The liberal Republic

[President Johnson]

July 10, 1976

BREAKING: Edmund Muskie announces George McGovern as his running mate



George McGovern (front) and Edmund Muskie at a rally

Two days before the opening of the Democratic National Convention, presumptive Democratic nominee Edmund Muskie announced his vice presidential selection at a rally in Chicago: He selected his former rival George McGovern as running mate. This selection was a huge surprise to the public. McGovern was on Muskie’s short list for the second spot, but nobody seriously anticipated him to be picked. The day before when Muskie announced to introduce his choice, press observers were confident it was Udall or potentially Askew.

When introduced, McGovern thanked for Muskie’s confidence in him and fired up the crowd by attacking the Rockefeller Administration: “President Rockefeller pretends to be a moderate, but all his so-called reforms are half backed at best. Instead, he and his GOP friends have slashed the budget. On foreign policy, we continue to operate in Cambodia with air bombing and we have a secretary of state who gives a damn for the rule of law. America needs a change this fall”. McGovern’s role in the campaign was clear: He asumes the role of an attack dog while Muskie is the well-minded and thoughtful leader. The McGovern selection gives inspiration to liberals and progressive and helps to unite the party after the primaries. Nevertheless, it may alienate more moderate voters and is essentially a surrender in the South. Four years before, RFK was backed in a decent number of southern states thanks to his running mate Jimmy Carter and the modest popularity of outgoing President Lyndon Johnson. Neither is the case now. Muskie’s strategy is a northern and Midwestern one. He hopes to win the presidency in a combination with the Pacific coast. Only time can ultimately tell how good or bad this strategy is going to be. What might be interesting to see is how McGovern’s attack dog approach will fare in contrast to the rational, polite and disciplined Gerald Ford.

So, the 1976 presidential election is going to be ROCKEFELLER/FORD versus MUSKIE/McGOVERN


Insiders: Muskie backed down from Udall after leak, McGovern wanted number two spot while Humphrey tried to prevent his nomination



Senate Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey was engaged in an effort to prevent McGovern's nomination as VP, citing concerns with his electablity

On July 11, a day after the vice presidential nomination was announced, reports – citing insider sources – revealed that Muskie originally wanted Mo Udall to be his vice president. But Muskie was extremely upset about the leak to the Washington Post, which promptly reported the decision has been made. Accordingly, the information came from a former Udall campaign staffer, who joined the Muskie team after Udall’s exit in March. After his campaign debunked the Post story, Muskie thought it puts him into a bad light to stick with Udall later on after taking back the Post report. Ultimately, his choice came down the Askew or McGovern, but Askew seemed more interested in a cabinet position such as Treasury Secretary. On the other hand, McGovern was actively angling for the vice presidential spot, pledging to be loyal to Muskie in the campaign. To help party unity, Muskie decided to give his former rival and runner-up the nomination. “And he [Mc Govern] drives Rocky’s nuts”, Muskie is quoted during a meeting with his senior staff.

However, others including high-ranking lawmakers privately warned Muskie to go with McGovern. “He’s too much out of touch with moderate voters”, Lloyd Bentsen is quoted at a meeting. It is also reported that Senate Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey tried to convince Senator Albert Brewer (D-AL) to reverse his decision and make himself available to the vice presidential nomination. After Humphrey's demand got rejected, he reportedly urged Senators Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX) and Lawton Chiles (D-FL) to reconsider, but both declined again. Finally, Humphrey turned to Delaware governor Sherman W. Tribbitt who said no as well. In the end, a lot of high ranking Democrats were unhappy with either the choice itself or the back and forth with the nomination. Governor Bobby Kennedy reportedly described the selection as a “debacle” and the election a “debacle in the making.”



July 12 – 14, 1976

1976 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION




Opening

Denver, Colorado: Democrats gather together for their nominating convention. Almost the same day they did four years earlier. And just like in 1972, there was only one contender left for the presidential nomination: Maine Senator Edmund Muskie’s nomination was assured after all dropped out candidates released their delegates. Among them was South Dakota Senator George McGovern, who has been introduced as the vice presidential candidate few days before. The first day went through with organizing issues and saw speeches of a few senators, governors and members of congress including Mo Udall.


July 12: The party platform and notable speakers

The second day was mainly devoted to the Democratic platform. And there were some surprises, such as McGovern’s demand to reduce military spending. The main points of the platform:

- Increase the minimum wage to 2.90$ an hour
- Repeal main provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act
- Reorganize the War on Poverty and give more authorities back to the federal government that the Rockefeller Administration shifted to states
- Expand healthcare for students under the 1969 Child Care Act of the Johnson Administration
- Expand protected federal areas for environmental protection
- Repeal parts of the federal Rockefeller Anti-drug laws
- Create a federal drug-prevention program similar to New York state programs enacted under Governor Bobby Kennedy
- Supersede the Rockefeller Amnesty program for Vietnam draft dodgers with a full amnesty
- Expand public Housing programs including the 1973 program under the Rockefeller Administration
- Reduce military spending by 10% and increase foreign aid by 5%
- Continue détente with the Soviet Union and Red China (a motion to diplomatic recognition was not agreed to)
- Begin a new peace process in the Middle East

The main provisions went through without much dispute, but some lawmakers protested the demand to reduce military spending. Senator and former candidate Scoop Jackson called it “reckless”.

The day was ended with the speech of New York Governor Bobby Kennedy, who has been the party’s nominee in 1972. “I would much rather run for reelection now”, he told a cheering crowd, “but I am proud that with Edmund Muskie we have a bold leader who will fight for us and win in November.” The former vice president, senator and attorney general was still loved by huge group of supporters. Many of them held signs with “Bobby for president”. However, RFK never intended to seek the presidency in 1976. Instead, he was focused on his job as governor in which he made a pretty strong performance since assuming office in 1975. The governor concluded his speech by encouraging Democrats to fight to the end even if polls show President Rockefeller with a clear advantage.


Next: The second half of the Democratic National Convention, subsequent events and polls

[President Johnson]

1976 Democratic National Convention, Part II

July 12 ? McGovern accepts vice presidential nomination



George McGovern accepts the nomination for vice president

On July 12, the delegates elected George McGovern to be the vice presidential nominee. He received only 81% of the vote, as several protest votes were either for other high ranking Democrats or blank ballots. The Muskie campaign originally hoped to get this through by acclamation, but this effort was not successful. Nevertheless, McGovern tried to compensate the relatively weak result with fiery speech.

George McGovern: My fellow Democrats, ladies and Gentlemen. And my fellow Americans: With deep sense of humility, I accept your nomination as the nominee for vice president. [Massive applause]. Today, we begin a mission to renew America. Renew America, so that everybody has a chance to succeed. With a higher minimum wage! With expanded medical care! With a true housing program! With reform of the out-of-control war on drugs! With better schools and a better infrastructure! But these goals not just happen. We have to fight for them, all the way to November 2. And these changes certainly won?t come with an administration in power that embraces the Republican philosophy of more cutting and more and more military spending despite the fact that we moved from war to peace. And, I might just add, the conclusion of the Vietnam chapter happened under the previous administration, of which Bobby Kennedy was a member of. President Rockefeller, Secretary Nixon: You do not deserve any credit for this! Instead, you deserve some other credit: For a rising CIA involvement in dozens of countries helping forces not sharing our values. And you, Mr. Nixon, deserve special credit for misusing your office to smear a presidential candidate of the opposition party. Mr. Rockefeller ? Mr. President, when do you take responsibility and fire Mr. Nixon? [Laughter and applause goes through the hall]
? And Mr. President, when do you take responsibility for the corruption taken place under your watch? Or have you forgotten about Mr. Agnew? We demand answers. And we demand them now. We the people, we hold you and your administration accountable for the failures on policy and ethics. And we also hold you accountable for the staggering wages in this country. 'America is smiling again', you, Mr. President, and Mr. Ford like to tell us with your slogan. Ask this question to a blue-collar worker struggling to make ends meet. Do you still believe America smiles again? I know for who America smiles again: Members of your wealthy family. But this does not reflect America as a whole. Always remember this. And remember that the last minimum wage increase was only passed because of Democratic pressure. Therefore, we need to keep the congress. And we need to elect Edmund Muskie as our next president. Join me in this effort. Join me now! I promise you, as your next vice president, I will never stop fighting for you and this country.
Let us use this opportunity for a new beginning. Let us elect a new leader coming November. It is about time. Four years of a failed Republican experiment in the Oval Office are enough.
Thank you, and god bless you and the United States of America.

As McGovern finished his speech, the entire hall began to applaud for him. But throughout the speech, not everyone seemed so enthusiastic. One delegate told a CBS reporter: ?We have to make clear what we stand for. Just smearing Rockefeller and Nixon is not enough. But I have confidence in Senator Muskie.?

What became a burden to McGovern is the proceeding speaker: At Governor Bobby Kennedy?s insistence, his lieutenant governor and nominee for senate Mario Cuomo spoke to the delegates. Cuomo?s speech was a passionate address what Democrats were standing for and how prosperity should be spread to everyone. The delegates were fascinated by Cuomo?s remarks and his ability to communicate. The 44 year old lieutenant governor, who comes from an Italian immigrant family, cited his own life story what could be possible in America. If elected to senate, observers were certain, he would become a new leader of the party. Unfortunate for McGovern, many felt Cuomo?s speech overshadowed the vice presidential nominee. A delegate even joked to a reporter: ?If they weren?t from the same state, our ticket should just be Kennedy/Cuomo?, referring to the high approvals of RFK among the party base.


July 14 ? Edmund Muskie?s grand appearance



Edmund Muskie delivers his acceptance speech to Democrats

Via acclamation, Senator Edmund Muskie received the Democratic nomination for president in the early hours of July 14, 1976. Democrats placed all their hope in the 64 year old senator from the state of Maine to unseat a popular president, whose formal nomination was scheduled for the next month. After family members addressed the convention, at 4 p.m., the brand new nominee stepped up on stage to deliver his acceptance speech. He received a long standing ovation.

Edmund Muskie: Thank you all, so much. Thank you. I am overwhelmed by all you support. That means a lot to me. Now, my fellow Americans: I accept your nomination for the presidency of the United States of America. [Massive applause]
Throughout the campaign for the nomination, in which I competed against very able men of our party, including my dear friend George McGovern, who will make an excellent vice president, I was often confronted with the question: ?Why are doing this?? And as I answered what I would like to do, the entire platform, people often agreed with me. And there was a little boy, who could not understand what d?tente, denuclearization and an expansion of childcare exactly means. So, for a moment, I held my breath and thought about a brief and appropriate answer. Well, you can see it now on our signs. I?m running for nothing less than our future. For us. For America and for world peace. [?]
George and I are running for the sake of our kids. We want that in America, everyone has a decent shot. Our party fought for this for a very long time. FDR lifted us up to new levels, Harry Truman successfully contained tyranny, JFK kept that peace and begun to fight for racial equality. LBJ fulfilled this promise and leveled the plainfield for millions with the Great Society. George and I want to continue this progress and met new challenges we face at home and abroad. We can do it. And we will. All we need is your help and your support. If you working 40 and more hours a week and can?t afford a living, please help us before we help you. If your child needs healthcare but is not eligible for childcare, help us with your vote before we help you and expand healthcare. If you?re a struggling farmer, help us before we can help you. [?]
Today, in this spirit, as America?s third century begun, let us come together and fight for this vision. It is worth fighting for. Our kids are worth fighting for. Over the past four years, the president fell short in what he sought to accomplish. And make no mistake about it, the positive impulses from the past four years came out of congress, where we have a Democratic majority. Therefore, let us all together move forward as one team and elect a Democratic congress and a Democratic president. I will do my best, to make this change happen. And I sincerely hope, I earn the support of my fellow countrymen.
Thank you all, may god bless you and god bless the United States of America.

At the end of the convention, Democrats looked with more optimism into the general election. Whether the tide was now turning- only time and the next round of polling can tell.



The Democratic leadership demonstrated unity at the end of the convention



The official logo of the Muskie/McGovern campaign

[President Johnson]

July 16, 1976: President Rockefeller and Secretary Nixon announce break-through in SALT II talks



President Nelson Rockefeller during his announcement on July 16, 1976

On July 15, the day after the Democratic National Convention came to an end, the White House invited to a “very important press conference on foreign policy”, scheduled for the following day. Over the past days and weeks, reports already indicated that the SALT II talks with the USSR were soon to be concluded successfully; just as Richard Nixon told the senate a few months ago. However, due to the Democratic National Convention, national attention was on the campaign.

