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

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING NEWS: HOLTON CONFIRMED BY US SENATE 81-16; SWORN INTO OFFICE AS 42ND VICE PRESIDENT
Monday, October 20, 1975
US Senate Chambers, US Capitol
Washington, DC

*The Democratic-controlled United States Senate voted 81-16 to confirm former US Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs and former Virginia Governor Linwood Holton as the 42nd Vice President. Previously on October 16th: The Democratic-controlled US House of Representatives voted by a vote of 287-128.

Soon after the Senate confirmed Holton, he was sworn into office by US Supreme Court Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall inside the Senate chambers later that evening on national television and delivered his inaugural address. Among those in attendance was President Rockefeller, who breathed a sigh of relief.

Holton confirmed he and his family will be moving into the Number One Observatory Circle.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING: PRESIDENT ROCKEFELLER ANNOUNCING REELECTION CAMPAIGN FOR FULL 4-YEAR TERM IN 1976
Saturday, October 25, 1975
Rockefeller Center, New York City, New York State

President Rockefeller announcing his campaign for full term during a nationwide address from the Rockefeller Center.
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In a move everyone anticipated, President Rockefelker delivered a televised nationwide address from the Rockefeller Center in New York City, New York State. He highlighted some of his administration's accomplishments such as boosting national defense, getting tough on crime, signing legislation that improves the country's infrastructure as well signing education reform legislation. He spoke for about 26 minutes and longer, but near the end of his speech, Rockefeller mentioned this:
"As we close out 1975 and heading into our Bicentennial celebration next year, celebrating our nation's birthday, let's not forget that there's more work to do and I plan on continuing that work as President for the next four years.
Therefore, I am announcing that I will be a candidate for a full four-year term as your President in 1976. I plan on traveling the country meeting with you, the American people and offer my vision of leading this country into the peacetime period and my record of experience and making the tough, difficult decisions.

Thanks for listening and God Bless the United States of America."

Gallup Polling Survey: Possible matchups in 1976 US Presidential election
President Nelson Rockefeller (R): 58%
United States Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA): 33%

Rockefeller (R): 62%
United States Senator Birch Bayh (D-IN): 29%

Rockefeller (R): 70%
Alabama Governor George Wallace (D): 16%

Rockefeller (R): 64%
California Governor Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown, Jr., (D): 25%

*Monday, October 27, 1975: Gallup used multiple polling surveys in potential candidates on who would challenge President Rockefeller. All of them showed the incumbent President leading by large double digits against potential Democratic opponents in head-to-head matchups.

When asked about these polls, United States Senator John Glenn (D-OH) rejected such skepticism "It's still early because polling surveys do NOT vote. The American people will decide next November." Despite Glenn's rejection of these polls, there is talk around town among Democratic Party circles that some Democrats urge the party to begin focusing their efforts on down-ballot races instead particularly US House of Representatives, United States Senate, Governorships, down-ballot statewide offices, State Legislatures, etc.,

NOT RUNNING: CARTER DECLINES PRESIDENTIAL BID
*Thursday, October 30, 1975: United States Senator Jimmy Carter (D-GA), who's been in the United States Senate since January 14, 1975 (after defeating the controversial segregationist Herman Talmadge in the 1974 Democratic primary for the US Senate), announced that he will NOT be a candidate for the 1976 Democratic Presidential nomination "I just got elected to the United States Senate in 1974. I need to build experience and while I haven't ruled out anything in the future, you cannot foresee what might happen in 1980, 1984 or 1988, but after everything that has transpired the past two months, Georgians need me to fight for them in the United States Senate."

Rumors swirling that Carter might be on the shortlist of possible VP contenders on the Democratic side for whomever the Democrats nominate for President in 1976.

MONDALE, KENNEDY BOTH DECLINE PRESIDENTIAL BIDS IN 1976
*Soon after Senator Carter announced his decision of NOT running for President, fellow United States Senators Walter Mondale (D-MN) and Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) addressed the press corps at Capitol Hill and both confirmed they will NOT be running for the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination either, citing desires of staying in the United States Senate.

