The liberal Republic

[President Johnson]

Autumn 1975: New York City on the brink of bankruptcy



"Rocky to City: You're saved!", with this headline, President Rockefeller made news on October 15, 1975

On October 15, two days after a meeting with Mayor Abraham Beame and Governor Bobby Kennedy, President Nelson Rockefeller issued a statement that the federal government would grant the City of New York a federal bailout to resolve the fiscal crisis within a very short period of time. According to the president, he agreed with congressional leaders for a package to help the city through a bailout. The Democrats were largely on his side, as was the moderate GOP wing, but conservatives were skeptical. They worried the federal debt as well as that such a step may open the door for other cities or even states to request for federal bailouts. Even members of his own administration expressed some reservations in private, such as Vice President Gerald Ford and Commerce Secretary John Connally. Others like Treasury Secretary Ray Shafer was strongly in favor of the measure. Once Rocky made his decision clear to request for action on Capitol Hill, all members of the cabinet publically supported their boss. The president reputedly assured them that this was not a carte blanche for other levels of government to receive federal bailouts; but the importance and urgency in NYC’s case convinced him to demand action from lawmakers. The congress, with Leader Humphrey and Speaker Albert at the forefront, acted very quickly; on October 21, President Rockefeller as able to sign a bailout bill into law: The federal government granted a loan of eight billion dollars and were to be repaid within six years with interest. In addition, the state of New York under the leadership of Governor Robert Kennedy granted some interest-free loans.

In New York, President Rockefeller’s handling of the issue got him praise from liberals and moderates as well as conservatives. An October 29 NYT-poll showed the president’s approval rating in the state taking a bump: It rose from 47% in August to 58% now.


October 26, 1975: Pennsylvania Governor Milton Shapp ends speculation over presidential run: He's out! Endorses Muskie



Governor Milton Shapp of Pennsylvania takes himself out of the presidential contest and endorses Senator Edmund Muskie instead

Milton Shapp, governor of Pennsylvania since 1971, was long considered a potential presidential contender. The 1976 election was seen as the (most likely) last chance for the 64 year old chief executive of the battleground state that awards a big number of electoral votes. On October 26, 1975, he ended speculation over a White House bid and announced that he would not run for America’s highest office. “I have decided that this is not my time and I have to stay focused on my job as governor for the coming years”, he said. Shapp, who won reelection last year, added that he would support any Democrat in the upcoming election. However, he expressed his support for Maine Senator Edmund Muskie as Democratic nominee. “Despite my admiration for all of the candidates we have, Senator Muskie is the one to win against President Rockefeller and the man to get the job done”, Shapp remarked. Muskie himself has not officially declared his candidacy, but that was scheduled for some time in November 1975. Muskie is likely to be George McGovern’s top-rival for the party’s nomination.


October 31, 1975: New Gallup polls, including for 1976

By the end of October 1975, President Rockefeller continued his slow rise in the polls thanks to an improving economy and the successes on the foreign stage. Within the Democratic presidential field, George McGovern remains in a solid position, leading the pack outside the margin of error. Lloyd Bentsen continues to exceed expectations and finishes ahead of fellow Southerner Jimmy Carter in this month's poll. Will it last? Or does Bentsen even have a long shot to take nomination? For the general election, President Rockefeller has nothing to worry to far: He has a healthy lead over any challenger.


President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 50%
Disapprove: 44%


1976 Democratic Party presidential nomination

Senator George McGovern: 24%
Senator Edmund Muskie: 17%
Senator Lloyd Bentsen: 15%
Former Governor Jimmy Carter: 14%
Senator Frank Church: 8%
Senator Scoop Jackson: 6%
Representative Mo Udall: 5%
Governor Milton Shapp: 1%
Someone else/undecided: 10%


1976 hypothetical general election match-ups

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 52%
George McGovern (D): 40%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 51%
Edmund Muskie (D): 44%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 52%
Jimmy Carter (D): 41%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 50%
Lloyd Bentsen (D): 41%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 53%
Scoop Jackson (D): 40%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 54%
Mo Udall (D): 38%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 53%
Frank Church (D): 41%

[President Johnson]

November 3 – 5, 1975: Major race riot strikes Detroit!



Detroit was hit by a major race riot in early November 1975

Eight years after the tragic race riots in Detroit, Michigan, the city again witnessed a tragic incident that led to a major riot. The turmoil begun in the early hours of November 2, when a white police officer shot a 20-year old African American who was accused of theft in a grocery store. According to witnesses of the housing block, the officer immediately opened fire and wounded the young man in his back that he died before an emergency call could be made. Later on, the allegations turned out to be false. The situation further escalated after the local police chief decided not to suspend the shooting officer from service until the incident was cleared. On the noon of November 3, several thousands of demonstrators, most black but even some whites, began the express their dissatisfaction. Throughout the evening and the night, the situation got of hand: several cars were burned, stores destroyed and police officers attacked, one being nearly killed. The next morning, it first seemed that the situation calmed down, but on the afternoon approximately 2,000 violent demonstrators attacked two local police stations. During this exchange, some officers opened fire and killed four more demonstrators and wounded over 50. Over 30 police cars were burned that day alone, hundreds of windows were broken. That evening Governor Milliken decided to send 1,500 National Guard troopers to the city to restore law and order. During the operation, over 200 violent protesters were wounded, one more killed by accident. On November 5 at noon, the situation was considered “under control”, although smaller incidents continued to occur.

President Nelson Rockefeller was soon informed about the situation and offered national troopers to help local authorities. From the afternoon of November 4, he received permanent briefings on the developments. On November 5 at 7 p.m., the president gave a nationwide live address in which he condemned any violence. He described the incident that killed the innocent young man as a “national tragedy”. The surprise came at the end when he said: “After conversations with local politicians, I will visit the city of Detroit and invite members of the black community, the police, religious leaders and members of my administration for a round table to discuss solutions. I am proud to announce that Attorney General Edward Brooke will join me in this important effort.”

On November 5, the said officer had to be suspended from duty after President Rockefeller himself made a phone call to the local police chief and the mayor. Some African American leaders, especially among the religious community, praised the president’s prompt and direct response. Leaders in congress like Hubert Humphrey also found positive words for Rocky’s handling of the issue.


November 10, 1975: President Rockefeller visits Detroit and turns directly to demonstrators



Surprisingly and spontanious, President Nelson Rockefeller went to demonstrators before the meeting site and listened to them

Five days after the tragic race riots in Detroit, Michigan, President Rockefeller together with his attorney general Edward Brooke, the first African American in that office, visited the city and held a round table to discuss police violence, racism and violence. However, the most stunning part came when peaceful demonstrators before the meeting place shouted: “Rocky: We demand actions, not nice words” and the president chose to seek a direct dialogue. With just a handful of Secret Agents, who advised the president not to go, Rocky directly walked to the protesters and talked to them. It wasn’t known what exactly they talked about, but the president reportedly condemned violence on both sides. Nevertheless, he promised to do everything in his power to enforce civil rights laws and urge the police to hire more African Americans. To accomplish this, the chief executive said he wanted to invite governors and mayors to the White House and pass a “Police officer job training program” that is designed to get more blacks into the police force. Attorney General Brooke promised to return in a few months to review the local progress that has been made. He urged other cities to initiate more dialogues like this and offered federal assistance.

In the end, President Rockefeller’s courageous and spontaneous move to go to the crowd of demonstrators and show empathy with just little security earned him great respect, especially among the black community.


November 20, 1975: Edmund Muskie announces presidential bid



After some delay, Senator Edmun Muskie (D-ME) has officially entered the presidental contest

Originally scheduled for November 5, Maine Senator Edmund Muskie finally announced his presidential bid for 1976. He had to postpone the announcement in light of the Detroit riots since all national attention was on the incident and President Rockefeller’s handling of it. On November 20, he formally kicked off his campaign in Maine and immediately moved to New Hampshire and then Iowa for campaign events. Muskie is considered one of the front-runners and has polled stronger than Senator George McGovern, who currently leads in polls for the primaries, for the general election. He is also seen as someone who can appeal to more moderate Democrats while receiving decent support from the liberals as well. Republican strategists, according to insider information, see him as a very formidable challenger and think he may be a vice presidential candidate if he fails to win the top-spot himself.

Muskie picked up important endorsements from governors and congressmen across the nation after declaring his candidacy. He also reportedly Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey’s favorite, although he formally pledged to remain neutral (just as Governor Robert Kennedy). A decent number of former Johnson cabinet members such as Nicholas Katzenbach also came out in support of Senator Muskie.


November 30, 1975: New Gallup polls, including for 1976

President Rockefeller benefits from his handling of the Detroit race riot and an improving economy. He stands now at 52% approval. After his announcement, Senator Muskie gets a bump within Democratic voters and has regained a strong second position, being in striking distance to Senator McGovern. Muskie is a heavy favorite for the New Hampshire primary, which was, together with Iowa (where McGovern is ahead), polled for the first time in this cycle. However, both states give President Rockefeller an advantage for the general election. Both states were polled with Muskie and McGovern only.


President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 52%
Disapprove: 44%


1976 Democratic Party presidential nomination

Senator George McGovern: 22%
Senator Edmund Muskie: 20%
Senator Lloyd Bentsen: 15%
Former Governor Jimmy Carter: 15%
Senator Scoop Jackson: 9%
Senator Frank Church: 8%
Representative Mo Udall: 4%
Someone else/undecided: 7%


1976 Democratic Party Iowa Caucus

Senator George McGovern: 28%
Senator Edmund Muskie: 23%
Senator Frank Church: 14%
Senator Lloyd Bentsen: 8%
Senator Scoop Jackson: 7%
Former Governor Jimmy Carter: 6%
Representative Mo Udall: 6%
Someone else/undecided: 18%


1976 Democratic Party New Hampshire Primary

Senator Edmund Muskie: 41%
Senator George McGovern: 16%
Senator Scoop Jackson: 14%
Senator Frank Church: 7%
Senator Lloyd Bentsen: 7%
Former Governor Jimmy Carter: 5%
Representative Mo Udall: 3%
Someone else/undecided: 7%


Iowa general election

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 54%
George McGovern (D): 39%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 51%
Edmund Muskie (D): 40%


New Hampshire general election

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 61%
George McGovern (D): 33%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 56%
Edmund Muskie (D): 38%

[President Johnson]

December 1 – 4, 1975: President Rockefeller’s Asia trip

Normalization of US-China relations in meeting with Mao: A diplomatic recognition soon?



During an Asia trip, President Nelson Rockefeller and his National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger met with Chinese leader Mao to discuss relations between the two powers

At the beginning of the new month, President Nelson Rockefeller undertook a four day trip to Asia. He was joined by high ranking officials of his administration such as National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger, White House Chief of Staff Malcolm Wilson and Deputy Secretary of State Robert Finch. His first stop was the most spectacular: Beijing. It was the second time an American president was hosted by Mao after then-President Lyndon Johnson made a visit in December 1970. As the president and the chairman stated after the meetings concluded, both sides agreed to prepare for negotiations to a similar disarmament treaty than the one currently underway with the Soviet Union. The latter one is obviously been useful to pressure Beijing to be engaged in the talks. The American press soon raised the possibility that the Rockefeller Administration may recognize the people’s republic diplomatically in the coming months or after the 1976 presidential election. The White House and State Department did not deny these reports.


Measurable progress in South Vietnam


In December 1975, Nelson Rockefeller for the first time as president visited South Vietnam. His counterpart in Saigon reported upon the progress that has been made on peace and the economy

After his Beijing visit, President Rockefeller was welcomed in Saigon, South Vietnam. Together with President Thieu, he announced that progress has been made and that over half of US aid would no longer be necessary. For the first time, in 1975, the South Vietnamese economy has stopped from declining and is even projected to slightly grow. The military situation has also been remarkably stable over the past twelve months with just minor incidents and sabotage acts from the North. Especially since South Vietnam, together with their American allies, begun to strengthen their border with fences and other facilities. Increased presence of troops and intelligence helped to reduce the number of guerilla fighters, although that was never halted. President Rockefeller expressed optimism that South Vietnam could take a similar direction than South Korea two decades earlier.

