Alternate History 🇺🇸 November 2, 1976: President Nelson Rockefeller wins election to full 4-year term and the aftermath

[Sergeant Foley]

White House Press Briefing
3:38 PM EST, Sunday, September 7, 1975
White House Briefing Room, White House
Washington, DC.

White House Press Secretary Ron Nessen delivering statement on funeral arrangements for President Ford.
​

White House Press Secretary Ron Nessen, who had been having some emotional and psychological issues following the events of September 5th in Sacramento, had to pull himself together. During a stoic press briefing with the White House Press Corps in the Briefing Room, Nessen announced the following developments on funeral arrangements for the late 38th President via the Ford Family:

*Wednesday, September 10, 1975
10:00 AM EST to 4:00 PM EST
East Room, White House
Washington, DC.

*Members of the Ford family will be receiving Cabinet Secretaries, US Supreme Court Justices including close family friends. Once the private viewing is over, the US Armed Forces Honor Guard Personnel will carry the flag-draped casket of President Ford out of the White House for the final time as "Hail to the Chief" will be performed outside. Afterwards, the procession to the US Capitol will begin.

*5:30 PM EST
US Capitol West Front Grounds
Washington, DC.
*"Hail to the Chief" will be performed during the 21 Cannon Salute, which will be fired by the Presidential Salute Battery Unit.
*US Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield (D-MT), US House Speaker Carl Albert (D-OK) and US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger will deliver remarks inside the US Capitol Rotunda.
*Wreaths consisting of the Presidential, US House of Representatives and US Senate will be placed at the flag-draped casket.

*Wednesday, September 10-Friday, September 12, 1975
*Lying in Repose
*US Capitol Rotunda
Washington, DC.

*Friday, September 12, 1975
10:00 AM EST
*Departure Honors will take place as the Presidential anthem "Hail to the Chief" is performed during the 21 Cannon Salute; the procession to the Washington National Cathedral will occur and during which, the procession will stop at the White House for the final time before heading towards their designated destination.

*State Funeral Services
11:00 AM EST
Washington National Cathedral
Washington, DC.
*Speakers will include President Nelson Rockefeller, former President Richard Nixon, Michigan Governor William Milliken (R), US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger
*Performances will come from the US Coast Guard Band, US Marine Corps Orchestra and Armed Forces Chorus.

*Departure Honors Ceremony
1:30 PM EST
Andrews AFB
Prince Georges County, Maryland.
*The United States Marine Corps Band will perform "Hail to the Chief" during the 21 Cannon Salute.
*Special Air Mission 38 will depart Andrews AFB at 1:46 PM EST.

*Welcoming Honors Ceremony
3:56 PM EST
Capital Region International Airport
Lansing, Michigan
*University of Michigan Band will perform "Hail to the Chief" during the 21 Cannon Salute fired by the Michigan Army National Guard; other musical selections will include "The Yellow and Blue" and the University of Michigan's fight song, "The Victors."

*Lying in Repose
6:00 PM EST to 8:30 AM EST
Michigan State Capitol Rotunda
Lansing, Michigan

*Funeral Services:
*Saturday, September 13, 1975
11:00 AM EST
Grace Episcopal Church
1815 Hall Street Southeast
Grand Rapids, Michigan
*Members of the Ford family will be delivering remarks
*Former White House Chief of Staff Dick Cheney and former US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will also deliver remarks
*Performances will consist of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "On Eagle's Wings" by the US Army Chorus.

*Final Resting Place:
*Saturday, September 13, 1975
Woodlawn Cemetery
Grand Rapids, Michigan
*Musical selections will be from the 126th Army Band of the Michigan Army National Guard Unit of Wyoming, Michigan.
*The 21 Cannon Salute will be fired by the 119th Field Artillery Regiment of the Michigan Army National Guard.
*21 F-15's from Seymour AFB of Goldsboro, North Carolina will be performing the flyover.
*Flag presentation by President Rockefeller
*Future re-interment will take place at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, which will be located near the Pew Campus of Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan (TDB once completed in a few years).

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING SOON IN CHAPTER 4 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
Installment on United States Senator John G. Tower (R-TX)

​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Beginning this week in Chapter 1:
1.) State Funeral festivities of President Ford
2.) National and International headlines from Fall of 1975
3.) President Rockefeller cleans house
4.) Kickoff of the 1976 Presidential campaign

Next week: Chapter 2:
1.) 1976 State of the Union Address
2.) National and International headlines from Spring of 1976
3.) Foreign Policy hotspots
4.) Personal PoVs
5.) Highlights of the 1976 Republican and Democratic primaries

 

[Sergeant Foley]

President Rocky making his mark
5:28 PM EST, Monday, September 8, 1975
Oval Office, White House, Washington, DC.