This July 16 at the White House, President Nelson Rockefeller, joined by Secretary of State Richard Nixon, went before the national and international press:

President Rockefeller: Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow Americans and members of the world community: It is my pleasure today to announce that a comprehensive agreement with the Soviet Socialist Republic, known as Strategic Arms Limitations Talks or SALT II, has been reached. After three – sometimes difficult – years, representatives of the United States federal government and representatives of the Soviet government were able to negotiate a far reaching arms control agreement that serves the cause of world peace. A cause, both the Politburo as well as the U.S. government under my leadership, feel deeply committed to. The final version of the agreement will be presented to the public within the coming weeks, as our representatives work out the final details. The signing ceremony will take place in Geneva, the place the talks were conducted. Together with my team, I will personally meet with Secretary General Brezhnev for this ceremony and sign the document on behalf of the United States of America. We expect this summit to take place in the early days of October. The exact date is published soon. Today, I also want to use this opportunity to thank all representatives of the American government for their tireless efforts and Secretary Richard Nixon in particular for his work. I also want to thank Secretary General Brezhnev and the Soviet delegation for their cooperation. Last but not least, I hope the senate will subsequently ratify this historic agreement and make its contribution to a more stable and peaceful world. Secretary Nixon will now present some details of the agreement and be available for your questions. Thank you.


Muskie and Republicans clash over announcement and timing


After Democratic nominee Edmund Muskie criticized the administration's timing, Vice President Gerald Ford acsused the opposition of playing politics

The immediate reactions to the news were positive among both parties. Even the conservative Republican faction, usually critical of the détente policies, remained silent or praised the administration. Senator Paul Laxalt (R-NV) said: “While we have an opposition party that can’t even nominate a vice presidential candidate in a straight way, the Rockefeller/Ford Administration acts decisively on the world stage. If anything, this proves why we need to keep them in office.” And Laxalt hit a nerve: Even Democrats, behind closed doors, complained about the back and forth with the vice presidential nomination while the administration was making positive news in foreign policy. Some, including Muskie and McGovern, were furious since the administration was shifting public attention from their convention to foreign policy. And more bad timing for the Muskie campaign: The agreements are about to be signed four weeks before the election. While Muskie and McGovern were campaigning, Rockefeller was in Geneva to sign a far-reaching arms control treaty, producing lots of positive images and headlines.

During a campaign event, Senator Muskie couldn’t hold back his frustration when he accused the administration of “unfair play” with regard to the timing. Journalists, even liberal ones, felt his answer was inappropriate since he was asked to share his thoughts on the agreement. Vice President Gerald Ford used the opportunity to counter the Democratic nominee: “Instead of either praising the agreement or come forth with rational criticism, all he does is complaining about the timing and accusing the administration of playing politics with world peace. This is not the kind of arguments we would like to be engaged in. Instead, the other side is playing politics. On the president’s behalf, I reject Senator Muskie’s remarks and hope we are going to have an honest conversation about this administration's bold record on the international stage.”


July 21, 1976: McGovern slams Humphrey for budget agreement



George McGovern faults Hubert Humphrey for a budget deal he made with the administration

The rift between Senator McGovern and Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey continues: At a rally in Michigan, the vice presidential nominee complained that Humphrey gave leverage away twice when he decided not to allow any senate investigation into Richard Nixon’s remarks and a potential violation on the Hatch Act. “Instead, he made a flawed budget deal to avoid a budget fight over the autumn. I seriously disagree with this”, McGovern told a reporter.

Humphrey’s office declined to comment on the issue, trying to avoid further public attention on the disagreement between the two senators. Nevertheless, the Republicans lashed out against McGovern. Former California Governor Ronald Reagan, campaigning for up- and downballot Republicans, slammed the Democratic vice presidential nominee with a rhetorical question: “Senator McGovern can’t even work with his own senate leader. How does he want to work with anyone?”


July 31, 1976: New Gallup polls

President Rockefeller obviously benefits from the announced treaty with the USSR and a receovering economy, while Edmund Muskie's convention bump is either very slight or just not there after the vice presidential nomination drama. While he was trailing the president by 16 points in the June poll, he is still 12 points down. And this ahead of the Republican National Convention.

President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 57% ▲
Disapprove: 37% ▬


1976 general election match-up
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 54% ▼
Edmund Muskie (D): 42% ▲


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


August 10, 1976: Campaigns agree to one presidential and one vice presidential debate

Days before the Republican National Convention is about to open its doors, the two major campaigns agreed to participate in one debate for the presidential nominees and one for the vice presidential nominees. Originally, the Muskie campaign requested at least two debates for the presidential candidates, but the Rockefeller team only agreed to one.

- The vice presidential debate between Vice President Gerald Ford and Senator George McGovern is scheduled to take place on October 15, 1976 at the University of Washington, Seattle.

- The presidential debate between President Nelson Rockefeller and Senator Edmund Muskie is scheduled to take place on October 22, 1976 at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville.

[President Johnson]

August 16 – 19, 1976

1976 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION



Kansas City, Missouri: On August 16, 1976, the Republican National Convention opened its doors for more than 2,000 delegates, thousands of visitors and journalists from across the globe. One month after the Democrats nominated their candidates for president and vice president, the Republicans were about to the same. There was just one name for both positions: The incumbent president and the incumbent vice president. The first day of the convention was devoted to organization issues and the convention rules. Senator Bob Dole of Kansas formally presided over the convention.

The keynote address was also given this day. Missouri Governor Kit Bond was given the honor to give this speech in his homestate, where the convention took place. For the 37 year old first term governor, who was known as a moderate, it was the first time in national spotlight.


August 17: The platform, notable speakers including Ronald Reagan



Although no longer in public office, Ronald Reagan had a big moment on the second day of the convention with a speech about world peace

On August 17, the party platform as enacted. Remembering the Democratic fights over defense spending, the Rockefeller campaign started an early process for a platform blueprint. Over this process, members of the moderate or liberal faction was well leading GOP conservatives were involved to find common ground and demonstrate unity on the convention floor.

The main points of the platform:

- Increased spending on federal aid to education; permanent evaluation of social programs to improve accountability, eliminate wasteful spending to save taxpayer dollars
- Full funding of the EPA and new rules to combat water pollution
- Link the minimum wage to inflation but allow congress to change rules one way or another
- An additional cut of 10% of corporate taxes to stimulate growth
- Support legislation against discrimination of women at the workplace; enforce civil rights laws in the South
- Continue the 1975 income tax cuts, no tax increases on individuals
- Continue the war on drugs: Eliminate unemployment benefits for drug abusers
- Invest additional 20 billion dollars for highways and bridges
- Keep defense spending largely at the current level
- Support of the SALT II treaty
- Support President Rockefeller’s amnesty program for Vietnam draft dodgers, no unconditional pardons

The only issue no common ground between the factions could be found was abortion. Moderates, including President Rockefeller and Vice President Ford were pro-choice, the conservatives were pro-life. Ultimately, the party platform states that each elected Republican official should make his or her own decision.

The day was concluded with former Governor Ronald Reagan’s speech. Despite being out of office since early 1975, the Gipper remained present on the national stage through various appearances on television and visits at the White House from time to time. The 1972 Republican runner-up held a 15 minute speech that energized the convention hall. He spoke about the importance of keeping the peace through strength. Although not mentioned by name, Reagan emphasized that unlike Senator Muskie only President Rockefeller could be trusted with the atomic arsenal. He also attacked the Democrats and accused them of moving to the “far left”. Especially George McGovern was a target for him, saying the Democratic vice presidential nominee wanted to raise taxes and regulate every aspect for business and people’s private lives. In the end, he urged not just to support the president, but also down-ballot Republicans in congressional races.


August 18 – congressional leaders speak, Gerald Ford accepts vice presidential nomination



Vice President Gerald Ford and his wife Betty after accepting the vice presidential nomination

Following addresses by the congressional leadership, Vice President Gerald Ford was re-nominated for his position by acclamation. When he want on the podium following Second Lady Betty Ford, the hall gave the vice president a standing-ovation. “Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!” the delegates chanted.
 
Vice President Ford: Thank you my friends. It is great to be here in Kansas City tonight. Thank you. With pride and humility, I hereby accept your nomination for the vice presidency again. [Cheering crowd]
First, let me say how proud I am to stand here at the Republican Convention. At this convention, 200 years after the experiment of freedom and self-determination by the people begun, we have demonstrated unity and the willingness to fight for our principals. Principals rooted in three words: Peace, freedom and prosperity. This is what we promised four years ago, and despite all difficulties we have delivered on these promises. After a painful downturn, America once again is on the right track. Inflation and unemployment are dropping. Faster than anticipated. Wages are starting to rise and corporations invest in this wonderful country and its hard working men and women. The government invests in housing and the infrastructure, that we can build the economy of the future. And while things are moving in the right direction here at home, we have kept the peace abroad. We fought back were tyranny was on the march and just last month presented a far-reaching arms limitations treaty with the USSR that will help to keep the peace. And while still a lot remains to be done in the next four years, we have delivered on the promises we made. Today, I can proudly say that America is smiling again. […]
Let me finish by expressing my deepest thanks to the man I closely worked with over the past four years and whom I deeply admire for his leadership and honor: Let me thank you, Mr. President, for all you have done. On Betty’s behalf, let me also thank the First Lady, Happy Rockefeller, for her warmth and friendship. Betty and I will always stand with you and help to guide this wonderful nation of ours. Now let us move on to a great victory on November second! Thank you all again! God bless America!


August 19 – Nelson Rockefeller accepts re-nomination for president



President Nelson Rockefeller among the delegates before being called to give his acceptance speech

Like Gerald Ford, Nelson Rockefeller was re-nominated by acclamation. It was the last day of the convention. Notable speakers were First Lady Happy Rockefeller and David Rockefeller, the president’s younger brother. A surprise guest was famous actor Cary Grant, who supports the Rockefeller campaign. In the afternoon, he introduced the president when he entered the stage. The Hall was filled with “Rocky! Rocky! We want Rocky!” chants; thousands of Rockefeller/Ford signs were visible.

President Rockefeller: Wow, I am overwhelmed by your support. Thank you all very much. Thank you. Thank you once again. Fellow Republicans, my fellow countrymen: With joy, gratitude and humility, I once again accept your nomination for the presidency of the United States.

Cheering crowd: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

President Rockefeller: Thank you all so much. I can hardly put into words what your support means to me, Happy, Jerry and Betty. So, thank you again for your love, courage and friendship.
Just a little more than a month ago, we – as Americans – not as Republicans, Democrats or Independents, came together to celebrate the 200th birthday of our nation. And we welcomed the third century of this unique American success story. And ever since I took over the responsibility to lead this wonderful nation of ours, I have thought about what this third century of the American experiment will look like? Like millions and millions of Americans out there, I want this century to be one of peace. Peace with the nations of the world, but also peace among ourselves. “Let us have peace”, General Ulysses Grant told his fellow countrymen when he became the second Republican president of this nation. And the great Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president, thought us: “A house divided against itself cannot stand”. Over a hundred years later, let us remember those wise words and work for an America everyone willing to contribute has a chance. One chance, and some may need a second or even third chance. No matter where your ancestors came from, no matter whether you are white, black or from the Americas. No matter whether you are a man or a woman. Because this is, what America stands for. These our ideals, this is our shining example. And in this third century, we have the chance to come closer to these ideals than in any time before.
Over the last three and a half years, we have kept the peace abroad, stood up to tyranny in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and South America. We found new common understanding with our advisories and are about to sign the most far reaching disarmament treaty in the history of world. A treaty that is intended not just to keep the peace, but to end a deadly arms race. Meanwhile, we will continue to be the world’s most powerful nation and own a defense that is second to none. At home, we have not just enforced civil rights laws, we have overcome an economic downturn. The economy is growing again, because millions of hard working Americans get up every morning and do what they can do best: Be productive. […]
All this is at stake in this election. And while we do not question the good intentions of our opponents, we see that they have little to offer. Somehow, they want to keep the peace by continuing détente policies, but cut defense spending at a dangerous rate, what would encourage tyrants all over the world to march to the arms. America must and under my leadership will stand tall at the world stage. We will not retreat. We will not back down. Neither do we seek to conquer by the use of force. […]
Over the last three and half years, we have demonstrated how America can be moved into the right direction. Let us continue to so! This is why Jerry and I ask the American people for a renewed mandate in this election. There is no substitude for victory!
Thank you very much, god bless you and may god bless the United States of America.



President Nelson Rockefeller and Vice President Gerald Ford cheer with Convention Chair Bob Dole at the conclusion of the Republican National Convention



The Rockefeller/Ford campaign logo


August 31, 1976: New Gallup polls

Just before the 1976 election turns into its final stage on Labor Day, President Rockefeller benefits from a convention bump. With his approval rating at 59%, he leads Edmund Muskie by 18 points in the nationwide survey. With just a little more than two months, the senator from Maine has a lot to climb. President Rockefeller's popularity and the apparent Republican unity (just to remember Ronald Reagan's speech) also benefits the generic ballot question for congress. As things now stand, Republicans could at least reverse their losses in the 1974 midterm elections and make Hubert Humphrey nervous in the senate.

