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

[Buba]

Franco came to power in a military coup d'etat in 1936 that ousted the Spanish Monarchy which coincided with the Spanish Civil War.

Sadly there are several things incorrect in that sentence

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Sadly there are several things incorrect in that sentence

Let me make some corrections.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

@Buba Made some edits.

 

[Buba]

@Buba Made some edits.

Now all good!

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Now all good!

Starting this week:
*Installments of the State Funeral of the Generalissimo Francisco Franco on November 23, 1975
*Rocky's State Visits to Taiwan, Indonesia and Philippines
*Highlights from December 1975

 

[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.

​

 

[Buba]

Nice piccie of the Saviour of Chile surrounded by hawt! Latinas.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Nice piccie of the Saviour of Chile surrounded by hawt! Latinas.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imelda_Marcos

 

[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.
​

*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.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP NEXT WEEK IN CHAPTER 3 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
Backstory of Indonesian President Suharto

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[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING NEWS ALERT: BENTSEN PRESSURED TO DROP OUT
*Thursday, December 4, 1975: Concerned about the large field of Democrats running for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 1976, sources said several high-profile Democrats are working on lobbying for United States Senator Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX) to drop out because they fear "the more people running, the more likely we'll get a nominee who's deeply despised" in reference to Alabama Governor George Wallace (D), who's aggressive attacks on busing, big government overreach, social programs and psnuedo snobbery of some in the party, whom he accuses of alienating States Rights and embracing lazy welfare queens.

On Wallace's numbers have been rising lately due to his super aggressive Southern Strategy (using the playbook of then-President Richard Nixon) using blatant dog whistles in the Democratic primaries: the Wallace campaign has been running television commercials doubling-down on law and order.

Gallup Polling Survey (December 4, 1975): Democratic Presidential nomination 1976
Wallace (D): 27%
Brown (D): 15%
Jackson (D): 8%
Church (D): 6%
Udall (D): 3%
Askew (D): 3%
Bentsen (D): 1%
Undecided: 37%

BREAKING: STENNIS, EASTLAND ENDORSE WALLACE FOR PRESIDENT
*United States Senators John Stennis (D-MS) and James Eastland (D-MS) announced in a joint press conference they're endorsing Alabama Governor George Wallace (D)'s presidential campaign for the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination. Stennis proudly boasted Wallace's tough-on-crime policies in getting rid of "thugs, hoodlums, welfare queens and outside agitators" as well as defending States Rights by standing up to the Feds.

ALLEN, SPARKMAN ENDORSING WALLACE
*United States Senators John Sparkman (D-AL) and James Allen (D-AL) announced they're endorsing Alabama Governor George Wallace (D) for the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination as well. Wallace says he's proud to have the staunch backing of members of the Alabama congressional delegation.

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT HUMPHREY DECLINED TO SEEK THE PRESIDENCY; SEEKING REELECTION IN 1976
*United States Senator and former Vice President Hubert Humphrey (D-MN) confirmed he was NOT going to be a candidate for the Presidency in 1976, "I've accepted that America wants a new generation of leaders and I also believe the Democratic Party needs a new generation of leaders too. My attention is needed in the United States Senate so I will be seeking reelection to a fifth term representing Minnesota in the United States Senate in 1976."

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Highlights of President Rockefeller's State Visit to the Republic of Indonesia (December 5-6, 1975)
*Friday, December 5, 1975: Air Force One touched down on at Halim International Airport for a brief visit to the Republic of Indonesia at the invitation of Indonesian President Suharto. Rockefeller and Suharto were to meet for the third time in less than six months (when Rockefeller was Vice President in June 1975, where they met face-to-face at Camp David when then-President Gerald Ford introduced Suharto to members of the Ford administration). They also met during the State Funeral services of President Ford on September 12th, it was during that time when Suharto personally invited both President and First Lady Rockefeller to visit Indonesia, which they both accepted.