Mondale's reason: "The American people want a check and balance in government and we cannot let Republicans have free reign on all branches of the federal government in 1976. I am strongly confident that Democrats will keep control of both houses of Congress next fall."

Kennedy announced he's seeking reelection to a 3rd full 6-year term in the United States Senate: "The people of the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts can be strongly assured that I will be a candidate for reelection as their United States Senator. While I will NOT be a candidate for President in 1976, I will pledge to support whomever the Democratic nominee for President will be and deliver our alternatives to the American people."

When asked if either was scared of losing badly to Rockefeller in 1976, Kennedy laughed and said while it's difficult challenging an incumbent President, we cannot let him have a free ride during 1976. Mondale demurred, saying his focus is helping Democrats keeping their majorities in Congress particularly in the United States Senate.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Election Day: Gubernatorial elections in Louisiana, Mississippi and Kentucky
November 1-4, 1975
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*Louisiana:
Edwin W. Edwards (D-incumbent): 64%✔ (Reelected)
Bob Jones (D): 22%
Wade Martin (D): 10%
*Democratic Hold

*Mississippi:
Cliff Finch (D): 52%✔
Gil Carmichael (R): 45%
*Democratic Hold

*Kentucky:
Julian Carroll (D-incumbent): 62%✔ (Elected to full 4-year term)
Robert Gable (R): 37%
*Democratic Hold

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING SOON IN CHAPTER 3 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
President Rockefeller aggressively pushes healthcare reform

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[Sergeant Foley]

Panama Canal Negotiations: Bipartisan delegation appointed by President Rockefeller

Pro-Canal supporters protesting against the Rockefeller administration's negotiations with the Panamanians in transferring the Panama Canal to Panama.

*October 26, 1975: The hottest topic of discussion over a decade since the 1960s was about the Panama Canal. There was agreement among Democrats and moderate-centrist Republicans about being open to consider doing negotiations of turning over the canal to the Panamanian government. This had been a topic of worthy discussion since 1964 when then-President Lyndon Johnson was indicating readiness for talks between the United States and Panama over the canal following an incident back in 1964, but it wasn't at the top of his foreign policy agenda. The issue then went to succeeding administrations Richard Nixon (1969-1974) and Gerald Ford (1974-1975), but nothing could come of it. Upon ascending to the Presidency following Ford's assassination on September 5th, President Rockefeller indicated his willingness to negotiate in announcing his Good Neighbor Policy of 1975 initiative. Before his shocking assassination on September 22nd, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger quietly began plans for direct talks during meetings with many Panamanian government officials.

Following the confirmation of former New York State Governor Malcolm Wilson (R) as Secretary of State on October 15th, Wilson picked up where Kissinger left off and continued holding meetings with Panamanian government officials on transferring the Panama Canal to the Panamanians. On October 22nd, President Rockefeller announced a bipartisan American delegation for bilateral negotiations: leading the American delegation was former US Secretaries of State William P. Rogers and Dean Rusk. Rusk served in the post from 1961 to 1969 under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson; Rogers served under President Nixon during the latter's first term. Among those members of the American delegation: US Rep. Pete McCloskey (R-CA) and United States Senator Lawton Chiles (D-FL).

Conservatives blasting Rockefeller administration's negotiations over Panama Canal: "The Panama Canal is Ours! We built it, paid for it. We deserve to keep it forever!"

United States Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) leading the group of conservatives in blasting the Rockefeller administration's plans of transferring the Panama Canal to the Panamanians.

October 27, 1975: Not surprisingly, majority of the opposition of the Rockefeller administration's efforts came from conservatives, who publicly feuded and blasted the President over the hot-button issue. Leading the group in staunch opposition was United States Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC), who during a press conference summed up his opposition like this: "The United States built the canal, paid for it and we deserve to keep it forever. The canal is the property of the United States government and nobody is going to tell us what to do with it!" Also in attendance was former California Governor Ronald Reagan (R) and United States Senator Paul Laxalt (R-NV), both of whom blasted the President, with Laxalt declaring he'll fight the administration every step of the way on the Senate floor in blocking the treaty with every tool available. During a heated testimony hearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, US Secretary of State Malcolm Wilson explained that Congress can participate in the talks, but defended the administration's plans.

