The Cursed American Presidency

[49ersfootball]

10:59 PM EST

ABC NEWS SPECIAL REPORT: CONTROVERSY, ALLEGATIONS OVER TEXAS POLLING STATIONS ESCALATES

Walters: "We just discussed major issues with voting in the battleground state of Texas, which has 26 Electoral Votes. We're turning now to one of our reporters in Fort Worth to leaning more about the situation. Madam, what's going on over there?"

Reporters: "Barbara, Harry, and Howard, there's a hot controversy blowing up within the past hour or so, as several polling stations were having serious problems including issues having access following severe rain over the previous six days. You can still see here in the background how it's raining and the streets are wet. We received at least a dozen reports that roads near polling stations were blocked by trees and branches which fell to the ground or hit a few buildings. While these barriers were removed within hours, the lines before polling stations grew longer and longer. Then over in Dallas, we had specific reports from the offices of Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe and Texas Secretary of State Mark W. White on whether voting could resume beyond the original deadlines. Both Governor Briscoe and Secretary White confirmed that anyone standing in line by the time of regular closing of voting hours, was able to cast his or her ballots. However, despite these assurances, this was bluntly attacked by United States Senator John G. Tower (R-TX) saying the exact opposite. This has resulted in sowing confusion here in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, even among poll-workers including local reporters we were speaking with. Six polling stations subsequently closed down at the orders of local government officials, citing the remarks by Senator Tower and the Republican National Committee which angered many local elected officials, who quickly went on the offensive and demanded the polls to be opened again. US Rep. Henry B. Gonzalez (D-TX), who is a surrogate for the Brown campaign, just told me the Brown campaign is considering an ad-hoc lawsuit in getting these polling stations opened again. We haven't received any information on whether these polling stations have reopened yet. It sure doesn't look like it. There is currently a back-and-forth discussion and we've been told the Brown campaign executives have gathered in Sacramento and weighing their options. Spokersperson for the Brooke campaign in Houston declined to comment, saying "these matters of question should be decided by the local and state officials."

Walters: "Oh my goodness, and from the way things are going, we're looking at a very, very close election for the Presidency of the United States since 1960 which might be decided by several states, which we're getting reports of not being able to call a winner. We will be keeping a close eye on the situation in Texas."

Reasoner: "And you've got a US Senatorial election taking place here as well, don't you?"

Reporter: "Yes sir, that is correct, Harry, I just wanted to about as well. Indeed, there's a US Senate election going on simultaneously. United States Senator Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX) is seeking reelection to a second term after an unsuccessful campaign for the Democratic Presidential nomination earlier this year, before deciding to seek reelection to his Senate seat. Bentsen easily defeated Republican challenger, US Rep. Alan Steelman (R-TX) by a wide margin."

Reasoner: "Despite the quiet reelection of Senator Bentsen, looks like we're about to be getting an election controversy in Texas. Thank you for this special report. We'll certainly talk again later."

Reporter: "We almost certainly will. Thank you both very much."

Walters: "I just hope this situation can be cleared up and clarified sooner. It might actually depend on how long the night processes. In the worst case scenario, we have to face the possibility on a dragged-out legal fight over the Presidency, should Texas be one of the deciding states."

Reasoner: "I hope so too Barbara. Now we're going to be taking a short commercial break before we return back with more coverage of ABC News' Election 76 Coverage. Stay tuned with us."

 

[49ersfootball]

11:00 PM EST

ABC NEWS ELECTION NIGHT COVERAGE CONTINUES.

OKLAHOMA, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, KANSAS, NEBRASKA CALLED FOR BROOKE, REGAINS LEAD IN ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTE BATTLE.

Reasoner: "Welcome back Ladies and Gentlemen, to ABC News' special coverage of the 1976 Presidential Election. Today is Tuesday, November 2nd, 1976, and we're now approaching the 11 O'clock hour. I believe you've got more updates after long wait, Howard."

Smith: "Indeed, I have Harry. ABC News can project after a long-dragged out waiting period, the following states have been called in favor of the Republican ticket, Vice President Edward Brooke and United States Senator Robert J. Dole (R-KS): Oklahoma (8 Electoral Votes), North Dakota (3 Electoral Votes), South Dakota (4 Electoral Votes), Kansas (7 Electoral Votes), and Nebraska (5 Electoral Votes), giving the Brooke-Dole ticket 210 Electoral Votes. From what we're hearing, Brooke is winning these respective states by double digits ranging from 13 to 29 percentage points, possibly 45 percentage points if the trends continue."