Upon arrival at the Halim International Airport from their four-day visit to Taiwan, President Nelson Rockefeller accompanied by his wife, First Lady Happy Rockefeller; their two sons, Nelson Rockefeller, Jr., and Mark Rockefeller; US Secretary of State Malcolm Wilson; National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft, etc., were welcomed by Indonesian President Suharto and his wife, Indonesian First Lady Siti Haritnah as well as members of the Indonesian President's Cabinet and high-ranking government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps and some Americans in Jakarta. President Rockefeller was then afforded full ceremonial honors including the 21 Cannon Salute.

Later in the evening, a State Dinner in honor of President and First Lady Rockefeller was held at Istana Negara (State Palace). The dinner was followed by a cultural performance highlighted by dances from Sumatra and Java. In the dinner toast, President Suharto expressed that the visit of President Rockefeller could further enhance the mutual understanding to the numerous world and regional problems and providing concrete substance for mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. He said that with the end of the Vietnam War, although there still exists deep concern regarding the possibility of disturbances threatening the security and stability of various countries and regions, the Southeast Asia region is now facing a new era with all kinds of new challenges and opportunities. The close and mutually beneficial cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Indonesia will hopefully stimulate the attainment of progress, justice tranquility and solid stability in this region, Suharto continued during his remarks.

In response, President Rockefeller said the United States' prosperity and progress linked with the various populations, the dynamic economics, the abundant resources and the rich cultures of this great region. "I have come here because of America's strong commitment and continuing interest in your country's security and well-being. The relationship between the United States and the Republic of Indonesia has involved the common concern for the right of every nation to pursuing their own destiny on its own independence and sovereign causes. We share dedication to peace in Asia and the world. We share a commitment to economic and social progress...... We share the realization that internal cooperation is essential for international security and prosperity." The President continued to say that in the complex time of change, America looks to its relationship with friends during tough times as well as good times. "Indonesia is such a great friend," Rockefeller added during his remarks at the State Dinner. Adding further, Indonesia has exemplified strength and self-reliance as well as international leadership and responsibility. "We respect your non-alignment and your goal of national resiliency. We also admire your contribution to regional peace. We value your friendship." Rockefeller said as a round of applause from the guests and distinguished guests at the State Dinner inside the Istana Negara.

*Saturday, December 6, 1975: The next morning, there was a joint communique following the exchange of views on international, regional and bilateral issues between the United States and Indonesia, it was announced that President Suharto and President Rockefeller had agreed to expanded dialogue between the two countries' respective governments, through periodic consultations at the ministerial level.

The Heads of State concluded their meetings and their decisions to establishing an expanded dialogue marked an important and significant step toward developing and strengthening close and friendly ties between the governments the peoples of the Republic of Indonesia and the United States of America. During the meeting, President Rockefeller expressed the US intention to continuing to providing substantial aid in support of Indonesia's developmental efforts. In the communique, President Rockefeller also expressed his deep appreciation for the hospitality extended to him, Mrs. Rockefeller and entourage during the President's trip to Indonesia.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

@WolfBear @Buba @Tiamat @Cherico @The Immortal Watch Dog @TerrificWarden @Captain X @49ersfootball @TheRomanSlayer

Working on an installment on Indonesian President Suharto which will be posted sometime tomorrow.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Suharto
12:00 PM, Saturday, December 6, 1975
Istana Negara, Jakarta, Indonesia

Indonesian President Suharto and his wife, Indonesian First Lady Siti Harintah.​

During the joint communique meeting with US President Nelson Rockefeller and US Secretary of State Malcolm Wilson on the cementing of diplomatic ties between the United States and the Republic of Indonesia, where Indonesian President Suharto explained to Rockefeller the situation regarding East Timor and rightfully voiced good reasons for annexing East Timor, whom the Indonesians considered as a province that needed to be put in their place. One of the concerns for both Jakarta and Washington: victory for the left-wing Fretilin would result in the creation of a communist state on Indonesia's border and utilizing incursions by unfriendly forces plotting to overthrown the Indonesian government.