President Rockefeller talking with US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in the Oval Office of the White House.
​

Since assuming the Presidency as America's 39th Chief Executive on that fateful Friday, Nelson Rockefeller had been working very aggressively non-stop: having never left the White House grounds, although at times he went to his suburban Washington, DC residence. He gracefully allowed the Ford family to remain at the White House during the duration (the Ford family was still living in the private residence on the third floor, packing up their personal belongings, effects, etc.,). Betty Ford graciously accepted the offer to remain in the Executive Mansion for one final week until his State Funeral, which was set for September 12th.

While the former First Lady was working on choreographing Jerry's final farewell to the American people, President Rockefeller began to size up the White House staff as well as the Cabinet. It was quite obvious some would be notified that their services are NOT needed anymore.

First ones to get the boot: White House Chief of Staff Dick Cheney and US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. It was quite clear to everyone the tag-team duo were loathed by Rockefeller because of their conservative views, super aggressive management style, their combined egotistical behavior as well as isolating many members of the White House due to their power-hungry obsession of undermining everyone. When Rumsfeld demanded an explanation, Rockefeller bluntly told him "You are FUCKING GONE! Get the fuck out of my White House before I call security to throw your asses out." US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger was secretly smirking and deep down, laughing his ass off as he tried to contain his glee as he watched Rumsfeld signing his resignation letter as US Secretary of Defense, while Cheney was forced to clean out his office including handing over security clearances, etc.,

Cheney would be replaced as White House Chief of Staff by Anne C. Whitman, making her the first female White House Chief of Staff. This was one of the first signs that the Rockefeller administration would remain active in supporting passage of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Rumsfeld would be replaced by US Defense Deputy Secretary William P. Clements, Jr., who immediately accepted the position. Of course, Clements would have to be confirmed by the Democratic-controlled United States Senate, which wasn't going to be a problem. Experts predict Clements to be overwhelmingly confirmed as the new US Secretary of Defense by all 100 United States Senators.

Next on the chopping block: US Agriculture Secretary Earl Butz and US Commerce Secretary Rogers Morton. Butz would be replaced as US Secretary of Agriculture by five-term US Rep. Sam Steiger (R-AZ) and Morton would be replaced as US Secretary of Commerce by US Ambassador to Great Britain Elliot Richardson.

Scowcroft remained in his job as National Security Adviser and Kissinger was likewise strongly reassured by his longtime friend that he would remain as US Secretary of State.

However, the job that everyone was talking about was the Vice Presidency; for the second time in two years, the President would once again have to nominate a Vice President in order for both houses of Congress to confirm. The typical names being banded out consisted of the following:
*United States Senator Robert J. Dole (R-KS)
*United States Senator Edward Brooke (R-MA): although Rockefeller is reportedly strongly likely to tap him as US Attorney General down the road
*Former US Secretary of the Treasury John Connally would be nominated by Rockefeller to serve as US Ambassador to Great Britian, whose confirmation would be occurring sometime next month.
*White House Press Secretary Ron Nessen would remain in his job for the remainder of the administration.
*Stuart Spencer was named chairman of the Republicans for Rocky Committee within days of Rocky's ascension to the Presidency
*Former US Treasury Secretary George P. Shultz would be named as the US Ambassador to the Philippines.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP NEXT WEEK IN CHAPTER 1 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
The American people bid a final farewell to President Ford

​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Highlights of the State Funeral festivities for the
38th President
Wednesday, September 10-Friday, September 12, 1975

September 10-12, 1975: President Ford lying in state at the US Capitol Rotunda.​

During the three days of public viewing, the body of the late 38th President of the United States Gerald Rudolph Ford laid in state inside the US Capitol Rotunda, where thousands of Americans including military veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam as well as the few remaining World War I veterans paid their respects, several of whom saluted the flag-draped casket of President Ford before they left.

On Thursday, September 11th, the Ford family personally greeted mourners and thanked them for their prayers, condolences, and countless words of comfort. All four of President Ford's children including family relatives paid their respects and prayed while gathering around Jerry's flag-draped casket before heading back to the White House, where the Ford family were almost finished packing all of their belongings and personal effects for the trip to Palm Springs, California.