Reasoner: "As a matter of fact, we have seen the Brown campaign pretty much conceded these states a long time ago following Governor Brown's clinching of the Democratic nomination during the summer. Now the only Southern states that the Brown campaign had given up on: Oklahoma, Virginia and Florida. In the case of Florida, it was due to strong anti-Democratic sentiment among the staunchly conservative Cuban American community in South Florida, particularly Miami and the surrounding areas. During the final weeks of the campaign, they have focused on the following Southern states: Delaware, Mississippi, South Carolina, Arkansas, Georgia, Maryland, Tennessee, West Virginia, Alabama, Texas, Louisiana and North Carolina."

Smith: "Depending on what happens with the polling stations controversy in Texas, if somehow it's reversed and called for Governor Brown, it'll be a huge boost for his campaign as the path to 270 Electoral Votes for the Presidency will be critical. However, once again, ABC News earlier had called Texas for Vice President Brooke, so we're not going to retract Texas until more information and evidence comes out later depending on the legality of lawsuits, etc.,"

11:16 PM EST

BREAKING NEWS: IOWA CALLED FOR BROOKE

Reasoner: "Alright, I am hearing that we've got another call to make: According to credible sources confirming to ABC News, the State of Iowa is called for Vice President Brooke. 8 Electoral Votes for the Republican ticket, which has widened the Vice President's lead in the Electoral College. Barbara, your thoughts?"

Walters: "Well, that's not quite a surprise Harry. Out of all of the Midwestern states, Iowa is known for their Caucuses during the Democratic and Republican primaries respectively. Now Iowa is currently a Republican state. Vice President Brooke was leading in the polls over there even though the Brown campaign worked hard to making inroads earlier by visiting 73 out of 99 counties. Now remember that Brown didn't even participate in the Iowa Caucuses during the Democratic Primaries, which angered many Iowa Democrats; meanwhile on the Republican side, Vice President Brooke held off a strong resurgence from former California Governor Ronald Reagan winning the Iowa Caucuses.

National Popular Vote: President (73% of the precincts reporting)

Vice President Edward W. Brooke, III (R-MA)/United States Senator Robert J. Dole (R-KS): 35,016,773 (48.73%) 218 Electoral Votes
Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., (D-CA)/Former Governor James E. Carter, Jr., (D-GA): 35,000,664 (48.00%) 191 Electoral Votes
​

 

[49ersfootball]

10:32 PM CST

ILLINOIS TO UNDERGO MAJOR STATEWIDE RECOUNT IN ALL 102 COUNTIES

Reasoner: "We've got major developments coming out of the State of Illinois, known as the Land of Lincoln with its 26 Electoral Votes. ABC News couldn't determine a winner after hours of analyzing the largest number of votes coming in from Chicago, the Collar Counties as well as the surrounding Chicago suburbs including Central and Southern Illinois, where both the Brooke and Brown campaigns have been campaigning hard across Illinois during the fall campaign. Here's the latest results coming out of Illinois, where when we checked earlier this evening, Governor Brown had an early lead, but Vice President Brooke aggressively surged very strong due to the massive landslide victory of James R. Thompson (R) in the Illinois Gubernatorial election, and I have to believe that Thompson's coattails will likely carry Brooke over the finish line at some point depending on the finality of a statewide recount canvassing in all 102 counties."

Illinois (75% of the precincts reporting)
Brooke (R): 2,881,065 (60. 99%)
Brown (R): 1,211,883 (35.00%)

COMING UP IN CHAPTER VI OF THE CURSED AMERICAN PRESIDENCY: More projections by ABC News coming out of the Mountain Rockies.

 

[49ersfootball]

11:48 PM EST

BROOKE SWEEPS MOUNTAIN ROCKIES BY OVERWHELMING LANDSLIDE MARGINS

Reasoner: "I believe we've got more official projections after a long, long wait coming out of the Mountain Rockies. Howard, what do you have for us?"