BREAKING NEWS ALERT: Mexican President Lieutenant General Oscar Robles offers to mediate the Panama Canal negotiations in Mexico

*October 30, 1975: During a press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexican President Lieutenant General Oscar Robles confirmed that he spoke with US President Nelson Rockefeller over the phone about venues for the Canal negotiations and suggested to Rockefeller that Mexico be the official mediator of the direct negotiations between the United States and Panama, in which both countries agree to where the negotiations will be held. He also confirmed either Mexicali or Mexico City will be hosting the meeting, with a potential summit to be held in Acapulco down the road.

BREAKING NEWS: ROCKEFELLER TO VISIT TAIWAN, INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES THIS FALL
*November 1, 1975: White House Press Secretary Ron Nessen confirmed that President Rockefeller has spoken with Taiwanese President Yen Chia-kan, Indonesian President Suharto and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos; Nessen confirmed that Rockefeller will be visiting Taiwan, Indonesia and Philippines later this year beginning with Taiwan (December 1st-5th in Taipei), Indonesia (December 5th-6th in Jakarta) and Philippines (December 6th-11th in Manila). These visits will highlight the Rockefeller administration's aggressive priorities of maintaining alliances and pivot to the Asian Pacific as part of the Good Neighbor Policy initiative.

Major infrastructure, energy and education laws signed by President Rockefeller

President Rockefeller signs major pieces of legislation into law: American Energy Act, Americans for a Better Educational Opportunity and the American Infrastructure Act of 1975.

November 3, 1975: As the 1976 presidential campaign was beginning to take shape, President Rockefeller was making impression to Americans that he was a busy, hardworking commander-in-chief focused on keeping America safe, keeping the country at peace in the height of the Cold War, and working on domestic problems. After giving conservatives hard-earned victories with heavy vetoes on wasteful government spending and some domestic policy spending as well as dismantling the Detente Policy with PRC and the Soviet Union, the Rockefeller administration due to long negotiations with Congress, successfully worked out an education bill (which was previously vetoed by then-President Ford due to wasteful spending) by signing into law, Americans for a Better Educational Opportunity Act which he signed into law on September 30th in a Rose Garden ceremony surrounded by young schoolchildren at the White House. The law, required all public schools who accept federal funds in providing equal access to education with one free meal for schoolchildren with physical or mental disabilities. This bill was an amendment to a law enacted during the Johnson administration.

President Rockefeller also signed the American Infrastructure Act of 1975 in Houston, Texas, where the construction of three dams in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas would be the beneficiaries of these major infrastructure projects. He also signed the American Energy Act on that same day as well. Enough electricity would be produced for each over 100,000 people and creating thousands of jobs in these respective states. Experts were impressed and called it "The American Strategy" which is based on economic messages without using racially-charged rhetoric to dividing Americans on the basis of race, ethnicity or gender since President Rockefeller strongly believed that prosperity for all Americans will be huge major factors toward decreasing and reducing racial tensions and more equal rights for everyone.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING NEWS: WILLIAM COLBY FIRED AS DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BY PRESIDENT ROCKEFELLER; REPLACED BY US CHIEF LIAISON TO PRC GEORGE HW BUSH
Tuesday, November 4, 1975

April 1975: Then-Vice President Nelson Rockefeller with Director of Central Intelligence William Colby and then-Deputy National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft during meeting of the National Security Council.​

The shakeup had its roots from the second Rockefeller ascended to the Presidency upon Ford's assassination on September 5th and he had already removed then-US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, then-White House Chief of Staff Richard B. Cheney, then-US Agriculture Secretary Earl Butz to name a few. Over the course of the past few weeks, Rockefeller slowly replaced several of the Ford holdovers with his own appointees (Whitman becoming White House Chief of Staff and Clements becoming US Secretary of Defense). Some considered these moves as an attempt to address multiple high-level personality and policy clashes within the administration. The overhaul came at a time when the President's leadership abilities were under attack heavily by staunch conservatives such as former California Governor Ronald Reagan (R).