State Funeral Services for the 38th President
Friday, September 12, 1975

Arrival Honors outside the Washington National Cathedral before funeral services.​

Following Departure Honors festivities at the US Capitol, where the 21 Cannon Salute was fired by the Presidential Salute Battery Unit on the East Front grounds, the funeral procession departed for the Washington National Cathedral, where services would begin at 11:00 AM EST. As the cortege moved from the Capitol to the Cathedral, the carillon's bells tolled 38 times honoring the late 38th President. They also slowed down when they drove to a stop at the White House for the final time, before moving on and while the cortege was making its way to the National Cathedral, movers gathered up the Ford family's personal effects, belongings and other things: placing them into U-haul trucks locking them up tightly and drove away for the trip to Palm Springs, California.

Among the international guests in attendance: Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Yugoslavian President Marshall Tito, British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and his wife, Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos and countless other foreign dignitaries and diplomats from 50 countries. Also in attendance: President Nelson Rockefeller and his wife, First Lady Happy Rockefeller, former President Richard Nixon (who was now the only living former US President) and his wife, former US First Lady Pat Nixon, former US First Ladies Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Lady Bird Johnson, United States Senator and former US Vice President Hubert Humphrey (D-MN) and his wife, former US Second Lady Mariel Humphrey were also in attendance at the State Funeral.

Delivering eulogies were the following: President Rockefeller, Michigan Governor William Milliken (R), US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former President Nixon and former US Housing & Urban Development Secretary George Romney. Musical selections were provided by the Cathedral organists; the United States Marine Orchestra; Armed Forces Chorus; Cathedral Choirs of Men, Boys and Girls. The congregational hymn was "For All the Saints"; all selections were chosen by the Ford family while planning the services.

Afterwards, Ford's body is driven to Andrews Air Force Base in Prince Georges County, Maryland, where final Departure Honors were rendered including the traditional 21 Cannon Salute while "Hail to the Chief" was performed by the Marine Corps Band. The Ford family then thanked members of the Ford Cabinet including former White House Chief of Staff Dick Cheney and former US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld before Special Air Mission 38 left Washington, DC for the final time....

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Final Farewell to a Native Son
Friday, September 12-Saturday, September 13, 1975

Michiganders paying respects to President Ford inside the Michigan Statehouse Rotunda in downtown Lansing.​

From the late afternoon hours of September 12th to the early morning hours of September 13th, President Ford's body laid in state inside the Michigan Statehouse in downtown Lansing, where approximately 120,000 people paid their respects to the 38th President. Michigan Governor William Milliken (R) hosted a memorial service for Jerry inside the Statehouse Rotunda. Later that day, several members of the Presidential Cabinet arrived to pay their respects including several of Ford's former colleagues in Congress, many of whom had known Ford for over 20+ years.

Funeral Services held for President Ford at Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
​

On Saturday, September 13th, the final funeral service was held at the Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids; the main speakers were former White House Chief of Staff Dick Cheney, former US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Governor Milliken, all four of President Ford's children spoke as well. Former First Lady Betty Ford also spoke a few words honoring her husband of 27 years. Later that afternoon, a small circle of family members and former colleagues including many state and local elected officeholders as well as President and First Lady Rockefeller themselves, were in attendance when Jerry was laid to rest with full military honors at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a resounding final 21 Cannon Salute fired by the 119th Field Artillery Regiment of the Michigan Army National Guard; then a flyover of 21 F-15s from Seymour Air Force Base, North Carolina was performed next. Following the benediction, the American flag which had draped Jerry's casket was finally folded by the Honor Guard of US Armed Forces Personnel, given to President Rockefeller, who then personally handed the flag to former First Lady Betty Ford, who kissed the folded flag.

At the request of the Ford family, all television coverage of the graveside ceremony ended at that moment with the Presidential Seal being shown on the television screens.

​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP NEXT IN CHAPTER 2 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
Walter Cronkite interviews President Rockefeller at the White House

​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Chapter 2: Being His Own Man: The Rockefeller Administration
BREAKING NEWS: PRESIDENT ROCKEFELLER NAMES US DEFENSE DEPUTY SECRETARY WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS, JR., TO BECOME US DEFENSE SECRETARY
Monday, September 15, 1975

Clements during briefing at the Pentagon.​

On Monday morning, President Rockefeller arrived at the Pentagon, where he was greeted by US Defense Deputy Secretary William P. Clements, Jr. and the Joint Chiefs of Staff for a closed-door briefing. Later in the day during a press conference, President Rockefeller announced he was nominating Clements as the new US Secretary of Defense saying "I am confident that Deputy Secretary Clements will be a great Secretary of Defense and I am expecting overwhelming support for confirmation by the Senate very soon." Clements took to the podium and thanked the President for naming him for the Pentagon's top post, saying he will continue leading the Pentagon in helping improving America's national defense, strategic standing around the world.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John Stennis (D-MS) told reporters that Clements will have a fair and great confirmation hearing process, but said "despite some opponents, who will try to block the nomination, I don't think its wise for them to undermine the President's nominee for Secretary of Defense with parliamentary maneuvers, so I strongly expect an easy confirmation, just might take awhile though depending on the time it'll drag out."

