The liberal Republic

[Sir Mohamed]

By the way this is Kennedy.

What's Kennedy? The guy on the second picture? That's RFK.

https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/rfk-if-he-wasnt-killed.340352/ reference comes from here.

The best timeline of all time. The first time I read that, I nearly passed out from laughing so hard.

"All the bad things in the world needs to be stopped"

LOL at that TL. No comparison with that one here.

[President Johnson]

February 1, 1970: Paul Nitze appointed White House Chief of Staff



After James Robert Jones served for more than a year as informal – de facto – Chief of Staff, Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Nitze has officially been appointed to the position by President Johnson. According to the president, Mr. Nitze is not only overseeing domestic affairs, he will also continue to be heavily involved in foreign and defense policy. Henry Kissinger will directly report to him as well.


February 14 – 17, 1970: Henry Kissinger secretly travels to Beijing



Henry Kissinger has been seen on his way to Bejing

The administration tried to keep it secret, but Henry Kissinger, who joined the White House as an informal advisor for foreign policy, has been witnessed to enter a government plane to Beijing. The former Nixon aide will directly talk to the Chinese leadership in order to resolve tensions in the Vietnam War. The Johnson Administration hopes for China to cooperate by reducing military aid to the North Vietnamese in exchange for diplomatic relations.

After Mr. Kissinger’s return, the administration remained silent on the visit. Mr. Kissinger’s office denied any comment.


Gallup poll, released February 28, 1970

President Johnson job approval
Approve: 51%
Disapprove: 42%


March 3, 1970: President Johnson signs Second Veteran’s Bill into law



President Johnson hands Vice President Kennedy the pen he signed to Veteran's bill that the vice president introduced

After the congressional process took a little longer than expected, President Johnson was now able to sign a Second Veteran’s Bill into law. The measure was originally proposed by Vice President Kennedy the previous year and expands federal housing programs for Vietnam veterans.


March 18, 1970: Congress approves aid for South Vietnam

Following congress’ rejection for additional funds for South Vietnam in November 1969, congress now approved a 1.5 billion dollar package, designed for economic aid for South Vietnam. The Johnson Administration agreed to reduce the proposed sum for military aid.


Gallup poll, released March 31, 1970

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

April 6, 1970: Trials end: Chennault, Haldeman and Ehrlichman go to jail

The long awaited verdict for the Chennault case came this April 6. Anna Chenault, H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman as well as a group of other Nixon campaign aides were convicted for the attempt of “sabotaging diplomatic efforts by the United States government”. Ms. Chennault received a five year felony, Haldeman and Ehrlichman, as initiators, were sentenced to six years in federal prison. Haldeman and Ehrlichman were expected to serve a longer time, but benefited from their cooperation with the FBI. Ms. Chennault is expected to be expelled after release from prison, possibly before the conclusion of her sentence.


Late April 1970: Red China reportedly reduces military aid for North Vietnam as result of Kissinger’s talks

As U.S. and international newspapers, claiming American intelligence services, Red China reportedly cut its amount of military aid to North Vietnam, particularly weaponry systems and fuel. Military experts expect that this move might soon affect the battlefield, but not in a decisive way. Some political analysts saw this as an informal exchange between China and the United States, after President Johnson approved a smaller sum of military aid to the South than requested from congress.


April 30, 1970: Step 2 of troop reduction complete



President Johnson as he welcomes U.S. troops at Norfolk sea port

By the end of April, the White House officially confirmed that the 100,000 troops President Johnson ordered to withdraw last year were returned home. It was also announced, that the president would soon make a decision how to proceed with withdrawal process.
 
As Vice President Kennedy expressed his confidence during an interview, that at least a temporary peace agreement is near the horizon. However, White House Chief of Staff Paul Nitze said that the road ahead is still rocky.


Gallup poll, released April 30, 1970

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


May 15/16, 1970: Eugene McCarthy does not run for reelection to the Senate, Hubert Humphrey is in!


Rumors on his future were around for quite a while, but on May 15, 1970, Senator Eugene McCarthy (D-MN) announced his intention not to seek reelection to the senate this fall. Senator McCarthy unsuccessfully challenged President Johnson for the 1968 Democratic nomination. The anti-war candidate did better than expected, but the anti-war support split when then-Senator Robert Kennedy entered the race. After LBJ and RFK formed a ticket, Senator McCarthy’s hopes for the nomination were ended. The senator remained a critic of the administration’s policy even after the election, when President Johnson begun to withdraw American troops from Vietnam and suspended the air bombardments.  However, the senator from Minnesota angered many in the Democratic leadership with his outspoken criticism. Obviously, he now saw only slim chances to retain his seat and announced not to run again.

The next day, former vice president Hubert Humphrey, who already served in the senate before 1964, declared a run. Although critical of the 1965-68 Vietnam policy in private, Mr. Humphrey has been a loyal supporter of the president’s agenda. The outspoken liberal now plans to reenter the political arena after he had to step down from the vice presidency in 1968 in RFK’s favor. Immediately after his announcement, Humphrey received the endorsement of President Johnson and Vice President Kennedy. Many Democrats in congress also expressed their support for their former colleague.

According to unofficial White House sources, President Johnson played a major role in dumping McCarthy and putting Humphrey back in office. An anonymous source in the White House quoted the president with the words “it’s now payback time for that S.O.B.” [meaning McCarthy]

[Don Vito Corleone]

Hubert Humphrey 1972!

[Kingpoleon]

We want Nelson!

[President Johnson]

We want Nelson!

Yeah, we want to feel the Rock

[President Johnson]

May 20 – 25, 1970: National anti-war protests, Reports of secret Cambodia operation



Reports that the government of Cambodia has secretly agreed for U.S. and South Vietnamese forces to operate on their territory to fight NLF forces caused another wave of nationwide anti-war demonstrations. It was long known that the Vietcong violated territorial integrity of neighboring states for military operations. Throughout Operation Rolling Thunder (air bombing campaign between 1965 and 1968) President Johnson repeatedly refused calls from generals and hawks in Washington to expand the air campaign to these countries, mainly because of international law. According to most sources, intelligence services suspect a large ammunition camp in the region. Neither the White House nor the Pentagon commented on the reports. Reports from late May concluded, that the ground operation was mainly a failure and that no such camp could be found or it was vacated before the arrival of allied troops.


Gallup poll, released May 31, 1970

President Johnson job approval
Approve: 49%
Disapprove: 42%


June 2, 1970: George Wallace loses Alabama gubernatorial primary to Gov. Albert Brewer


Governor Albert Brewer (l) defeats former Governor George Wallace (r) in a heated primary for Alabama's governorship

A gubernatorial primary the whole nation was watching to: George Wallace, the leading segregationist Democrat, was running for governor again. He held the position of governor already from 1963 to 1967 but was prohibited from seeking reelection in 1966 due to term limits. Instead, his wife Lurleen run for office and won. But after she died in May 1968, Lieutenant Governor Albert Brewer assumed the governorship. As governor, Brewer changed policies towards the African American community. The outspoken liberal openly sought black support and angered many White segregationists. Although Wallace moderated his views, he challenged Governor Brewer in the Democratic primary. In the first voting round of the primary, the incumbent (narrowly) emerged victorious but fell short of a majority, what led to this run-off contest. Governor Brewer now defeated Wallace by a close margin again, winning 51.1% of the vote, compared to Wallace’s 48.9%. The result is considered a huge win for liberal faction of the Democratic Party, proving that this wing is able to win elections in the South as well. Leading national Democrats like President Johnson and Vice President Kennedy supported Brewer’s candidacy behind the scenes, but didn’t actively campaign at governor’s own request.