Both government and military officials in Jakarta and Washington agreed that an independent East Timor within the archipelago would result in secessionist movements within the provinces of Indonesia and that was not going to be good at all for anyone in the Asia Pacific particularly the United States, who needed strong allies in the Asia Pacific following the debacle of the Vietnam War. There was several reasons on why Indonesia invaded East Timor: 1.) Avoiding the negative example of an independent province, 2.) having access to the high initial estimates of oil and natural gas under the Timor Sea and finally 3.) following the fall of South Vietnam, Indonesia also wanted to become the major military partner of the United States from Southeast Asia.

Not too long afterwards, Rockefeller and Wilson gave Suharto the official green-light for the Indonesian Armed Forces to invade East Timor. Suharto telling Rockefeller "We want your understanding if we deem it necessary to take rapid or drastic action in East Timor." Rockefeller responded, "We will understand and will not press you on the issue. We understand the problem you have and the intentions you have." Wilson strongly urged Suharto to wait until after Rockefeller had left for the Philippines, explaining "we would be able to influence the reaction in America if whatever happens after we return following the President's far eastern trip. This way there would be less chance of people talking in an unauthorized way." Wilson also said to Suharto "It is important that whatever you do succeeds quickly." The United States had supplied weapons and other military equipment to Indonesia with the following: American-supplied destroyer escorts; American-supplied landing craft; American-supplied C-47 and C-130 aircraft; .50 calibre machine guns.

On December 7th, the Indonesian Armed Forces and other reinforcements engaged in one of the most violent, vicious and bloodiest invasions on East Timor: which resulted in 102,000 deaths including 18,600 violent killings including 84,200 deaths from disease and starvation. Staunchly supporting the Indonesian Armed Forces' invasion of East Timor: United States, Taiwan, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia and Australia. The result of the violent invasion of East Timor resulted in the overthrow of the left-wing Fretilin regime in East Timor and Indonesia occupying the former newly-formed independent country for 24 years.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

President Rockefeller visits the Republic of the Philippines
4:35 PM PHST, Saturday, December 6, 1975
Manila International Airport, Manila, Philippines

Malacanang Palace in Manila, where the Marcoses hosted a State Dinner for the Rockefeller's.​

Upon arriving at the Manila International Airport in Manila, Philippines on that Saturday afternoon, President and First Lady Rockefeller were greeted by US Ambassador to the Philippines William H. Sullivan and Alberto T. Katibak, Director of Protocol for the Republic of the Philippines. Soon afterwards, the Presidential entourage went to the base of the ramp of the Spirit of 76. Next, the Rockefeller's were greeted by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos; Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Querube C. Makalintal; Mrs. Querube C. Makalintal; Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Carlos P. Romulo; Philippine Ambassador to the United States Eduardo Romualdez and his wife, Concepcion Romualdez.

Following Arrival Honors and reviewing the troops, President Rockefeller addressed the crowd at the speakers platform. At 5:30 PM PHST, the Rockefeller's and Marcoses went to the presidential limousine and motored from the Manila International Airport to the Rizal Monument in honor of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, who was executed by a Spanish firing squad for his role in fighting for Philippine independence. They were accompanied by Philippine Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs Manuel Collantes and General Romeo Espino, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

At 5:46 PM: President Rockefeller and President Marcos participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument. Soon afterwards, the Presidential motorcade left the Rizal Monument and arrived at Malacanang Palace, the residence of the Philippine President. The Marcoses gave the Rockefeller's a tour of the grand palace. Once the tour was finished, the Presidential party went to the Music Room: President Rockefeller introduced members of the US official party of dignitaries to President and First Lady Marcos; President Rockefeller and President Marcos alongside US Secretary of State Malcolm Wilson and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Carlos P. Romulo held bilateral talks. Next, President and First Lady Rockefeller went to their private quarters at Forbes Park Residence and rested up in preparation for the upcoming State Dinner that evening.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING SOON IN CHAPTER 4 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
Backstory on Price Daniel, Jr., as he launches his campaign for Texas State Attorney General ​