September 16, 1975: Rockefeller's move into the White House
Despite a slight delay into moving into the White House, President Nelson Rockefeller, First Lady Happy Rockefeller and their two sons, Nelson, Jr., and Mark, officially moved into the White House on Tuesday afternoon as U-haul trucks were parked on the South Portico Grounds; White House Chief of Staff Ann Whitman said that the Rockefeller's will add some fine-tune touches to the executive mansion.

Previously, the Rockefeller's had been residing in a suburban Washington, DC residence during his time as Vice President as well as during the past few weeks since ascending to the Presidency on September 5th. Whitman confirmed that President Rockefeller ordered the removal of the indoor bowling alley and having an indoor swimming pool to replace it with construction expected to last somewhere around 8-12 weeks.

September 17, 1975: Nominees for the Vice Presidency down to three, President Rockefeller to announce his decision soon
White House Press Secretary Ron Nessen during a White House Briefing at the White House confirmed that President Rockefeller has narrowed his list of contenders for the Vice Presidency down to three, but wouldn't disclose who's still in the running. The constant "keeping folks guessing" has annoyed many in Congress including United States Senator Joe Biden (D-DE), who annoyingly got fed up with the dragging of naming someone, "I wish this President would name a God damned Vice President already and get it over with. What a stupid son of a b****".

In response, White House Press Secretary Ron Nessen blasted Senator Biden's classless comment "If the Senator from Delaware would be focusing on passing legislation instead of gaslighting the American people with ugly language otherwise sit down and shut up!"

September 20, 1975: President Rockefeller terminates DETENTE Policy with Soviet Union and PRC
Issuing a flurry of executive orders, President Rockefeller announced during a town hall meeting on the campus of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that he was terminating the DETENTE Policy with Soviet Union and PRC effective immediately to a round of applause from those in attendance.

Rockefeller also announced he was going to place an additional 26,000 US military personnel in Taiwan including aggressively renegotiate the US/Taiwan Defense Treaty with plans to visit the island country later this fall.
The move was applauded by United States Senator Barry Goldwater (R-AZ), who blasted the DETENTE Policy as "nothing more but appeasement to our enemies"; the policy had been pursued by then-Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Gallup Polling Survey (September 21, 1975)
Opinion of President Nelson Rockefeller:
Approve: 62%
Disapprove: 16%
Undecided: 13%

Opinion of First Lady Happy Rockefeller:
Approve: 73%
Disapprove: 16%

Opinion of the US Congress:
Approve: 56%
Disapprove: 29%
Undecided: 13%

Do you believe the country is moving in the right direction?
Yes: 57%
No: 32%

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Interview with the President!
5:48 PM EST, Thursday, September 18, 1975
White House, Washington, DC.

​

Thirteen days after his ascension to the Presidency, Nelson Rockefeller gave a one-on-one interview at the White House with CBS News Evening Anchor Walter Cronkite. The day before, he announced he would be retaining Ford's communications director Brian Lamb in his current role.

Cronkite: "Mr. President, you pledged to keeping majority of the Ford cabinet in place. However, there's the position of Vice President that has to be filled once again. Which individuals are being considered for this important job? And what are you looking for in a Vice President? Plus, when will you plan to announce your choice to the American people?"

President Rockefeller: "Walter. I haven't reviewed any potential nominees for the Vice Presidency closely, even though members of my staff have offered several suggestions and more names will be submitted. Now, the most important criteria, that anyone being considered of course, should the unforeseen circumstances arrive once again, be prepared to serve as President. Since 1945, we've had four Vice Presidents ascending to the Presidency, which underlines this argument critically. I strongly believe this is very important and significant including stating that any selection for the nation's second highest office should be made very carefully."

Cronkite: "Mr. President, now reportedly you met with Ambassador Bush over the weekend. Is he under consideration for the Vice Presidency? Or what about former California Governor Ronald Reagan?"

President Rockefeller: "I have spoken to countless number of former and current elected officeholders including Ambassador Bush. There's been no discussion to any office, but he's been very kind, gracious and helpful in offering support and advice. At the early stage of the process, I am not going to discuss potential names being considered, but my staff will keep you informed. All right, one more question you might have."

Cronkite: "Mr. President. I have to guess because this is one of those inevitable questions that I'm throwing at you: Are you going to run for a full four-year term in 1976?"