Because the Democratic Party is still the dominant force in the state, Governor Brewer is expected to win an easy reelection over a Republican challenger. Although George Wallace conceded the race and declined to question the close result, he didn’t rule out to run as a third-party candidate, leading to some speculation he mighto do so. Nevertheless, Wallace's defeat may doom a potential 1972 campaign for president.


Early June 1970: Reports of economic slowdown, inflation and unemployment on the rise

After the publication of various data and statistics, the state of the economy in America emerged as a topic. Throughout most of the 1960s, the economy was growing faster than in most previous decades. The U.S. experienced the creation of millions of jobs, inflation was low and much new wealth was created. Even minorities such as African Americans and low-income families benefited from the boom. By 1967/68, the economy was that much “overheated”, that President Johnson demanded a tax increase, that he got in an election year. After the numbers of May 1970 dramatically continued the trend underway since the fall of last year, the economic condition and situation at job market became a major topic. For the first time in years, the unemployment rate hit 5%. Growth in May 1970 slowed down more than half compared to May of 1969. Inflation was now on the rise as well, though still at a stable rate.

Many Republicans in congress renewed their calls for spending cuts and urged for tax reductions. The White House announced that the president would soon meet with business and labor leaders as well as members of congress to discuss the situation.
 

June 15, 1970: President Johnson orders suspension of U.S. military activity in North Vietnam, delays next troop reduction



“As a result of recent developments, I order the suspension of all U.S. military activity on North Vietnamese territory”, the president announced at a press statement this June 15. The commander-in-chief also added: “However, I will not order a further reduction of U.S. troops today. But be assured that further such steps will be undertaken as soon as we are at this point in Paris. That may be very soon. We hope that the decision will demonstrate our good will and cause the other side to speed up the process that we can come to a final agreement.”

The next day, South Vietnamese President Thieu ordered his forces to likewise. As press reports suggest, Thieu demanded to delay Step 3 of the American withdrawal in return for the LBJ’s decision on North Vietnam. Sources from inside the White House suggest, President Johnson wants a final agreement as soon as possible to focus on domestic policy and the negotiations with the USSR. Accordingly, he fears that the economic downward trend prevents him from implementing further Great Society measures.
 

June 24, 1970: President Johnson sends congress economic message as GOP heats up for midterms

After various consultations, President Johnson sent a special message to congress on the economy. In his letter, the president offered a reduction in military spending following the withdrawal from Vietnam. He rejected calls to cut spending for domestic programs concerning healthcare, education and the environment (he even urged for further action on healthcare). On tax policy, LBJ proposed to increase the tax allowance for low-income families to stimulate the purchase power.

Especially Republicans, but also a group of (mainly Southern) Democrats criticized the president’s rejection of spending cuts across the board. But congressional leaders such as House Minority Leader Gerald Ford (R-MI) seemed open minded for an increase of the tax allowance.

With the economy emerging as an important issue, Republicans now found a topic to focus on for the upcoming midterm elections in November. By June, various Republican groups begun to launch campaign ads for economic growth. It seemed as the economy and law and order were their main issues heading into the fall elections. White House interns confirmed that the Johnson/Kennedy Administration became increasingly nervous that the new congress would prevent the passage of any further progressive legislation and might doom a Robert Kennedy presidential campaign.

[President Johnson]

June 30, 1970: A lot of new polling in the year’s middle!

Gallup polls, released June 30, 1970

By the middle of 1970, President Johnson's approval rating dropped compared to the year's beginning. However, it remained above the 1967/68 lows. Democrats overall lost some ground, as other polling numbers including the administration's standing on various issues indicates.

President Johnson job approval
Approve: 51%
Disapprove: 43%

Question: Do you approve or disapprove President Johnson's handling of foreign policy?
Approve: 52%
Disapprove: 42%

Question: Do you approve or disapprove President Johnson's handling of the Vietnam War?
Approve: 45%
Disapprove: 47%

Question: Do you approve or disapprove President Johnson's handling of the economy?
Approve: 48%
Disapprove: 45%

Question: Do you approve or disapprove President Johnson's handling civil rights?
Approve: 67%
Disapprove: 26%

Question: Do you approve or disapprove Robert Kennedy's performance as vice president?
Approve: 52%
Disapprove: 42%


1970 congressional elections – generic ballot

For which candidate would you vote in the congressional elections?

Democrat: 47%
Republican: 45%


Polls for the 1972 presidential race

Democratic Party presidential nomination

Vice President Robert F. Kennedy: 30%
Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey: 26%
Former Governor George Wallace: 17%
Senator George McGovern: 8%
Senator Henry M. "Scoop" Jackson¹: 6%
Undecided/others: 13%


Republican Party presidential nomination

Governor Nelson Rockefeller: 24%
Governor Ronald Reagan: 21%
Governor George Romney: 14%
Senator John Tower: 12%
Governor Spiro Agnew: 11%
Governor Paul Laxalt¹: 5%
Undecided/Others: 13%

¹ = not included in previous polls


General election match-ups

Robert F. Kennedy: 44%
Ronald Reagan: 45%

Robert F. Kennedy: 44%
Nelson Rockefeller: 46%

Robert F. Kennedy: 43%
George Romney: 46%

Robert F. Kennedy: 44%
John Tower: 44%


Hubert Humphrey: 43%
Ronald Reagan: 46%

Hubert Humphrey: 43%
Nelson Rockefeller: 46%

Hubert Humphrey: 42%
George Romney: 45%

Hubert Humphrey: 43%
John Tower: 43%


George Wallace: 42%
Ronald Reagan: 47%

George Wallace: 42%
Nelson Rockefeller: 48%

George Wallace: 41%
George Romney: 47%

George Wallace: 43%
John Tower: 46%

[OSR stands with Israel]

Reagan 1972

[President Johnson]

July 5, 1970: Congress passes repeal of Tonkin Resolution, President Johnson vetoes bill



An investigation by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee revealed that the U.S. ship Maddox, who was supposedly attacked by North Vietnamese forces in August 1964, had been on an electronic intelligence collection mission off the North Vietnamese coast. It also learned that the U.S. Naval Communication Center in the Philippine Islands, in reviewing ships' messages, had questioned whether any second attack had actually occurred. The so-called “Tonkin Incident” led to the passage of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that authorized President Johnson to use military force against communist forces. Several voices in congress, demanding the repeal of the resolution, got steam after the war became more and more unpopular. Now with American withdrawal underway, on July 3, congress passed a law repealing the 1964 resolution. The Johnson Administration was opposed to the move; President Johnson subsequently vetoed the bill on July 5. The president, in his veto message, warned about “consequences for Southeast Asia that go beyond the war in Vietnam.”