Smith: "Harry and Barbara, after a long wait and decision making from the ABC News Decision Desk team, we can now officially confirm that Vice President Brooke has swept the entire Mountain Rocky states by overwhelming margins ranging from 25-37 percentage points. Here's the following states all going to Vice President Brooke: Montana (4 Electoral Votes), Wyoming (3 Electoral Votes), New Mexico (4 Electoral Votes), Nevada (3 Electoral Votes), Arizona (6 Electoral Votes), Colorado (7 Electoral Votes), and Utah (4 Electoral Votes), bringing the number of Electoral Votes to 253 Electoral Votes for Vice President Brooke who is now only 17 Electoral Votes away from the necessary 270 Electoral Votes of winning the Presidency if he wins these three: Oregon, Illinois and Washington.

I cannot imagine that these developments are going to cause major panic for the Brown campaign in Sacramento."

National Popular Vote: President (75% of the precincts reporting)

Vice President Edward W. Brooke, III (R-MA)/United States Senator Robert J. Dole (R-KS): 37,519,112 (49.03%) 253 Electoral Votes
Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., (D-CA)/Former Governor James E. Carter, Jr., (D-GA): 37,473,683 (48.73%) 191 Electoral Votes
​

COMING SOON IN CHAPTER VI OF THE CURSED AMERICAN PRESIDENCY: Results from US House of Representatives, United States Senate & US State/Territory Governorships.

​

 

[49ersfootball]

********************ABC NEWS ELECTION NIGHT COVERAGE: THE '76 VOTE

11:59 PM EST

BREAKING NEWS: ABC NEWS ONCE AGAIN CALLS TEXAS FOR BROOKE

Reasoner: "We're back from a short couple of commercial breaks Ladies and Gentlemen, we are back with our coverage of ABC News Election Night Coverage of The '76 Vote. Barbara, I believe we've got another major call for this evening?"

Walters: "Yes we do Harry. Just a few moments ago, Texas just updated their numbers and with 98.5% of the precincts reporting, ABC News is now projecting that Vice President Edward Brooke has narrowly carried the battleground state of Texas and its 26 Electoral Votes. His current margin of victory is around 27,383 votes, which we don't believe is enough for California Governor Jerry Brown to overcome with the remaining ballots left to include. With that many votes in and also considering that where we are at this hour in different areas, we feel quite sure to giving this to Brooke."

Reasoner: "Now what's the latest update in regards to provisional ballots we've discussed earlier? The votes cast following official polling closures due to the recent storm?"

Walters: "So far to the best of my knowledge on the situation, we don't have any new information here. Our reporters on the ground are currently working hard in reaching out to campaign and election officials to give us an update here. We've previously heard from Democratic officials and Brown campaign surrogates that they're checking all of the legal options in order to include the provisional ballots."

Reasoner: "Once again, I just don't feel very comfortable in making this call out of Texas, although our team in the Decision Desk in the background feels comfortable that Vice President Brooke has carried Texas and its 26 Electoral Votes. I mean, these numbers could make it likely. Nonetheless, I sincerely hope its not premature of projecting the same call in the same state twice."

 

[49ersfootball]

12:13 AM EST
Wednesday, November 3rd, 1976

MAJOR BREAKING NEWS DEVELOPMENTS: BROOKE WINS OREGON, ALASKA, HAWAII, EDGING CLOSER TO THE 270 MARK OF WINNING THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.
*Brown wins home state of California overwhelmingly with 63% of the statewide vote.
*Reports: Brooke has scratchy throat problems, going to bed at his summer residence in Cape Cod.

Reasoner: "Good Morning folks. It is Wednesday, November 3rd, 1976. I have major breaking news developments for you. We've got four major big calls to make, all of them at the Presidential level. We're not quite there yet, but these projections could be a major deciding moment of the 1976 Presidential campaign. Howard, tell us more."

Smith: "Indeed, this maybe a major deciding moment. ABC News can officially project that Vice President Brooke has won Oregon (6 Electoral Votes), Alaska (3 Electoral Votes), and Hawaii (4 Electoral Votes), putting him at 266 Electoral Votes: giving him just about very closer to clinching the 1976 Presidential election on this early Wednesday morning. Hawaii was too close to call for about three hours until the ABC News Decision Desk finally confirmed that Brooke won the Aloha State very narrowly by 1.6% in a margin of just 5,000 votes.

If you look at the electoral map right now, Brooke is on the edge of becoming the 40th President of the United States. 266 Electoral Votes! Once again, I want to repeat this for the viewers at home watching our election night coverage, 266 Electoral Votes and the potential of Vice President Brooke making history of also becoming the first African American President in our nation's history. It wasn't any surprise that Brooke won both Oregon and Alaska respectively as well, but I cannot imagine the scenes out in Sacramento as the Brown campaign is on the verge of a total political collapse."