Among the changes:
1.) William Colby was fired as Director of Central Intelligence and replaced by US Chief Liaison to PRC George HW Bush.
2.) Edward H. Levi announced he would be stepping down as US Attorney General by January 20, 1977. Rockefeller asked him to stay on until a successor is named and confirmed by the United States Senate.
3.) Counselor to the President Robert T. Hartmann would be replaced by John Otto Marsh, Jr., who previously served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs under then-President Richard Nixon (1973-74) and served as Counselor to the President under then-President Gerald Ford alongside Hartmann and Rogers Morton.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Meanwhile over the skies of the Atlantic......
6:00 PM, Friday, November 14, 1975
Somewhere over the skies of the Atlantic

Air Force One flying over the skies on the way to Paris, France.
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President Rockefeller was working on some documents regarding the upcoming G-6 Summit set for this week. The time was 6:00 PM and President Rockefeller had a closed-door meeting with senior advisers and key administration officials, who were accompanying the President to Paris. Once the meeting was over after two hours, Rocky went to his office where he read the newspaper when the giggling female confidential secretary got inside his private bedroom cabin via private office from adjoining room...

"Hi Mr. President" the giggling female secretary said as Rocky replied "You look so beautiful, kiss me baby" as they made out in his private bedroom cabin and began having sex on the bed as he penetrated her, causing her to moan softly and quietly. This escapade continued throughout the entire flight all night long.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

The G-6 Summit
November 15-17, 1975
Chateau de Rambouillet, France.

The G-6 Summit.​

The Group of Six (G-6) was an unofficial forum, which brought together the Heads of the richest industrialized countries: France, West Germany, Italy, Japan, Great Britain and the United States. This summit and others which would follow in following years, was not meant to linked formally with larger international institutions: and in fact, a kind of frustrated rebellion against the stiff formality of other international meetings was an element in the genesis of cooperation between France's President and West Germany's Chancellor as they conceived the first-ever summit of the G-6.

The list of Heads of State, who attained their respective offices due to unforeseen circumstances:
*France: Valery Giscard d'Estaing (President): Assumed office on May 27, 1974
*West Germany: Helmut Schmidt (Chancellor): Ascended to the Chancellorship upon the resignation of Willy Brandt on May 16, 1974.
*Italy: Aldo Moro (Prime Minister): Assumed office on November 23, 1974.
*Japan: Takeo Miki (Prime Minister): Assumed office on December 9, 1974.
*Great Britain: Harold Wilson (Prime Minister): Assumed office on March 4, 1974.
*United States: Nelson Rockefeller (President): Ascended to the Presidency upon the assassination of Gerald Ford on September 5, 1975.

Among the issues discussed during the G-6 Summit included the following:
*Searching and productive exchange of views on the world economy.
*Political and economic responsibilities of democracies.
*Growth of interdependence and fostering international cooperation.
*Inflation and energy crises.
*Unemployment and economic recovery.
*Fostering growth and world trade.
*Monetary stability.
*Multilateral trade negotiations.
*Economic relations with the Eastern Bloc and the Soviet Union (where President Rockefeller strongly defended his decision of dismantling the Detente Policy with PRC and the Soviet Union).
*Cooperative relationship and improved understanding of developing countries.
*Conference on International Economic Co-Operation.
*Cooperation via international organizations.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP IN CHAPTER 4 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
Alabama Governor George Wallace (D) and his fourth campaign for the Presidency

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING SOON IN CHAPTER 4 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
The funniest Arizonan takes the plunge and runs for the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING NEWS ALERT: JACKSON IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT

*Saturday, November 15, 1975: United States Senator Henry M. "Scoop" Jackson (D-WA St) officially confirmed he's running for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 1976. Jackson's staunch conservative views on foreign policy, public safety and hardcore opposition to busing has rankled many liberals and progressives inside the Democratic Party.

Jackson is rumored to battling with Alabama Governor George Wallace (D) for the anti-busing vote in the primaries.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Campaign Trail: Reagan
November 17, 1975
Santa Barbara, California

Having turning over the California Governorship to California Governor Jerry Brown (D) on January 6th, Ronald Reagan was independently wealthy, having wisefully invested his movie earnings in real estate back in the 1950s.