An attempt to override the veto failed in the senate the next day. Politicians and journalists alike were surprised that even Vice President Bobby Kennedy was opposed to the repeal, labeling the move as “not very helpful”.
 

July 20, 1970: Congress fails to pass economic bill, Republicans and Southern Democrats demand more spending cuts

After the veto override, a second measure that congress failed to pass: A piece of legislation endorsed by the Johnson Administration was defeated in the senate after the House narrowly voted in favor with 220 to 209. The Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 provided spending cuts at the Pentagon and a minor reform of tax deduction. However, Southern Democrats and Republican criticized the proposal as not far-reaching enough and demanded to cut expenditures on some domestic programs.

Following the defeat, the White House invited congressional leaders for further discussions.


Gallup poll, released July 31, 1970

President Johnson job approval
Approve: 49%
Disapprove: 44%


August 1, 1970: North Vietnam reportedly agrees to end infiltration of South Vietnam

It is not official, but observers of the Paris Peace talks stated in private conservations that North Vietnam agreed to halt infiltration by their soldiers of South Vietnam. This would be a substantial success for the peace efforts. However, according to CIA estimates, more than 100,000 communist troops are still operating on South Vietnamese soil. They are not part of any agreement so far.
 

August 16, 1970: President Johnson calls congress back into session for economic legislation, angers GOP



House Minority Leader Gerald Ford (R-MI) criticized President Johnson's move to call congress back into session

Despite careful negotiations between the administration and congressional leaders, no significant legislation on the economy was passed until the summer recess. President Johnson, in wake of declining poll numbers nothing to do with Vietnam, saw himself compelled to call congress back into sessions. “We have urgent work to do. Now is not the time for vacation. And time for campaigning is enough there”, the president commented to a reporter.

Leading Republicans in congress criticized the move and denouncing it as campaign maneuver. House Minority Leader Gerald Ford said: “This is campaign tactic. The president has nothing new to offer, but calls congress into session to vote on the same measure that already failed. It is time for more spending cuts. If the president has another proposal how to fix the problems, we’re on board. But he hasn’t presented anything new.”


Gallup polls, released August 31, 1970

President Johnson job approval
Approve: 47%
Disapprove: 45%


1970 congressional elections – generic ballot

For which candidate would you vote in the congressional elections?

Democrat: 44%
Republican: 46%

[President Johnson]

September 2, 1970: Compromise for economic bill reached, Vice President Kennedy secures senate passage through tie-breaking vote

After Vice President Kennedy broke a tie in the senate for the passage of the  Economic Stabilization Act of 1970, President Johnson signed to measure into law

After weeks of negotiations, the administration and congress reached a compromise. It included spending cuts at the Pentagon and a de-facto freeze of additional domestic spending for one year. After a year, there has to be review of the situation. The new proposal also includes a review of current spending of all departments. President Johnson announced to appoint a special commission to review expenditures and make suggestions for “meaningful elimination of unnecessary spending”. Despite most Republicans still opposed, the president hopes to pass the proposed legislation with enough votes of Southern Democrats. After the House voted 227 to 204 for the new version of the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970, the senate vote, on September 1, ended up with a 50-50 tie. Aware of the closeness, Vice President Kennedy stepped in and broke the tie in favor of the bill. It was the first time that the vice president, in his role as Senate President, broke a tie since taking office in January 1969. On September 2, 1970, President Lyndon Johnson signed the bill into law at his desk in the Oval Office. Although an agreement on any tax issue couldn’t be reached, President Johnson announced to resume discussions after the midterm elections.


September 1970: Unemployment and inflation continue to rise; economy emerges as key issue in midterm elections


Governor Ronald Reagan (R-CA) and former Republican nominee Richard Nixon on the campaign trail for the upcoming midterm elections

With the effects of the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 still unclear, unemployment and inflation continued to rise over the fall. The first now reached 5.8%. Although Vietnam and civil unrest were still issues, the slow economic downturn emerged as the main issue in the midterm elections campaign. Republicans blamed the Johnson Administration and “out of control spending for social programs”. President Johnson and his allies defended the expansion of the welfare and urged to implement further programs such as healthcare for all. Over the course of the campaign, the president renewed his support of a constitutional amendment to lower the voting age to 18 and expressed his willingness to review the draft. Vice President Kennedy emphasized the need to reform the presidential primaries.


Gallup polls, released September 30, 1970

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


1970 congressional elections – generic ballot

For which candidate would you vote in the congressional elections?

Democrat: 45%
Republican: 44%
 

October 1970: High-profile Democrats and Republicans stump the campaign trail



President Johnson at a Democratic campaign rally in October 1970

As the campaign is heating up, several high-profile Democrats and Republicans went out on the campaign trail, including those not up for election. Richard Nixon for the first time went back campaigning for his fellow Republicans, but denied to run for office again. Most notable races on the Republican side were these of governors Ronald Reagan and Nelson Rockefeller. The Gipper was well positioned to win a second term as California’s chief-executive, though the race was expected to end up closer than in 1966. Governor Rockefeller’s opponent, former Supreme Court Justice and U.N. Ambassador Arthur Goldberg, originally polled well for the New York gubernatorial contest, but now it looked like Rocky would beat both Goldberg and a candidate of the NY Conservative Party, who opposed the governor due to his liberal policies. Both Reagan and Rockefeller are seen as favorites for the 1972 GOP presidential nomination. Nevertheless, others such as Michigan Governor George Romney, another liberal Republican as well as his conservative colleague Spiro Agnew of Maryland, are polling well. In congress, Republicans are poised to win seats in both chambers. Some political observers even suggested, they could win a majority or come close to it. This would be a setback for President Johnson’s domestic agenda in the last two years of his presidency.


October 29, 1970: U.S. Chief Negotiator Cyrus Vance: “Peace Treaty is in sight”



Cyrus Vance: "Agreement is in sight"

Some labeled it as an October Surprise when U.S. Chief Negotiator in Paris, Cyrus Vance, announced on October 29, that a “Peace Treaty is near”. He didn’t outline specific points agreed to. Informal sources say that the South Vietnamese are more problematic than the North. A White House leak revealed, President Johnson is “going mad over Thieu’s endless demands for assurances” after Secretary of State Katzenbach twice flew to Saigon within three months. According to reports, Henry Kissinger again secretly visited Beijing for consultations. It remains to be seen how soon an agreement will be signed and what it contains as well as the effects of Vance’s statement on the elections.


Gallup polls, released October 31, 1970

President Johnson job approval
Approve: 49%
Disapprove: 43%


1970 congressional elections – generic ballot

For which candidate would you vote in the congressional elections?

Democrat: 45%
Republican: 45%


Next: Midterm election results and further developments... stay tuned and feel free to comment

[President Johnson]

★★★ United States Midterm elections, November 3, 1970 ★★★

On November 3, 1970 voters accross the country went to the polls to elect a third of the senate, the entire House of Representatives and 35 governors. The elections took place in the middle of President Lyndon B. Johnson's third (or second full) and last term.