On his way back to America, the president made a brief stop on Tokyo for political talks with the Japanese government.


December 9, 1975: HUD Secretary Ivan Allen launches “Democrats for Rockefeller” campaign



HUD Secretary Ivan Allen, the only Democrat in the cabinet, has formally launched a campaign to promote Democratic cross-over support for President Rockefeller's reelection

HUD Secretary Ivan Allen, a progressive Georgia Democrat who has been a surprise pick for his job, has officially launched a “Democrats for Rockefeller” campaign to attract Democratic support for President Nelson Rockefeller’s reelection bid. It has been rumored for a while that some Democratic groups may throw their support behind the president. “The president has worked on a bipartisan basis to solve our domestic problems and been a staunch proponent of a strong foreign policy that ensures world peace and economic safety”, the former Atlanta Mayor said at an event in his hometown. “And while I believe we have excellent and competent men running on the Democratic side, I urge my fellow Democrats to support President Nelson Rockefeller and Vice President Gerald Ford in the upcoming election”, he added. Allen, an early and vocal supporter of civil rights, called upon African Americans to vote for President Rockefeller in the election. Allen and his campaign want to target blacks in the South, hoping to get southern states to vote for Rocky. How they will turn out in 1976 is going to be a wildcard, especially if neither Lloyd Bentsen nor Jimmy Carter get on the ticket. So far, there are no signs of a third-party ticket from Southern Democrats like Lester Maddox' run in 1972, but a late entry from a Dixiecrat might still happen. Black turnout in the South may increase again in the next election due to the Rockefeller Administration’s tough enforcement of civil rights and voting rights laws in the South. Especially under Attorney General Edward Brooke, the Justice Department has pursued strong execution of these Johnson-era laws (just earlier this year, President Rockefeller signed another extension of the 1965 Voting Rights Act into law).

[President Johnson]

I would guess I would have been a bigger fan of Rockefeller's foreign policy than Domestic

May be true for a lot of conservatives, though many opposed detente and the Panama Canal treaties that he and Ford advocated.

Foreign policy is usually less ideological; I think Reagan's second term foreign policy was not bad if you exclude Iran Contra.

[President Johnson]

I would guess I would have been a bigger fan of Rockefeller's foreign policy than Domestic

May be true for a lot of conservatives, though many opposed detente and the Panama Canal treaties that he and Ford advocated.

Foreign policy is usually less ideological; I think Reagan's second term foreign policy was not bad if you exclude Iran Contra.

I probably would have supported Detente until 1978(though not to the extent Carter supported it until then) until Communist Revolutions in Afghanistan and Central America probably would have made me turn against the policy of Detente. By 1979 I would have turned fully against it after the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan.

I largely agree with this. The question is whether to Soviet Union grew more agressive because of detente itsself or Carter's weakness in foreign policy, that was, despite noble intentions, naive in many ways if you exclude the Camp David Accords. I happen to believe it was a combination of both and inner Soviet reasons. Mainly to distract from the tremendous problems the country suffered and that ultimately led to the empire's downfall by the late 1980s and early 1990s.

[President Johnson]

The state of the presidential race on New Year’s Eve


Senators Edmund Muskie and George McGovern are locked in a fight for the Democratic nomination ahead of the 1976 primaries

So far, the non-contest on the Republican side allows President Rockefeller and his surrogates to focus on his record in office and the policy proposals he made. The president himself has given just a handful of campaign speeches so far and instead tries to portray himself as "the man in charge" who is more concered in running the federal government. On his behalf, administration members and Vice President Gerald Ford attended a decent number of campaign events.

More interesting is the contest for the Democratic nomination, in which Senator George McGovern is leading the pack in recent polls. McGovern has long been a vocal critic of the Rockefeller Administration and hopes to benefit from his clear stances. Although he slowed down a little after his favorite opponent, former Attorney General Spiro Agnew, resigned in disgrace in early 1975, McGovern is still seen as the attack dog against the Republicans. But unlike Agnew, the other members of the administration, including the president himself, have hardly responded to his criticisms. McGovern has shifted his attention towards foreign policy, where the administration gets high grades in polls. Secretary of State Richard Nixon has become a frequent target, but he sheldom responded to the attacks. “There is no need to comment on everything a leftist senator says”, Secretary Nixon recently told a reporter, “we are focused on the job and getting our message out to the people in this upcoming election. For myself, I am focused the most on representing the president and our country in the world to make it a safer place for generations to come. Actions matter, not words”. McGovern’s top-competitor within the Democratic field, Senator Edmund Muskie, has running a steady second for a while. He may not be the most inspiring candidate of all times, but he has two things working in his favor: He seems to be the most electable candidate out of the field, polling ahead of McGovern, Carter and Bentsen, but still trailing President Rockefeller by a decent margin. He is also a pragmatist. “If you want results, I’ll be your choice”, he constantly told supporters, "our campaign is about ideas. The ideas, that Democrats from FDR to JFK and LBJ fought for".


Senator Lloyd Bentsen and former Governor Jimmy Carter are the runner-ups, but Bentsen has recently overtaken Carter's stuggling campaign

Meanwhile, Jimmy Carter, the former Georgia governor and RFK’s running mate in 1972, who was seen an early favorite for the nomination has struggled to gain traction since announcing his bid for president earlier this year. He has been among the leading candidates in Democratic polls for most of the time after the 1972 election, but has lost momentum in recent months. In December, he secretly had to cut campaign personnel in New Hampshire to focus on Iowa. With Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas gaining support, the Carter campaign is put under increasing pressure. Especially in South, where the Georgian hoped to win enough contests early in the primary cycle, to gain enough momentum to wrap up the nomination. Now it seems that Bentsen may pursue this exact same strategy for himself. What may work in his favor: He has received several endorsements from current and former elected officials in the South, such as Senator and former governor Albert Brewer (D-AL) or Senate Majority Whip Robert Byrd (D-WV). Carter initially hoped for Robert Kennedy’s endorsement, but the New York governor, the most popular Democrat in America, pledged to stay neutral during the primaries and then support whoever the Democratic nominee is. Therefore, if someone wanted to bet on a Southerner leading the ticket, Bentsen may just be the man. Even if he falls short in the end, he may be angling for the vice presidential spot under McGovern or Muskie.

The remaining contenders, Frank Church, Mo Udall and Scoop Jackson, have difficulty to gain support outside their homestates. It remains to be seen whether they can gain enough traction to survive beyond the first primaries or whether they will quickly result into a two or three way race between the frontrunners.


John Connally: "Democratic candidates are already losers"



Commerce Secretary John Connally told the press that he has little doubt his boss will get reelected

On December 30, 1975, Commerce Secretary John Connally made headlines when he called the candidates running for his former party's nomination out. The Republican-turned former Texas Governor said during an interview with the Washington Post that the Democratic contenders are "already losers". "On one side, you have fellows like McGovern who is going hard-left in a center-oriented country like this is, with a message that is not resounding with the public", he told the Post, "on the other side you have some nice fellows with a pragmatic approach, like Muskie, who essentially says 'Rockefeller is somehow bad, but I continue almost all his policies and do a better job'. And then you have two Southerners, both nice guys, with little vision for the nation. The other players are irrelevant or are trying to get attention with ridiculous proposals like Scoop Jackson, who could talk us into a war". Connally added that he likes almost any of the candidates, but neither of them is "presidential material" in his opinion. The secretary expressed his assment that President Rockefeller will smash the Democratic candidate, who ever it may be, in the November general election. He pointed to the improving economy, growth expectations and the "tall stance on the world stage", Rocky's charisma and ability to appeal to different voter factions across party lines as reasons why he expects his boss to win a decisive victory over any challenger.

Asked whether he has presidential ambitions himself, he responded that he might see himself in a presidential race in the distant future. "As a Republican, of course", he answered for which party's nomination he'd run. Connally early endorsed Nelson Rockefeller for president in 1972 and became a Republican. After his victory, Rocky rewared the Texan's support and made him Commerce Secretary. As such, he established closer relations to business and represented his boss and US commerce on foreign soil. He has also been appointed chief financial officer of President Rockefeller's ongoing reelection campaign. Rocky himself indicated that he wants the former Texas governor and personal friend of late President Lyndon Johnson to stay on in a second term.


December 31, 1975: New Gallup polls

President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 50%
Disapprove: 43%


1976 Republican Party presidential nomination

President Nelson Rockefeller: 87%
Someone else/undecided: 13%


1976 Democratic Party presidential nomination

Senator George McGovern: 24%
Senator Edmund Muskie: 23%
Senator Lloyd Bentsen: 16%
Former Governor Jimmy Carter: 14%
Senator Frank Church: 8%
Representative Mo Udall:7%
Senator Scoop Jackson: 4%
Someone else/undecided: 4%


1976 Democratic Party Iowa Caucus

Senator George McGovern: 29%
Senator Edmund Muskie: 25%
Senator Frank Church: 13%
Senator Lloyd Bentsen: 11%
Senator Scoop Jackson: 5%
Former Governor Jimmy Carter: 5%
Representative Mo Udall: 5%
Someone else/undecided: 7%


1976 Democratic Party New Hampshire Primary

Senator Edmund Muskie: 44%
Senator George McGovern: 12%
Senator Scoop Jackson: 12%
Senator Frank Church: 9%
Senator Lloyd Bentsen: 8%
Representative Mo Udall: 4%
Former Governor Jimmy Carter: 3%
Someone else/undecided: 8%


1976 hypothetical general election match-ups

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 54%
George McGovern (D): 40%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 51%
Edmund Muskie (D): 43%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 54%
Jimmy Carter (D): 41%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 53%
Lloyd Bentsen (D): 43%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 55%
Scoop Jackson (D): 39%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 52%
Mo Udall (D): 41%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 53%
Frank Church (D): 41%

[President Johnson]

January 1, 1976: US economy officially out of recession

Good news for the Rockefeller Administration just at the beginning of the election year: During the fourth quarter of 1975, the economy grew 1.6% and is officially out of recession. Growth for the first quarter of 1976 is projected to be at least 2.5%. Inflation fell to just 8%. Still a high number, but a significant improvement from a year earlier. Unemployment is still at a high level, currently standing at 8.9%, but usually renewed growth takes a while to affect the labor market.


January 6, 1976: Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott will retire



Senator John Glenn delivered the Democratic rebuttal to the State of the Union Address and used his past as astronaut to criticize the administration's cuts to the space program

For the Democratic response, Ohio Senator and former astronaut John Glenn has been chosen. Glenn became a senator in 1974. The senator criticized that President Rockefeller’s address as “the most unspecific in history”. “The president talked for 35 minutes, yet he remained extremely unspecific. Demanding a few funds here and there for some program with a nice headline, he hardly made concrete proposals. Maybe because he is running out of ideas or too tired to present them, or he has too much opposition from the right wing of his own party. We don’t know that. What we do know, is that the Democrats have better ideas that actually work for everyone in this country”. Glenn also used his past as astronaut to criticize the administration’s cuts to the space program. “The president cut funds shortly after taking office and never again asked congress to restart our space missions. America is lagging behind the Soviets while this same president tries to negotiate with Moscow. Now he demanded more money for science without naming details. A war in cancer is all he mentioned. That is a good idea, but way to less. Therefore my message is clear: America deserves better. By the end of the year, it is on our hands to make this change happen”, Senator Glenn closed his remarks.


January 31, 1976: New Gallup polls

Just ahead of the Iowa Caucus, George McGovern seems poised to win the first contest of his party. President Rockefeller is running without opposition for the Republican nomination as his approval rating is surging.