Reasoner: "Now that's actually and absolutely stunning and shocking Howard. Who would've expected this? Not anybody covering this campaign throughout the entire year. We're going to have to go to another commercial break and then talk to our team of reporters in Sacramento at Brown headquarters."

12:29 AM EST
ABC NEWS SOURCES: BROWN PREPARING CONCESSION SPEECH ACCORDING TO INSIDERS

Reasoner: "We are back with our long coverage of The 76 Vote. We would like to talk with our reporter Becky Suarez from our ABC affiliate, KOVR-TV ABC 10 Sacramento at the Senator Hotel in Sacramento, which is the campaign watch party of Brown campaign headquarters. Becky, you're there with at least over 873+ guests watching election returns. What's the current mood there?"

Becky Suarez: "Harry, Barbara and Howard, the mood here was very optimistic several hours ago when all of the major networks called Pennsylvania and Ohio for Governor Brown, including a near sweep of the South except for Oklahoma, Florida and Virginia. However, disappointment soon came when the Texas call from our network came, though I would like to add that other networks haven't called Texas as of now. Nonetheless, the hall got very quiet when all of the major networks called Hawaii in Vice President Brooke's favor. You could almost feel the disappointment, anger and frustration in that complete, dead silence inside the ballroom of the Senator Hotel. And then we saw more tears when New York State was called for Brooke despite the Democrats winning the US Senate race up there with former US Ambassador to the United Nations Daniel Patrick Moynihan defeating conservative incumbent United States Senator James Buckley (C/R-NY St). There's also more dread among the 873+ guests inside the ballroom as they haven't heard any clarity of developments coming out of Illinois and Washington, the possible only two avenues for Governor Brown to get to 270 Electoral Votes in order for him to pull off a miracle. I can strongly tell you that if Governor Brown was to make a comeback this late in the game, time is running out and running out FAST! I also spoke with several young campaign volunteers here who already had tears in their eyes. There was one young woman, 20 years old, who worked on the campaign of United States Senator John V. Tunney (D-CA)'s reelection bid, who ABC News can confirm has lost reelection in the California US Senate election to controversial former San Francisco State University President Sam Hayakawa despite the landslide victory of Governor Brown here in the Golden State, who garnered 63% of the statewide vote with 4,073,983 votes and carrying 55 out of 58 counties. Another female campaign volunteer, 19 years old, said to me that seeing Hawaii and Texas called in Brooke's favor feels over one hundred times worse."

Reasoner: "Now that's quite obviously understandable Becky. Now you've heard reports of Governor Brown preparing to concede?"

Suarez: "Harry, we should treat this speculative information with strong sense of caution. And I mean with extreme caution! One of the campaign surrogates just told me there's heated discussions within Governor Brown's inner circle about the next steps of proceeding. Some want Brown to begin preparing a concession speech and place a phone call to Vice President Brooke, while other such as Gubernatorial Chief of Staff Gray Davis, aggressively pressure him to holding out as long as possible. Especially with the unclear situation coming out of Illinois, Texas and Washington. Davis is aggressively pushing for legal action and filing lawsuits effective immediately beginning tomorrow. Davis is also pushing for court orders that all provisional ballots in Texas (26 Electoral Votes), Illinois (26 Electoral Votes) and Washington (9 Electoral Votes) all be counted. Another close source to the Brown campaign told me that they've run through all of the numbers and still believe with confidence they can win all three states, combined 61 Electoral Votes between them. Once again, I cannot confirm or deny these reports of speculation."

Reasoner: "Now that sounds very intriguing and interesting. Thank you very much Becky for that report. We will almost certainly talk to you again."

Smith: "We can hope all of this gets resolved soon. The main questions might become quite irrelevant if Vice President Brooke wins both Washington and Illinois. But again, we just don't know quite yet. We again have to go into a commercial break and will be right back. This is ABC News Election Night Coverage."