President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 59% ▲
Disapprove: 35% ▼


1976 general election match-up
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 56% ▲
Edmund Muskie (D): 38% ▼


1976 generic congressional ballot
Republicans: 49% ▲
Democrats: 43% ▼


1976 general election by state

The current state-by-state polling map:

(✓) Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 463 EV.
Edmund Muskie (D): 75 EV.
Tied: 0 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:

- Arkansas: Lean Republican -> Likely Republican
- Indiana: Likely Republican -> Safe Republican
- Iowa: Lean Republican -> Likely Republican
- New Mexico: Likely Republican -> Safe Republican
- North Carolina: Toss up -> Lean Republican
- Pennsylvania: Lean Democratic -> Lean Republican
- Virginia: Likely Republican -> Safe Republican

[President Johnson]

September 1976: The hot phase of the campaign season begins

Campaigns spar over issues, Team Muskie grows more nervous behind the scenes



Edmund Muskie during a rally in California on September 5, 1976

As August turned into September and summer was slowly passing over into the fall, the presidential campaign gained steam. While Edmund Muskie and George McGovern focused on their criticism of the administration and demands to expand the welfare state, Nelson Rockefeller and Gerald Ford mainly focused on their record since taking office in January 1973. While the president and the vice president refrained from direct shots at the opposing ticket, several Rockefeller surrogates attacked Muskie and McGovern. Ronald Reagan stumped the campaign trail and slammed the Democrats for being “weak on defense”, “weak on crime” and “an endless desire to tax and regulate”. Especially the Democratic calls to cut defense spending were a frequent target of the Rockefeller campaign and other GOP officeseekers. Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) argued a Muskie Administration would sell out America in contrast to the bold current leadership. Muskie countered these attacks by accusing the administration of wasting money on defense due to mismanagement in the Pentagon. “The president either doesn’t get it or he doesn’t care about the incompetence of Secretary Romney”, he told a crowd in Georgia. George McGovern complained about the lack of senate oversight for the Pentagon and intelligence agencies. Claims that Vice President Gerald Ford called ridiculous, pointing to the Democratic majorities in congress.

A permanent concern for the Democratic ticket were the weak polling numbers and the frequent questions by journalists on them. Senator Muskie and his supporters publically made a confident impression, often referring to President Harry S. Truman’s upset reelection in 1948 or President Lyndon Johnson’s overperformance in 1968 (though neither of these comparisons were actually well taken with regard to the 1976 campaign). But behind closed doors, the mood in Muskie headquarters was very nervous and even frustrated or afraid. Close aides to the nominee and members of congress faulted Muskie, among other things, for the McGovern selection, fearing this would turn moderate voters over to the Rockefeller camp. Although the South Dakota senator brought in a lot of liberal activists to the campaign and a good ground game, polls showed the pick was not helpful in gaining ground against a popular incumbent. Behind the scenes, aides admitted that Muskie had an uphill battle to victory in November. Their single greatest hopes were on the televised debates in October to finally turn the tide. Otherwise, some voices expressed concern Nelson Rockefeller would be reelected in a landslide and even win as many as 500 electoral votes.


Over 2 in 5 African Americans support Rockefeller, poll says



President Nelson Rockefeller shakes hands in Houston, Texas on September 22, 1976

An early September Gallup poll gives Democrats reasons to worry: The poll, conducted only among African Americans, showed that 41% of blacks plan to vote President Nelson Rockefeller in the November 2 general election. 55% were in favor of the Muskie/McGovern ticket. The poll also found that 66% approved Rocky’s performance in office; 87% approved the administration’s handling of civil rights. Especially Attorney General Edward Brooke, the first black attorney general, gets high grades among all demographics.

If these numbers somewhat hold true on Election Day, this would have dramatic consequences. Especially across the South and other states with a significant African American population. Experts expect a high black turnout in the South due to the Rockefeller Administration’s tough enforcement of civil rights laws. Blacks, when allowed to vote, have a long history of voting for the Republican ticket since the civil war, but actions on civil rights by Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson caused many to switch to Democrats (however, African Americans continued to support pro-civil rights Republican governors in the 1960s such as Nelson Rockefeller himself or now-Defense Secretary George Romney). In his successful 1964 and 1968 reelections, Lyndon Johnson took over 90% of the black vote. The tide turned in 1972, when Bobby Kennedy won 76% compared to Nelson Rockefeller’s 23%. In this election, both candidates had a staunchly pro-civil rights record and support from African Americans in previous elections.

Nevertheless, one positive aspect for Democrats was in the poll: African Americans backed their congressional candidates by a 67-19% margin over Republicans, what may help explain the gap between the generic ballot and presidential numbers.


The Rockefeller Salute



President Nelson Rockefeller giving his response to disrupting hippes in New York on September 16, 1976

Unexpected response by the President of the United States: When at a campaign rally in New York on September 16, a group of disrupting Hippies repeatedly yelled at Nelson Rockefeller while talking to voters and showed him the middle finger, the president couldn’t hold back his anger. He showed them middle finger in return!

The Muskie campaign and the Democrats, as well as some political pundits, criticized the president’s behavior in their responses. However, President Rockefeller refused to apologize. “I was just responding in kind”, he said when asked by a reporter the following day in Pennsylvania. Republican allies of the White House defended the president; Ronald Reagan pointed to his own handling of hippies during his time as governor, for example when he said “these fellows scream make love, not war, but they look like as if they can neither.” Whether this incident would have an effect on polling numbers remains doubtful.


September 30, 1976: New Gallup polls

Little move in the numbers: President Rockefeller's approval dropped by a single point, while Edmund Muskie gained in the nationwide head-to-head poll. However, he  is still way behind there, as well as the state-by-state breakdown. Republicans again hold an advantage in the generic ballot for congress.

President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 58% ▼
Disapprove: 38% ▲


1976 general election match-up
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 55% ▼
Edmund Muskie (D): 41% ▲


1976 generic congressional ballot
Republicans: 47% ▼
Democrats: 43% ▬


1976 general election by state

The current state-by-state polling map:

(✓) Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 443 EV.
Edmund Muskie (D): 68 EV.
Tied: 27 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:

- Connecticut: Lean Republican -> Likely Republican
- Hawaii: Lean Democratic -> Likely Democratic
- Mississippi: Lean Democratic -> Lean Republican
- Missouri: Likely Republican -> Lean Republican
- New Jersey: Likely Republican -> Safe Republican
- New York: Likely Republican -> Safe Republican
- Oregon: Likely Republican -> Safe Republican
- Pennsylvania: Lean Republican -> Tied
- Vermont: Likely Republican -> Safe Republican
- Washington: Lean Republican -> Likely Republican
- West Virginia: Lean Democratic -> Likely Democratic

[President Johnson]

October 6 – 7, 1976: SALT II Treaty signed in Geneva


More than three years in the negotiating process, the Strategic Arms Limitations Talks II, known as SALT II, were ready for signature in Geneva, the negotiating site. Political observers consider SALT II the greatest achievement of the Rockefeller Administration on the world stage since taking office. President Nelson Rockefeller, as announced, left the campaign trail and led the US delegation to the formal ceremony. He was joined by Secretary of State Richard Nixon, who played a key role in the process, Secretary of Defense George Romney and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger.

SALT II was a continuation of SALT I, that then-President Lyndon Johnson and Secretary General Leonid Brezhnev signed in 1972. It is also first nuclear arms treaty which assumed real reductions in strategic forces to 2,500 of all categories of delivery vehicles on both sides. The agreement also bans new missile programs (a new missile defined as one with any key parameter 5% better than in currently deployed missiles). Likewise, SALT II limits the number of ballistic missiles and long range missiles to 1,400 for each side. However, the United States preserved their most essential programs like the Trident missile, along with the cruise missiles the Rockefeller Administration wished to use as his main defensive weapon as they were too slow to have first strike capability. In return, the USSR could exclusively retain 308 of its so-called "heavy ICBM" launchers of the SS-18 type.

On October 6, both heads of state and their senior officials had dinner together, with the press also being invited. The mood at the table seemed positive and both leaders exchanged some personal gifts. It was the third time that Brezhnev and Rockefeller had met each other since 1973. On October 7, the grand signing ceremony took place in front of the international press. Afterwards, President Rockefeller and Secretary General Brezhnev gave a brief joint statement praising the progress that has been made for world peace. In the end, Secretary General Brezhnev invited President Rockefeller for an official state visit to Moscow in the coming year if he wins reelection. On his way back to America, the president made stops in Bonn, Paris and London for routine political consultations.

A poll conducted in the days after the summit showed that 76% of Americans supported the treaty and 69% approved the Rockefeller Administration’s handling of foreign policy.

[President Johnson]

October 15, 1976

★★★ THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE ★★★

★★★ Gerald Ford vs. George McGovern ★★★




On October 15, 1976, exactly four years after the last vice presidential debate, Gerald Ford and George McGovern met for the 1976 vice presidential debate. It took place at the University of Washington in Seattle and was moderated by ABC’s Barbara Walters.


Debate highlights:

Barbara Walters: Good evening everyone! My name is Barbara Walters of ABC News and it is my pleasure to moderate the vice presidential debate of the 1976 presidential election. This debate will last for 90 minutes and consist all major topics of the campaign. […] Now let us welcome to two major party nominees for the office of vice president. Please welcome Vice President Gerald R. Ford, the Republican nominee running for reelection with President Nelson Rockefeller. [Applause] And please welcome Senator George McGovern, the Democratic candidate, running on the opposing ticket with Senator Edmund Muskie. [Applause] Welcome again to both of you, gentlemen, and let us begin with the questions. There will be no opening statements, but closing statements.

As determined by a coin toss, I would like to begin with Senator McGovern. Senator, the economy has been out of recession for almost a year now, the inflation is dropping and polls show a large majority of Americans approve the Rockefeller Administration’s foreign policy. Just last week, a major treaty with the USSR has been signed. Why do you and Senator Muskie believe this administration should not be awarded with a renewed mandate?

Senator McGovern: Thank you, Barbara for this important question. […] First, I would like to point out that we may be out of a recession, but the unemployment rate has dropped at a relatively slow rate compared to other recoveries in the past. At the same time, wages are staggering in this country. Recoveries like this are just the normal business cycle; therefore I would not give credit to this administration for this weak rebound. Senator Muskie  and I have a bold plan to restore prosperity and increase wages. At the same time, we will review expenditures at the Pentagon, where billions of dollars have been wasted. And that brings me to foreign policy. It is true that we support comprehensive agreements with the USSR, but I would like to point out that this process begun under the Johnson/Kennedy Administration from 1969 to 1973.



Barbara Walters: Thank you, Senator. Vice President Ford, how do you respond? And why do you believe your administration deserves a second term?

Vice President Ford: Thank you, Barbara. The arguments Senator McGovern just brought up make me wonder, because he was the one who hammered the Rockefeller Administration when the economy was, due to many – mostly external – factors, in bad shape. Now that we are back on solid growth territory, the administration all of a sudden has nothing to do with it? A logic, I have to confess, I have difficulty to understand. The same on foreign policy: President Rockefeller just signed the most far-reaching arms limitation treaty with the Soviets and my opponent wants us to believe this is all somehow only a continuation of the previous administration, which he, back then, also criticized for its foreign policy conduct. As a matter of fact, America is better off than four years ago, at home and abroad, and this is why President Rockefeller and I ask for a second term.

Senator McGovern: Just briefly… the vice president just blamed the recession on external factors, which is true in part, while faulting me for the same thing when it comes to taking credit.

Vice President Ford: As you know, the recession was mainly caused by the 1973/74 oil crisis, that may have been worse if President Rockefeller had not acted the way he did. Inflation was caused by high spending, that we have been able limit while growing the economy through various policies. The senator tries to fault the administration for everything that goes wrong, while giving credit for positive things to the previous one or other factors. President Rockefeller deserves credit for his leadership, and more importantly the hard working American people deserve credit. What they do not deserve is a tax hike. My opponent plays a credit-blame game for purely political purposes. You can’t have it both ways, senator.


Barbara Walters: Thank you both. I want to move on. Vice President Ford, I have a question for you: You called the Muskie/McGovern campaign’s proposal to cut defense spending dangerous and irresponsible. On the other hand, President Rockefeller has promised to eliminate the budget deficit by 1980 without cutting social services. Where do you want to get the money from? What did you recommend to the president on this matter and wouldn’t the Muskie proposal be more honest?

Vice President Ford: That is absolutely correct, such a proposal is dangerous because it would send devastating signals to the world. Signals, that America is on the decline. We have kept the peace in Europe and Asia, including South Vietnam, by demonstrating American strength. And at the same time, we have been open to negotiations that resulted in a comprehensive treaty. To come to your question: We are going to reduce the deficit with an expanding economy, better wages to collect more taxes without raising rates and having less people on welfare. In addition, we have already saved billions of dollars by increasing government efficiency. A commission under my leadership has produced bold results here and I am proud that the president put me in charge of it.



Senator McGovern: This is the same fictional story Republicans tell us all over again. They make, and I quote, the ‘government more efficient’, what actually means slashing social programs. Their term sounds nicer, but the end result is the exact same. Yes, our approach by having reasonable savings at the Pentagon is the honest answer. We can save money without putting America’s safety at risk. Peace and safety will always be our top-priority. But we have to spend the tax dollars wisely. This administration has failed in this regard. This fiscal year’s deficit is 35 billion dollars. This is nothing to be proud of, Mr. Vice President.

Vice President Ford: Senator, please name me social services that this administration has cut? All we have done is cut out welfare cheaters and transferred some inefficient programs to the states. Other agencies have been terminated because they were redundant. Members of your caucus supported almost all of these steps. I have been involved in the process, and what my opponent claims is not factually correct.

