in 1980.  I plan on having my Vice President being the most influential Vice President in history.  Regardless, one thing we must never forget, there is and can be, only one President of the United States at any one time.  There is no such as a Co-Presidency."

"I fully agree with that statement," says the Governor.  "That's how this nation works."   

The President has really sweetened the deal.  He wants Ronald Reagan as his Vice President, and he is willing to make concessions to get him.

"I will give you my answer in the morning, Mr. President," says the Governor.  "I will give honest and fair considertion to the matters raised in our discussion.  I will call you tomorrow morning."

The meeting ends by 12:00 noon, with cordial hand shakes and best wishes exchanged by all.  The President and his Chief of Staff fly back to Washington DC later that same day. 

On Air Force One, the President says to Elliot Richardson, "how do you think the meeting went, Elliot?"  "Very well," says Richardson, I feel good about the discussion.  Ron does not plan to seek re-election as Governor in 1976.  I'm sure he believes that Lieutenant Governor Ed Reinecke would make a fine Governor for California.  He would be handing the Governorship over to another Republican.  The Vice Presidency could certainly give him a public role between now and 1980.  I'm not sure if he wants to be taking on a sitting President for the nomination in 1976.  By 1980, the nomination would practically be his for the asking."  "Indeed," replies the President, "indeed it would."