National Popular Vote: President (91% of the precincts reporting)

Vice President Edward W. Brooke, III (R-MA)/United States Senator Robert J. Dole (R-KS): 39,648,039 (49.25%) 266 Electoral Votes
Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., (D-CA)/Former Governor James E. Carter, Jr., (D-GA): 39,583,335 (49.13%) 236 Electoral Votes
​

TO BE CONTINUED: COMING UP IN CHAPTER VI OF THE CURSED AMERICAN PRESIDENCY: Segment from Brooke Campaign Headquarters in Boston

 

[49ersfootball]

Wednesday, November 3rd, 1976
12:57 AM EST

ABC NEWS SPECIAL REPORT: GINGRICH DEMANDS ALL VOTING IN REMAINING STATES TO STOPPED IMMEDIATELY; DECLARES VICE PRESIDENT BROOKE HAS WON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

Reasoner: "Good Morning everyone. We're heading right over to Boston, where Brooke campaign senior strategist Newt Gingrich is holding a press briefing with reporters in the conference room. Let's listen in."

Gingrich: "I have seen the latest developments coming out in the three states in question: Texas, Illinois and Washington. The major networks have projected multiple times Vice President Brooke has won the State of Texas' 26 Electoral Votes. Based on the latest returns coming out of South and Central Illinois, we are likely to win the State of Illinois and their 26 Electoral Votes, which will be enough to win the Presidency. Over the past 24 hours, there's been speculation and rumors swirling on why is it taking long to declare winners in these particular three states; the main development is that the opposition's tactics of delaying results is driving people's concern of possible stealing of this important election.

As far as I'm concerned, I strongly think it's time for all voting to STOP immediately. Because frankly, we won this election and Vice President Brooke is the President-elect of the United States. Thank you."

Reasoner: "Um, Ok. That was Newt Gingrich, the senior strategist of the Brooke campaign, who appeared before the press during a press briefing."

 

[49ersfootball]

Wednesday, November 3rd, 1976
1:32 AM EST

BREAKING NEWS: ABC NEWS RETRACTS TEXAS FROM BROOKE

Ann Compton: "Good morning everyone. It's an early Wednesday morning here at ABC News Election Night Headquarters covering the hotly-contested 1976 Presidential election, we're getting new information from the Decision Desk in regards to the uncertainty about the polling station situation in Texas, which has 26 Electoral Votes.

Following long research and analysis including getting new information from sources with close eyes on the ground, the ABC News Decision Desk has decided to retract Texas and their 26 Electoral Votes from Vice President Edward Brooke's column..

Vice President Brooke previously had 266 Electoral Votes, but after the retraction of Texas, it'll be reduced to just 240 Electoral Votes, leaving him 30 Electoral Votes away from winning this election."

National Popular Vote: President (92% of the precincts reporting)

Vice President Edward W. Brooke, III (R-MA)/United States Senator Robert J. Dole (R-KS): 39,973,773 (49.6%) 240 Electoral Votes
Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., (D-CA)/Former Governor James E. Carter, Jr., (D-GA): 39,916,357 (48.3%) 236 Electoral Votes
​

COMING UP IN CHAPTER VI OF THE CURSED AMERICAN PRESIDENCY: Full-scale recount escalates in Texas, Illinois and Washington as the eyes of the nation converge on these 3 States!

 

[49ersfootball]

12:00 PM EST
Wednesday, November 3rd, 1976

PRESIDENT ROCKEFELLER TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON 1976 ELECTION
*Uncertainty continues to grow as three states could potentially decide the outcome of the 1976 Presidential election.
*Brown campaign files legal action with demands of provisional ballots being counted.
*Brooke campaign blasts Brown campaign's legal tactics.

President Nelson Rockefeller addresses the nation on the aftermath of the ongoing uncertainty about the 1976 Presidential election.

President Rockefeller: "Good afternoon my fellow Americans. Yesterday, millions of Americans got to the polls and casted their votes in the 1976 Presidential election, which has been covered not only by Americans interested in the outcome, but also the entire international community.

In the 200 years of Independence, despite its imperfections and disappointments, America is still the shining beacon of light that the world looks to for democracy. I strongly believe that is the case here and even though, there are still votes being processed and counted in a couple of states, I am imploring on all Americans to be patient while Illinois, Texas and Washington take the methodical time in making sure everything is going smoothly.

First, I want to thank both candidates for their participation in the democratic process, Vice President Edward W. Brooke, III, whom I consider as my co-partner in leading the federal government as well as a close personal friend. His historic campaign for the Presidency has given millions hope, opportunity and ensuring the promise of a true union on what America should be going forward.