Senator McGovern: Federal aid to education? You did not eliminate related programs? Some of these things have been done in 1973 and ’74. Now that the election is around the corner, the administration runs away from it or wants to fix a problem they themselves have created.

Barbara Walters: Gentlemen… Mr. Vice President, Senator, I want to move on…

Vice President Ford: Senator, you know that this is not accurate and misleading the viewers. I have explained what we’ve done. We stand by it.

Senator McGovern: No, Mr. Vice President, you run away from your record now.


Barbara Walters: Alright, we leave it there as I have a new question for Senator McGovern. Senator, Vice President Ford has already mentioned part of his own record as second man in the administration. If elected, what would be your personal priorities as vice president? What issues would you be most passionate about? Have you discussed this question with Senator Muskie?

Senator McGovern: Important question, Barbara. As vice president, I will be involved in any important policy field and work on anything Edmund Muskie wants me to be involved in. Of course, I will be an important advisor of his to make sure we get the things done we promise to the American people.

Barbara Walters: But, to specify this, Senator, you have not named a particular issue you would like to be involved?

Senator McGovern: Well, I would do everything I can to assure the Muskie/McGovern agenda gets implemented. That requires a good relation with congress.

Vice President Ford: If I may… Unfortunately, Senator, this is not what you have demonstrated in the past. Especially the last few weeks and months showed Senator McGovern’s rift with his own Leader, Senator Humphrey. Maybe that all of a sudden changes after November, but color me skeptical.

Senator McGovern: I had a difference with the leader about the approach how he approved the budget and how he handled the Nixon speech. There is pluralism in the Democratic Party, but in the end there is unity on the cause to help working people. Something I deeply care about and what I will work for as vice president. Within the Republican Party, there is no such thing.

Vice President Ford: It was not only the approach, Senator, and you know that. But I guess we leave it there. The respective records speak for themselves.

Barbara Walters: A quick follow up on this, Vice President Ford: On which issues would you like to work on if reelected? Or to what tasks has or will President Rockefeller assigned you to?

Vice President Ford: As it is well known, I’ve chaired the commission on government efficiency, that successfully saved taxpayer dollars, and been the president’s representative in working with my old colleagues in the congress. Additionally, I have traveled the world and supported the extraordinary foreign policy of President Rockefeller and Secretary Nixon. I would like to continue this because our policies have produced bold results.


Barbara Walters: Last question before the closing statement: Senator McGovern, you have pushed Senator Muskie to demand an unconditional pardon for Vietnam draft dodgers. Although Robert Kennedy proposed this in 1972, Senator Muskie seemed reluctant for such calls during the primary. Why do you believe this is the right way forward and not the conditional pardon program President Rockefeller has established?

Senator McGovern: Barbara, I’d put this straight: Senator Muskie has not publically addressed this issue during the primary campaign, but always been supportive of this demand even then-candidate Kennedy made the proposal to grant unconditional pardons. Now let me address the question: I have been a critic of our military involvement in Vietnam since the mid-1960s. I believe this kind of an involvement we had was wrong and therefore I believe we ought to grant a full pardon to all those young people who refused to go into the war. Under a draft system, that was extremely unfair. I successfully led the fight to end the draft under the Johnson/Kennedy Administration. Now that this war is long concluded we still have people in Canada and elsewhere who want to come out of the shadows and rejoin the American society. Let them allow to do.

Barbara Walters: Vice President Ford, your response?

Vice President Ford: Well… first, these draft dodgers, under President Rockefeller’s program, have the opportunity to come back. But let’s not forget that they are draft dodgers and refused duty. However, this administration wants to give everyone a second chance and earn their way back into our ranks. But they have to earn it in order to admit their wrongdoing. I firmly stand by the president’s decision and I believe a vast majority of the American people do likewise. Second, if Senator McGovern had his way, Vietnam as a whole would be under communist rule today. Instead, we have a stabilized situation like in Korea. Of course, it is not ideal but better than anything the senator and his extreme liberal supporters called for.


Barbara Walters: We’re near the end of this debate and I would like to come to the closing statements. Senator McGovern, you begin.

Senator McGovern: Thank you. My fellow citizens: In roughly two weeks you will be heading to the polls and elect a new government. And when you do so, I urge you to think what kind of a government you want: One that works for everyone or one that has primarily served the interest of big business and has or had cabinet members, who have shown little integrity? Senator Muskie and I offer you a government, open and honest, that works for everyone by listening to your voice. A government, that delivers higher wages, better jobs, a clean environment and that always puts our safety first. Join Senator Muskie and me in this effort to reclaim this government for the common man. We want to be the servant of the people and ensure a fair living for everyone who is happy to be born on American soil or anyone who comes to this wonderful country to be part of our success story. Thank you and god bless America.

Barbara Walters: Vice President Ford, your closing statement.

Vice President Ford: Thank you. My fellow Americans: In the past four years I’ve served as your vice president under President Rockefeller, an extraordinary leader, America has become stronger at home and more respected around the globe. We have delivered on equal justice for everyone, a growing economy and not just kept the peace, but made it safer than ever. We have been a force for good and always will be a beacon of hope, which millions of people around the world admire and want to join. The Rockefeller/Ford Administration has produced results with a pragmatic approach of governing. President Rockefeller and I intend to continue this work in the coming four years to tackle to unfinished tasks ahead of us and make America an even better place to live. Therefore, President Rockefeller and I ask for your support on November the second. God bless you, good night and may god bless America.

Barbara Walters: Thank you Vice President Ford, thank you Senator McGovern. I would also like to thank our viewers for their interest and remind you that the presidential debate between Nelson Rockefeller and Edmund Muskie will be on October 22. My colleague Howard K. Smith will be moderating this debate and I hope you will be on again. Good night.

[President Johnson]

[President Johnson]

October 24, 1976: Nelson Rockefeller decisively wins presidential debate, survey finds

Two days after the presidential debate took place, Gallup released a survey which found that 64% of viewers felt President Nelson Rockefeller was the winner of this debate. Only 25% said the same on Senator Edmund Muskie. Asked why the voted this way, most respondents asnwered that Nelson Rockefeller made a more decisive impression with more critical knowledge and better administrative skills. These numbers were horrendous for the Muskie campaign and even a Democratic spokesman admitted the debate performance by their nominee was "semi-perfect".

Even more pressing was a new national poll, which gave President Rockefeller a 22-point advantage over his challenger. While thus survey was seen as outlier, even among Republicans, the trendline was working against the opposing ticket.

1976 general election match-up
Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 59% ▲
Edmund Muskie (D): 37% ▼


The closing days of the campaign



(✓) Nelson Rockefeller (R, inc.): 493 EV.
Edmund Muskie (D): 45 EV.
Tied: 0 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:

- California: Likely Republican -> Safe Republican
- Hawaii: Likely Democratic -> Lean Republican
- Minnesota: Likely Democratic -> Lean Democratic
- Missouri:Lean Republican -> Likely Republican
- Pennsylania: Tied -> Likely Republican
- Maine: Lean Democratic -> Lean Republican
- North Carolina:Lean Republican -> Likely Republican
- Rhode Island: Lean Democratic -> Lean Republican
- West Virginia: Likely Democratic -> Lean Democratic
- Wisconsin: Lean Democratic -> Likely Republican


NEXT: Live coverage of the 1976 presidential election on CBS with Walter Cronkite!

[President Johnson]

★★★ United States presidential election; November 2, 1976 ★★★

★★★ CBS Election Night Coverage. With Walter Cronkite. ★★★



Walter Cronkite: Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen. Today is November the second, 1976, and you are watching CBS live coverage of the United States presidential election. My name is Walter Cronkite, I’m your moderator for tonight. Welcome again! After a long and hard, but overall fair fought campaign, the great showdown between Republican President Nelson Rockefeller and his Democratic challenger, Senator Edmund Muskie of Maine, has arrived. The president, according to numerous polls, is the clear favorite to win a second term in office. We’ll see how this and many down-ballot races will ultimately turn out. First a brief look at the poll closing times across America:




Let us also check out the blank electoral map. This map shall be filled with blue for the Rockefeller/Ford ticket and red for the Muskie/McGovern ticket. We use green for states that are too early or too close to call. Take a look:

President Nelson A. Rockefeller (R-NY)/Vice President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI): 0 EV.
Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME)/Senator George S. McGovern (D-SD): 0 EV.
Too early/close to call: 0 EV.


6 p.m.

Walter Cronkite: And, as usual, we have the first two states to come in: Kentucky and Indiana. We have already information that both of these states have just been called for the Rockefeller/Ford ticket. That means President Rockefeller takes the lead with 22 electoral votes as results start coming in. These two victories by the GOP were expected early on. A brief reminder: To win the White House, 270 electoral votes are needed. We take a quick break before we come back.

President Nelson A. Rockefeller (R-NY)/Vice President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI): 22 EV.
Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME)/Senator George S. McGovern (D-SD): 0 EV.
Too early/close to call: 0 EV.


7 p.m.

Walter Cronkite: As we have 7 p.m., more states closed the polls. And we have a major projections for three of them: President Nelson Rockefeller wins Florida, Vermont and South Carolina. According to our sources, the president has won a decisive victory Vermont and Florida. He’s projected to end up with way above 60% in each one. This is an early sign that our polling data, that predicts a substancial Rockefeller win at the national level, may hold true. Certainly there very early returns are a bad sign for the Muskie camp. I don't want to make too early conclusions, though, as we still have a long way to go. Meanwhile, Virginia and Georgia are too early to call. First returns, however, show that the Republican ticket is extremely favored in the commonwealth of Virginia. We’ll see how that turns out.

President Nelson A. Rockefeller (R-NY)/Vice President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI): 50 EV.
Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME)/Senator George S. McGovern (D-SD): 0 EV.
Too early/close to call: 24 EV.


7.30 p.m.

CBS PROJECTS: ROCKEFELLER WINS VIRGINIA AND OHIO

Walter Cronkite: It’s 7.30 and we have three more states with closing polls. But before we come to them, we have an important projection: CBS now officially projects President Nelson Rockefeller has carried Virginia. There go another twelve electoral votes into the GOP column. Formerly a Democratic stronghold, the commonwealth has trended Republican in recent years, with a large number of rural and suburban voters supporting moderate Republicans such as the president himself. Nelson Rockefeller already took the state four years ago and does so again this time around, by an even wider margin. Even though the Muskie camp has not seriously contested Virginia, our early numbers show a decisive defeat here. As our reporters tell us, the Rockefeller ticket overperforms in urban areas as well.

Now back to the three states I just mentioned: Ohio, West Virginia and North Carolina. We not able to make projections in North Carolina and West Virginia yet, but Ohio is another matter: CBS is calling this state for the Rockefeller/Ford ticket. This is an important, but not surprising, victory. President Rockefeller has taken this bellwether four years ago against Robert Kennedy by a pretty fair margin; now he managed to clinch Ohio again. We expect his advantage to be significantly greater this time. 25 crucial electoral votes for the sitting president, whose tally is now adding up to 87 electoral votes. Edmund Muskie so far as not won any electoral votes. So far, the night didn’t start very well for the Democrats. We go to break for now and return for further analysis and the 8 p.m. poll closings. Stay with us.

President Nelson A. Rockefeller (R-NY)/Vice President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI): 87 EV.
Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME)/Senator George S. McGovern (D-SD): 0 EV.
Too early/close to call: 31 EV.

[President Johnson]

8 p.m.

CBS PROJECTS: ROCKEFELLER TAKES KEY STATES AND OPENS A BIG LEAD, MUSKIE WINS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA





Walter Cronkite: Welcome back to CBS News Election Night coverage for the 8 p.m. poll closings. Before we come to them, CBS officially projects the state of North Carolina has been carried by President Rockefeller. That means, he adds 13 more electoral votes to his tally, which now ads up to 100.

Let's go to some major projections as polls close in 17 states and Washington DC. Accordingly, the Rockefeller/Ford ticket has won the states of Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Michigan, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Hampshire. The Muskie/McGovern also wins their first electoral votes tonight, by carrying the District of Columbia, which awards three electoral votes. Meanwhile, Texas, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Massachusetts remain too early or too close to call.

And if we take a look at the current electoral map, there is a lot of blue and just a small red dot, which is Washington DC. It seems as the final polls from late October weren’t that far off. At least this is my takeaway from these early returns we're seeing.

President Nelson A. Rockefeller (R-NY)/Vice President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI): 232 EV.
Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME)/Senator George S. McGovern (D-SD): 3 EV.
Too early/close to call: 103 EV.


Walter Cronkite: With these latest calls, President Rockefeller’s tally climbed to 232 electoral votes. That means, he’s less than 40 away from a second term. And we even haven’t polls closed in New York and California. In addition, there are more states we await the final calls. In both Texas and Pennsylvania, the president is currently, with less than half of the votes counted, ahead by double digits. Stunning is President Rockefeller’s performance in the South, where, according to our reporters, African Americans turned out by large numbers to support the president while whites credit him for a strong economy and stability in foreign policy. I don’t want to make pre-mature calls here, but I have a hard time seeing any plausible path to a Muskie victory at this point. I think the likelihood for a second Rockefeller term has just increased to 99.9%.