President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 53%
Disapprove: 40%


1976 Democratic Party Iowa Caucus

Senator George McGovern: 30%
Senator Edmund Muskie: 22%
Senator Lloyd Bentsen: 13%
Senator Frank Church: 10%
Former Governor Jimmy Carter: 8%
Senator Scoop Jackson: 6%
Representative Mo Udall: 5%
Someone else/undecided: 5%

[President Johnson]

February 3, 1976

ELECTION SPECIAL: In Iowa, McGovern cruises to first victory in ’76 season, Jackson quits



Iowa Democratic Caucus
✓ George McGovern: 30.2%
Edmund Muskie: 21.3%
Lloyd Bentsen: 15.9%
Frank Church: 10.4%
Jimmy Carter: 10.1%
Mo Udall: 7.7%
Scoop Jackson: 4.0%

Here we are, Democratic voters in Iowa have spoken: The first contest of the 1976 election season goes to Senator George McGovern of South Dakota. He pulled out an easy win over his Democratic rivals, most notably Maine Senator Edmund Muskie. Polls already suggested a McGovern win, who has decent support in his neighboring state. Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen, who surged in state and national polls most recently thanks to a strong campaign operation and notable endorsements, came in a very strong third, getting almost 16%. His performance is a boost for his campaign and an early indication that Mr. Bentsen, not Mr. Carter, is the leading southerner in this primary race. Frank Church, the senator from Idaho with some appeal to rural voters, overperformed expectations and finished in fourth place and very narrowly beat Jimmy Carter. For the former Georgia governor and 1972 vice presidential nominee, this result is a disappointment after he transferred his efforts from New Hampshire to Iowa in a last-minute operation. Now he just barely hit double digits, finishing fifth place. In New Hampshire, he is expected to do even worse. His hopes are now hanging on the South, though Bentsen may prevent this from happening.



For Senator Scoop Jackson, the presidential campaign is already over after a disappointing showing in the Iowa Caucus

Meanwhile, the man who first declared his candidacy is also the first one to quit the race: After coming in last, Washington senator Scoop Jackson announced his drop-out. “There is no path for me after this painful defeat”, he told supporters. Asked for an endorsement, he declined. He would support Muskie or Bentsen as the nominee, but expressed reservations over McGovern and his “weak foreign policy”, the former candidate told a reporter.

On the Republican side, there is nothing to see at all. President Nelson Rockefeller received 98% of the vote and has no significant opposition on his way to the GOP nomination.


February 6, 1976: Speaker Carl Albert to retire



House Speaker Carl Albert announced he's retiring by the end of the 94th congress in 1977

Amidst the just started primary season, the second high-ranking congressional leader announced his retirement: Speaker Carl Albert (D-OK) will leave congress by early next year and vacate the speaker’s post. His likely successor as leader of the House Democrats is current Majority Leader Tip O’Neill (D-MA). If the Democrats keep their house majority, which is likely at this point even if Nelson Rockefeller wins a second term as president, he would be the new speaker as well. Albert, turning 68 this year, has been speaker since 1971.

[President Johnson]

How ironic would it be that the first Republican ever to dominate in the south would be Rockefeller(Due to McGovern being the Dem Nominee)

In the TL, Nixon won all the South except for Texas, Arkansas and North Carolina against LBJ in 1968. If McGovern was to be the nominee, he would be well-advised to pick a Southerner as VP (Bentsen, Brewer or Askew).

[President Johnson]

February 10, 1976

ELECTION SPECIAL: Viva Muskie! Maine Senator wipes out opponents in New Hampshire, Bentsen strong third, Carter way behind



President Rockefeller shakes hands during his trip through the South; here in Virginia on February 13, 1976

President Nelson Rockefeller’s southern strategy takes shape: The White House announced just a day in advance, that the chief executive will begin a one week trip towards the southern states from Virginia all the way through Texas. The only state he didn’t visit during this trip is Florida, where he enjoys the highest level of support among any former confederate state: In their January survey, Gallup found a 55% approval rating for Rocky in the Sunshine state and just 37% disapprove his job performance. His foreign policy had a 65% approval rating in Florida and 67% among all Americans, according to Gallup and the New York Times. The president’s trip is an official event, but the president used the opportunity to give at least one speech in each of these states: Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and finally Texas, where Commerce Secretary John Connally joined his boss. Permanently on Rocky’s side was HUD Secretary Ivan Allen, the former Atlanta Mayor, civil-rights advocate and head of “Democrats for Rockefeller”. The president also held several roundtables with various groups: African Americans in the cities as well as rural white working class workers. The press was allowed to participate an all of these townhalls, where citizens could directly talk to the head of state. Over the course of his conversations, the president often addressed economic equality and promised programs to help farmers as well as further initiatives to “clean up the slams”. He already praised the landmark 1973 bill for urban development; a program that Secretary Allen oversaw. In addition, the president expressed his support for free trade to help farmers export their goods.

As journalists noted, Nelson Rockefeller’s Southern strategy differs from Richard Nixon’s one in his failed 1968 presidential bid by focusing on economic equality and conservation instead of cultural issues. Of course, the Rockefeller Administration vigorously executed civil rights laws mostly enacted during the Johnson years, but the president tried to focus on economic matters, especially when he was among whites. “I want to focus on what unites us as Americans”, President Rockefeller told a man who said he voted for Lester Maddox in 1972, “I believe every Americans wants a decent paying job, respect and their country being a force for peace in the world. These issues are more important than skin color. Let’s move forward together”.


February 22, 1976: New primary polls ahead of next contests

Ahead of the primaries in Nevada and South Carolina, which take place at the same date this year, Gallup released some new polls on the Democratic side. It looks like Jimmy Carter could be in trouble in the South, what threatens is White House ambitions. Lloyd Bentsen is poised to be the leading man from the South.


1976 Democratic Party Nevada Caucus

Senator George McGovern: 25%
Senator Edmund Muskie: 21%
Senator Lloyd Bentsen: 14%
Senator Frank Church: 14%
Representative Mo Udall: 12%
Former Governor Jimmy Carter: 9%
Someone else/undecided: 5%


1976 Democratic Party South Carolina Primary

Senator Lloyd Bentsen: 27%
Former Governor Jimmy Carter: 25%
Senator Edmund Muskie: 17%
Representative Mo Udall: 13%
Senator George McGovern: 7%
Senator Frank Church: 4%
Someone else/undecided: 7%

[President Johnson]

February 24, 1976

ELECTION SPECIAL: Carter prevails in South Carolina; Muskie wins Nevada, Udall second



South Carolina Democratic Primary
✓ Jimmy Carter: 28.8%
Lloyd Bentsen: 24.7%
Edmund Muskie: 18.5%
Mo Udall: 10.9%
George McGovern: 9.8%
Frank Church: 7.1%


Nevada Democratic Caucus
✓ Edmund Muskie: 25.0%
Mo Udall: 20.7%
George McGovern: 20.5%
Frank Church: 16.6%
Lloyd Bentsen: 8.5%
Jimmy Carter: 8.3%

South Carolina gave Jimmy Carter the victory he badly needed. The most recent poll from the state saw a slight edge for Lloyd Bentsen, who ultimately came in second. His win gives former Governor Carter just little relief for his ongoing campaign, because he came in last in Nevada, where Edmund Muskie surprisingly edged out a victory over his rivals. George McGovern, who was expected to win the Silver State by a close margin fell to third place after Congressman Mo Udall heavily campaigned in the neighboring state of his native Arizona and finished second. More concern for McGovern should be his weak performance in South Carolina, where his support among Democrats is not very strong. But Senator Muskie has reason to worry in this region, too, since he couldn't get beyond the third place here either. "Both Mr. McGovern and Mr. Muskie must find ways to improve their standing in the South for the general election in November. Otherweise, a path towards 270 electoral votes looks like an uphill battle. Especially when Nelson Rockefeller is expected to overperform in the North Atlantic states", a commentator wrote for the Washington Post. He also suggested that Udall and Church are likely to drop out of the race soon, since they failed to win any state so far. "De facto, we have a four-way contest between Muskie, McGovern, Bentsen and Carter. Of course, Mr. Bentsen has yet a state to win as well, but he has overperformed early expectations and did very well in contests he wasn't supposed to. The looming Super Tuesday will clear the field and we will be able to see in which direction this primary battle will ultimately go", the report further states.


The Democratic map:

Edmund Muskie
George McGovern
Jimmy Carter
Lloyd Bentsen
Mo Udall
Frank Church


February 29, 1976: New Gallup polls

Good news for the president in the monthly Gallup polls: Rocky has gained popularity among the electorate as his approval rating climbed to 54%. The improving economy is mainly respsonsible for this developments, commentators say. The January jobs report showed job growth again and unemployment droping to 8.1%. Still a high number, but a signifcant improvement from the previous year. If job growth continues at the current rate, it will fall below 7% before election day in November. Rocky's robust approvals are also reflecting on general election polls: The president maintains healthy leads over any of the Democratic candidates. Among them, Muskie and McGovern are in a dead heat for the Democratic nomination, but Muskie does better in general election polls.

President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 54%
Disapprove: 40%


1976 Republican Party presidential nomination

President Nelson Rockefeller: 90%
Someone else/undecided: 10%


1976 Democratic Party presidential nomination

Senator George McGovern: 25%
Senator Edmund Muskie: 25%
Senator Lloyd Bentsen: 19%
Former Governor Jimmy Carter: 15%
Senator Frank Church: 6%
Representative Mo Udall: 5%
Someone else/undecided: 5%


1976 hypothetical general election match-ups

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 55%
George McGovern (D): 38%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 52%
Edmund Muskie (D): 41%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 54%
Jimmy Carter (D): 40%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 54%
Lloyd Bentsen (D): 41%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 55%
Mo Udall (D): 39%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 55%
Frank Church (D): 39%

[President Johnson]

March 2, 1976

ELECTION SPECIAL: Super Tuesday produces wins for Muskie, McGovern, Carter and Bentsen; Udall and Church to drop out




Alabama Democratic Primary
✓ Jimmy Carter: 32.8%
Edmund Muskie: 25.2%
Lloyd Bentsen: 23.3%
George McGovern: 8.5%
Mo Udall: 4.3%
Frank Church: 3.9%

Arkansas Democratic Primary
✓ Lloyd Bentsen: 38.0%
Jimmy Carter: 21.9%
Edmund Muskie: 19.4%
George McGovern: 11.5%
Mo Udall: 5.3%
Frank Church: 2.7%

Colorado Democratic Caucus
✓ George McGovern: 29.2%
Lloyd Bentsen: 22.5%
Edmund Muskie: 20.5%
Frank Church: 11.5%
Jimmy Carter: 8.4%
Mo Udall: 6.8%

Georgia Democratic Primary
✓ Jimmy Carter: 56.5%
Edmund Muskie: 19.0%
Lloyd Bentsen: 13.4%
George McGovern: 6.6%
Mo Udall: 2.3%
Frank Church: 1.1%

Massachusetts Democratic Primary
✓ Edmund Muskie: 37.2%
George McGovern: 31.0%
Lloyd Bentsen: 12.3%
Frank Church: 7.4%
Jimmy Carter: 7.4%
Mo Udall: 2.2%

Minnesota Democratic Caucus
✓ George McGovern: 34.5%
Edmund Muskie: 29.5%
Frank Church: 14.1%
Jimmy Carter: 9.2%
Lloyd Bentsen: 7.8%
Mo Udall: 3.8%

Oklahoma Democratic Primary
✓ Edmund Muskie: 29.1%
Lloyd Bentsen: 27.7%
George McGovern: 20.5%
Jimmy Carter: 13.4%
Mo Udall: 4.5%
Frank Church: 3.2%

Tennessee Democratic Primary
✓ Jimmy Carter: 28.5%
Lloyd Bentsen: 28.2%
George McGovern: 18.0%
Edmund Muskie: 15.8%
Frank Church: 6.5%
Mo Udall: 2.5%

Texas Democratic Primary
✓ Lloyd Bentsen: 45.2%
Edmund Muskie: 22.2%
Jimmy Carter: 12.3%
George McGovern: 9.4%
Mo Udall: 7.7%
Frank Church: 1.2%

Virginia Democratic Primary
✓ Edmund Muskie: 25.7%
Lloyd Bentsen: 24.8%
Jimmy Carter: 21.4%
George McGovern: 18.4%
Frank Church: 3.3%
Mo Udall: 3.1%

Vermont Democratic Primary
✓ Edmund Muskie: 41.4%
George McGovern: 22.9%
Frank Church: 17.4%
Lloyd Bentsen: 10.1%
Jimmy Carter: 5.2%
Mo Udall: 2.2%


“Nomination far from settled, but Muskie is the frontrunner now”



Maine Senator Edmund Muskie has taken a small lead in the delegate count

As voters in several states cast their ballots for the Democratic primary, a clear winner has not determined. But Edmund Muskie clearly over performed expectations and polls by winning important contests or having a decent showing in races others decided in their favor. The Maine senator even won, unexpectedly, the state of Virginia, where Bentsen and Carter were splitting the southern votes from moderates and gave Muskie a small win. “While Super Tuesday didn’t settle the race for the Democratic nomination, it is fair to say that Senator Muskie has emerged as frontrunner”, an analyst wrote for the Washington Post. What became apparent, though, that long-time George McGovern has less support among voters than observers, and probably he himself, anticipated. Colorado and Minnesota were the only states he won on this March 2, and the senator’s performance in the many states of the south should be an alarming signal when it comes to the general election. Currently he is even trailing both Bentsen and Carter in the delegates count, with Muskie in the lead. But at this early state in the campaign, there is plently of time to overcome the deficit McGovern currently has.