Senate results

Dark red/blue = Democratic/Republican hold
Light red/blue = Democratic/Republican gain
Light Green = Independent Democratic gain
Very light blue = Conservative (NY) gain
Grey = No senate election in 1970

Senate composition: 53 Democratic  (net change  -6 seats), 45 Republican (net change:  +4 seats), 1 Conservative (net change:  +1 seat), 1 Independent Democrat (net change:  +1 seat)

Democratic gains: IL
Republican gains: CT, DE, MD, IN, OH, TN
Independent Democratic gain: VA¹
Conservative gain: NY

¹ = Senator Harry F. Byrd was a Democrat before, but ran as an Independent (Virginia)


Notable races:

California:
✓ George Murphy (R, inc.): 49.2%
John V. Tunney (D): 48.6%

Minnesota:
✓ Hubert Humphrey (D): 56.8%
Clark MacGregor (R): 42.5%

New York:
✓ James L. Buckley (Con): 39.4%
Richard Ottinger (D): 35.4%
Charles Godell (R, inc.): 25.8%

Virginia:
✓ Harry F. Byrd (I, inc.): 51.4%
George Rawlings (D): 31.2%
Ray Garland (R): 22.4%


House of Representatives

233 Democratic (net change  -20 seats); 202 Republican (net change:  +20 seats)


Congressional Leadership:
Senate President: Robert F. Kennedy (D-NY)
Senate Majority Leader: Mike Mansfield (D-MT)
Senate Minority Leader: Hugh Scott (R-PA)

Speaker of the House: Carl Albert (D-OK)
House Majority Leader: Hale Boggs (D-LA)
House Minority Leader: Gerald Ford (R-MI)


Natable gubernatorial races:

Alabama:
✓ Albert Brewer (D, inc.): 66.4%
John L. Cashin Jr (R): 21.4%%
A. C. Walker (I): 12.2%

California:
✓ Ronald Reagan (R, inc.): 53.8%
Jesse M. Unruh (D): 44.7%

Georgia:
✓ James E. "Jimmy" Carter: 58.0%
Hal Suit (R): 41.1%%

Nevada:
✓ Paul Laxalt (R, inc.): 52.3%
Frank O. Callaghan (D): 46.4%

New York:
✓ Nelson A. Rockefeller (R, inc.): 53.1%
Arthur Goldberg (D): 40.0%
Paul Adams (Con): 6.6%


Summary

Republican momentum, Rockefeller and Reagan strenghtened


Governors Nelson Rockefeller (R-NY) and Ronald Reagan (R-CA)

The election resulted in major gains for the Republican opposition. They not only picked up four seats in the senate, the GOP also managed to pick up 20 seats in the House (net gain), giving them 202 of the 435 seat chamber. Democrats lost the same number of mandates but maintained a relatively stable majority at 233 seats. Although the Republican gains are not half of the number they gained in the 1966 midterm elections (47 pick-ups), they came closer to a majority (218) than any other time in the 1960s. It seemed that the Republican economic message and ten years of Democratic presidents paid off at the voting booth. As newly elected Senator James Buckley, a conservative from New York who defeated both a Democratic and (liberal) Republican candidate in his race, noted on election night: “The voters have enough of the New Frontier and Great Society. America wants a different direction. We must cut taxes and spending”.

Although his Democrats still control congress, President Lyndon B. Johnson now heavily depends on more conservative Southern Democrats unless he wants to cooperate more closely with the Republicans. The next morning, the president offered newly elected senators and representatives his full cooperation. Shortly after, he invited all newly elected members of congress to a state dinner at the White House with him and Vice President Kennedy to discuss the agenda. It remains to be seen what policies the Johnson Administration is still able to implement. On top of the agenda is now a review of the draft and a constitutional amendment to lower the majority age to 18. These measures are not too difficult to enact, but when it comes to spending for social programs, the president is now expected to face more opposition than ever before throughout his seven year presidency. Political analysts wrote that in times when Ronald Reagan is emerging as national figure with presidential ambitions, LBJ’s main goal must now be to make sure, either Bobby Kennedy or Hubert Humphrey, who would protect and expand the Great Society, succeed him.

However, Republicans shouldn’t be overconfident, as they are divided between a liberal and conservative wing. Both of their leaders strengthened their position on election night. Nelson Rockefeller and Ronald Reagan won a comfortable reelection as governor. Rockefeller is now going into his fourth term as New York's governor while Reagan is beginning his second administration coming January.


A new generation of Southern Democrats?

Governor Albert Brewer (D-AL), Governor-elect Jimmy Carter (D-GA), Senators-elect Lawton Chiles (D-FL) and Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX)

Despite the triumphes of Rockefeller and Reagan, Democrats gained a handful of governorships and won some important races, especially in the South. Notably are the elections of Albert Brewer, who received a mandate in his own right as governor of Alabama. Governor Brewer, a liberal, defeated conservative Democrat and former governor George Wallace in the primary. Another notable new governor is Jimmy Carter of Georgia, who ran as a moderate southerner. However, after his election, Governor-elect Carter declared the "times of racial segregation are once for all over", angering many segregationists in the South, including his predecessor Lester Maddox, who was elected lieutenant governor after being barred from seeking reelection due to term limits. Both Brewer and Carter, along with newly elected senators Lawton Chiles of Florida and Llyod Bentsen of Texas, are considered a "new generation" of moderate-to-liberal Southern Democrats. President Johnson and Vice President Kennedy invited the four to lunch at the White House a few days after the election.

[Sir Mohamed]

Terrific updates! Is George Romney still governor of MI then?

[President Johnson]

November 9, 1970: Thieu publically demands U.S. strikes against NLF, President Johnson declines

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On December 19, 1970, President Johnson headed off to China. Secretary of State Nicholas Katzenbach, Special Foreign Policy Advisor Henry Kissinger and members of his team including Chief of Staff Paul Nitze, joined him. The president was welcomed at an airport in Beijing by high-ranking Chinese delegation. The images of President Johnson stepping down the gateway and shaking hands went around the world. After a Chinese dinner, the actual talks begun the next day when the chief-executive first meet Secretary General Mao. The two men spoke for a combined of over five hours. Secretary Katzenbach and Mr. Kissinger were also present. As members of the president’s staff stated, Mao demanded an official relation with the United States. President Johnson responded that he will make decision once back in the United States. However, he insisted, the Republic of China (Taiwan) would remain an ally of the United States and that their sovereignty was not up for discussions. The president also requested for help in the Vietnam conflict. Mao reportedly agreed to urge North Vietnam to accept a final peace treaty. But he declined to end military aid. An official statement at the end was not given. Only an informal “agreement” that “discussions on various issues would continue”. On December 21, President Johnson was invited to take a walk on the Chinese wall. These photos went around the world.