President Rockefeller (chuckling in laughter): "I will let you know at the very appropriate time when it's appropriate. But you and others can strongly assume I will strongly consider becoming a candidate for election to a full four-year term in 1976. Right now, my current focus is running the federal government and making sure America stays on the course and remaining strong both on the national and international stage."

Cronkite: "Let's assume you do run for a first full term in 1976. Since it's looking likely that Governor Reagan is running for the Republican presidential nomination next year. There's been strong critics from within the Republican Party about the course of the Ford/Rockefeller administration over several key areas ranging from economic to foreign policy..."

President Rockefeller: "If I do run for a full four-year term in my own right, this is a question to be answered by Republicans and the Republican voters in this great country. The voters of this country are going to judge my administration's record, and I am proud of this record. And I will also continue to do the best I can, honestly, and forthrightly. Thank you very much for having me in this one-on-one interview with you. God Bless the United States of America."

Search for the new Vice President:
Due to his ascension to the Presidency on September 5th, it was all on the shoulders of Nelson Rockefeller in nominating a new Vice President, subject to confirm by both houses of Congress. He would be the third President to do so under the 25th Amendment, which was adopted in 1967. On September 19th, the White House officially announced that a shortlist will be soon made public and that President Rockefeller will be scheduled to make a final decision which name he will submit to lawmakers by early October.

Due to speculation on whom President Rockefeller would ultimately choose to become his second-in-command. Conservatives circles among Republicans aggressively lobbied to push for one of their own to get the job; names such as United States Senator Paul Laxalt (R-NV), US Rep. Jack Kemp (R-NY St), United States Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) were talked about by political experts and analysts.

September 20, 1975: Gallup Polling Survey
Due to the tragic circumstances that made him President seventeen days earlier has given President Rockefeller a honeymoon period, as he is currently enjoying one of the strongest approval ratings in the first monthly Gallup poll ever:
Do you approve the job President Nelson Rockefeller is doing?
Approve: 82%
Disapprove: 16%

BREAKING NEWS: CLEMENTS OVERWHELMINGLY CONFIRMED AS US DEFENSE SECRETARY 100-0 BY DEMOCRATIC-CONTROLLED UNITED STATES SENATE

Following confirmation hearings of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the nomination of William P. Clements, Jr., was sent to the full United States Senate on September 20th, where all 100 United States Senators voted 100-0 to confirm Clements. Following confirmation, Clements was sworn into office as the 14th United States Secretary of Defense by US Ambassador to Great Britain Elliot Richardson at the Pentagon, where among those in attendance was President Rockefeller and US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who left for California to address the World Affairs Council in San Francisco (more on that later).

COMING UP NEXT WEEK: "SOMEBODY FIRED A SHOT! MY GOD!"

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Somebody fired a shot! My God!
3:30 PM PST, Monday, September 22, 1975
The St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco, California

Pandemonium after the shooting.​

"That little pipsqueak stole all of the thunder in Sacramento, but I can do this. I have to." Sara Jane Moore waited in the crowd, rehearsing her plan over and over again while reassuring herself that her actions were both morally right and necessary. The US Secretary of State had made his way to California in addressing the World Affairs Council meeting in San Francisco. Security was tight around the venue and the St. Francis Hotel, where the Secretary of State had been staying.

Sara Jane Moore, aged 45, was a mother of four children who had been divorced five times. A native of West Virginia, Mrs. Moore had moved out to the West in pursuing a career as an accountant, which didn't turn out good. Her mental health would later be called into question by those who lived by her or worked with her, with her near obsessions on the Patty Hearst kidnapping and manhunt being frequently noted. Other instances included Moore's obsession on the Ford assassination in Sacramento as well. Her personal and financial struggles compounded a siege of mentality, and as a result she began to dabble in left-wing politics. Though she bore no association with Manson, the assassination of President Ford in Sacramento had nonetheless inspired her to act in the name of revolution that even she was unable to truly define or fully articulate.

Her actions were most certainly political in nature-she herself would express this in the aftermath. But there were forces at work far greater than mere politics, which compelled Sara to go to downtown with a small revolver in her purse and thus at 3:45 PM sharp, the Secretary of State and an entourage of security detail from the Diplomatic Security Service including senior staff members and officials from the US State Department embarked through the front door of the hotel. Sara had been tipped off by the arrival of the Diplomatic Security Service convoy, as well as the limousine, while she waited patiently and quietly.

