The fascinating thing about this is an alternate history where Reagan dies in the assasination attempt and Ford is thrust into the presidency two separate times.
George H. W. Bush could become Secretary of State or Defense.
I imagine Ford would become President in 1988, and then in 1992 Vice President Tom Kean probably loses after twelve years of Republicans.
HW would have been a great Secretary of State. Probably better in that role than as president.
Ford was 75 years old in 88 and his first presidency has never been overly well regarded. HW may well have still ran and won.
Reagan was 73 in 1984.
I think Ford would be severely pressured to run in 1988 by both Reaganites and the establishment, probably alongside a young person. While originally I thought Tom Kean would be it, now I think either Kasich or Heinz. Probably the latter, considering Kasich only had six years in the House then.