I’d like to go to our reporters at the two campaign headquarters. First to Augusta, Maine, where the Muskie campaign is located. What’s the mood there?

Reporter I: Well, Walter, Muskie supporters already went into this election night with low expectations as they looked at the final polls and the momentum the president has soared after the debates. However, they still made an optimistic impression at about seven o’clock. The mood begun to deteriorate, though, soon after Ohio has been called for Rockefeller so fast. When the most recent calls you just made came in that put the Republican ticket at 232 electoral votes, you could really see the lost hopes in the eyes of Muskie supporters. I already discovered groups of people leaving the event and going home. That’s how pessimistic folks are at this point. Senator Muskie himself is in his suite, and we don’t know what happens when the final call comes around. In short: Nobody here really believes their standard-bearer has a chance to end up as president tonight. Back to Walter Cronkite.

Walter Cronkite: Thank you, that sounds not very great for the Democrats. Let’s switch to New York City, where at the Rockefeller Center thousands of Rockefeller supporters watching the returns. What’s going on there?

Reporter II: Walter, what’s going on here is amazing. Folks were chanting, cheering and jumping when these latest calls came in, as if President Rockefeller had already hit the 270 mark. People I talked to earlier on all were confident the president would easily win this thing, but so far, election night seems to have exceeded expectations. President Rockefeller, we heard, is watching election returns from a private suite here at the Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, together with his wife Happy, other family members, Vice President Ford and Betty Ford.

Walter Cronkite: Thank you out there. We go to a quick break before polls close in Arkansas at 8.30. Stay with us.


8.30 p.m.

CBS: ROCKEFELLER DECLARED WINNER IN ARKANSAS AND TEXAS, NEARS THE FINISH LINE

Walter Cronkite: 8.30 and we have further calls: First, the state of Arkansas. We have received word that President Rockefeller is the apparent winner here. This is usually a Democratic stronghold, but saw Republicans winning statewide races for a few years now: Nelson Rockefeller’s late brother Winthrop served as governor from 1967 to 1971. In 1972, then-candidate Rockefeller carried Arkansas in a three-way race against Bobby Kennedy and Lester Maddox. This time, in 1976, he has handily defeated Edmund Muskie here. And I have one more major call from neighboring Texas: The lone-star state, home of former President Lyndon Johnson, goes into the Republican column. Nelson Rockefeller has accomplished something that only one other Republican, Dwight Eisenhower, managed to do since 1928: Win the state of Texas. This is a huge win for the Rockefeller/Ford camp. Texas has certainly trended Republican for a while now: It was already closer than expected in ’72, with RFK just winning by 1.5 points. And John Tower won three elections for the senate since 1961.

If we check the electoral map and tallies, we have Nelson Rockefeller at 264 compared to Edmund Muskie’s three. That means, the president is only six electoral votes away from reelection to a second term in office. And he will probably find plenty of more electoral votes to win and crack the 270 handily. Ladies and Gentlemen, when it comes to the presidency, this seems to be a pretty short election night as we now expect the race to be decided very soon. In congress, we still have no major news so far, but the Republicans have picked up 10 Democratic held seats in the House at the moment. This could become close in the end. Republicans have a shot to take control of the chamber, even though this is far far from certain.

President Nelson A. Rockefeller (R-NY)/Vice President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI): 264 EV.
Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME)/Senator George S. McGovern (D-SD): 3 EV.
Too early/close to call: 77 EV.

[President Johnson]

8.47 p.m.

BREAKING: FOUR MORE YEARS OF PRESIDENT ROCKEFELLER! ROCKY SWEEPS TO SECOND TERM!

Breaking News: As Maryland and Georgia are called for the Republican ticket, President Nelson Rockefeller exceeds 270 electoral votes and defeats Democratic challenger Edmund Muskie to win reelection to a second term in office. Control of congress undecided so far.



Nelson Rockefeller, the 37th President of the United States of America, will be inaugurated for a second term in office on January 20, 1977


Walter Cronkite: Ladies and Gentlemen, we interrupt the break for two very important state calls: We just received information that both Maryland and Georgia have been declared in favor of the Republican ticket. These states add a total of 22 electoral votes to the Rockefeller tally. That means: President Nelson Rockefeller has exceeded the necessary 270 electoral votes to win reelection to a second term in office. In conclusion, we can now declare: Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller will serve a second term as President of the United States of America and lead this nation for another four years. By his side, Gerald Rudolph Ford will also serve a second term as Vice President of the United States. President Rockefeller has defeated his Democratic challenger, Senator Edmund Muskie of Maine and his running mate, Senator George McGovern of South Dakota, by – as it appears – a significant margin. With just a little over half of electoral votes in, the Rockefeller/Ford ticket is at 286 electoral votes. That’s 16 more than needed and nine more than they have won in 1972. Edmund Muskie is stuck at three votes from Washington DC so far. And as it looks like, President Rockefeller has taken the lead in West Virginia. This starts to look like a landslide defeat for the Democratic hopeful.

✓ President Nelson A. Rockefeller (R-NY)/Vice President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI): 286 EV.
Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME)/Senator George S. McGovern (D-SD): 3 EV.
Too early/close to call: 55 EV.


9 p.m.

ROCKEFELLER WIDENS ELECTORAL LEAD, STILL NO STATE CALLED FOR MUSKIE

Walter Cronkite: Welcome back, my name is Walter Cronkite and I’m your moderator for CBS News Election Night. Exactly 13 minutes ago, we called the presidential election for Nelson Rockefeller, who has exceeded the 270 electoral votes necessary to win. Now two major questions remain: By which margin will he get the presidency in the end and how does congress look like in January?

It is 9 p.m. and we have several more poll closings: Accordingly, President Rockefeller is reported to have carried the states of Wyoming, Nebraska, North Dakota, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana and his homestate of New York. The states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota, homestate of George McGovern, remain too early or too close to call. We still can’t declare any state, and I repeat ANY, state in favor of the Muskie/McGovern ticket. They have earned three electoral votes from the District of Columbia so far. And as I have been told by our reporters, it looks like Massachusetts is being called for the Republican ticket very soon. At this point, I think, nobody can seriously deny this won’t be landslide. In our updated electoral map, President Rockefeller is at 365 electoral votes. That is way over the 270 needed and above Lyndon Johnson’s 351 in 1968.

✓ President Nelson A. Rockefeller (R-NY)/Vice President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI): 365 EV.
Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME)/Senator George S. McGovern (D-SD): 3 EV.
Too early/close to call: 80 EV.


9.15 p.m.

CBS: ROCKEFELLER DECLARED WINNER IN PENNSYLVANIA AND MAINE



Walter Cronkite: Ladies and Gentlemen, I have two more state calls at this point: President Rockefeller scored an easy win in Pennsylvania, adding another 27 electoral votes to his column. He and Gerald Ford narrowly missed the state in 1972, this time, the Republican duo did it fair and square with a projected vote share of about 58%. And we have one more: Even Senator Muskie’s homestate of Maine rejected his presidential aspirations and sticks to its moderate Republican identity. This must be a hit in the stomach for Mr. Muskie, especially considering his narrow polling edge over the course of the campaign. President Rockefeller is now just four electoral votes away from the 400 mark. We go to a quick break and will return soon.


9.23 p.m.

BREAKING: MUSKIE REPORTEDLY PHONES PRESIDENT ROCKEFELLER TO CONCEDE RACE




Walter Cronkite: We come back to report on a major development: Sources from both campaigns tell us that Senator Muskie has just phoned President Rockefeller to concede the presidential race. The senator has reportedly congratulated the president to his victory and wished him a successful second term. And as we just hear, both candidates will give a speech tonight, but not before all results are in. For this and more, stay tuned.


9.43 p.m.

MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND AND WISCONSIN CALLED FOR ROCKEFELLER/FORD TICKET

Walter Cronkite: I have three more projections to make: Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Wisconsin award their electoral votes for the Rockefeller/Ford ticket. Wow! I have to say, this is something we did not expect at this point in time. Probably not even the greatest supporters of the president anticipated such a clean sweep. Massachusetts has been considered a Democratic bastion for a while now, and Senator Muskie led all the state’s polls throughout the summer and fall. His margins narrowed over the past weeks, but we did not see President Rockefeller winning here even though he is, as a moderate to liberal Republican, a pretty good fit for the homestate of the Kennedys. Rhode Island has also not been expected to break Republican this time. Just to remind you: Jack and Bobby Kennedy as well as Lyndon Johnson won the state in their election. LBJ even got 80% in 1964 over Barry Goldwater.

Now, if we take a look at the electoral map, there is a lot of blue around that small red dot, Washington DC. And even there, Nelson Rockefeller overperformed as he won over 35% in our nation’s capital. Strong performance in cities and suburbs seems to be an explanation why the president is doing so extremely well tonight. We saw a Rockefeller victory coming, but not to that extent. This November the second just seems to be a historic night and 1976 an extraordinary election.

I brief look into congress: As it looks like, the senate will probably remain under Democratic control. In New York, Democrat Mario Cuomo is now ahead of Senator James Buckley and has a decent chance to be sent to Washington. In the House, it is a different story: So far, the Republicans appear to have picked up a net of 21 seats. Several districts remain too close to call while polls haven’t closed in the West. As of a now, there is an almost 50/50 chance for each party control. Stay tuned.

✓ President Nelson A. Rockefeller (R-NY)/Vice President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI): 425 EV.
Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME)/Senator George S. McGovern (D-SD): 3 EV.
Too early/close to call: 20 EV.

[President Johnson]

I can definitely live with this.

I assume Rocky dies in his second term. I wonder if it'll be close enough to '80 to push President Ford over the line due to the sympathy vote. Interesting to see if '77-'81 is a "poisoned chalice" term in this timeline...

I'll certainly cover this beyond the 1980 election.

[President Johnson]

10 p.m.

CBS: ROCKEFELLER SWEEPS MOUNTAIN STATES



Walter Cronkite: We continue our coverage of the 1976 election here on CBS News, my name is Walter Cronkite. It is ten p.m. and we have polls closed in Mountain states: Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada and Utah. We project all of them to be in the Republican column. In addition, we call the state of Iowa, the last one from the Mid-West. As in 1972, these states again voted for Nelson Rockefeller, but by wider margins. Truly magnificent what a landslide we witness tonight, I have to say. I find it not hard to estimate the president hitting the 500 electoral votes mark by the end of this night. Something, that none except for FDR, has ever done. And I just received word that we can also declare President Rockefeller the winner in South Dakota, George McGovern’s homestate. As it looks like, this is a pretty painful night for Democrats and a humiliating defeat for Senator Edmund Muskie. We go to break and will be right back.

✓ President Nelson A. Rockefeller (R-NY)/Vice President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI): 452 EV.
Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME)/Senator George S. McGovern (D-SD): 3 EV.
Too early/close to call: 16 EV.


10.21 p.m.

BREAKING: ROCKEFELLER CARRIES WEST VIRGINIA, ROCKEFELLER NEPHEW WINS GOVERNORSHIP AS DEMOCRAT



Governor-elect Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), the president's nephew

Walter Cronkite: Ladies and Gentlemen, I have one more state projection, and it is out of the state of West Virginia. CBS received official information that President Nelson Rockefeller has carried West Virginia by a small margin. This is remarkable, because West Virginia is a Democratic stronghold and was, up to the last minute, thought as one of the safest states for Senator Muskie to take. But he even fell short there. A massive Republican landslide, at least at the presidential level, is in the air. The Rockefeller/Ford ticket stands at 458 electoral votes at this moment. That’s more than Dwight Eisenhower was able to get both times he ran.

We can also call the governor’s race in West Virginia: Jay Rockefeller has been elected governor of the state as a Democrat. Jay is a nephew of Nelson Rockefeller, who switched parties some years ago to become a Democrat. The only one in the Rockefeller family. However, he still won his uncle’s endorsement. That seems to have worked out just fine, as both are victorious.


11. p.m.

IT’S A ROCKEFELLER TSUNAMI! WEST COAST GOES REPUBLICAN AS POLLS CLOSE, ROCKEFELLER BREAKS 500 ELECTORAL VOTES

Walter Cronkite: Unprecedented. A Rockefeller tsunami. I have difficulty to put this into words, ladies and gentlemen. This election night appears to be a massive blowout that not even folks in the Rockefeller camp anticipated in their wildest dreams. The West Coast states Washington, Oregon and California closed their polls and we can project the Rockefeller/Ford ticket has swept the West Coast as well. That puts the President of the United States at 518 electoral votes. 518! That means, we have only Alaska and Hawaii left to be called, as well as Minnesota, where the race is neck-in-neck. That’s the last truly liberal bastion Nelson Rockefeller may conquer tonight.

Take a look at this updated map, which is almost filled entirely in blue. Looks like America is Rockefeller country.

✓ President Nelson A. Rockefeller (R-NY)/Vice President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI): 518 EV.
Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME)/Senator George S. McGovern (D-SD): 3 EV.
Too early/close to call: 10 EV.


11.27 p.m.