A few feet down, or perhaps ten feet or so, Vietnam veteran and Wisconsin native Oliver Sipple looked on to see what the fuss was all about. He too had come to get a gilmpse, and perhaps even a picture with the US Secretary of State. A somewhat elderly woman, who was dressed in a weird-looking black and white pantsuit that included a matching hat was too funny to some in the crowd, this stood out to a curious Sipple.

Sara Jane heard the applause and cheers going up from the crowd and looked forward to seeing Secretary Kissinger acknowledging the small crowd. Sensing the time was now, she reached into her purse, rapidly withdrawing the revolver and steadying her arm as she aimed directly towards the Secretary of State. Sipple looked over because the reflection of the sun was shining off of the pistol and this drew his attention. Realizing this was it, her heart began to beat faster and faster, Sara Jane felt her trigger finger freezing; she just couldn't bring herself to do it, saying to herself "This man is a human being. He is a World War II veteran. He is the Secretary of State of the United States. He's got a family....."

"THE BITCH HAS A GUN! STOP HER NOW!" Without hesitation, Sara Jane pulled the trigger and opened fire: BANG! BANG! BANG!

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Coming up this week:
1.) Fallout of the chaos in San Francisco and ramifications
2.) National and International headlines of the Rockefeller Presidency
3.) Personal PoV's
4.) President Rockefeller names his choice for VP
5.) The shortlist to become US Secretary of State

 

[Sergeant Foley]

The giggling secretary
6:36 PM EST, Monday, September 22, 1975
Somewhere in Camp David

Giggling female secretary naked and barefoot inside one of the private rooms at Camp David during secret escape with Rocky...
​

It was a quiet day at Camp David, the private retreat where President Rockefeller was spending a couple of days working on major policy initiatives while at the same time "exercising" during a so-called "exercise session" with a beautiful giggling secretary, who was known as one of Rocky's confidential secretaries.

Both Rocky and the beautiful giggling secretary were engaged in steamy sex escapades in the shower at the private restrooms. She tries to hold off the moans, but couldn't resist any longer as she let it all out while Rocky was penetrating her as the water was running to blocking out the moaning sounds.

The escapade continued until a buzzing alarm sounded, Rocky got out of the shower by drying off with a towel and later put on a robe, walking to his room to get dressed. Meanwhile the giggling secretary turned off the shower and snuck out of the private bathroom naked and barefoot, going into one of the private bedrooms to dry off and get dressed herself while thinking to herself "Next time, we'll not get interrupted".

As Rocky emerged back to his desk picking up the phone, White House Chief of Staff Ann C. Whitman notified him over the phone "Mr. President. There's a major situation in San Francisco." Noticing the tenor of the seriousness, Rocky decided to leave Camp David by going back to the White House.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Cronkite breaking the big scoop
6:54 PM EST, Friday, September 22, 1975
CBS Studios, New York City, New York State

Cronkite reporting on the situation in San Francisco.

​

"Good evening. I am Walter Cronkite and this is a CBS News Special Report. We apologize for interrupting your regularly scheduled programming to bring you breaking news out of San Francisco, California where we're receiving multiple reports that there has been an assassination attempt on US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. We are just receiving this information as it's coming in, and I want to express caution because the situation is fluid. Here is what we know: about thirty minutes ago, as Secretary Kissinger left the St. Francis Hotel, three shots were fired at the Secretary of State. According to witnesses, the assailant was a woman, believed to be middle-aged, and that only three shots had been fired. We don't know at this time whether or not the Secretary of State was hit but we have heard from witnesses that he was immediately raced into a nearby limousine and that his current location is unknown.

Of course, it's been seventeen days since the assassination of then-President Gerald Ford on September 5th in Sacramento, where the assailant in that case, Squeaky Fromme, who is currently awaiting murder trial for that incident and has been associated with convicted cult leader Charlie Manson. Now wait a minute, hold it just a minute....................

I've been told through the earpiece here that we've got footage of the shooting. We're going to air this right now:

******(clip plays, showing footage of the three shots being fired outside the St. Francis Hotel)******
​

It appears that the Secretary of State was hit by the footage we just saw, but there hasn't been any official confirmation of such and I am refusing to report that officially at this time. But it does, going off appearance, seem to suggest that Secretary Kissinger was injured due to the increasing volume of Diplomatic Security Service agents surrounding him and their seeming slowness of their efforts to getting him into the limousine. I believe...my earpiece is talking once again, one minute please..... I understand about that. I'll report it now.

We can confirm that Secretary Kissinger has been hit and is currently undergoing preparation for surgery at a nearby hospital at this moment. We are now joined by our State Department correspondent.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING: US SECRETARY OF STATE HENRY KISSINGER GUNNED DOWN OUTSIDE ST. FRANCIS HOTEL IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA FOLLOWING SPEECH TO WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL; DEAD AT AGE 52.