The two southerners battling for the nomination, Jimmy Carter and Lloyd Bentsen, both had notable wins from this region. Both easily won their respective homestates, Georgia and Texas, as well as neighboring states that voted on this day (expect for Edmund Muskie's close win in Oklahoma, where Bentsen hoped to be victorious as well). Senator Bentsen keeps the edge over Governor Carter as he won the largest price this day, his native of Texas. Bentsen has also done better in most northern states than his rival, what helps his argument that he is the “most electable southerner”.


Frank Church and Mo Udall suspend their campaigns


Senator Frank Church (l) and Congressman Mo Udall dropped out of the race after poor showings on Super Tuesday, narrowing the field down to four candidates

For Senator Frank Church of Idaho and Congressman Mo Udall of Arizona, the 1976 presidential campaign ends on this Super Tuesday. At least when it comes to being a contender for the presidential nomination. Despite being able candidates with political skills, both missed to carry any state, thus making it impossible to catch up with their competitors. On election night, both gave a speech before supporters, thanking them and announcing their decision to leave the race. “I’ve done my best and will continue to do so that we elect a Democrat in the fall”, Udall said. “Our cause to fight for ordinary people and make government an honorable servant of the people goes on”, Church noted when he spoke to his friends and the public. The remaining four candidates thanked them for their “fair fought” campaigns and spoke well of the two former candidates. Media observers suggested both would be possible vice presidential candidates for whoever the nominee is. While Udall didn’t respond to such questions immediately, Senator Church said it was “premature” but of course “he’d pick up the phone”.


The Democratic map:

Edmund Muskie: ~ 9% of delegates
Lloyd Bentsen: ~6% of delegates
Jimmy Carter: ~ 4% of delegates
George McGovern: ~4% of delegates
Mo Udall: >1% of delegates
Frank Church: >1% of delegates
Scoop Jackson: 0% of delegates

[President Johnson]

Early March 1976: A contentious senate primary in New York takes shape



Senator James Buckley (Conservative-NY) is running for reelection as a Republican with President Nelson Rockefeller's blessing in exchange for some political favors

Amidst the Democratic presidential primaries, there are few down-ballot races worth following. One of them, and probably one of the closest watched senate elections, is the race in the Empire State. Incumbent senator James Buckley is running for reelection to a second term in office. Assigned with the regional New York Conservative Party, he is a member of the Republican Caucus in the senate and intends to run as a Republican in the upcoming election. In 1970, he defeated sitting Republican Charles Goodell, the current Labor Secretary, a Rockefeller appointee to fill the seat vacated by Robert Kennedy’s election to the vice presidency, as well as the Democrat. Recent reports with sources directly from the White House revealed that the president eyed to replace Buckley with a more moderate Republican from his former Albany circles. As sources confirm, Rocky ultimately backed off to avoid a party split and struck a deal with Buckley: The president would de facto support the senator’s reelection in exchange for Buckley rallying conservatives across the nation and being not too outspoken in his opposition to the administration’s détente policy. According to insider information, former California governor Ronald Reagan at a private White House reception earlier this year urged Nelson Rockefeller to back Senator Buckley and some other of his conservative allies at Capitol Hill. In return, Reagan promised to get conservatives to support the reelection campaign of President Rockefeller. Reagan, who wants to remain in the spotlight, already stumped the campaign trail for down-ballot GOP candidates across the nation, including members of the party’s moderate wing.


Bella Abzug and Pat Moynihan want to run against Buckley, but Governor Bobby Kennedy is not ready to back either of them for different reasons...

On the Democratic side, things are different and more interesting: The race for the opposing party’s nomination first seemed to be a head-to-head contest between Congresswoman and prominent feminist Bella Abzug and the more conservative public servant Pat Moynihan, who was ambassador to India under President Lyndon Johnson. For a while, New York Governor Robert Kennedy seemed to stay neutral in the race, but according to one of his aides, the former vice president became more and more unhappy with both of these candidates: “The governor thinks Abzug is too controversial to win the election and Moynihan is too conservative for his taste”, the New York Times wrote. “Bobby Kennedy, after his narrow 1972 loss to Nelson Rockefeller and his comeback two years later, still remains to most influential Democrat in the entire nation alongside Majority Leader Humphrey, and his voice should not be underestimated in this process.” Beginning in early February, RFK reportedly begun searching for an alternate candidate who could unseat Buckley in November and be a voice for his own policies on the senate floor. By early March, he apparently found his man: His own lieutenant governor Mario Cuomo was Bobby’s favorite to reclaim his old senate seat for the Democrats. Mr. Cuomo, whose selection as RFK’s running mate in the 1974 gubernatorial election was a surprise for almost anyone, is reportedly ready to jump into the senate race lately. He had to be talked out of a planned candidacy for mayor of New York City in the off-year elections in 1977. Mr. Cuomo is expected to announce his senate bid within the coming days and change the dynamic of a very closely watched senate contest.



... instead, RFK encourages his lieutenant governor Mario Cuomo to run

The New York primaries for president and the senate will take place on April 20. Just by the end of last year, Governor Bobby Kennedy signed a law to move the down-ballot primaries from September to April when the presidential primary also takes place.


March 6, 1976

ELECTION SPECIAL: McGovern wins Kansas and Nebraska, Bentsen takes Louisiana; bad night for Carter



Kansas Democratic Caucus
✓ George McGovern: 31.5%
Edmund Muskie: 28.1%
Lloyd Bentsen: 23.3%
Jimmy Carter: 17.0%

Louisiana Democratic Primary
✓ Lloyd Bentsen: 39.2%
Edmund Muskie: 24.2%
Jimmy Carter: 23.5%
George McGovern: 12.8%

Nebraska Democratic Primary
✓ George McGovern: 36.0%
Edmund Muskie: 27.4%
Lloyd Bentsen: 22.0%
Jimmy Carter: 14.1%




For Jimmy Carter, it wasn't a good night

March 6, 1976 was a Saturday and saw three primaries in smaller states. Two in the Great Plains and one in the South. George McGovern, whose campaign successfully reached out to farmers, won contests in Kansas and Nebraska, each by decent, though not massive, margin. After underperforming on Super Tuesday earlier this week, the South Dakota senator has regained some momentum for his campaign. In Louisiana, Lloyd Bentsen scored an easy victory over his rivals, most notably fellow Southerner Jimmy Carter, who even finished slightly behind Edmund Muskie. Muskie came in second in all of these three caucuses and primaries following his success on Super Tuesday. For Senator Bentsen, this Saturday worked out pretty well while Jimmy Carter’s campaign is back in the crisis mode. The former Georgia governor and 1972 vice presidential nominee heavily underperformed in these March 6 races after Bentsen already took southern states away from him. States, Mr. Carter initially hoped to secure early on to gain enough momentum on his way to the nomination. Lloyd Bentsen is the actual surprise in this whole race. When he announced his candidacy in mid-1975, he was not expected to do this well and last that long; and even if he falls short in the end, he had a solid performance that keeps the door open for future presidential ambitions or even make him a leading contender for the vice presidential nomination this cycle.


The Democratic map:

Edmund Muskie: ~ 9% of delegates
Lloyd Bentsen: ~7% of delegates
George McGovern: ~6% of delegates
Jimmy Carter: ~ 4% of delegates
Mo Udall: >1% of delegates
Frank Church: >1% of delegates
Scoop Jackson: 0% of delegates

[President Johnson]

March 9, 1976

ELECTION SPECIAL: McGovern wins Michigan, Muskie his native Maine, Bentsen upsets Carter in Mississippi



Maine Democratic Caucus
✓ Edmund Muskie: 66.2%
George McGovern: 18.3%
Lloyd Bentsen: 9.4%
Jimmy Carter: 5.8%

Michigan Democratic Primary
✓ George McGovern: 35.9%
Edmund Muskie: 30.3%
Lloyd Bentsen: 22.4%
Jimmy Carter: 11.1%

Mississippi Democratic Primary
✓ Lloyd Bentsen: 32.8%
Jimmy Carter: 32.3%
Edmund Muskie: 24.6%
George McGovern: 9.9%

Lloyd Bentsen was the name most talked about on this election night. While George McGovern managed to decide the Michigan primary in his favor and Edmund Muskie, as expected, won his native of Maine decisively, Bentsen upset Carter in Mississippi. The latest polls saw a clear advantage for the former Georgia governor, but the Texas senator pulled out a close victory. ?A stunning upset that gives Mr. Bentsen momentum?, a CBS reporter in Mississippi told Walter Cronkite in his studio. Although Bentsen must start winning states outside the South if he wants to remain a factor in this race, he is now far ahead of Jimmy Carter in delegate count and the popular vote. Carter hoped to end his streak of defeats in Mississippi, and again he fell short. Political observers wrote that a Carter nomination is almost ?off the table? at this point. ?It is not just the raw delegate count, it is also the lost momentum?, the Washington Post wrote the next day.


The Democratic map:

Edmund Muskie: ~ 10% of delegates
Lloyd Bentsen: ~ 8% of delegates
George McGovern: ~ 8% of delegates
Jimmy Carter: ~ 4% of delegates
Mo Udall: >1% of delegates
Frank Church: >1% of delegates
Scoop Jackson: 0% of delegates


March 11, 1976

BREAKING: Jimmy Carter quits presidential campaign



Just the previous evening, rumors began to swirl that Jimmy Carter would suspend his campaign after he returned to Plains, Georgia. That night, his team announced an ?important announcement? the next morning. In the early hours of March 11, Jimmy Carter addressed supporters and the press in Georgia:

Jimmy Carter: Ladies and Gentlemen, my dear friends. When I started this campaign last September, I promised you to be open and honest. Now to say it doesn?t hurt would not be true. But I came to the conclusion that we lack the amount of support from our fellow Democrats we need to win the nomination. Therefore [No! No! shouts]? Therefore, I will suspend my campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. It was an honor to represent all of you; Rosalyn and I are proud for the support you gave as and it will always remain in our hearts. Thank you, god bless you, and god bless the United States of America.

In the end, Mr. Carter?s drop-out was a logical consequence of a campaign ill organized that failed to gain traction on the ground and struggled with fundraising. After Carter?s exit from the race, some of his staffers spoke ill of Governor Robert Kennedy, blaming him for not endorsing his former running mate. Kennedy circles didn?t respond to the criticism.

Whether his political career would be over remains to be seen, but many observers wrote the 52 year old former governor off after his failed campaign and the defeat as RFK?s running mate in 1972.


March 13, 1976: President Rockefeller establishes anti-discrimination bureau within Armed Forces, reaches out to blacks



President Rockefeller meets with civil rights leaders before he announces a new civil rights policy within the armed forces

While the Democrats are engaged in their nomination battle, President Nelson Rockefeller just made few campaign stumps and rarely commented on the Democratic primary. But it is an open secret that he likes to run against George McGovern because he feels that he is the easiest to beat. Ronald Reagan commented he?d like McGovern to represent the Democrats in the election; McGovern himself accused the Rockefeller White House and its ?right-wing allies around Mr. Reagan? of ?arrogance?. Instead, the president continues to make policy from the Oval Office. But in recent months, especially since the November 1975 race riots in Detroit, he has increased his efforts to reach out to the black community through policy initiatives:

- Already in January, President Rockefeller instructed the Justice Department under Attorney General Brooke to review execution of civil rights laws and tighten up the process to make sure blacks in the South would vote in the upcoming election.