CBS PROJECTION: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UNDER REPUBLICAN CONTROL! DEMOCRATS LIKELY TO KEEP SENATE



Walter Cronkite: We continue our program with another major projection: CBS is now certain that the Republicans have gained enough seats for a majority in the House of Representatives for first the time since 1954. We currently have them at 219 seats, while 208 are won by the Democrats. Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow countrymen, this is a historic night. President Nelson Rockefeller has not only won a massive landslide for a second term in the Oval Office, the Republicans also managed to win control of the lower house of congress. This is a huge surprise. We expected the GOP to gain two dozen seats and maybe doing better than in 1972, but a majority seemed a longshot. This is also historic for two more reasons: Not since Harry Truman in 1948 did the party in power gain that much ground in down-ballot races, but for the first time we’re going to have a president’s party control the House of Representatives, but not the senate. I think what we can assess at this point is that the Republican unity has contributed to this huge night for the party. It was President Rockefeller and Governor Reagan joining forces to help local candidates in their efforts.

That means, John Jacob Rhodes of Arizona, the current Minority Leader, will likely become the new Speaker of the House to succeed retiring Oklahoma Democrat Carl Albert. And Tip O’Neill of Massachusetts, currently Majority Leader, will be the head of the House minority. Mr. Rhodes will hold the job Gerald Ford unsuccessfully sought time and time again as House Republican leader before he was selected as Nelson Rockefeller’s vice presidential running mate. With this new divided congress, it will be interesting to see how President Rockefeller’s governing style will change. If it does. Now the president has to deal with his own caucus in the House, that consists members of both party wings, and with Senate Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey on the other side, who will preside over a Democratic senate. Vice President Ford, with his connections to Capitol Hill, may become even more relevant for the administration’s domestic agenda policy next year. We go to break and keep you up to date. Stay on CBS.


11.49 p.m.

ROCKEFELLER DECLARED WINNER IN MINNESOTA, BREAKS ALL TIME ELECTORAL RECORD

Walter Cronkite: Slow counting and a close result took the state of Minnesota, where Majority Leader Humphrey easily won another term as senator, longer to report an official result for the presidential contest. Now, we have a result: President Nelson Rockefeller has carried the state, a liberal bastion, by a narrow margin. This brings is tally up to 528 electoral votes. This is more than any other presidential candidate has ever received and surpassing Franklin Roosevelt’s 1936 record of 523 electoral votes.


November, 3, 1976

12 a.m.

ALL STATES IN: ROCKEFELLER WINS 50 STATE LANDSLIDE

Walter Cronkite: CBS News Election Night Coverage is back, I’m your moderator Walter Cronkite. We have midnight, it is November the third, 1976. I know I used the word historic a couple of times already this night, but we have the final state calls with Alaska and Hawaii. And we got confirmed that President Rockefeller has also decided them in his favor. Ladies and Gentlemen, this means the following: Nelson Rockefeller has accomplished what none of his predecessors has accomplished: He carried every single state in the union. The only two to match this are George Washington and James Monroe, who ran unopposed elections in the early years of the republic. The Muskie/McGovern ticket only managed to win the District of Columbia and its three electoral votes. This is less than one percent of all electoral votes available. A resounding defeat for the challenger. With this strong mandate, President Rockefeller can continue his work at home and abroad in the coming four years. As the race and the incomplete popular vote now stands, this is our election result:

✓ President Nelson A. Rockefeller (R-NY)/Vice President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI): 535 EV. (~61.0%)
Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME)/Senator George S. McGovern (D-SD): 3 EV. (~37.6%)


COMING UP ON CBS: PRESIDENT ROCKEFELLER’S VICTORY SPEECH

Walter Cronkite: And we are now turning to the Rockefeller Center in New York City, where Vice President Gerald Ford has entered the stage.



Vice President Ford: Thank you everyone! Thank you! President Rockefeller and I are deeply, deeply, humbled and grateful for the incredible support the American people have expressed tonight. We are deeply moved and thankful for the opportunity to serve another term to finish the work we begun four years ago. As your vice president, I will always work for you and our great country. Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in welcoming our president: Please welcome Nelson Rockefeller!

Crowd: Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Four more years! Four more years!

President Rockefeller: Thank you my friends. Thank you very, very much. I have just received a call from Senator Edmund Muskie, who congratulated us to this incredible victory. I thanked him for a very fair fought campaign and his outreach to us. I also want to use this opportunity to thank his voters for their participation in the democratic process. Be assured, that I want to be the president for all Americans and that I will continue to work very hard every single day to earn your trust.
My fellow Americans: I cannot tell you how thankful I am for the overwhelming mandate you have given to me and Gerald Ford. The trust you have given us fills my heart with gratitude and humility and I pledge here and today that I will do everything I can to live up to the great hopes and dreams you have expressed tonight with your vote. But this is more than a victory for me or the Republican Party; it is a victory for the greatest nation in the world as we stand as a shining example to the world commuity with our ideals: democracy, freedom and opportunity for everyone. And while we celebrate this magnificent victory tonight, tomorrow – now that the campaign is over – we will go back to work to finish what we have started. Because that is what you have elected us to do.
Finally, let me thank my wonderful wife Happy, my family and friends for all their support. And the many volunteers who made this victory possible. My special thanks goes to Jerry and Betty for their lasting support and friendship. Jerry, America can be proud to have such a hardworking and decent vice president as you have been ever since this journey begun. Thank you all very much again, god bless you and god bless the United States!


Walter Cronkite: So much for the Rockefeller camp. Senator Muskie also addressed his supporters in some quick remarks. We have been told that his running mate, Senator McGovern, already went asleep as he was deeply shocked by this election outcome. Now watch the defeated challenger.



Senator Muskie: Thank you all very much. Thank you. Tonight, after the major networks called this race into his favor, I called President Rockefeller and congratulated him on his outstanding victory. On behalf of my campaign and my family I wished the president all the best and expressed my hope that he is going to lead our country with great success in the coming four years. Now that the election is over, we have to reunite as one country and move forward to solve our problems and keep the world at peace.
This election outcome is far from what we have wanted. In fact, it is not just a loss, it's a resounding defeat. And in the coming weeks and months, we have to get to the bottom of it what went so wrong for us, so that we can learn from mistakes being made and perform better in the future. That we have to admit, without any excuses. And I take this responsibility fully. But what we have also to admit is that our supporters and our volunteers have worked so hard to win this race. It is not their fault that we have lost this election so badly. I am proud of them and always will be. Please promise to me, that you will never stop fighting the good fight.
Now, let us move forward as one nation under God and continue to fight for the ideas that we stand for. There are millions of Americans who think likewise. Let us not turn our backs to those people. I never will. I will always stand up for you and the people of Maine, whom I will continue to serve the senate. Good night, God bless you, and God bless America.

Walter Cronkite: That's it. That were President Nelson Rockefeller and Senator Edmund Muskie in their remarks. I thank you for tuning in CBS News and I hope that you enjoyed our coverage and you will be watching us again. Good night.


NEXT: Full election results for the presidency and congress

[President Johnson]

★★★ Full 1976 election results ★★★


Presidential election

The Infobox, map and diagram

✓ President Nelson A. Rockefeller (R-NY)/Vice President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI): 535 EV. (60.94%)
Senator Edmund S. Muskie (D-ME)/Senator George S. McGovern (D-SD): 3 EV. (37.84%)





Results by state




Senate elections

Note: The results and incumbents base on the last senate election in this timeline from 1970, not actual results

Dark red/blue = Democratic/Republican hold
Light red/blue = Democratic/Republican gain
Grey = No senate election in 1976


53 Democrats (▼ 3); 47 Republicans (▲ 3)
DEMOCRATIC CONTROL

Democratic gains: AZ, NY, TN
Republican gains: ME, MI, MO, RI, UT, WY


Notable races

Arizona
✓ Dennis DeConcini (D) 49.8%
Sam Steiger (R) 48.6%
Republican incumbent retired, Democratic gain

California
✓ S. I. Hayakawa (R): 54.4%
Mervyn Dymally (D): 43.3%
Republican incumbent retired, Republican hold

Maine
✓ John H. Reed (R): 49.9%
Kenneth Curtis (D): 49.2%
Democratic incumbent (Ed Muskie) retired, Republican gain

Michigan
✓ Marvin Esch (R): 51.1%
Donald Riegle (D): 46.5%
Democratic incumbent retired, Republican gain

Minnesota
✓ Hubert Humphrey (D, inc.): 62.5%
Gerald W. Brekke (R): 34.2%
Democratic incumbent reelected

Missouri
✓ John Danforth (R): 58.2%
Warren Heagle (D): 40.1%
Democratic incumbent retired, Republican gain

New York
✓ Mario Cuomo (D): 50.3%
James Buckley (R, inc.): 47.5%
Republican incumbent defeated, Democratic gain

Rhode Island
✓ John Chaffee (R): 59.9%
Richard Lorber (D): 38.7%
Democratic incumbent retired, Republican gain

Tennssee
✓ Jim Sasser (D): 49.4%
Bill Brock (R, inc.): 48.8%
Republican incumbent defeated, Democratic gain

Utah
✓ Orrin Hatch (R): 53.7%
Frank Moss (D, inc.): 45.1%
Democratic incumbent defeated, Republican gain

Wyoming
✓ Malcolm Wallop (R): 55.5%
Gale McGee (D, inc.): 44.0%
Democratic incumbent defeated, Republican gain


House of Representatives elections

220 Republicans (▲ 37); 215 Democrats (▼ 37)
REPUBLICAN CONTROL


Congressional leadership will be listed upon the new congress' opening on January 3, 1977

[President Johnson]

November 4, 1976

BONUS: AN INTERVIEW WITH ARTHUR M. SCHLESINGER ON THE ELECTION OUTCOME

An interview with historian and political expert Arthur Schlesinger on the outcome of the 1976 presidential election. On CBS with Walter Cronkite.



Walter Cronkite: Welcome on the show, Mr. Schlesinger. Tonight we want to talk about the historic outcome of the 1976 presidential election, in which Republican president Nelson Rockefeller won a massive landslide, winning all 50 states. Welcome again, Sir.

Arthur Schlesinger: Thank you, my pleasure, Walter.

Walter Cronkite: Arthur, the inevitable question at the beginning: Why did President Rockefeller win by such a huge margin? What allowed him to win a 50 state sweep?

<< A couple of reasons played into President Rockefeller’s favor >>

Arthur Schlesinger: There are a couple of reasons that played into President Rockefeller’s favor. First, the economy. Since the beginning of this year, America is out of the recession. Jobs are being created, growth and confidence are up, inflation goes down and wages are starting to rise. Second, the stable conditions around the world. The administration has negotiated a SALT II treaty largely supported by the public, while America stood up to the Khmer Rouge, the Arabs to the defense Israel and managed to stabilize the situation in South Vietnam. Third, the Muskie campaign’s organization was a disaster. Senator Muskie also failed to present a stark different vision for America that large groups could rally upon. With these major reasons, a majority Americans did not see a valid reason why to vote President Rockefeller out of office and replace him with an uninspiring candidate.

Walter Cronkite: Is part of the reason the president himself and how he has conducted himself in office?

Arthur Schlesinger: Absolutely. Nelson Rockefeller is a different kind of Republican that has appeal across the spectrum. Liberals like his pro-government and pro-welfare state policies, his environmentalism and his civil rights policies. More conservative voters give him high grades on foreign policy, crime policy and the war on drugs. His broad appeal allowed hm in a time dominated by the New Deal coalition to win four statewide races in New York, a liberal-leaning state. While in New York politics, he was supported by unions and business alike. And he has a pretty strong support among African Americans.

<< It is ironic that President Rockefeller became the first Republican to sweep the South >>

Walter Cronkite: I want to stick with this for a moment, as you mention blacks. Nelson Rockefeller has become the first Republican to sweep the entire South. A feat not even accomplished by Herbert Hoover and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Were African Americans the key to winning these states?

Arthur Schlesinger: It is indeed ironic that President Rockefeller became the first Republican to carry all states of the South. Other than the opposing ticket's weakness, I see two main reasons: First, as you already described, Walter, are people of color, who strongly back the president for his pro civil-rights stances. Mr. Rockefeller has indeed a long history of supporting civil rights that even goes beyond his predecessor Lyndon Johnson or the Kennedys. What had a stark impact here is also the successful ground operation by the Rockefeller campaign to turn out these black voters, many of whom never voted before, in combination with strict enforcement of the civil rights laws by the Brooke Justice Department and courts that are filled with appointees of this or the previous administration. The second major factor was the lack of a third-party candidate and the support from Southern Whites, who support President Rockefeller's foreign and economic policies. Keep also in mind that large sums of the infrastructure package go into the South. President Rockefeller mentioned his own "Southern Strategy" early into his term, and that is a focus on economic development and not social issues. What I mean is that he sells different policies to different groups, in this case to blacks and whites.

Walter Cronkite: One more questions on blacks: Do you believe they will return to the Republican Party after Kennedy and Johnson completely changed voting patterns of this group?

Arthur Schlesinger: I doubt that. Of course, this mainly depends on the direction both parties move in, but they have essentially found their place in the political specturm: center-right and and center-left. Blacks may support indiviual Republican candidates in various races, but their loyalty now is to President Rockefeller and not the Republican Party.