I also want to thank Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., of California, for running a spirited campaign in the Bicentennial celebration of 1976. Millions of young Americans will be inspired by the youth, vigor and dedication to public service.

Second, I personally want to thank those elected to both the US House of Representatives and the United States Senate in yesterday's election including candidates of both political parties elected in local and statewide offices.

Third, in order to ensure there's no conflict of interests going on; I'm announcing the US Department of Justice will be taking an observer's role in the ongoing uncertainty about the election just in case things go wrong.

Understand that this address maybe short and up to the point, but I strongly believe that once a winner is announced, whoever it is, wilo be getting one of the smoothest transitions from my administration to my successor. That's what the American people expect nothing more, nothing less. Thanks for listening and God Bless America."

BREAKING NEWS: TEXAS TO UNDERGO FULL-SCALE RECOUNT

During a joint press conference in Austin, TX Governor Dolph Briscoe (D) & TX Secretary of State Mark W. White confirmed that the battleground State of TX (with 26 Electoral Votes) will be undergoing a full-scale statewide recount in all 254 counties effective immediately.

When asked if there was a quid-pro-quo from the Brown campaign, Briscoe flatly rejected these allegations strongly saying: "The fact that some journalists are making up fake rumors about corrupting the political process in the presidential election is downright absurd and flat out STUPID! Your question is suggesting that there was some secret deal between the State of Texas and Governor Brown's campaign. That is absolutely false!"

States in Question: 1976 Presidential election
*Texas (93% of the precincts reporting)
Brooke (R): 2,137,888 (49.5%)
Brown (D): 2,113,656 (48.9%)

*Illinois (97% of the precincts reporting)
Brooke (R): 2,625,357 (63.7%)
Brown (D): 1,300,783 (35.0%)

*Washington (98% of the precincts reporting)
Brown (D): 1,063,983 (58.29%)
Brooke (R): 556,000 (41.00%)

COMING UP IN CHAPTER VI OF THE CURSED AMERICAN PRESIDENCY: Long, long, long, dragged-out wait fir a winner in the 1976 Presidential election.

 

[49ersfootball]

1:57 PM EST
Tuesday, November 16th, 1976

BREAKING NEWS: ABC NEWS PROJECTS BROOKE WINS ILLINOIS HANDILY; BROWN WINS WASHINGTON BY DOUBLE DIGITS; TEXAS LIKELY TO DECIDE 1976 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

Sam Donaldson: "Good afternoon everyone, this is an ABC News Special Report. We have major breaking news developments regarding to the uncertainty of the 1976 Presidential election. After 2 weeks of full statewide canvassing in at least two states, we can project Vice President Edward Brooke is the winner of Illinois' 26 Electoral Votes by double digits. There is a map of the State of Illinois, where Vice President Brooke has carried at 101 out of 102 counties, bringing the total of overall Electoral Votes to 266 once again. With 100% of the precincts reporting over in Washington, we can also project that Governor Jerry Brown is the winner of Washington's 9 Electoral Votes, giving him 245 Electoral Votes. Now let's take a closer look at both Illinois and Washington:

Illinois (100% of the precincts reporting)
Edward W. Brooke, III (R): 3,125,673 (64.84%)
Edmund G. Brown, Jr., (D): 1,623,773 (32.73%)

Washington (100% of the precincts reporting)
Edmund G. Brown, Jr., (D): 1,337,353 (56.99%)
Edward W. Brooke, III (R): 669,701 (37.49%)

ABC NEWS SPECIAL REPORT UPDATE: TEXAS REMAINS IN DOUBT; BROOKE ON TRACK TO WIN NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE.

Donaldson: "So, Ladies and Gentlemen, we're now at a specific reflection point on where one particular state will in all likelihood, decides the 1976 Presidential election. It seems like it's the closest state in the nation. Frank, you have just spoken with our reporters on the ground, what's the latest information coming out of Texas?"