Originally, he had looked forward to spending more time at the family ranch near Santa Barbara, California, where he enjoyed horseback riding and other outdoor activities. Yet, despite this, there were signs that the political fire in the belly was rising fast due to the fact his supporters knew he had zero intention of fading from the spotlight.

His eyes were still on the White House and had been reluctant to wrest the Republican nomination from an incumbent Republican President. This last occurred in 1884 when then-US Secretary of State James G. Blaine won the nomination over then-President Chester A. Arthur.

BREAKING: REAGAN ANNOUNCES CANDIACY FOR THE PRESIDENCY
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*November 20, 1975: During a press conference at the Washington Press Club in Washington, DC., former California Governor Ronald Reagan (R) announced his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination in 1976 against incumbent President Nelson Rockefeller.

Reagan justified this by suggesting his candidacy would be healthy for both the country and his political party.

ROCKEFELLER ON REAGAN JOINING THE RACE
*President Rockefeller, who was heading to the fall meeting of the National Governors Association, was asked about Reagan's entry into the Republican primary for President. Rockefeller replied "I welcome Governor Reagan into the race and I expect this to be a spirited campaign in the battle of ideas. However, I am the right candidate in continuing to lead America forward toward the next four years."

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP IN CHAPTER 3 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
Former United States Senator and Louisiana First Lady Elaine Edwards (D-LA) joins the group, "Democrats for Rocky" as the 1976 campaign picks up steam......​

​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Change has come to Spain!
Thursday, November 20, 1975
Madrid, Spain

BREAKING NEWS ALERT: SPANISH DICTATOR GENERAL FRANCISCO FRANCO DEAD AT 82
*Prince Juan Carlos de Borbon to become King of Spain, effectively ending 36 years of authoritarian dictatorship.
*Spanish Prime Minister Carlos Navarro announced the Generalissimo's death.
*Generalissimo dies at La Paz Hospital.

*Longtime Spanish dictator General Francisco Franco died after being taken off of life support machines at La Paz Hospital in Madrid. He was 82 years old.

Franco came to power by overthrowing the Second Spanish Republic in 1939 during Spanish Civil War and ruled the country as Caudillo until his death.

Condolences have come from across the world: Chilean President General Augusto Pinochet, US President Nelson Rockefeller, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing and many foreign dignitaries including members of the Diplomatic Corps.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

General Election Matchups: Gallup (November 20, 1975)
Rockefeller (R): 73%
Wallace (D): 23%

Rockefeller (R): 62%
Jackson (D): 29%

Rockefeller (R): 58%
Brown (D): 27%

Rockefeller (R): 59%
Bentsen (D): 34%

Rockefeller (R): 66%
Udall (D): 18%

In potential head-to-head matchups in the newly released Gallup Poll, all have President Nelson Rockefeller leading from 25 to 50 percentage points. Coupled with the huge popularity of the incumbent Republican President as well as Americans satisfied with the direction of the country, several political analysts believe unless the Democrats convince the growing list of candidates to drop out and unite behind a strong candidate in the general election, the party could see massive losses down-ballot.

Republican Primary matchups
Rockefeller (R): 62%
Reagan (R): 16%
Undecided: 20%

Democratic Primary matchups
Wallace (D): 16%
Jackson (D): 12%
Brown (D): 6%
Bentsen (D): 5%
Udall (D): 3%
Askew (D): 1%
Undecided: 56%

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Mourners paying respects to Generalissimo Franco

Spanairds paying respects to the late Generalissimo Francisco Franco inside Palacio de El Pardo in Madrid.

*November 21-23, 1975: Mourners filed past the open casket of the longtime Generalissimo, who had ruled Spain for 36 years. Honor Guard consisting of the Spanish Armed Forces watched over the casket. It was also heavily guarded as the Spanish Army had sent troops across Madrid and all over the country in order to prevent possible chaos from occurring during the period of national mourning; it was announced by White House Press Secretary Ron Nessen that US President Nelson Rockefeller will be attending the State Funeral for Generalissimo Franco set for November 23rd.