- On March 1, President Rockefeller approved a presidential memorandum for Defense Secretary Romney to work out a plan how more leading positions within the armed forces can be filled with blacks and other minorities. The president already appointed an unprecedented number of African Americans to high-ranking posts in all federal departments.

- On March 4, President Rockefeller granted executive clemency to over 400 non-violent drug offenders, mostly blacks, which were imprisoned under a 1973 law he approved and former Attorney General Agnew forcefully executed under the ongoing ?War on Drugs?.

On March 13, 1976, the president signed an Executive Order to establish an anti-discrimination bureau for the armed forces. Its purpose is simple: African Americans and other minorities serving in the armed forces can reach out to the bureau if they feel discriminated. The bureau then reviews the case and, if needed, provides legal assistance for victims of discrimination. The order also makes it easier for commanders who abuse their power to get fired. Defense Secretary George Romney announced he would immediately enforce the new policy. The civil rights community praised Rocky?s most recent actions and pointed out that he already was strong on the issue while serving as New York?s governor. Coretta Scott King, widow of late Martin Luther King, said that President Rockefeller was ?a true champion of civil rights?.



Coretta Scott King: "I appreciate the work President Nelson Rockefeller is doing for the African American community."

[President Johnson]

March 16, 1976

ELECTION SPECIAL: Important wins for Muskie on Super Tuesday II, McGovern still in striking distance, Bentsen wins only North Carolina



Florida Democratic primary
✓ Edmund Muskie: 42.3%
Lloyd Bentsen: 37.1%
George McGovern: 18.0%
Jimmy Carter: 2.1%

Illinois Democratic primary
✓ Edmund Muskie: 50.0%
George McGovern: 31.3%
Lloyd Bentsen: 17.6%

Missouri Democratic Primary
✓ George McGovern: 38.5%
Lloyd Bentsen: 30.4%
Edmund Muskie: 30.2%

North Carolina Democratic Primary
✓ Lloyd Bentsen: 48.1%
Edmund Muskie: 30.8%
George McGovern: 20.5%

Ohio Democratic Primary
✓ George McGovern: 43.6%
Edmund Muskie: 37.9%
Lloyd Bentsen: 17.7%

Also known as Super Tuesday II, March 16 saw wins for both major candidates, Ed Muskie and George McGovern, though the latter is still trailing the Maine senator in delegate count. However, there remains a pathway to the nomination for him after his impressing win in Ohio. Muskie surprisingly took Florida, a state that was expected to turn in Lloyd Bentsen’s favor. Bentsen was able to win a state on this day, though: He won the Democratic primary in North Carolina pretty easily. Muskie’s second place finish here as well as his upset victory in the Sunshine State, according to local Democratic officeholders, confirms his electability in the South, a region the party is even more worried now than in 1972. Nelson Rockefeller has built a strong campaign operation down there to drive cross-over African American support with the help of HUD Secretary Ivan Allen, who chairs “Democrats for Rockefeller”.


The Democratic map:

Edmund Muskie: ~ 17% of delegates
George McGovern: ~ 15% of delegates
Lloyd Bentsen: ~ 11% of delegates
Jimmy Carter: ~ 4% of delegates
Mo Udall: >1% of delegates
Frank Church: >1% of delegates
Scoop Jackson: 0% of delegates
Unpledged delegates¹: 5%

¹ unpledged/released delegates from dropped out candidates


March 19, 1976: Mario Cuomo enters hotly contested senate race in New York


Governor Bobby Kennedy of New York persuaded his lieutenant governor Mario Cuomo to enter the race for senate; Cuomo now officially entered the contest to unseat James Buckley

Out of all senate races this year, the contest in New York has driven the highest attention so far. With incumbent James Buckley running unopposed for the Republican nomination (what President Rockefeller reluctantly accepted in exchange for political favors and support from the conservative wing), the focus is now on the Democratic primary, scheduled for April: Lieutenant Governor Mario Cuomo has now officially entered the face. He is backed by his current boss, Governor Bobby Kennedy, who encouraged him to step into the race to stop conservative Democrat Pat Moynihan and feminist Bella Abzug from representing the party in the November election. “I believe we must unseat James Buckley, who has not represented the values of the Empire State”, Governor Kennedy said at Cuomo’s announcement rally, “I don’t know a better man to beat him and be the senator New York state deserves than my dear friend Mario Cuomo.” In his remarks, Cuomo thanked RFK and said he would oppose the Rockefeller Administration where needed but work with the president to find common ground for the interest of the state and the nation.

A poll just released by the New York Times the day after shows a virtual tie between Cuomo, Abzug and Moynihan for the nomination, each at roughly 30% support. While Abzug trailed Buckley for the general election 41-45%, Moynihan was in a dead heat with the incumbent at 43-43%. Cuomo led Buckley in the same poll 47-44%. President Nelson Rockefeller’s approval rating in New York was at 59%, the poll found, while 62% of New Yorkers approved Governor Robert Kennedy’s performance in office.

[President Johnson]

March 23, 1976

ELECTION SPECIAL: Muskie wins Arizona, McGovern Idaho and Utah

Arizona Democratic primary
✓ Edmund Muskie: 39.9%
Lloyd Bentsen: 30.4%
George McGovern: 27.4%

Idaho Democratic Caucus
✓ George McGovern: 46.6%
Edmund Muskie: 37.1%
Lloyd Bentsen: 16.0%

Utah Democratic Caucus
✓ George McGovern: 44.2%
Edmund Muskie: 34.5%
Lloyd Bentsen: 20.9%

Hardly a game changer, Senator McGovern won two out of three contests, but Senator Muskie won the biggest individual prize of the day: He took Arizona following the important endorsement of former candidate and Congressman Mo Udall (D-AZ) two days before. Lloyd Bentsen hoped to edge out a win in Arizona, but came in a distant second. Political observers already write his chances nearly off and raised the theory that he intends to win the vice presidential spot.


March 24, 1976: Jimmy Carter and Carl Albert endorse Edmund Muskie


Former candidate Jimmy Carter and outgoing Speaker Carl Albert expressed their preference for Edmund Muskie in the Democratic primary

Good news for Edmund Muskie: He picked up two notable endorsements. One from his former rival, Jimmy Carter, who praised Muskie’s “pragmatism and honesty” and another one from retiring House Speaker Carl Albert (D-OK). Senate Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey was declined to give a formal endorsement before the nomination is settled, but tactically he has supported Muskie by allowing him to give more senate speeches and support bills that come out of the Maine senator’s office.


March 30, 1976

ELECTION SPECIAL: Alaska for McGovern; Hawaii and Washington for Muskie!

Alaska Democratic Caucus
✓ George McGovern: 49.4%
Edmund Muskie: 36.4%
Lloyd Bentsen: 13.3%

Hawaii Democratic Caucus
✓ Edmund Muskie: 42.7%
George McGovern: 35.3%
Lloyd Bentsen: 20.8%

Washington State Democratic Caucus
✓ Edmund Muskie: 41.9%
George McGovern: 41.3%
Lloyd Bentsen: 15.1%

On March 30, the eyes of the nation went on the west. A good night for Edmund Muskie: He won the contest in the state of Hawaii, where he just held one campaign rally back in February, and upset George McGovern in Washington State by a very slim margin. McGovern obviously made a mistake by assuming he had the state in his bag and shifting attention to Wisconsin and New York, where primaries would be held in April. Muskie’s lead in the delegate count has shrunk by the end of March, with McGovern just barely behind. Some journalists already said with confidence that either Muskie or McGovern would be the nominee. “The odds are 50% Muskie and 45% McGovern at this point, with 5% someone else as a result of a brokered convention”, Walter Cronkite told his viewers on CBS. Sources close to the White House told the press, President Rockefeller is confident that he can beat both handily, but a staffer to Vice President Ford admitted the incumbent Republican ticket prefers McGovern as opponent since this would give them a larger mandate in November.


BREAKING: Lloyd Bentsen gives up – suspends his campaign



Senator Lloyd Bentsen fell short in the end, but he exceeded expectations in his race, keeping the doors for higher office in the future open

For Lloyd Bentsen, the final March contests were not encouraging. Although he garnered more support than expected in Northern and Western states, he was unable to attract enough Democratic primary voters to win a state of his own outside the South. In the late evening hours, Senator Bentsen announced the end of his campaign. Surrounded by a cheering group of supporters in Dallas, Texas, he gave an emotional speech by thanking volunteers and voters for their trust. “We fought as hard as we could, and we did way better than everyone expected as to perform. I am really proud of the campaign we ran and I hope that one day, our visions will be fulfilled”, the senator said. Bentsen encouraged his people to continue as he was seeking reelection to the senate (his seat was also up for election in 1976). Although the Texan fell short this time, he surprised America with a strong performance and his probably – for Muskie and McGovern alike – a top contender for the vice presidential spot. “We may be back in the game sooner than we think”, Bentsen closed his remarks. For some, this was already an indication he considers himself a potential running mate for the nominee. And while George McGovern said it was way too early to talk about VPs, Edmund Muskie publically congratulated his former rival to a “remarkable strong campaign”. Asked whether Bentsen could join a Muskie ticket, he responded: “Anyone who ran such a campaign is obviously a viable choice, but it’s too early to talk about this.”


The Democratic map:

Edmund Muskie: ~ 21% of delegates
George McGovern: ~ 20% of delegates
Lloyd Bentsen: ~ 11% of delegates
Jimmy Carter: ~ 4% of delegates
Mo Udall: >1% of delegates
Frank Church: >1% of delegates
Scoop Jackson: 0% of delegates
Unpledged delegates¹: 16%

¹ unpledged/released delegates from dropped out candidates


March 31, 1976: New Gallup polls

Little change in the president's approval rating in March as it dropped a little, but is still over 50%. For Nelson Rockefeller, there is not much to worry anway: He continues to hold a significant leader over both remaining Democratic contenders Edmund Muskie and George McGovern. For the Democrats, there is one more warning: The generic ballot poll, conducted for the first time in this cycle, has them up by just one point, which is a statistical tie. With these numbers, they would at least lose the seats they gained in the 1974 midterm elections and just keep a very slim majority in the House. They would also lose two or three seats in the senate, which is currently 55-45 Democratic.


President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 52%
Disapprove: 41%


1976 Democratic Party presidential nomination

Senator Edmund Muskie: 45%
Senator George McGovern: 41%
Someone else/undecided: 14%


1976 hypothetical general election match-ups

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 54%
George McGovern (D): 37%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 52%
Edmund Muskie (D): 40%


1976 generic congressional ballot

Democrats: 45%
Republicans: 44%

[President Johnson]

April 6, 1976

ELECTION SPECIAL: Double win for McGovern in Wisconsin and Wyoming. A turning point?



Wisconsin Democratic Caucus
✓ George McGovern: 52.9%
Edmund Muskie: 44.0%

Wyoming Democratic Primary
✓ George McGovern: 56.2%
Edmund Muskie: 41.3%

Are the two primaries of April 6 a turning point in the Democratic race or just a last hurrah of the McGovern campaign? George McGovern has managed to beat Edmund Muskie in both Wisconsin and Wyoming. These two victories, especially Wisconsin, pushes the South Dakota Senator ahead of his colleague from Maine in the delegate count, though he is still trailing in popular vote tallies overall. But the delegate count is what matters. The next primary is on April 20 in New York, where a large number of delegates are at stake. The outcome in the Empire State may become the real turning point here.