Walter Cronkite: Alright, I want to come back to the Democrats: You earlier said Senator Muskie was an uninspiring candidate. Why did Democrats then nominate him?

Arthur Schlesinger: Uninspiring doesn’t mean unqualified. The country did not reject Senator Muskie because of a lack of credentials in government. He ran a poor campaign, but he served as senator and governor with a pretty solid and clean record. And his personal integrity is also not question. His problem was not to formulate a clear message to convince Americans why a change in the White House was necessary. Additionally, he lacked charisma on the campaign trail. George McGovern had this charisma and the enthusiasm from some supporters, but he was seen as unelectable by many Democrats, including the party establishment that fought against him. They knew he would alienate moderates and therefore wouldn’t stand a chance against Mr. Rockefeller, and that is why he didn’t win the first spot. And although we had a number of Democrats running for the nomination, there was no real alternative. Bobby Kennedy could have run, but he was smart enough to avoid another defeat. He knew early on his second chance may be 1980 and that no sitting president since Herbert Hoover was voted out of office. That’s why Governor Kennedy stayed out of the ’76 race. Who else is there? Hubert Humphrey ran twice, is probably too old and seems to like his job as senate leader. Jimmy Carter ran a poor primary campaign and failed to have early successes to gain momentum because Lloyd Bentsen took away southern votes. Edmund Muskie seemed to be the ‘safest’ candidate on the bench. However, I don’t think any of these candidates would have pulled this off. Maybe we talk about a few points more or less, but neither would have won the presidency under these circumstances.

<< How McGovern was picked did more harm than his selection itsself >>

Walter Cronkite: Arthur, you mentioned George McGovern. Was he the wrong vice presidential pick?

Arthur Schlesinger: Well, there is going to be discussion on this question. I don’t know whether he was the wrong candidate. Certainly his nomination was very messy after the confusion over Mo Udall’s selection. That was a first major blunder of the Muskie campaign after securing the nomination. It hurt Muskie because he looked indecisive. In these times, many Americans asked themselves: Do we want an indecisive president sitting in the White House? George McGovern himself had both pros and cons: He was sort of an attack dog for the Democrats and brought in liberal grassroots activists, some who previously supported Eugene McCarthy and, to some degree, Bobby Kennedy. On the other hand, he pulled moderates over to the Rockefeller/Ford ticket. However, this defeat is not on Mr. McGovern. Lloyd Bentsen or Reubin Askew may have moved a few points in the South, but that would not have changed the overall outcome. Whether George McGovern’s career can recover from this election is another matter, though. He remains a senator at least to 1980, but whether he will be a serious presidential contender again is questionable. But who knows?

Walter Cronkite: Let us take a look at the election as a whole: Republicans also won the House. What is Nelson Rockefeller going to do with this mandate and what is going to be the impact of the narrow Republican House majority?

Arthur Schlesinger: That remains to be seen. I’m not sure whether this will ease things for the White House. Let’s remember what brought this surprising 37 seat gain along: The president’s popularity of course, but also party unity. The conservatives played this very clever by teaming up with moderates and liberals. And the conservatives are not thrilled about all of the president’s policies: Healthcare and social programs, détente and the environment, just to name a few. President Rockefeller already promised to expand healthcare in his second administration. That is something I see potential conflicts ahead within the Republican Party. He may get something passed with the Democrats, but at which price? Especially now that the president can act more freely as he doesn’t have to worry about polls and elections anymore, he may anger the right wing of his party once the momentum of this landslide victory has ebbed in a couple of months. Other things, like the promised tax cuts, though, will probably happen quickly early next year. I also believe that SALT II will win overwhelming senate approval and that the president will increase his focus on Latin America and a Middle East peace process.

<< Predictions are difficult to make in politics, but Reagan and Kennedy continue to play important roles >>

Walter Cronkite: Do you have an early outlook for this potential new battle between the GOP factions?

Arthur Schlesinger: No, because the next cycle is a long time in politics. Especially in 1980, but even the 1978 midterms is a long road. Ronald Reagan is still undeniably the leader of the conservative party wing, but he is in his mid-60s, just three younger than President Rockefeller. Whether he will be a factor two years from now is hard to predict. On the moderate side, however, I don’t see someone on the horizon to replace Nelson Rockefeller soon. Maybe UN Ambassador Bill Scranton, as someone a bit younger. And Vice President Ford doesn’t make the impression of a someone with ambitions for the presidency. Who else is there? Secretary Richard Nixon is probably done with presidential politics anyway. The same applies to Secretary George Romney. We even don't know if they will retain their positions and if so, how long.

Walter Cronkite: How about the Democrats? We already talked about Bobby Kennedy. What is your outlook here? Is he the front-runner for 1980 now?

Arthur Schlesinger: As of now, he is definitely an obvious candidate and a de-facto leader of the party. He’s only 51, has broad government experience and has charisma. But the same is true here: A year or two is a long time in politics. Anything can happen, and I don’t make predictions.


Walter Cronkite: Arthur, thank you very much for this intersting conversation. Thanks also to our viewers.

Arthur Schlesinger: Thank you for hosting me.

[President Johnson]

Did something change in this timeline since George Mitchell is a Republican?

No, Edmund Muskie retires from his senate seat and George Mitchell, the Republican, replaces him. In real life, Mitchell also became Muskie's successor in the senate following his appointment as secretary of state by Jimmy Carter in 1980.

[President Johnson]

Did something change in this timeline since George Mitchell is a Republican?

No, Edmund Muskie retires from his senate seat and George Mitchell, the Republican, replaces him. In real life, Mitchell also became Muskie's successor in the senate following his appointment as secretary of state by Jimmy Carter in 1980.

But Mitchell is a Democrat IOTL. He's wondering if the lack of a rightward shift in the GOP has led to Mitchell switching parties.

There you got me, that's absolutely correct. IRL, Mitchell was even Majority Leader after Robert Byrd from 1989-95. You never stop learning. I replaced him now with former Republican governor John H. Reed in order to keep the 53-47 senate composition

[President Johnson]

November 5, 1976: President Rockefeller pledges continuation of bi-partisan governance after meeting with Senator Muskie


Three days after Americans cast their ballots and awarded him with a second term, President Nelson Rockefeller invited his defeated challenger Edmund Muskie to the White House to discuss the nation's course and pledged to continue working across the aisle

Three days after the election was over, President Nelson Rockefeller invited his former rival Edmund Muskie to the White House for an informal meeting at lunch. In the afternoon, the two former rivals gave a joint statement before the press and called upon national unity after voting took place. The president pledged to continue his pragmatic governance approach and promised to work on bipartisan solutions with the newly GOP House and the Democratic controlled senate. According to the president, tax relief and expanded healthcare are among his top domestic priorities. Senator Muskie, whose term would expire in January, said he would depart from the “daily political stuff”, but remain a public voice with outspoken convictions. The senator expressed his hope for a ratification of the SALT II Treaty during the lame-duck session in December, so that he can vote in its favor. The press and congressional leaders of both parties praised the “gesture of unity.”


November 9, 1976: Bobby Kennedy rejects criticism from fellow Democrats



Governor Bobby Kennedy doesn't agree with criticism from some fellow Democrats on his campaign efforts

Edmund Muskie’s resounding defeat hit the Democratic Party very hard. Not only did the president win a 50 state landslide, the Rockefeller wave also swept in 37 Republicans into the House of Representatives and narrowed the senate majority to a 53-47 margin. Although Ed Muskie took full responsibility for his party’s loss at the polls, leading congressional figures including the circle of George McGovern faulted Bobby Kennedy in part for the defeat. “He should have done way more than he actually did”, Majority Whip Robert Byrd (D-WV) said. Senator John Glenn (D-OH) remarked: “To be honest, I wish Governor Kennedy had used his popularity to help Senator Muskie and Democratic candidates. The House might still be Democratic if RFK had done more other than giving us the senate seat for New York. The Republicans had President Rockefeller and Governor Reagan stumping the trail in pivotal House districts. Our candidates had much less help. Now we pay the price.” Others like newly reelected Senator Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX), who ran for his party’s nomination, openly accused RFK of selfishness. Even Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey admitted the Democratic campaign lacked enthusiasm, but called upon his colleagues to tone down, focus on the issues and learn from the loss to do better next time.



Senator-elect Mario Cuomo (D-NY), one of the few Democratic pick-ups in congress

In a public statement on November 9, a week after the election, Governor Kennedy rejected these criticisms. “This defeat at the polls is painful for our party and has more than one reason”, RFK told reporters, “I do not accept, however, direct attacks against my person or my campaign style in an effort to justify the election outcome. I have spent my resources on races in my own state, where our party has lost only two congressional seats. In addition, I have helped my friend Mario Cuomo to get elected senator and oust one of the most conservative members of the Republican Party. Let this speak for itself. I also might note that I made a pledge to the people of New York two years ago, that I would solely focus on New York’s business. And running the second largest state in the nation is not a part-time job.”

When asked whether he would run for president again in four years, he just smiled and said this was way too early to even think about and he couldn't care less. "My focus is on delivering of my fellow New Yorkers", the governor remarked.


November 29, 1976: Cabinet to be reshuffled in second administration, say White House sources

The president’s inner circle remained silent about potential changes in the administration’s top-personnel ever since the election. Nevertheless, speculation was going on for while that some senior officials would leave next year. White House sources close to Chief of Staff Malcolm Wilson now told members of the press that some cabinet secretaries would be replaced at their own request. Who it would be was not told, but some big names as George Romney were mentioned. The future of Richard Nixon was also unclear, but most observers expected him to stay on as secretary of state. Not likely was replacement of those members who joined the administration during the spring 1975 reorganization (like Attorney General Edward Brooke or Treasury Secretary Ray Shafer). According to these sources, the changes will be made public sometime in December.


November 30, 1976: New Gallup poll

President Rockefeller receives post-election bump, with his approval rating soaring at 71%. The last time it was this high was during the first months of his presidency in 1973.


President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 71%
Disapprove: 25%

[President Johnson]

December 9, 1976: President Rockefeller announces new cabinet appointments; Romney to leave Pentagon, Nixon stays on

A month after his reelection, President Nelson Rockefeller made some high-profile changes in his administration public:


- As he is turning 70 within months, Defense Secretary George Romney, a longtime friend of President Rockefeller and fellow liberal Republican, retires from public office. To honor his public service, President Rockefeller awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Outgoing governor Daniel J. Evans of Washington state is chosen to lead the Pentagon coming January. Evans is just little experience in this field, but the president has full confidence in his managing abilities and master this new task.



- John Connally served as Commerce Secretary since 1973, after the former Texas governor switched parties and became a Republican. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury George P. Shultz has been chosen to take over the Commerce Department. However, Connally may return as Budget Director once legislation is passed to create this agency within the West Wing.



- As Secretary of Transportation, Walter Peterson oversaw a gigantic program to repair highways and bridges. At his own wish, he leaves government in January 1977. President Rockefeller nominated his deputy William Thaddeus Coleman to take the position. If confirmed by the senate, Coleman will be the second African American in the cabinet along with Edward Brooke.



- John Anderson, the former governor Kansas, will retire from his job as Secretary of Agriculture. Assuming the senate approves the nomination, his successor will be Sam Steiger, an outgoing congressman from Arizona who narrowly lost senate bid last month.


Staying key cabinet members:

- Richard Nixon stays on as Secretary of State, at least for the coming year, if not longer. He is in the midst of preparing new peace talks in the Middle East and involved the Panama Canal Treaties, among other things. This a reason he is currently too important to be leave. And while being controversial as vice president and two time presidential contender, Tricky Dick has earned respect for his work at the State Department.

- Attorney General Edward Brooke will also keep his position. He has been office since the spring of 1975, when he was appointed to succeed disgraced Spiro Agnew. Brooke became the first black Attorney General; he left his senate seat to take the appointment.

- Like Edward Brooke, Treasury Secretary Raymond P. Shafer, the former Pennsylvania governor, was appointed during the 1975 reshuffle. He will also retain his position, possibly to the end of the Rockefeller presidency. The same applies to all other members appointed in spring 1975.

- William Scranton has earned credentials across the political spectrum as UN Ambassador. Scranton has been a loyal supporter of the president and his agenda is a respected voice at the United Nations, even among the Soviets. Scranton is likely to stay on as long as he wants or be a reserve for the State Department.

- After he temporarily chaired “Democrats for Rockefeller” and turned his duties over to his deputy, Ivan Allen returns to his job as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The man from Georgia is the only Democrat serving in the cabinet.

- Interior Secretary John Arthur Love, in office since 1973, will keep his position as well.

- Senior White House officials will also remain in their positions such as Chief of Staff Malcolm Wilson and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. Along with Bill Scranton, Kissinger is considered a potential successor for Richard Nixon in the future. Both are long time allies of Nelson Rockefeller and belong to his most inner circle.


December 21, 1976: Senate ratifies SALT II Treaty



Already before the election, Senate Majority Leader Hubert Humphrey and retiring Minority Leader Hugh Scott agreed to push ratification of the SALT II Treaty through the senate during the lame-duck session in December. As expected, the senate voted in favor with 78 votes, eleven more than needed to reach the necessary 2/3 vote. Outgoing Senator and defeated presidential candidate Edmund Muskie was granted the honor the cast the deciding vote. In his farewell speech, Senator Muskie thanked his colleagues for their friendship and held an emotional speech on keeping world peace. At the end of his remarks, he received a long standing applause from his colleagues from both parties.