After leaving China on December 21, the president made stops for less significant political consultations in India, Pakistan, Turkey, Germany, France and finally the United Kingdom. On December 23, the flew from directly from London to Texas to spend the Christmas holiday at the LBJ Ranch.
 
Most U.S. media agreed the visit was a success in the end. Former vice president and Senator-elect Hubert Humphrey commented, LBJ would go down in history as the president “for civil rights, social justice and the president who opened the door to China and the USSR”.


December 30, 1970: A lot of new polling in the year’s end!

Gallup polls, released December 30, 1970

By the end of 1970, President Johnson's approval rating's somewhat improved after his China trip, but the Republican gains in the midterm elections gave them some momentum at the polls for 1972.

President Johnson job approval
Approve: 50%
Disapprove: 42%

Question: Do you approve or disapprove President Johnson's handling of foreign policy?
Approve: 53%
Disapprove: 40%

Question: Do you approve or disapprove President Johnson's handling of the Vietnam War?
Approve: 44%
Disapprove: 45%

Question: Do you approve or disapprove President Johnson's handling of the economy?
Approve: 44%
Disapprove: 49%

Question: Do you approve or disapprove Robert Kennedy's performance as vice president?
Approve: 49%
Disapprove: 41%


Polls for the 1972 presidential race

Democratic Party presidential nomination

Vice President Robert F. Kennedy: 31%
Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey: 27%
Former Governor George Wallace: 13%
Senator George McGovern: 9%
Senator Henry M. "Scoop" Jackson: 5%
Former Governor Lester Maddox¹: 5%%
Undecided/others: 10%


Republican Party presidential nomination

Governor Nelson Rockefeller: 23%
Governor Ronald Reagan: 23%
Governor Spiro Agnew: 15%
Governor George Romney: 12%
Senator John Tower: 8%
Governor Paul Laxalt: 5%
Undecided/Others: 14%

¹ = not included in previous polls


General election match-ups

Robert F. Kennedy: 43%
Ronald Reagan: 46%

Robert F. Kennedy: 43%
Nelson Rockefeller: 48%

Robert F. Kennedy: 43%
George Romney: 47%

Robert F. Kennedy: 44%
John Tower: 44%

Robert F. Kennedy: 44%
Spiro Agnew: 45%


Hubert Humphrey: 42%
Ronald Reagan: 45%

Hubert Humphrey: 41%
Nelson Rockefeller: 47%

Hubert Humphrey: 42%
George Romney: 47%

Hubert Humphrey: 43%
John Tower: 47%

Hubert Humphrey: 42%
Spiro Agnew: 47%


George Wallace: 40%
Ronald Reagan: 47%

George Wallace: 39%
Nelson Rockefeller: 49%

George Wallace: 38%
George Romney: 47%

George Wallace: 41%
John Tower: 48%

George Wallace: 40%
Spiro Agnew: 48%


George McGovern: 40%
Ronald Reagan: 48%

George McGovern: 40%
Nelson Rockefeller: 49%

George McGovern: 40%
George Romney: 47%

George McGovern: 41%
John Tower: 46%

George McGovern: 40%
Spiro Agnew: 47%

[President Johnson]

January 3, 1971: 92nd Congress convenes



Newly elected House Speaker Carl Albert (D-OK)

Two months after the election, the 92nd Congress convened at Capitol Hill. Democrats elected Majority Leader Carl Albert (D-OK) as new speaker, after John McCormack (D-MA) retired from office. Among the newly sworn in senators was former vice president Hubert Humphrey (D-MN).


President Lyndon B. Johnson’s State of the Union Address; January 20, 1971

Exactly two years before his term is set to expire, President Johnson appeared before congress again to deliver his 1971 State of the Union Address.

CLERK: Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States!

[Hail to the chief plays, President Johnson enters chamber]

SPEAKER ALBERT: Mr. Vice President, Members of the House and Senate, it is my high privilege and distinguished honor to present to you the President of the United States.

[Applause]





PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, distinguished guests and my fellow Americans:

First, let me congratulate all newly sworn-in members of this body. I look forward to work with each and everyone of you in a spirit of understanding and respect. Let me also congratulate our new House Speaker, Carl Albert.

Today I come before you in a time of transformation. As a new decade has arrived, a new era in the history of our country has begun. We witness a time of transformation at home and abroad. We have not only begun to seek new diplomatic relations to ease tensions and seek peace, we are also at a turning point in our involvement in Vietnam. We have made tremendous progress in the past two and a half years. Tonight, I can proudly report that a final agreement in Paris nears. Now, of course, that doesn’t mean all difficulties are resolved. Nor does it mean, that the path to a final agreement is without any obstacles. But we can proclaim, we have never been so close to a lasting solution than today. I’m confidant, the conflict can and will be ended in a short period of time. At least, when it comes to America. […]

At home, we still have a lot of homework to do. But let me first use this opportunity to thank everybody for the progress we have made. Now we must focus on the challenges ahead. First of all, we have to take action to regain the economic strength of the last decade. That means, we have to spend wisely, tax wisely, but without hurting those in need. Therefore, I reject cuts for programs, millions of Americans depend on. Let us instead work to eliminate waste and restructure our tax system. […] Today I also want to use this opportunity to recommend the passage of constitutional amendment to lower the majority age to 18. […] I will also soon introduce a bill for a reform of the draft. I believe we can suspend the draft over the next years. And I urge you to join me in that effort, while making our armed forces an attractive employer. […]

Thank you for listening, good night, God bless you and the United States of America.


The Republican response



Senator Richard Schweiker (R-PA) gave the Republican response to President Johnson's 1971 State of Union Address

In 1971, Senator Richard Schweiker (R-PA) gave the Republican response to President Johnson’s State of the Union Address. Schweiker is considered are moderate-to-liberal Republican. The Pennsylvania senator welcomed the president’s proposal for a constitutional amendment to lower the voting age. He also signaled readiness to discuss the draft situation. However, he didn’t hesitate to criticize the administration in various issues: “The president spoke about a lot of things. But he also didn’t speak about many pressing issues in the minds of millions of Americans. There is the problem of law and order. The administration has taken a weak stance on this matter. President Johnson and his cabinet obviously believe it is a matter for cities and states, not for the federal government. I can tell you: He is wrong. The issue needs to addressed. The president and the vice president now refuse this debate for over two years. We have to hold them accountable for this. The ever growing problem of drug abuse is a prime example of this. We need to take bold action to fight drugs. Especially drug abuse in our armed forces has taken an abnormal extension”. Senator Schweiker also spoke of needs for spending cuts to fight inflation and demanded a more far reaching tax relief for most Americans and business. “We have to address the economic slowdown in a much different fashion. The bill passed last year was a minimal census, that doesn’t move us forward”, he commented.


January 26, 1971

BREAKING: Final Paris agreement reached; set for signature on January 31

News in Paris today broke, that a final peace agreement has been reached. The White House confirmed the news later that day. Although Hanoi didn’t comment officially, Radio Moscow also reported that an agreement is scheduled to be signed on January 31. Details of its content will be presented soon. The next day, the Pentagon confirmed, that Secretary Clifford is working on a plan for a complete withdrawal.