Among those expected to be in attendance at the funeral services: Chilean President General Augusto Pinochet, King Hussein of Jordan, Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos, who will be representing her husband, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and countless other dignitaries.

State Funeral held for Generalissimo Francisco Franco on the grounds of Palacio Real de Madrid

Sunday, November 23, 1975: State Funeral Service for Generalissimo Francisco Franco on the grounds of Palacio Real de Madrid.

Dominican Republic Vice President Rafael Goscio Morales, Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos, Chilean President General Augusto Pinochet and his wife, Chilean First Lady Lucia Hirart among the dignitaries attending the State Funeral of the Generalissimo.

*Sunday, November 23, 1975: State Funeral of longtime Spanish dictator Generalissimo Francisco Franco takes place on the grounds of Palacio Real de Madrid, where among the dignitaries in attendance: King Juan Carlos I and his wife, Queen Sofia; Spanish Prime Minister Carlos Arias Navarro; US President Nelson Rockefeller; Chilean President General Augusto Pinochet and his wife, Chilean First Lady Lucia Hirart; Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos; King Hussein and Queen Alia al-Hussein of Jordan; Dominican Republic Vice President Rafael Goscio Morales; Republic of Korean President Park Chung-hee; members of the Diplomatic Corps including notables of civic, religious life and the Spanish Armed Forces Joint Chiefs of Staff as well as military generals and admirals. The Primate of Spain Marcelo Cardinal Gonzalez Martin, Archbishop of Toledo officiated the State Funeral.

Following the State Funeral, Generalissimo Franco was taken via armed military gun carrier to his final resting place: Valle de Los Caidos, where he was laid to rest with full military honors and thus, democracy came back to Spain for good.

​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP NEXT IN CHAPTER 3 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
December 1-11, 1975: State Visits of President Rockefeller to Taiwan, Indonesia and Philippines

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[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING: PRESIDENT ROCKEFELLER CALLS FOR HEALTHCARE REFORM INITIATIVES; CONGRESS TO DEBATE LEGISLATION
*Monday, November 24, 1975: Upon returning from Spain, President Rockefeller addressed in a press conference at the Press Briefing Room that he would call on Congress to pass legislation regarding healthcare reform for all Americans including options for Americans to keep their healthcare plans if they have skepticism about the proposed legislation.

Patient Protection Act is being filled by United States Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), who's been pushing healthcare legislation for the past few years. Kennedy is also working on getting bipartisan support for the legislation in terms of co-sponsoring amendments, etc.,

In the House, Speaker Carl Albert (D-OK) will release plans on an alternative proposal from the House sometime during the week.

OPPOSITION TO HEALTHCARE REFORM LEGISLATION EXPECTED FROM CONSERVATIVES
*In no surprise, United States Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) blasted the proposal as "socialized medicine" and vowed to block the legislation if it comes to the Senate floor. United States Senator Barry Goldwater (R-AZ), an archrival of the President, called the proposal pushed by the Rockefeller administration "typical big government overreach" and used grouchy language in describing the legislation's opening stages.

Previous administrations unsuccessfully tried to push healthcare, but those efforts ran into heavy roadblocks.

Gallup Polling Survey (November 24, 1975)
Opinion of President Nelson Rockefeller:
Approve: 71%
Disapprove: 16%

General Election Matchups:
Rockefeller (R): 74%
Wallace (D): 13%

Rockefeller (R): 66%
Brown (D): 21%

Rockefeller (R): 58%
Jackson (D): 29%

 

[Sergeant Foley]

State Visit to Taiwan
Monday, December 1-Friday, December 5, 1975
Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei, Taiwan: The third international trip of Nelson Rockefeller's presidency.​

*December 1, 1975: Air Force One touched down at the Taipei Songshan Airport, where President Rockefeller walked down the steps of the presidential aircraft and was greeted by Taiwanese Finance Minister Li Kwoh-ting, US Ambassador to Taiwan Leonard S. Unger, Taiwanese Interior Minister Lin Chin-sheng, Taiwanese Foreign Affairs Minister Shen Chang-huan, Taipei Mayor Chang Feng-hsu and many other dignitaries. Soon afterwards, the 21 Cannon Salute was fired by the Republic of China Army Field Artillery Unit as the respective National Anthems of the United States and Taiwan were being performed. Escorted by Taiwanese Foreign Affairs Minister Shen Chang-huan, President Rockefeller reviewed the military troops of the Republic of China Armed Forces.