The Democratic map:

George McGovern: ~ 23% of delegates
Edmund Muskie: ~ 21% of delegates
Lloyd Bentsen: ~ 11% of delegates
Jimmy Carter: ~ 4% of delegates
Mo Udall: >1% of delegates
Frank Church: >1% of delegates
Scoop Jackson: 0% of delegates
Unpledged delegates¹: 16%

¹ unpledged/released delegates from dropped out candidates


ELECTION SPECIAL: Nelson Rockefeller is the presumptive Republican nominee



President Nelson Rockefeller has now officially secured more than enough safe delegates to capture the Republican presidential election again. He is de facto running unopposed for his party’s top spot, after all notable Republicans declined to challenge the sitting president. So far, he received at least 90% in each state contest, with some percentage points going to minor local candidates. Since the beginning of the month, President Rockefeller increased his campaign activities: He gave 15 speeches, traveled a dozen of states and frequently appeared on several local radio shows. His surrogates, mostly from within the administration, have conducted a series of rallies and attended fundraisers all over the country since the beginning of the year. Most notably, Vice President Gerald Ford made several speeches on his bosses’ behalf, especially at his base in the Midwest. Neither the president nor his surrogates commented much on the nomination battle on the Democratic side so far. Even direct attacks from the McGovern camp did not entice Nelson Rockefeller to respond.


April 9, 1976: “Hubert, you gotta do something”; Leaks reveal many Democratic leaders fear McGovern nomination



Senate Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey gets urged to do something to stop McGovern

Three days after the primaries in Wisconsin and Wyoming, the New York Times first reported on a leak within the Democratic leadership, both the National Committee (DNC) and congressional leaders. According to these sources, Democratic leaders are concerned that George McGovern may win the nomination for president. They fear that the controversial and very liberal senator is headed for a landslide loss to Nelson Rockefeller in November and even threaten Democratic majorities in the congress and give Republicans complete control of Washington for the first time since 1954. From one leaker, the Times received a protocol from a telephone call between Senate Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey and California Senator Alan Cranston, who urged Humphrey to reconsider his official neutrality in the primary. Especially because Humphrey is very popular in the Midwest, among progressives and unions members, which are also strong backers of McGovern.


Here is an excerpt of the call, dated April 7:

Senator Cranston: Hubert, you gotta do something about this guy, McGovern. I tell you, if he wins the nomination, we’re done. We might lose the House or even the senate. God forbid. This can’t happen. We can’t allow this. I talked to lots of folks over from the the House, they all tell me the story. It's goddamn serious.

Leader Humphrey: I know, Alan. George is a good man, but the points you’re making are accurate. So, what do we do?

Senator Cranston: You gotta endorse Muskie...

Leader Humphrey: And break my word? Does my endorsement in the remaining states even matter? Maybe. Maybe not.

Senator Cranston: You gotta do something, Hubert. My goodness, we can’t lose congress. The GOP right-wingers gonna hold Rocky hostage and prepare Raygun to get in. You want this? We have to send Ed up against Rocky. He might lose, too, but we keep congress and make more gains in ’78.

Leader Humphrey: That’s correct.

Senator Cranston: Man, if just Bobby would endorse Ed before the New York primary. He wants us to lose that he can try again in ’80. He always puts himself and his family ahead of the party. I hate it. I truly hate it.

Leader Humphrey: Yea, Bobby ain't do anything. He wants Cuomo in the senate and look forward to '80.

Both Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey and Senator Alan Cranston denied to comment on the New York Times story, but Humphrey’s office confirmed he intends to remain neutral. Edmund Muskie had not much to say other than his campaign was about winning the “hearts and minds of voters, not politicians”.  His rival, George McGovern, accused the Republicans of spreading such “dirty stories” in order to portray Democrats as divided. Republican circles deny any involvement, a spokesman to the Rockefeller campaign called the accusation by McGovern “complete nonsense”. Other Republicans used the report to smear McGovern. Ronald Reagan responded on his weekly television show: “It is well known that Mr. McGovern is a left-wing radical. Now we witness that even the old guard of the Democratic Party is running away from him as fast as they can.”


April 17, 1976: Polling special edition for New York

Some polls from the state of New York, released three days before the primaries, show a neck-in-neck race both the presidential as well as the senate level.

New York Democratic presidential primary
George McGovern: 45%
Edmund Muskie: 44%
Undecided: 11%

New York general election match-ups
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 55%
Edmund Muskie: (D): 40%

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 57%
George McGovern (D): 39%


New York Senate Democratic Primary
Pat Moynihan: 29%
Mario Cuomo:  27%
Bella Abzug: 24%
Undecided: 20%

New York Senate election match-ups
Pat Moynihan (D): 48%
James Buckley (R, inc.): 43%

Mario Cuomo (D): 47%
James Buckley (R, inc.): 43%

James Buckley (R, inc.): 45%
Bella Abzug (D): 42%

[President Johnson]

April 20, 1976

ELECTION SPECIAL: New York for Muskie! Cuomo wins hotly contested senate primary!



New York Democratic primary
✓ Edmund Muskie: 52.1%
George McGovern: 46.6%

A huge victory for Edmund Muskie! Polls predicted a close race against George McGovern, but in the end, the Maine senator emerged victorious in the Empire State. This again puts Muskie in the lead in the total delegate count over his only remaining competitor and is a major step towards the nomination. While Muskie celebrated his success, McGovern said it was defeat, but he would fight on. “The battle may be lost, but our fight towards a better and more just America continues. I am a fighter and will remain one, no matter what happens”, he told supporters in New York City. McGovern did considerably better within New York and even won Brooklyn and the Bronx by double digits, but underperformed in Upstate New York, what cost him the election.


The Democratic map:

Edmund Muskie: ~ 28% of delegates
George McGovern: ~ 23% of delegates
Lloyd Bentsen: ~ 11% of delegates
Jimmy Carter: ~ 4% of delegates
Mo Udall: >1% of delegates
Frank Church: >1% of delegates
Scoop Jackson: 0% of delegates
Unpledged delegates¹: 16%

¹ unpledged/released delegates from dropped out candidates


New York Senate Democratic primary
✓ Mario Cuomo: 40.8%
Pat Moynihan: 34.7%
Bella Abzug: 23.9%



Mario Cuomo has won the Democratic nomination for the senate in New York

In the end, it was easier that he himself thought: Lieutenant Governor Mario Cuomo seized a clear victory in the Democratic primary for senate. The RFK backed candidate, who is considered a standard liberal Democrat, defeated the more conservative diplomat Pat Moynihan and feminist congresswoman Bella Abzug by considerable margin. Cuomo served as Governor Kennedy’s second-in-command since January 1975 and will now face off against Republican senator James Buckley in November in a race that drew national attention. Cuomo also won the support of the minor Liberal Party.


April 22, 1976: George McGovern gets into heated exchange with Richard Nixon during senate hearing



After Senator George McGovern criticized the administration's foreign policy, Secretary of State Richard Nixon fought back at a Republican fundraiser

For George McGovern and Edmund Muskie, it was a difficult balance between campaigning and the senate. Both tried to make a busy impression since Republican circles repeatedly criticized them for not showing up to work. Just before the New York primary, Secretary of State Richard Nixon, who largely remained silent on the presidential campaign so far, attacked McGovern at a Republican fundraiser: “There is Senator McGovern, who accuses the president of arrogance because he [President Rockefeller] is busy with governing instead of being 24/7 on the [campaign] trail. Is this the same man who has a poor attendance record in the senate? So, he rarely shows up for work in the senate but thinks he himself was qualified to run the entire country? Draw your own conclusions what kind of a leader this would be.” Before Nixon’s remarks, McGovern attacked the administration’s foreign policy as “inconsistent”, described Nixon as an “insider hack and possibly corrupt” and accused President Nelson Rockefeller of “arrogance”, because he just made few campaign speeches so far. “Senator McGovern can say whatever he wants”, Nixon told the audience, “as a matter of fact, the American people greatly support this administration’s foreign policy because it is right. The other side has nothing substantial to offer.”



Then Senator McGovern got into a heated exchange with Nixon during a routine senate hearing

On April 22, 1976, Secretary Nixon appeared before the senate for a routine hearing, mainly to report on the progress of the SALT II treaty that was, according the Nixon, ready for signing later this year. After George McGovern took over the role as interviewer, he asked just one question on policy before his attention shifted towards the previous feud with Nixon:

Senator McGovern: Mr. Secretary, do you find it appropriate to comment on the ongoing presidential campaign as you have done recently in an effort to discredit certain candidates critical of the administration? And do you think this is helpful for America’s standing in the world?

Secretary Nixon: Senator, I assume you refer to my speech at a Republican fundraiser on April 19 in Hartford, Connecticut. What I can say is that even though I am serving as secretary of state, and am honored to do so, I have expressed my personal thoughts on the campaign. I have done so on American soil and I find none of the points I made are particular offensive or inaccurate. I deeply regret if you, Senator, feel otherwise. The points I made have only stated facts, of whom which I drew some of my own conclusions.

Senator McGovern: So, you think this was appropriate, Mr. Secretary?

Secretary Nixon: Senator, I have nothing more to add. If you feel my answer has been incomplete, you may specify or rephrase the question.

Senator McGovern: I am happy to do this for you, Secretary Nixon. Do you think it is appropriate if the Secretary of State, the chief diplomat of this nation who represents the President of the United States, is engaged in this kind of campaigning?

Secretary Nixon: Excuse me, Senator. I have made some political comments at a party fundraiser. I stated facts rather than getting engaged in corruption accusions against sitting officeholders that are false and misleading the American people. Facts, concerning attendance records of senators that happened to be candidates, and drew conclusion. If you want to argue this is inappropriate in general, you basically argue the secretary of state is not in title of an own opinion and not in title to defend the policies of this administration, that he is a key member of. I have an obligation…

Senator McGovern: Mr. Secretary, with all due respect, I couldn’t…

Secretary Nixon: Excuse me, Sir, I have not finished… I have an obligation to defend the foreign policy agenda that President Rockefeller has set and entrusted me to exercise. I believe I have the right to defend them.

Senator McGovern: So, Mr. Secretary, you do not regret your remarks and you find it appropriate to even speak on such events?

Secretary Nixon: With all due respect, I have already answered that question and nothing more to say.

Senator McGovern: Because you, Mr. Secretary, have nothing more to defend on your partisan, and in my judgement inappropriate, conduct?

Secretary Nixon: With all due respect, Senator, I reject and disagree on the remarks you just made. Neither do I have an explanation why you seem to be obsessed with this speech that I gave and why you are willing to devote so much of your time in this hearing to this subject that has hardly anything to do with actual policies.

Senator McGovern: As I told then-Attorney General Agnew a couple of years ago: I determine the questions.

Secretary Nixon: This is right, but you may let people determine the quality of these questions. The fact that you devoted almost all your time to this topic unrelated to foreign policy leads me the conclusion that you misuse this hearing for political purposes. Possibly in light of most recent election outcomes, but this conclusion is not mine to make. The American people will make fair judgement on this.

Senator McGovern: Thank you very, very much for your cooperation, Secretary Nixon, I have no further questions.

The clash between Senator McGovern and Secretary Nixon made top headlines the next day. However, while all Republicans as well as the White House came out in defense of Nixon, just a limited number of Democrats defended McGovern. Edmund Muskie refused to comment and Senator Albert Brewer (D-AL) said McGovern “shot himself in the foot”, when asked by a reporter. Most media observers, even Democratic friendly ones, were critical of McGovern’s questioning. Walter Cronkite on CBS said that the South Dakota Senator made ill judgement if he thought that would help him after the bitter defeat in the New York primary.

[President Johnson]

McGovern could have hit Nixon on what could be a violation of the Hatch Act, but instead he came off as petty. SAD!

Muskie 76!

(One of my favorite timelines BTW)

Thanks! I have this for later on

[President Johnson]

April 27, 1976

ELECTION SPECIAL: Muskie sweeps Mid-Atlantic and New England primaries!



Connecticut Democratic primary
✓ Edmund Muskie: 58.6%
George McGovern: 39.8%

Delaware Democratic primary
✓ Edmund Muskie: 54.4%
George McGovern: 44.2%

Maryland Democratic primary
✓ Edmund Muskie: 55.1%
George McGovern: 42.9%

Pennsylvania Democratic primary
✓ Edmund Muskie: 51.0%
George McGovern: 48.8%

Rhode Island Democratic primary
✓ Edmund Muskie: 60.2%
George McGovern: 38.5%

What a night for Edmund Muskie! As five states in the Mid-Atlantic as well as New England were holding their primaries on this April 27, the senator from Maine swept all five of them. George McGovern failed to win any contest, although he came pretty close in Pennsylvania, the largest state that held a primary this day. For the South Dakota senator, it was a bitter defeat. For Muskie, it was the biggest night as he took a giant step towards the Democratic nomination. ?I don?t see a scenario how he does not become the standard bearer for the Democratic Party?, CBS Anchor Walter Cronkite commented in the late night news. A deeply moved Edmund Muskie thanked his supporters late in the night when Pennsylvania became the last state called his favor. ?Let?s move on to Denver!?, he told supporters, referring to the city that will host the Democratic National Convention in summer.