White House: President Johnson to address the nation on television on January 30, 1971

A day after the news of a Paris Peace Agreement broke, the White House informed the public, that President Lyndon B. Johnson will address the nation on television on the treaty on January 30 and give some details.

[WilliamStone1776]

Enjoying the TL

[President Johnson]

Terrific updates! Is George Romney still governor of MI then?

Enjoying the TL

Thanks...

No, Romney retired after two terms from 1963 to 1971. But at that time, there wasn't term limit in Michigan.

[President Johnson]

January 30/31, 1971: President Johnson addresses the nation / peace accords signed



President Johnson during his television address

Representatives of the United States, North and South Vietnam gathered together in Paris to sign the Peace Accords. After more than two years of negotiating, the an agreement has finally been reached. President Johnson addressed the nation the day before directly from the Oval Office.



Paris negotiating table during the signing ceremony; January 31, 1971


The following terms were negotiated:

- All U.S. combat troops will be withdrawn by January 31, 1972

- North Vietnamese forces, including the NLF, immediately stop infiltration of the South. This does not include troops already on Southern territory.

- North Vietnamese forces will not tackle U.S. military bases anymore. The U.S. in return will continue the suspension of all air strikes.

- 15,000 U.S. forces to train South Vietnamese forces are permitted to stay on Southern territory, but are not involved in combat.

- All prisoners of war will be exchanged. All releases will completed by September 30, 1971 at latest. North Vietnamese soldiers must return to the north. All prisoners get improved treatment immediately. Torture will be prohibited and they are entitle of frequent meals.


Negotiations between the parties continue on the following questions:

- A possible process for reunification. Continued talks about a possible reunification of a neutral Vietnam should continue. President Johnson himself pushed this issue, but this is the most unlikely to get resolved. Political expectVietnam to turn out similar to Korea with a permanent two-state solution.

- President Johnson offered North Vietnam to assist the country with their rebuilding, especially removing damages of war. This aid would only include civilian assistance such as building homes, schools or hospitals. The precondition is that the North stops all hostile actions against the United States and its allies for the next years. If such aid would be granted, it would have to be carried out by the next administration. It is very likely that Robert Kennedy would continue this policy if he becomes the next president.

- There will be reviewing process in the in three years of U.S.-North Vietnamese relations. The North asked for this provision to leave to door for normalization of diplomatic relations with the U.S. Possibly that is aimed at China and the USSR, to show North Vietnamese independence.

The accords were welcomed by governments around the world. President Johnson praised Chief Negotiator Cyrus Vance for his efforts and thanked Henry Kissinger, who will stay on as advisor, for his service. He also mentioned North Vietnam’s leading diplomat Le Toc Tho and expressed his thanks for the cooperation. Although he publically supported the agreement, South Vietnamese president Thieu, according to insiders, remains skeptical of the American commitment. A handful of leading conservatives in the United States also criticized the accords. Governor Reagan described it as a “capitulation on rates”. Senator Barry Goldwater even labeled the treaty as “useless, because it only reinstates the status-quo”. He added “we’re now at the same point than in 1963/64, but 30,000 American soldiers are dead.”


Gallup poll, released January 31, 1971

Although released after the Paris signing, the January poll was conducted before the ceremony

President Johnson job approval
Approve: 49%
Disapprove: 43%


February 10, 1971: President Johnson signs repeal of Tonkin Resolution

After the president vetoed a bill repealing the Tonkin Resolution last year, he now signed an authorization bill for military withdrawal in Vietnam that includes a repeal of the 1964 resolution. Shortly after, President Johnson proposed a 20% cut in military spending for fiscal year 1972.
 

February 23, 1971: Congress passes 26th Amendment to lower voting age to 18

This February 23, Congress passed the 26th Amendment to lower voting age to 18 years with the necessary two-thirds majorities. The Johnson Administration actively supported the measure. Vice President Kennedy, who presided over the historic senate session, urged the states to ratify the amendment as fast as possible.


Gallup poll, released February 28, 1971

Following the Paris Accords, President Johnson's approval rating experienced a jump.

President Johnson job approval
Approve: 55%
Disapprove: 38%


March 1, 1971: Bipartisan commission to reform presidential primaries appointed


Commission co-chairs: Vice President Kennedy and Governor Laxalt


It has been a priority of Vice President Robert Kennedy since his 1968 presidential run. A decent number of high-profile politicians including President Johnson of both parties agreed for the need to reform the presidential nomination process. This March 1, a bipartisan commission to implement a new nomination process in both parties was appointed. The Commission, headed by Vice President Robert Kennedy (for the Democrats) and Nevada Governor Paul Laxalt (for the Republicans) as co-chairmen, will make specific suggestions and oversee their implementation. At a joint press conference, Governor Laxalt stated the process is scheduled to be finished by the fall of that year. Vice President Kennedy added that there “should be a voting process in each state of the union”.

Members of the Commission are:

- Vice President Robert F. Kennedy, co-chairman (D-NY)
- Governor Paul Laxalt, co-chairman (R-NV)
- Senator Llyod Bentsen (D-TX)
- Governor Reubin Askew (D-FL)
- Governor Albert Brewer (D-AL)
- Senator Walter Mondale (D-MN)
- Representative Tip O'Neill (D-MA)
- Secretary Orville Freeman (D-ME)
- Governor Ronald Reagan (R-CA)
- Lieutenant Governor Malcolm Wilson (R-NY) (as personal representative of Gov. Nelson Rockefeller)
- Senator and Minority Leader Hugh Scott (R-PA)
- Senator John Tower (R-TX)
- Representative Donald Rumseld (R-IL)
- Former Governor William Scranton (R-PA)
 

March 20, 1971: President Johnson vetoes Republican tax proposal



By March 1971, unemployment rose to 6.2% and inflation to 6.9%. Republicans, encouraged by their gains in last year’s midterms, formed a collation with moderate Democrats to pass an across-the-board tax reduction and spending cuts in both the military and social programs. When presented to the president, LBJ vetoed the measure on March 20. In his veto message, he outlined his opposition to deeper cuts in domestic programs and demanded tax cuts “only for hard working people”.

Several Republicans including more liberal ones criticized the president. Governor Ronald Reagan, a potential 1972 presidential contender, spoke of “irresponsibility and recklessness at the highest level”. He demanded even deeper tax and spending cuts. “America can’t take this tax and spend policy much longer”, he added.


Gallup poll, released March 31, 1971

President Johnson job approval
Approve: 54%
Disapprove: 41%


April 14, 1971: Senator John Tower won’t run for president



He’s out before he’s in: Senator John Tower (R-TX), Richard Nixon’s 1968 running mate, publically declined to run for president in 1972. “I will fully be focused on winning reelection to the senate next year”, he said. When asked, Senator Tower declined to name any preferred candidate of his party but said he would fully support the eventual Republican nominee.