[President Johnson]

December 29, 1976: Mark Hatfield defeats Howard Baker for Republican leader in the senate, Tower selected whip



Senator Mark Hatfield of Oregon is the new Republican leader in the senate

It’s been a closely watched race who the 47 member Republican caucus in the senate would elect as their new leader after Hugh Scott (R-PA) retires from congress. The two contenders were Howard Baker of Tennessee and Mark Hatfield of Oregon. Baker is considered a moderate-to-conservative Republican, but respected across the party spectrum as one of the few GOP senators from the South. Hatfield is a more liberal Republican and has a close relationship with the Rockefeller White House. The president himself remained officially neutral, but some of his surrogates made no secret that Hatfield was their man. When the caucus met for the vote on December 29, Hatfield defeated Baker by a 26-21 vote to become Minority Leader in the new congress. Baker was gracious in defeat and pledged to support Hatfield as leader. To appease the conservatives, Baker proposed John Tower of Texas as Minority Whip, who was subsequently elected with just two opposing votes.

On the Democratic side, there was no change: Already before Christmas, Hubert Humphrey was again elected Majority Leader. Robert Byrd of West Virginia again won election as whip.


December 31, 1976: New Gallup poll

President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 68%
Disapprove: 27%


January 3, 1977: 95th congress assembles

John Jacob Rhodes elected Speaker of the House, first Republican in 22 years



America has a new House speaker: Arizona congressman John Jacob Rhodes is the first Republican since 1955 to take the thrid-highest job the federal government

On the third of January, 1977, the newly elected 95th congress opened. As the Republicans narrowly took control of the House, their Leader John Jacob Rhodes of Arizona was elected Speaker of the House. He received 220 votes, exactly the number of Republicans in the new House. Rhodes became the first Republican speaker since 1955. Bob Michel of Illinois, the former whip, was now Majority Leader. Rhodes succeeds Carl Albert, who retired from politics. Tip O'Neill of Massachusetts is the minority leader in the House.

Congressional Leadership:
Senate President: Gerald R. Ford (R-MI)
Senate Majority Leader: Hubert H. Humphrey (D-MN)
Senate Minority Leader: Mark Hatfield (R-OR)

Speaker of the House: John Jacob Rhodes (R-AZ)
House Majority Leader: Robert H. Michel (R-IL)
House Minority Leader: Tip O'Neill (D-MA)


Electoral votes confirmed, Rockefeller/Ford reelected with 535 votes

On January 4, 1977, Vice President Gerald Ford in his role as president of the senate presided over a joint session of congress to certify the electoral college’s vote. There were no faithless electors: Nelson Rockefeller was now officially reelected as President of the United States with 535 electoral votes. Gerald Ford also received 535 votes for vice president.


January 15, 1977: Due to harsh weather, Inauguration will be held in House chamber

Due to a blizzard, the second Inauguration of Nelson Rockefeller on January 20 is officially moved to the House Chamber in the capitol. Chief Justice Homer Thornberry will administer the oath of office and President Rockefeller deliver his inaugural address.


January 19, 1977: Final preparations for Inauguration underway

The Inaugural Committee
requests the honor of your presence
to attend and participate in the Inauguration of

Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller
as President of the United States of America

and

Gerald Rudolph Ford
as Vice President of the United States of America

on Thursday, the twentieth of January
one thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven
in the City of Washington

Robert J. Dole,
Chairman

[President Johnson]

Can you list the supporters on each side of the leadership vote? I'd be interested to see how Hatfield gained a majority in the Republican caucus against Baker of all people.

Are leader elections in the senate even public?

First I have to check who is in the caucus since the TL severely differs from the actual caucus based on the 1972 and 1974 election results

[President Johnson]

January 20, 1977

The Second Inauguration of President Nelson Rockefeller



Due to projected harsh weather, the president’s inauguration has been moved to the chamber of the House of Representatives. Before all members of congress and thousands of guests (and millions on television), President Nelson Rockefeller would be inaugurated for his second term in office following his landslide victory in the 1976 election.

Like in the previous two inaugurations, Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first black at the nation’s highest court, swore in the vice president. At 11.52 a.m., Gerald R. Ford again took the oath of office as the 40th Vice President of the United States.

I, Gerald Rudolph Ford, do solemnly swear
that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States
against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
that I take this obligation freely,
without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;
and that I will well and faithfully discharge
the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.
So help me God.

A big applause took place after a smiling Gerald Ford concluded his oath.

At 11.59 a.m., Nelson Rockefeller raised his right hand to repeat the presidential oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Homer Thornberry.

I, Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller, do solemnly swear
that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my Ability,
preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.
So help me God.

The Marine Corps Band played hail to the chief and salute shots were fired in outside the Capitol. The president then moved to the podium and delivered his speech.

President Rockefeller: Chief Justice Thornberry, Vice President Ford, Speaker Rhodes, Leader Humphrey, Leaders O’Neill and Hatfield, members of the house and the senate, members of the cabinet, members of the judiciary and the diplomatic corps, distinguished guests and my fellow Americans: Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you, as we come together today, as one nation, under god, to celebrate our democracy and our freedom. As newly elected leaders in all branches of government begin their work or those with a renewed mandate continue their humble service to America and its citizens, who have entrusted all of us to lead this nation. For me, it is a great honor serve as president. Be assured, that I want to be the president of all the people.

Four years ago, I stood before the American people and the world outside in front of the capitol – something that, unfortunately, the weather does not permit today – and spoke of the many challenges ahead of the bicentennial of our nation’s birth. And last year, during my State of the Union Address in this chamber, as this date in July neared, I reported in the achievements we have made so far. The groundwork for our nation’s success, and with it world peace, has been laid over the past years. Now, we have to build on this progress into the future with a sense of hope. And this is the reason why I want this inaugural message to be one of hope, because it truly reflects my deep conviction, that there is nothing wrong with America, that courage, dedication and love cannot conquer.

[Applause]

There is nothing wrong with America, that we do not have the resource or the will to overcome. No matter how difficult the challenges ahead might be. Together, as one nation, we can meet any goal and climb every hill. Together, there is nothing that can stop us, if we reject partisanship and political division. And the record of this federal government over the past four years has demonstrated that such pragmatic governance that puts country ahead of partisan politics can deliver results. From world peace, arms control treaties to the economy over to environmental protection and record investments in our infrastructure. These are the things that I want to continue to work on, as the American people have awarded us with their trust and confidence to tackle the challenges ahead and protect the accomplished of the past. Let us together, as one nation, as one people with equal rights and justice for all, move forward to deliver.

[...]

Now, going forward, let us pledge together to make the first four years beyond our 200th birthday a bright a beacon of hope for all the world. Because this is what we owe to our children and grandchildren and the generations to come.

[Applause]


January 31, 1977: New cabinet members approved by senate

On the last day of January and after six weeks of hearings, the senate approved all new cabinet members President Rockefeller nominated in December.

- Daniel J. Evans confirmed as Secretary of Defense: 91 aye, 5 nay
- William Thaddeus Coleman confirmed as Secretary of Transportation: 90 aye, 8 nay
- George P. Schulz confirmed as Secretary of Commerce: 92 aye, 4 nay
- Sam Steiger confirmed as Secretary of Agriculture: 92 aye, 4 nay

Vice President Gerald Ford swore in the new members of the cabinet during a White House ceremony. Outgoing Secretary of Defense George Romney was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the president upon his departure from public service.


The Rockefeller Administration
(as of January 31, 1977)



The White House cabinet room in 1977 during the Rockefeller Administration


- President: Nelson Rockefeller (R-NY)
- Vice President: Gerald Ford (R-MI)

- Secretary of State: Richard Nixon (R-CA)
- Attorney General: Edward Brooke (R-MA)
- Secretary of Defense: Daniel J. Evans (R-WA)
- Secretary of the Treasury: Raymond P. Shafer (R-PA)
- Secretary of Commerce: George P. Shultz (R-CA)
- Secretary of the Interior: John Arthur Love (R-CO)
- Secretary of HUD: Ivan Allen Jr. (D-GA)
- Secretary of HHS: Charles Goodell (R-NY)
- Secretary of Agriculture: Sam Steiger (R-AZ)
- Secretary of Energy: John B. Anderson (R-IL)
- Secretary of Labor: Catherine Dean May (R-WA)
- Secretary of Transportation: William T. Coleman (R-PA)
- U.N. Ambassador: William Scranton (R-PA)

- White House Chief of Staff: Malcolm Wilson (R-NY)
- National Security Advisor: Henry Kissinger (R-DC)


January 31, 1977: New Gallup poll

President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 70% ▲
Disapprove: 24% ▼

[President Johnson]

February 3, 1977

President Nelson Rockefeller’s State of the Union Address



A little later than usual, President Nelson Rockefeller delivered his State of the Union Address in February this year (as he did in 1973, although his first speech to congress was called “special message”). President Rockefeller would now speak to a Republican controlled House and a Democratic controlled senate. Upon arriving at the podium, he lost little time to outline his agenda for the coming months and years. His first call was to enact legislation to extend the 1975 middle-class tax cut to continue the economic growth. “And we can get even further than this by considering an elimination of the federal income tax for people making less than 20,000 dollars a year”, the president added to many member’s surprise. However, the president received applause from both sides of the aisle. Then the chief executive turned to healthcare and expressed his desire to work out a bipartisan plan to expand coverage. After the subject has largely been out of the public eye ever since an initiative by the previous Johnson/Kennedy Administration went nowhere, President Rockefeller complained about not enough affordable healthcare for too many citizens. He gave no specifics, but said a new task force within the administration including members of congress would work on a new legislative package. He singled out Senators Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Jacob Javits (R-NY) to work on such a new healthcare bill. These two co-authored the last major healthcare legislation, that was enacted during the Johnson Administration in 1969 (legislation that established a children's healthcare program).

In the second half of his address, President Rockefeller shifted attention to foreign affairs. He reaffirmed his support for the so-called “Second Good Neighbor Policy” in the tradition of FDR. “I am also glad to report, that a comprehensive agreement on the Panama Canal can be submitted to the senate later this year”, the president told lawmakers and the nation, “I urge you to approve this treaty, so that we can lift our relations with Latin America to new levels.” Finally, he touched the Middle East, saying Secretary Nixon would soon provide more information on the administration’s efforts before closing his address with a special thanks for the ratification of SALT II.


The Democratic response



Governor Jerry Brown (D-CA) has been selected to give the Democratic response

He intended to give an official response the last two years, now party leaders agreed to let California Governor Jerry Brown deliver the Democrat’s answer to President Rockefeller’s State of the Union Address. The 38 year old rising star of the party, who was elected governor of the most populous state at age 36, is considered a potential presidential candidate for future elections. He flirted with a run in 1976, but ultimately backed Edmund Muskie’s White House bid. Brown, in his address, criticized the administration for shifting too many Great Society programs back to the state level without providing funding from the federal government. “As a former governor himself, President Rockefeller should know this”, Brown remarked. Additionally, he took aim at the administration’s tax policy, urging for tax hikes for upper incomes to balance the federal budget. “The truth is”, the governor said, “the federal budget will never be balanced unless we have meaningful savings and additional revenues from those who can afford it. Despite the current economic growth. I urge you to get real on this, Mr. President. You have now the freedom to get through such things.”

But Governor Brown also credited the Rockefeller Administration for its conduct of foreign policy. “Credit, where credit is due”, the Democrat noted and praised détente and Latin America policy. And he added: “We know, and the administration knows, that their true opponents on this sit in the Republican ranks, not our own. It is hardliners around my predecessor as governor, who have been warriors against these policies. The Democrats have always been a reliable force in congress, especially when Republican votes lacked.”


February 18, 1977: Secretary of State Nixon announces new Middle-East peace talks between Egypt and Israel



After extensive preparations, Secretary Nixon has restarted the Middle East peace process

With negotiations on a Panama Canal Treaty still going on, Secretary of State Richard Nixon opened another major chapter of US diplomacy under the Rockefeller Administration. President Rockefeller’s top-diplomat spent the last few months with preparing for direct talks between Egypt and Israel, one of the most urgent unsolved conflicts of this unstable region. Both during a public address and a congressional hearing, Richard Nixon announced new negotiations between the two parties under American leadership. According to Nixon, both sides agreed to this dialogue format and a treaty is intended to be negotiated. Nixon is expected to take a key role in the process, though the final agreement will be discussed among the heads of state at a later point. President Rockefeller will travel the Middle East later this month to launch first direct talks.


February 28, 1977: New Gallup poll

President Rockefeller job approval
Approve: 67% ▼
Disapprove: 25% ▲

[President Johnson]

Interesting. Looks like despite the Rockfeller administration's stark difference from the Carter one, the Peace between Israel and Egypt will be signed like IOTL. Also, is Begin still Prime Minister ITTL? He probably has a good relationship with Rocky if so.

Yeah, the only different foreign leader so far is from Chile, after the 1973 crisis played out differently.