Among those in attendance was First Lady Happy Rockefeller, US Secretary of State Malcolm Wilson, National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft. Once the Welcoming Honors festivities was finished, President and First Lady Rockefeller got into the presidential limousine accompanied by vehicles consisting of the US Secret Service, Taiwanese National Security Bureau including law enforcement agencies left the Songshan Airport going all the way through the heart of downtown Taipei, where crowds lined up waving American and Taiwanese flags, eventually the motorcade stopped at the Grand Hotel Taipei, where the Rockefeller's spent a couple of days there. Secret Service agents made sure everything was perfect and going smoothly considering the events of September 5th, 1975 in Sacramento resulted in Rockefeller's ascension to the Presidency.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

More Highlights of President Rockefeller's State Visit to Taiwan
*December 2, 1975: Accompanied by US Secretary of State Malcolm Wilson, US Ambassador to Taiwan Leonard S. Unger and senior high-ranking members of the White House Staff, President Rockefeller held bilateral talks with Taiwanese President Yen Chia-kan, Taiwanese Premier Chiang Ching-kuo, Taiwanese Foreign Affairs Minister Shen Chang-kuan and other high-ranking officials of the Taiwanese government inside the Jie Shou Hall of the Presidential Office Building: the meeting lasted between 3-5 hours. Following the bilateral talks, Foreign Affairs Minister Shen led President Rockefeller, Secretary Wilson, Ambassador Unger and the accompanying dignitaries down the main staircase of the Presidential Office Building, which was guarded by the Republic of China Military Police.

Later that evening, President and First Lady Rockefeller accompanied by Secretary Wilson met with Taiwanese President Yen at the Chongqing Official Residence.

December 3, 1975: President Nelson Rockefeller and First Lady Happy Rockefeller at the private residence of Taiwanese Premier Chiang Ching-kuo.
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*December 3, 1975: President and First Lady Rockefeller met with American military servicemen and servicewomen of the US Taiwan Defense Command at the HSA Compound in Yuanshan, Taipei. Rockefeller thanked the troops for their service to the United States of America and had lunch with the troops. Later in the day, they attended an informal meeting with Taiwanese Premier Chiang Ching-kuo at his private residence.

*December 4, 1975: State Dinner for President and First Lady Rockefeller was held inside the Auditorium of the Presidential Office Building, which was hosted by Taiwanese President Yen Chia-kan and Taiwanese First Lady Liu Chi-chun. Also in attendance of the State Dinner included members of the White House delegation accompanying the Rockefeller's; several Ambassadors to Taiwan; high-ranking Taiwanese government officials and leaders from the private sector as well as the entertainment industry.

The State Dinner began with a pre-dinner cocktail, brief introductions of the invited guests to the Heads of State and their respective First Ladies and then the Banquet itself began. Invited guests and dignitaries arrived at the Presidential Office Building about 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the event, after which Rockefeller and Yen exchanged pleasantries and had a pre-dinner cocktail. About 10 minutes before the beginning of the banquet, a protocol officer guides the invited guests, in the order of their rank, to meeting Rockefeller and Yen. Each guest was introduced to the respective Heads of State by calling out his or her name. Then, after all of the guests had taken their seats, Rockefeller and Yen walked into the Banquet Hall as "The President's March" was played by the marching band.

Once both Rockefeller and Yen took their places and before the State Dinner began, the respective National Anthems of the United States ("Star-Spangled Banner") and Taiwan ("National Anthem of the Republic of China") were performed. Soon afterwards, Presidents Rockefeller and Yen exchanged decorations and delivered remarks highlighting the relationship between the United States and Taiwan; raised their glasses to toasting each other before the beginning of the banquet. After the beginning of the banquet, the guests enjoyed a lovely meal and exchanged in conversations to a background of orchestral music.