April 21, 1971: White House supported tax bill fails in House



A tax bill pushed forward by the Johnson Administration failed to pass the house by a 225 to 213 vote. The measure would have cut taxes for low and middle-income Americans and contained minor cuts to social programs. However, enough Republicans and moderate Democrats regarded the proposal as not far reaching enough and voted it down on the floor of the house. Several GOP senators and Harry F. Byrd (I-VA) announced, they would filibuster the bill in the senate if passed by the house.


Gallup poll, released April 30, 1971

President Johnson job approval
Approve: 51%
Disapprove: 43%


May 1, 1971: Number of U.S. troops in Vietnam drops below 100,000

For the first time since 1965, less than 100,000 U.S. combat troops remain in Vietnam. As of May 1, 1971, there were 97,000 men left. According to the Pentagon, the withdrawal moves on swiftly. Immediately after the signing of Paris, President Johnson ordered appropriate steps to be taken.

[President Johnson]

May 4, 1971 – 8.35 a.m. BREAKING: President Johnson suffers massive heart attack – hospitalized and in very serious condition



Breaking News from the White House: President Lyndon B. Johnson reportedly suffered a massive heart attack this morning after having breakfast in his bedroom. The attack occurred between 8 a.m. when Lady Bird Johnson left the room and 8.15 a.m. According to White House insiders, the chief executive was found lying on the floor of his bedroom by a Secret Service agent. The agent immediately made an emergency call. Just minutes later, the 62 year old president was moved to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Washington. Details are not made public to this moment, but President Johnson’s condition is very serious. It is not the first time that LBJ suffered a heart attack; the first was in 1955 while serving in the senate. Back then, he just barely escaped from death. Afterwards, he improved his lifestyle, like quitting smoking cigarettes. He didn't resume smoking to this day, but it Mr. Johnson is known as a workaholic, often being busy for more than 16 hours a day. And even though he spends a lot of his time at the LBJ Ranch in Texas, the president is at work there as well.

Just within minutes, Vice President Robert Kennedy at a meeting in New York City was informed of the situation. According to his staff, the vice president will immediately return to Washington and evaluate the situation. Secretary of State Nicholas Katzenbach received a phone call while a visit in London. His return to the United States is also considered. Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Paul Nitze assembled with Attorney General Ramsey Clark, Secretary of Defense Clark Clifford, Secretary of the Interior Steward Udall and Treasury Secretary Joseph Barr for discussions. The rest of the cabinet is not in Washington at the moment. It is expected that Vice President Kennedy informs the public after his return to the capital.

More details in short.

[Jaguar4life]

LBJ's pass health problems have come back to bite him.

[President Johnson]

LBJ's pass health problems have come back to bite him.

Yeah, he had two surgerys in 1965 and 1966. And in his memoirs, he wrote that he was always afraid of being alone in a room because of his heart.

Interesting is also that he joked when signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was the ninth anniversity of his heart attack. Almost exactly nine years later, he would be dead.

[America Needs R'hllor]

Oh no. This is exciting, can't wait for it to continue!

[President Johnson]

May 4, 1971 - 10.50 a.m. BREAKING: 25th amendment invoked: Robert Kennedy is acting president



As the 25th Amendment has been invoked, Vice President Kennedy has formaly assumed presidential powers and duties


After Vice President Robert Kennedy returned to Washington at around 10.05 a.m. EST, he immediately meet with White House Chief of Staff Paul Nitze, Attorney General Clark, Secretaries Clifford, Barr, Freeman and Udall. He also briefly spoke to the First Lady and invited House Speaker Carl Albert, Senate president pro tempore Allen Ellender, House Minority Leader Gerald Ford and Senate Leaders Mike Mansfield and Hugh Scott to the cabinet meeting for discussions. After receiving word from the hospital about President Johnson’s condition, the cabinet decided to invoke the 25th amendment of United States constitution. All members of the administration agreed to the move, including those outside Washington, after being informed by phone. Secretary Katzenbach is already on his way back to Washington.

Accordingly, President Johnson’s condition is so serious, that he is unable to function as president and commander-in-chief. With the invocation, presidential authority is temporally transferred to Vice President Kennedy. RFK was also put in charge to take control over the nuclear codes. The White House announced, the vice president will give a press statement this afternoon after consultations with all important department heads and the military.


Vice President Robert Kennedy addresses the nation



Vice President Kennedy during his address at the White House


At 2.45 p.m., Vice President Robert Francis Kennedy, as acting president, invited the press to the White House East Room to give a statement on the current situation.

VICE PRESIDENT KENNEDY: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Americans:

Today is sad day for our nation. This morning, while in New York City, I was informed that President Johnson suffered a severe heart attack in his bedroom shortly after breakfast. The president fell into a state of unconsciousness. After being found by a Secret Service Agent, he was rushed to Bethesda Naval hospital for immediate treatment. As I have been told, his condition has been stabilized, but is still very critical. Furthermore, President Johnson must undergo a complicated heart surgery this afternoon. This surgery is risky, but necessary to reduce to make another heart attack with unknown consequences far less likely.

Following my return, I have consulted, in person and via phone, with all members of the cabinet and congressional leaders of both parties about the next steps taken. Our discussions were guided by the question, how we could guarantee a full functioning of the federal government. Accordingly, we have concluded that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office at this moment. In light of these developments, we agreed that it is absolutely necessary for someone to be in charge, so that potential incidents of any kind can be managed quickly and effectively. We also regarded it as necessary to ensure the American public, that the executive branch fully functions. In addition, we say to potential advisories: Don’t test us. As prescribed in the 25th Amendment of the United States constitution, I have recommended to the cabinet to declare the president as incapable of executing his powers and duties and dissolve the same upon the vice president until such a state has concluded by President Johnson’s own declaration. The suggestion was agreed to unanimously. Therefore, as vice president, I have taken formal control of presidential powers and duties. Immediately after, I received important briefings on national security matters. As long as President Johnson is in this critical condition, I will stay in the White House, consult with members of the cabinet, the military and congressional leaders. To the public I can say: There is no reason to worry with regard the government’s business.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a situation unprecedented in our almost 200 year history. The 25th Amendment has not been adopted in 1955, when President Eisenhower suffered a heart attack and Vice President Nixon took informal control of the White House. However, the Johnson/Kennedy Administration is not unprepared. In the weeks before the inauguration in 1969, President Johnson invited me to a private conversation and spoke of steps to be taken in such a potential situation. He was well aware of the treat of a heart attack and wanted to prevent any situation in which the presidential powers and duties hang in the balance. The president, who had the same secret agreement with Vice President Humphrey, was determined to take care in advance for such a scenario and urged me to invoke the amendment with approval of the cabinet whenever I feel necessary. Our nation can be proud of this president, who, in such a tragic personal situation, was most concerned about the well-being of our country. In any case, we owe President Johnson a deep gratitude. We hope and pray for his fast and full recovery. I personally will not forget when President Johnson stood here, at the White House and at my bed and prayed for me. That was three years ago. Now I believe, it is my obligation to do the same for him and his family.

Thank you, good afternoon, and god bless the United States of America.
 