April 28, 1976

BREAKING: McGovern quits presidential race ? MUSKIE IS THE PRESUMPTIVE NOMINEE!



George McGovern, who just returned to his South Dakota headquarters the night he lost five important primaries, didn?t speak to supporters that evening anymore, instead returned to his hotel suite. The next morning, his team announced a statement by the senator scheduled for some time in the noon. At 12.30 p.m., McGovern entered a room of about 100 cheering and clapping supporters. It seemed as if he had just won the nomination. Yet, everybody anticipated something else. After the massive applause calmed down, he begun to talk:

Senator McGovern: Thank you all very much. Thank you. I appreciate your support and, frankly, your love. Thank you very much? Now, today, I want to thank all of you for your incredible support. The millions who entrusted me with their vote and all the thousands who worked their heart out for this campaign and our cause. All those brave men and women who organized, persuaded and did everything they could to move this campaign forward. Your support fills me with gratitude and humility. But today, it is time to acknowledge, that, despite our efforts, our support his not enough to win the nomination of the Democratic Party for president. An hour ago, I called Senator Edmund Muskie on a remarkable campaign and congratulated him on his most recent victories. I told him that I will suspend my campaign, release my delegates and encourage everyone to support him as our presidential nominee to oust the Rockefeller/Ford Administration. He has thanked me and pledged to work as hard as he can to earn your support. I have known Ed for a while now and he has been a fine colleague in the senate and he will make a great president. From this day forward, let us unite as one party to reclaim the White House in an effort to make America a better place. Thank you all again, may god bless you and may god bless America.

As McGovern left the stage, many supporters in the room and across the country couldn?t hold back their sadness and disappointment. They hoped McGovern, who was never afraid of a fight, would fight towards the end. Even in the Muskie camp seemed surprised in the first moment. Muskie himself gave a statement and thanked his opponent for a "tough but overall fair race" and pledged to work with the South Dakota Senator to unite the party. The Republicans, for their part, hoped this battle within the Democratic Party would last longer to benefit their own ticket. Nevertheless, McGovern may have done a great service to his party by leaving the race: Muskie has now roughly six months to close the gap in the polls, in which he is trailing President Rockefeller by double digits. The president himself, however, shouldn?t take the challenge too easy despite the fact that he is favored to win reelection.


On April 29, the Rockefeller White House released a brief statement:


OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT NELSON A. ROCKEFELLER

President Nelson A. Rockefeller congretulates Senator Edmund S. Muskie of Maine for his victory in the Democratic presidential primaries and his pending selection as the opposing party's nominee for the highest office in the land. The president looks forward to debate the issues confronting the United States with Senator Muskie in the months to come so that the American public can make a fair judgement whether it wants to continue the current direction under the Rockefeller/Ford Administration or whether the voters determine there needs to be a change. The president and the vice president look forward to open and honest discussions on these critical matters in the time ahead.


April 30, 1976: A whole bunch of new Gallup polls

Edmund Muskie gets a bump in polling numbers after de facto securing the Democratic nomination. He still trails the president, who has a stable approval rating, but has begun the close the map. However, as election day is still six months away, a lot can change in either direction.


President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 52%
Disapprove: 39%


1976 general election match-up

Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 51%
Edmund Muskie (D): 45%


1976 generic congressional ballot

Democrats: 46%
Republicans: 43%


Questions

Q: Do you approve or disapprove President Rockefeller's foreign policy in general?
Approve: 68%
Disapprove: 24%
Undecided: 8%

Q: Do you approve or disapprove President Rockefeller's economic policy?
Approve: 48%
Disapprove: 42%
Undecided: 10%

Q: Do you approve or disapprove Vice President Ford's performance in office?
Approve: 54%
Disapprove: 34%
Undecided: 12%

Q: Do you approve or disapprove Secretary of State Nixon's performance in office?
Approve: 60%
Disapprove: 27%
Undecided: 13%

Q: Do you approve or disapprove Secretary of Defense Romney's performance in office?
Approve: 63%
Disapprove: 25%
Undecided: 12%

Q: Do you approve or disapprove Attorney General Brooke's performance in office?
Approve: 44%
Disapprove: 21%
Undecided: 35%

Q: Do you approve or disapprove the work of congress?
Approve: 42%
Disapprove: 43%
Undecided: 15%

Starting in May, we're going to have state by state polls for the general election.

[President Johnson]

Here's my Rockefeller vs McGovern prediction:

It turned out differently now But I think Rocky would carry the state of Massachusetts, since he is a very good fit for New England. Even Reagan won the state in 1984 (and 1980, but only because of John Anderson).

[President Johnson]

The road towards the nominating conventions



Senator Edmund Muskie loses no time on the campaign trail

After George McGovern’s exit of the presidential campaign left Ed Muskie was the sole contender for the Democratic nomination, the remaining primaries to be held were pretty uneventful. Muskie won all contests with at least 80% of the vote and already shifted his attention towards the general election. The presumptive nominee hired new staffers, opened campaign offices and begun touring battleground states such as Ohio and Texas. A decent number of campaign staffers and operators from the Bentsen and McGovern campaigns accepted Muskie’s offer to work for him. “Until the nominating convention opens, we’re focused on closing the ranks so that Democrats can go into the fall as a united force for progress at home and peace abroad”, a spokeswoman for the Muskie campaign told journalists. Throughout the month of May, all major Democratic leaders formally endorsed Edmund Muskie for president, including Governor Bobby Kennedy of New York, who had been the party’s nominee in 1972. Kennedy had been remarkably quiet on the race since he moved into the Governor’s Mansion, what was not well received in some Democratic circles. He only campaigned for some down-ballot candidates and his lieutenant governor Mario Cuomo, who won the nomination for senate.

When it comes to vice presidential choices, the Muskie campaign remained cautious. “The matter will be addressed at the appropriate time”, Muskie said in a television interview. Several names were floated, including all former contenders. Senator Albert Brewer (D-AL) emphasized the need for a southerner on the ticket but ruled out to be a candidate himself. He recommended Florida Governor Reubin Askew or Senator Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX) as “strong choices”.


Richard Nixon in hot water for campaign related speech



Did Secretary of State Richard Nixon go too far?

Although George McGovern’s criticism of Secretary of State Richard Nixon during a senate hearing for attacking him at a Republican fundraiser went nowhere in public, some Democrats saw this as an opportunity for political gain against the Rockefeller Administration. Although Nixon, whose nomination for the job was extremely controversial given his past political activities including two failed White House bids, he earned credentials nationally and internationally as America’s chief diplomat in the past three years. Even more liberal commentators in the press praised his performance in office. Democratic senators, including Majority Whip Robert Byrd (D-WV) and Ted Kennedy (D-MA), demanded a senate investigation whether the secretary violated the Hatch Act; a federal law that prohibits federal employees of the executive branch from partisan activities. Only the president and the vice president are excluded from this rule. Other members of the Democratic Caucus such Fritz Hollings (D-SC) were more cautious and warned such a maneuver might be seen as a campaign stunt and backfire. Senate Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey (D-MN), who had the power to start such an investigation process, said he wanted to take a closer look at the issue. If Humphrey decided to investigate the matter and demanded Nixon to testify before the senate in public, it may produce bad headlines for the Rockefeller Administration over the summer and potentially even the fall. A spokesman for the State Department issued a statement on May 23: “Secretary Nixon has not violated any federal law. He defended the administration’s foreign policy, in which he plays a key role, and mentioned the poor attendance record of a senator who was critical of the administration.” Nixon himself, mostly absent from Washington throughout May, declined to comment in public, but an aide of his told the press he sees the allegations as a “witch hunt” and a “campaign stunt by a failed candidate”. Meanwhile, the White House publicly supported the State Department’s interpretation and made it known that President Rockefeller has “full confidence” in Secretary Nixon.


May 31, 1976: New Gallup polls

Since the beginning of the year, President Rockefeller's approval rating has been remarkably stable over 50%. Due to good economic numbers in May, his lead over Edmund Muskie in the general election widened to an eleven points advantage. And anyone who is down by this much, is headed for a massive defeat. The state by state polls, that were undertaken for almost all states, show an uphill battle for Muskie to climb, as he trails in almost all key battlegrounds. Five months before the voters are going to the polls, Nelson Rockefeller has a commanding lead in the electoral count. The good news for Muskie is that he has still almost a half year to convince the American public he is the better leader than the incumbent. What is concering for him, though, is that his leads in the states he is currently ahead are mostly small. In a worst case scenario for Muskie, Rocky could win in such a blowout that exceeds the current map.

The generic ballot for congress shows a tie at this point. In this scenario, the Republicans would at least undo their losses in the 1974 midterm elections.

President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 54%
Disapprove: 40%


1976 general election match-up
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 53%
Edmund Muskie (D): 42%


1976 generic congressional ballot
Democrats: 44%
Republicans: 44%

1976 general election by state

Alabama
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 47%
Edmund Muskie (D): 44%

Alaska
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 54%
Edmund Muskie (D): 41%

Arizona
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 55%
Edmund Muskie (D): 39%

Arkansas
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 48%
Edmund Muskie (D): 42%

California
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 52%
Edmund Muskie (D): 43%

Colorado
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 57%
Edmund Muskie (D): 35%

Connecticut
Edmund Muskie (D): 45%
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 44%

Delaware
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 45%
Edmund Muskie (D): 45%

Florida
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 54%
Edmund Muskie (D): 41%

Georgia
Edmund Muskie (D): 45%
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 40%

Hwaii
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 49%
Edmund Muskie (D): 45%

Illinois
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 49%
Edmund Muskie (D): 43%

Indiana
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 50%
Edmund Muskie (D): 41%

Iowa
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 46%
Edmund Muskie (D): 46%

Kentucky
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 48%
Edmund Muskie (D): 44%

Louisiana
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 46%
Edmund Muskie (D): 39%

Maine
Edmund Muskie (D): 49%
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 44%

Maryland
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 49%
Edmund Muskie (D): 43%

Massachusetts
Edmund Muskie (D): 47%
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 44%

Michigan
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 53%
Edmund Muskie (D): 44%

Minnesota
Edmund Muskie (D): 51%
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 42%

Missisippi
Edmund Muskie (D): 43%
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 42%

Missouri
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 51%
Edmund Muskie (D): 43%

Nevada
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 55%
Edmund Muskie (D): 38%

New Hampshire
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 58%
Edmund Muskie (D): 34%

New Jersey
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 52%
Edmund Muskie (D): 43%

New Mexico
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 50%
Edmund Muskie (D): 42%

New York
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 51%
Edmund Muskie (D): 43%

North Carolina
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 46%
Edmund Muskie (D): 44%

Ohio
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 54%
Edmund Muskie (D): 41%

Oklahoma
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 52%
Edmund Muskie (D): 43%

Oregon
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 50%
Edmund Muskie (D): 41%

Pennsylvania
Edmund Muskie (D): 48%
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 47%

Rhode Island
Edmund Muskie (D): 49%
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 44%

South Carolina
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 48%
Edmund Muskie (D): 40%

Tennessee
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 49%
Edmund Muskie (D): 42%

Texas
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 48%
Edmund Muskie (D): 43%

Vermont
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 54%
Edmund Muskie (D): 39%

Virginia
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 50%
Edmund Muskie (D): 42%

Washington
Edmund Muskie (D): 47%
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 45%

West Virginia
Edmund Muskie (D): 50%
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 45%

Wisconsin
Edmund Muskie (D): 46%
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 45%


The current state-by-state polling map:

(✓) Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 412 EV.
Edmund Muskie (D): 115 EV.
Tied: 11 EV.

Light blue/red = lead less than 5%
Standard blue/red = lead between 5% and 10%
Dark blue/red = Lead over 10%
Gray = Tied

[President Johnson]

MUSKIE/ASKEW '76

The next update will consist a detailed shortlist of Muskie's running mates Similar to the one on page 6.