Henry Alfred Kissinger
(May 27, 1923-September 22, 1975)
56th United States Secretary of State
September 22, 1973-September 22, 1975
8th US National Security Advisor
January 20, 1969-September 22, 1975
​

Upon receiving official notification of Secretary Kissinger's death, President Rockefeller held an impromptu press conference inside the Briefing Room of the White House and addressed the nation, where he offered his personal condolences to the Kissinger family and signed executive order lowering flags at half-mast on all government buildings across the nation. The talk of the town was about who would succeed Kissinger at the State Department: list of potential replacements from diplomats, current or former politicians, etc,

Speculation swirled across Washington that a nominee will be named sometime later in the month with confirmation by the US Senate.

National and International headlines from the Rockefeller Presidency
September 1975

September 27, 1975: Funeral Services for US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger being held at Congregation Israel in Washington, DC.​

*Wednesday, September 24, 1975: The crash of Garuda Indonesia Flight 150 in Indonesia results in the deaths of 24 out of 60 people on board, including one on the ground, while attempting to land at Palembang.
*Oliver Sipple, the disabled former US Marine Corps veteran, who unsuccessfully tried to stop Sara Jane Moore from killing US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, was outed by gossip columnist Herb Caen of the San Francisco Chronicle, who received information from Harvey Milk that Sipple was a homosexual. Unfortunately for Sipple, his personal life is completely thrown into a mess once his family from the Midwest learned of the truth, they disowned him altogether. However, this doesn't prevent President Rockefeller from calling Sipple personally and thanking him on the behalf of a grateful nation: "I just want you to know how much the country appreciated your selfless actions last Monday.....you acted quickly and without fear for your own safety."; Rockefeller also said "By doing so you helped to avert danger to others in the crowd. You have my heartfelt appreciation."

*Thursday, September 25, 1975: US Commerce Secretary Rogers CB Morton announced to the National Press Club that a statistic called the "T-Dollar" would be used in future press releases, with the idea that every $1 billion in federal spending was $14.06 in federal tax money for each American household.

*Friday, September 26, 1975: The US Congress, in agreement with President Rockefeller, voted to restoring price controls in oil and gasoline for another 50 days, which would last until November 15th. The price freeze had expired on September 1st, and the controls were extended retroactively by a vote of 75-3 in the Senate and 342-16 in the House.

*Saturday, September 27, 1975: The Funeral of US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is conducted in Washington, DC at Congregation Israel; among the international guests attending the services included the following: British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Marshall Tito of Yugoslavia, Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. President Rockefeller delivers the eulogy, with former President Richard Nixon, former US Housing & Urban Development Secretary George Romney and US Chief Liaison to PRC George HW Bush all delivering remarks as well. Afterwards, Kissinger was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

*Sunday, September 28, 1975: The first x-ray burster star to be discovered from Earth was observed by a team led by astronomer Jonathan Grindlay, who observed two x-ray bursts from the source 4U in NGC 6624.

*Monday, September 29, 1975: President Rockefeller announced that he was dwindling the list of nominees for the Vice Presidency with an expected decision to be made within the first two weeks of October.

*Tuesday, September 30, 1975: The prototype of the AH-64 Apache helicopter makes its first flight. The Apache, an attack helicopter that could fire armor-piercing shells, withstands anti-aircraft fire, and flying missions under adverse conditions, would became a US Army aircraft in 1985.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

National and International headlines of the Rockefeller Presidency
October 1975

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos hosting Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier during Courtesy Call at Malacanang Palace.
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*Wednesday, October 1, 1975: In the "Thrilla in Manila" boxing match, Muhammad Ali retained his world heavyweight boxing championship defeating former champion Joe Frazier at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
*The Gilbert and Ellice Islands, a British protectorate in the South Pacific Ocean, were divided in anticipation of independence. The Gilbert Islands would become the nation of Kiribati, while the Ellice Islands would become Tuvalu.
*After just eight years of construction and the spending of $5.7 billion, the Safeguard Program, anti-ballistic complex for the United States, becomes fully operational in Cavalier County, North Dakota with two radar complexes and 32 silos. The US House of Representatives voted the next day to shut down the program, in large part because the radar system was a vulnerable target that would be ineffective during a nuclear war; the site would be closed after four months.

*Thursday, October 2, 1975: The US Congress reverses their position on an embargo against arms sales to Turkey.
*A blast at an explosives factory which resulted in the deaths of six people in Beloeil, Quebec.