Afternoon: President Johnson undergoes surgery



The White House published this photograph of President Johnson after the surgery while his wife Lady Bird stands by


As Bethesda Naval Hospital confirmed, President Johnson will undergo a complicated heart surgery that is scheduled for several hours. The treatment isn’t without a risk, but doing nothing would, as the doctors said, almost lead to another – possibly fatal – heart attack, possibly even before LBJ’s term is up in January 1973. Although the press was excluded from the hospital building, some photographs were published by the White House.

At 8.45 p.m., the public was informed that the surgery went without complications and the president was put in a coma for 24 hours to recover. It was also reported, the president would fully recover from today’s heart attack thanks to the quick response of the Secret Service Agent. For the moment, though, his condition remains critical and the main focus afterwards must be to prevent further heart attacks, because he “won’t survive another one” (as a doctor was informally quoted).

[President Johnson]

May 5, 1971 – BREAKING: U.S. passenger ship taken hostage by North Korea in international waters, major test for Kennedy as acting president



Acting president Kennedy on the phone to discuss the hostage crisis

Has it something to do with President Johnson’s temporary incapacity? It will never be known for sure, but it is possible, if not likely. The U.S. civilian passenger ship “Pacific Special” has been taken hostage in international waters on its route between South Korea and the Philippines. 257 people are on board, including the crew. 220 of them are Americans, 21 Canadians, 5 Mexicans and eleven others from various countries in Europe including France, the U.K. and West Germany. Shortly after, North Korea claimed the ship violated its territorial integrity and accused the U.S. of a secret espionage operation.

Vice President Kennedy, who acts as president and has not left the White House since assuming the role, was immediately informed. With President Johnson unable to function, it is up to RFK to take care of the situation.


May 6, 1971: Vice President Kennedy reportedly orders special forces to free hostages

“I will not allow this regime to humiliate the United States during these few days I’m at helm”, the vice president was quoted upon giving the order to free the hostages through force. Nothing was made public about the decision, but informal information was spread this morning. The White House confirmed that “all options are on the table” and that RFK met with members of the cabinet, National Security Advisor Walt Rostow as well as military leaders to discuss the situation. The vice president was also presented the option of setting an ultimatum for the communist regime, but he instead decided to intervene immediately as long as the hostages are still all on board the ship.


“Am I dead or what?”

“Am I dead or what?”, these were President Johnson’s first words when he wake up this afternoon. After a complicated surgery, the president awoke this afternoon. His wife and daughters were on his side. Later Secretary of State Katzenbach visited the hospital and assured President Johnson that RFK would be in charge of governing. It is not know whether the Secretary informed LBJ about the hostage crisis. But it seemed as they agreed the 25th amendment would remain invoked for few more days until the president was in better condition.

Later that day, Bobby Kennedy reportedly phoned the president. But nothing about their conversation was made public.


May 6, 1971; 6.30 a.m. – BREAKING: Hostage crisis ended, Robert Kennedy praised



This photo of the U.S. marines was published after the liberation of the ship

Early in the morning, the vice president who looked tired after he supposedly got very sleep this night, informed about the public about the hostage crisis. According to the acting president, all hostages were freed. 19 North Korean soldiers were killed, another 15 were captured by American forces. In addition, three U.S. marines were injured, one seriously, and five hostages were also wounded. They are expected to return to the United States within the next few days. RFK also warned the regime that further such actions would lead to “severe consequences” and that President Johnson would decide whether additional consequences such as sanctions are considered.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kennedy received bi-partisan praise for his role in the hostage crisis. “He took care of this situation with a clear mind and resolve and made a wise decision”, said Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield (D-MT). Even Senator Goldwater (R-AZ), a vocal critic of the administration, expressed his respect for Bobby Kennedy. “Well done”, said Governor Reagan (R-CA). And freshman Senator Lawton Chiles (D-FL) already came out with a statement, that he would support a Kennedy 1972 presidential campaign, as did former Governor Terry Sanford (D-NC).
 

May 8, 1971: President Johnson back in charge, returns to White House within one week



President Johnson after he took back control of his powers and duties in his hospital room

After consultations with his doctors and the cabinet, President Johnson today signed a formal letter that he is capable of governing again. With this formal declaration, presidential powers and duties were returned to LBJ. He decided to stay a few more days in hospital. Later the day, he met with the vice president, cabinet members and congressional leaders in his room to discuss foreign and domestic affairs. In a public statement, he praised RFK’s role during the hostage crisis.
 

May 15, 1971: President Johnson returns to White House, awards Secret Service Agent with Medal of Freedom, urges passage of tax bill



President Lyndon B. Johnson awards the Secret Service Agent, who found him after the heart attack, with the Medal of Freedom

Eleven days after the near fatal heart attack, President Lyndon B. Johnson returned to the White House. It seemed as the chief executive has almost fully recovered. The president was welcomed back to the White House with a huge applause from members of his administration and staff as well White House employees. During a reception given that afternoon, the president awarded James Coburn with the Medal of Freedom. Coburn was the Secret Service Agent who found the president on the ground after suffering the attack. Thanks to his quick response, LBJ received immediate treatment and was able to survive without lasting consequences. This is the second time, President Johnson awarded a Secret Service Agent for saving him. He already awarded Rufus Youngblood in 1963, who pushed then-vice president Johnson to the floor of his car while President Kennedy was shot in Dallas.
 
During his address, the president once again urged congress to pass his tax reform proposal to battle inflation and a down-turning economy. It looked as the president is determined to use the current momentum following the heart attack for his political purposes.

[President Johnson]

Gallup polls, released May 31, 1971

As we're moving closer to election year 1972, polling intervalls become shorter. By late May 1971, President Johnson seemingly benefits from his heart attack at the polls. Meanwhile, Vice President Kennedy's numbers reached new heights due to his performance as acting president.

President Johnson job approval
Approve: 56%
Disapprove: 38%

Question: Do you approve or disapprove President Johnson's handling of foreign policy?
Approve: 57%
Disapprove: 37%

Question: Do you approve or disapprove President Johnson's handling of the Vietnam War?
Approve: 51%
Disapprove: 42%

Question: Do you approve or disapprove President Johnson's handling of the economy?
Approve: 47%
Disapprove: 48%

Question: Do you approve or disapprove Robert Kennedy's performance as vice president?
Approve: 58%
Disapprove: 36%


1972 congressional elections – generic ballot

For which candidate would you vote in the congressional elections?

Democrat: 49%
Republican: 44%


Polls for the 1972 presidential race

Democratic Party presidential nomination

Vice President Robert F. Kennedy: 40%
Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey: 23%
Former Governor George Wallace: 15%
Senator George McGovern: 7%
Senator Henry M. "Scoop" Jackson: 5%
Undecided/others: 10%


Republican Party presidential nomination

Governor Ronald Reagan: 27%
Governor Nelson Rockefeller: 24%
Governor George Romney: 16%
Governor Spiro Agnew: 13%
Governor Paul Laxalt: 6%
Undecided/Others: 14%

[Blair]

Fascinating and Brilliant TL. I always wondered what would have happened if Kennedy had joined LBJ in 1964 (rather than '68 as in this) and it gives a good portrayal.