[President Johnson]

June 9/10, 1976: Humphrey kills potential Nixon investigation and strucks budget deal with Rockefeller



President Nelson Rockefeller, seated in the Oval Office with Vice President Gerald Ford and members of the press, announced an agreement with the congressional leadership

On June 9, 1976, Senate Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey announced that he would not support any senate investigation of Richard Nixon and a potential violation of the Hatch Act. The secretary of state got under pressure after criticzing George McGovern at a Republican event in April, were he was invited as honorable speaker. A group of Democratic senators, including McGovern himself, accused Nixon of ethical wrongdoing under the statute.

The next day, President Rockefeller and Vice President Ford held a meeting with congressional leaders on the 1976/77 federal budget. After hours of consultations in the White House, an agreement was reached: the president approved increased aid for farmers and other social programs the senate leader asked for. Humphrey seemed very pleased with the deal he got; Vice President Ford noted that the agreement prevented a budget fight over the campaign season. "In addition, it is agreat sign that the administration and a congressional majority can deliver results in an election year", President Rockefeller added.

Although publically denied by both sides, public observers and even Democrats around McGovern accused Rockefeller and Humphrey of a deal: Humphrey would prevent any investigation of Nixon, who had strong backing from the White House, in exchange of a budget deal favorable to Humphrey.


June 24, 1976: Lloyd Bentsen rules out vice presidential nomination



Senator Lloyd Bentsen devotes himself to his reelection bid in the senate, ruling out to be Edmund Muskie's running mate

Lloyd Bentsen surprised everyone with his strong showing the primaries. And although he fell short in the end, many observers thought he would be angling for the vice presidential spot. For both Muskie and McGovern, he would have provided geographical ticket balance and proved to be a formidable campaigner who set up a national infrastructure. But on June 24, the Texan announced he was not interested in the position. Instead, he would focus on his reelection bid for the senate this year in an effort to keep the upper chamber in Democratic hands.

Others mentioned for the vice presidential nomination, but declined:
- Former Georgia Governor and 1972 vice presidential nominee Jimmy Carter
- Alabama Senator Albert Brewer
- California Senator Alan Cranston
- Florida Senator Lawton Chiles
- Washington Senator Scoop Jackson
- California Governor Jerry Brown
- Ohio Senator John Glenn
- Former Secretary of State Nicholas Katzenbach
- West Virginia Senator and Majority Whip Robert Byrd
- Kentucky Senator Wendell Ford
- Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy
- Former Attorney General Ramsey Clark
- Representative and House Majority Leader Tip O'Neill


BONUS: The Democratic vice presidential selection



As various reports confirmed, the Muskie campaign considers, ahead of the Democratic National Convention, the following individuals for the vice presidential nomination.


Morris Udall



Age: 54
Homestate: Arizona
Experience: Member of the House of Representatives since 1961
Why he is considered: Morris Udall, better known as “Mo”, has been an unsuccessful contender for the Democratic nomination. After he dropped out, he quickly endorsed Ed Muskie’s candidacy. As a vice presidential candidate, he would bring geographical balance to the ticket lead by Muskie. Whether that is enough to flip Arizona, however, remains doubtful. He’s also known as a straight shooter, well connected in the House and ideologically within the Democratic mainstream. He would be a safe choice for vice president.


Reubin Askew



Age: 47
Homestate: Florida
Experience: Governor of Florida since 1971, member of the Florida State Senate 1962–1966, member of the Florida House of Representatives 1958–1962
Why he is considered: Reubin Askew has been described as one of the best running mates for Edmund Muskie; both by political insiders and journalists. High-ranking Democrats such as Alabama Senator Albert Brewer openly proponents his nomination. Askew brings several strengths to the ticket: He is a southern governor very popular in a critical state, a state that elected him governor twice with large majorities. In addition to geographical balance, he also brings executive experience as governor to the table (although Muskie has also been governor of Maine). However, whether Askew’s popularity in the Sunshine State could swing enough voters into the Democratic column there is another matter. In no other ex-confederate state, President Rockefeller is more popular. He won the state convincingly in 1972 and even upset Ronald Reagan in the primary that year.


Frank Church



Age: 52
Homestate: Idaho
Experience: U.S. Senator from Idaho since 1957
Why he is considered: Like Mo Udall, Frank Church is a former rival for the Democratic nomination who dropped out in March and went on to endorse Edmund Muskie right after. Church is a well-respected colleague in the senate known for personal integrity. Almost twenty years of political experience and credentials in domestic and foreign policy make him someone who is highly qualified for the second highest job in the federal government. In addition, he has proven to be popular among rural voters with a solid base of support in the Rocky Mountains. However, he has far less name recognition outside this region and his homestate of Idaho is hardly relevant in the general election. Church may be a bigger asset in actual governing rather than bringing in more votes.


George McGovern



Age: 54
Homestate: South Dakota
Experience: U.S. Senator from South Dakota since 1963, Member of the House of Representatives 1957–1961
Why he is considered: Nominating George McGovern for the vice presidential spot would benefit one cause in particular: Party unity. The runner up to the nomination, who campaigned to the left of Muskie, has a large base of the support among Democrats. Many of them are still bitter at Muskie and the congressional leadership for working against their standard bearer in the background. Offering the second spot to him would send a signal of welcome to the McGovern base, which stood behind him ever since RFK’s defeat in 1972. Additionally, McGovern proved to be a fair campaigner with Midwestern appeal and has enough Washington experience to fill the job of vice president. However, his relationship with Muskie for many years has been lukewarm. What may pose the biggest risk with McGovern is him turning off more moderate voters, Muskie badly needs to oust Rocky. Behind closed doors, circles around McGovern made it known the senator is actually interested in the vice presidential spot.


Walter Mondale



Age: 48
Homestate: Minnesota
Experience: U.S. Senator from Minnesota since 1964, Minnesota Attorney General 1960–1964
Why he is considered: Walter Mondale is hardly known outside the Mid-West, but he has earned credentials in the senate by working on various policy fields. What speaks for him is his age (he’s 16 years younger than Muskie) and may help in the Mid-West and Great Plains. He is a safe choice for vice president, but has not much name recognition. He is also close to Senate Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey, who is his fellow senator from Minnesota. Mondale definitely fits the rule "do no harm".


Julian Carroll



Age: 45
Homestate: Kentucky
Experience: Governor of Kentucky since 1974, Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky 1971–1974
Why he is considered: He is the dark horse on Ed Muskie’s list: Kentucky Governor Julian Carroll. He became governor in 1974 by succeeding Wendell Ford, who won a seat in the senate that year. In 1975, he won reelection to the governorship by a wide margin. If nominated for vice president, Carroll can – despite his brief governing experience – help the Democratic ticket in the South and Appalachia. Further Pros on Carroll are his relatively young age and being a fresh face at the national level. Cons, of course, are the low of name recognition outside of Kentucky and his lack of experience in national politics, especially foreign affairs.


On the Republican side, President Nelson Rockefeller already confirmed last year that Vice President Gerald Ford would again be his running mate.

[President Johnson]

June 26, 1976: A drama on the vice presidential pick: Sources report Mo Udall is the choice but campaign denies decision has been made



Is Mo Udall now the vice presidential pick of Edmund Muskie or not? The Washington Post has received word he is, but the Muskie campaign denies.

On June 26, the Washington Post reported that former presidential candidate and Congressman Mo Udall of Arizona was Edmund Muskie?s choice for vice president, citing sources within the campaign. However, this came as major surprise as Senator Muskie himself during an interview two days before told CBS he would announce his decision right before the Democratic National Convention. After the report was out and even some other newspapers falsely reported Muskie even introduced Udall as his running mate, the Muskie campaign quickly came out to deny the report. ?Senator Muskie has not made a determination on Mr. Udall or any other potential nominee for vice president. Mr. Udall is among the group of people being considered, but the selection process as of today is not finished. Senator Muskie will stand by his word announce his decision in the second week of July?, an official statement reads. Mo Udall himself denied to comment. According to the Muskie campaign, he would meet the presumptive nominee in person later this month.

Who exactly went out with the information was unclear at this point. The Washington Post refused to acknowledge any wrongdoings, saying that an official message from the Muskie campaign was sent to the newspaper. However, the damage was already there as the vice presidential selection is usually an opportunity to boost a campaign. A Democratic operative commented on CBS: ?Muskie now has to pick someone else. Because if he goes with Udall after the denial, everyone will ask the question what the heck this was. Why postponing the announcement? why this back and forth? In the public?s eye, it won?t make sense to go with Udall after this and paint Senator Muskie an indecisive man, because this is not what voters are looking for in a president. Ed has yet to demonstrate he has the strenght to be the leader of the free world?.

On June 29, the New York Times wrote that Muskie had secretary decided on Udall but a staffer leaked the info in advance to the Washington Post. According to the Times, Muskie is now reconsidering his decision following the Post?s article from June 26.


June 30, 1976: New Gallup polls

If the polls tell us one thing, it is that Edmund Muskie is in deep trouble. In the late June poll, he is down 16 points to President Rockefeller, who stands at a 56% approval rating and at 55% among likely voters nationwide. Obviously, the drama around the vice presidential selection has had an effect on voters while the president benfits from the continuing economic recovery. Muskie's best hope is to halt and turn around this negative trend is the Democratic National Convention later in July.

President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 56% ▲
Disapprove: 37% ▼


1976 general election match-up
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 55% ▲
Edmund Muskie (D): 39% ▼


1976 generic congressional ballot
Republicans: 46% ▲
Democrats: 43% ▼

1976 general election by state


The current state-by-state polling map:

(✓) Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 423 EV.
Edmund Muskie (D): 102 EV.
Tied: 13 EV.

Light blue/red = lead less than 5%
Standard blue/red = lead between 5% and 10%
Dark blue/red = Lead over 10%
Gray = Tied


Changes from the previous map:

- Alabama: Lean Republican -> Likely Republican
- Arkansas: Likely Republican -> Lean Republican
- Connecticut: Lean Democratic -> Lean Republican
- Georgia: Likely Democratic -> Lean Democratic
- Iowa: Tied -> Lean Republican
- North Carolina: Lean Republican -> Tied
- South Dakota: Safe Republican -> Likely Republican
- Vermont: Safe Republican -> Likely Republican
- Washington (state): Lean Democratic -> Lean Republican
- West Virginia: Likely Democratic -> Lean Democratic


July 4, 1976: As America celebrates bicentennial, President Rockefeller reminds countrymen of American success story and urges to unite for progress









Above: New York City on July 4, 1976; Below: President Nelson Rockefeller and Vice President Gerald Ford during public appearances at the bicentennial celebrations


July 4, 1976 marked the bicentennial of the American declaration of Independence. From coast to coast, millions of Americans came together and celebrated the bicentennial. Some called it the greatest campaign gift for President Nelson Rockefeller, who was given a huge platform that day and during other celebrations throughout the first week of July. In addition, several foreign leaders were welcomed to the White House or Camp David, where the president hosted state dinners, including one with the Queen.

On July 4 itself, President Rockefeller gave a speech in Manhattan, that was attended by over 500,000 people. Many millions more watched on television. In his remarks, Rocky called upon his fellow countrymen to look into the future with optimism and be proud of everything that has been achieved. He also expressed his firm believe that America?s third century was one of prosperity at home and peace abroad. ?America is smiling again?, the President Rockefeller told the American people and the world; a phrase he used various times to describe that ?we are now living in a better time than any of our forefathers.? ?And we ought to continue to strive for a better future with freedom and justice for all?, he added. Together with Vice President Ford, the chief executive finished his speech with a call for unity among all Americans.

For his speech, President Rockefeller got positive reviews in public and even his sharpest critics knew that any political attack on this occasion would backfire and do great harm to Edmund Muskie. The New York Times wrote that ?Nelson Rockefeller gave a campaign speech without giving a campaign speech?. Referring to ?America?s standing [under his watch]? without using his own name was a pretty smart move. ?Mr. Rockefeller brilliantly described a prospering country, getting better by the day and called upon Americans? imagination how America could be made even better in the years to come.?