*Friday, October 3, 1975: For the first time since Bangladesh successfully seceded from Pakistan in 1971, the two nations officially established diplomatic relations.
*The Teton Dam in Idaho begins to fill up as the Teton River was closed off. Eight months later, on June 5, 1976, the earthen dam breaks would break, flooding the town of Wilford, Idaho, which resulted in the deaths of eleven people.

*Saturday, October 4, 1975: President Rockefeller announced he was nominating former New York State Governor Malcolm Wilson (R) to serve as US Secretary of State. United States Senator John Sparkman (D-AL), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, congratulated Wilson on his nomination and pledged a rigorous, but fair confirmation hearing in the coming weeks.

*Sunday, October 5, 1975: In the elections for the Austrian Nationalrat, the Social Democratic Party of Austria, led by Chancellor Bruno Kreisky, retained their slim majority in the lower house of Parliament, with 93 out of the 183 seats.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING: PRESIDENT ROCKEFELLER NOMINATES FORMER US ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS LINWOOD HOLTON AS VICE PRESIDENT

Monday, October 6, 1975

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President Rockefeller introduces his selection for the Vice Presidency
By over the weekend, President Rockefeller made his decision whose names he would submit to Congress to become Vice President. The press corps was invited to an official event in the Rose Garden of the White House in the morning hours of October 5th. White House Chief of Staff Ann C. Whitman introduced the President, who went before the microphone to address the nation:

President Rockefeller: "Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow Americans: Welcome to the White House. This morning, I have invited you to informing the public of my decision who to nominate for the Vice Presidency of the United States. After careful consideration, review and personal interactions, I am glad to announce my selection of former US Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs Linwood Holton from the Commonwealth of Virginia to serve as the next Vice President of the United States of America (rounds of applause). Just about an hour ago, I have informed the congressional leadership of my selection and signed the nomination certificate. Following talks with leaders of both political parties in congress, I strongly expect a smooth confirmation process, which is the first under the 25th Amendment in the history of this nation.

This is one of those extraordinary times. We need a full time Vice President, whose personal integrity and competence helps this administration and our great country moving forward in the coming years ahead. I am more confident that Secretary Holton can provide the credentials and serving our nation well. Over his career in public service, Secretary Holton has shown a deep commitment to service of country, having served in the United States Navy during World World II and then being elected as Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1969 becoming the first Republican Governor of the Commonwealth since Reconstruction, where his accomplishments and achievements in a single four-year term, put Virginia into the New South of the 1970s. During his time as Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, Secretary Holton made his commitment in being a champion for peace, stability and freedom. I am proud to call him a former fellow Governor during our time as Governors together including serving on the Republican Governors Association and National Governors Association together. Ladies and Gentlemen, therefore, I am happy to introduce to the Vice President-designate Linwood Holton.

(Round of applause as Holton got up from the front row to giving the President a hug and shaking hands).

Secretary Holton: "Mr. President, members of the Cabinet, Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow Americans: I am deeply honored to be standing before you this morning as the nominee for the office of Vice President of the United States under the provisions of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Now, I am deeply thankful to President Rockefeller for the enormous confidence he put in me. Mr. President, the trust you have given me means a lot not only to myself, but also to my family and friends. I will do everything I can to be worthy of this sacred trust. In the coming weeks, I look forward to meeting with lawmakers of both parties so that they can fulfill their constitutional duties and judging upon me, whether they believe I am qualified to serve this nation as vice president. Today, less than 24 hours after the President called me to ask whether I would be willing to serve by his side, I make this promise to all Americans of this great country: If the people's representatives in congress find me worthy serving as vice president, I will do the best I can to serving you and President Rockefeller. A man of honor and integrity, who has been called to step into the difficult task of the assassination of President Ford.

Once again, let me thank you and the president in particular, for the generosity and confidence. Let us move together, move forward and making sure America will always be a forever beacon of hope and opportunity. Thank you very much and God Bless America."

Afterwards, members of the Holton family walked on the stage to be with Secretary Holton and waved to the crowd as the round of applause ensued.

The first congressional hearing of former US Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs Linwood Holton is scheduled for October 7th. Sources on Capitol Hill anticipate the confirmation process to take no longer than a month and that final floor votes in both chambers of Congress could take place as early November. Meanwhile, the confirmation hearing of former New York State Governor Harold Wilson to serve as US Secretary of State is taking place before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with votes to send Wilson's nomination out of the committee set for next week and final floor vote by the Senate expected somewhere around October 20th.

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[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP IN CHAPTER 3 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
Happy Rockefeller making her mark as First Lady

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[49ersfootball]

Sounds quite intriguing to find out how this timeline turns out.