Frank Reynolds: "Sam, I just had multiple, and I mean multiple conversations with our reporters in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. Now all we know so far is that we just don't know who won the Lone Star State and its 26 Electoral Votes because the main question about which specific ballots being counted will remain open. You have to remember the provisional ballots cast by voters, including majority of our servicemen and servicewomen of the US Armed Forces stationed around the world, coming in late due to the recent storms? We're now being told that according to the current count------which will be showing in a few minutes----------Brooke is slightly ahead after his early lead of double digits due to the early voting numbers which were around 56% of the statewide vote on Election Night, a lead of 12 percentage points. Later on during the night, that 12 percentage point lead quickly decreased further and further with the ongoing full-scale statewide recount canvassing. However, because it's just so close that these provisional ballots could potentially make a difference. United States Senator John Tower (R-TX) still insists these ballots missed the deadline and it's not allowed to be counted for legality reasons. Meanwhile, Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe (D) and Texas Secretary of State Mark W. White, Jr., both say the opposite, saying the majority of those voting in provisional absentee ballots include military serviceman and servicewomen of the US Armed Forces including those serving in the Texas National Guard. Democratic officials including those working with the Brown campaign, are currently weighing options, as well as legal options too and might be filing lawsuits at some point soon. Here's what I can say about the situation: There's NOT going to be any call in the State of Texas today or possibly tomorrow, maybe even longer during the Thanksgiving holiday break. I strongly suggest everyone watching, please take a deep breath and relax because this will be taking quite awhile and then strongly valuate options on how to proceed moving forward."

Donaldson: "I believe here are the numbers coming out of Texas right now. And also the national overall popular vote, which is almost nearly 99 percent in. We can also project after nearly two weeks that Vice President Edward Brooke has very likely won the popular vote nationwide. At least a plurality wants him to become the next President."

Texas (99.3% of the precincts reporting: Statewide Canvassing Recount)
Edward W. Brooke, III (R): 2,143,557 (49.77%)
Edmund G. Brown, Jr., (D): 2,143,337 (49.61%)

National Popular Vote: President (98.61% of the precincts reporting)

Vice President Edward W. Brooke, III (R-MA)/United States Senator Robert J. Dole (R-KS): 41,663,383 (49.25%) 266 Electoral Votes
Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., (D-CA)/Former Governor James E. Carter, Jr., (D-GA): 41,106,929 (48.83%) 245 Electoral Votes​

 

[49ersfootball]

CONGRESSIONAL OUTLOOK ON 1976 ELECTIONS:

US House of Representatives: November 2nd, 1976
Democrats: 292
Republicans: 143

United States Senate
Democrats: 62
Republicans: 38

*Arizona: OPEN
Dennis DeConcini (D): 54.0%✔
Sam Steiger (R): 43.3%
DEMOCRATIC GAIN

*California:
Sam I. Hayakawa (R): 50.2%✔
John V. Tunney (D-incumbent): 46.9%
REPUBLICAN GAIN

*Connecticut:
Lowell Weicker (R-incumbent): 57.7%✔
Gloria Schaeffer (D): 41.2%
REPUBLICAN HOLD

*Delaware:
William Roth (R-incumbent): 55.8%✔
Thomas Maloney (D): 43.6%
REPUBLICAN HOLD

*Florida:
Lawton Chiles (D-incumbent): 63.0%✔
John Grady (R): 37.0%
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*Hawaii: OPEN
Spark Matsunaga (D): 53.7%✔
William Quinn (R): 40.6%
DEMOCRATIC GAIN

*Indiana
Richard Lugar (R): 58.8%✔
Vance Hartke (D-incumbent): 40.5%
REPUBLICAN GAIN

*Maine
Edmund Muskie (D-incumbent): 60.2%✔
Robert A.G. Monks (R): 39.8%
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*Maryland
Paul Sabarnes (D): 56.5%✔
J. Glenn Beall, Jr , (R-incumbent): 38.8%
DEMOCRATIC GAIN

*Massachusetts:
Edward M. Kennedy (D-incumbent): 69.3%✔
Michael Robertson (R): 29.0%
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*Michigan: OPEN
Donald Riegle (D): 52.5%✔
Marvin L. Esch (R): 46.8%
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*Minnesota:
Hubert H. Humphrey (DFL-incumbent): 67.5%✔
Gerald Brekke (R): 25.0%
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*Mississippi:
John Stennis (D-incumbent): 100%✔
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*Missouri: OPEN
John Danforth (R): 56.9%✔
Warren Hearnes (D): 42.5%
REPUBLICAN GAIN

*Montana: OPEN
John Melcher (D): 64.2%✔
Stanley Burger (R): 35.8%
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*Nebraska: OPEN
Edward Zorinsky (D): 52.4%✔
John Y. McCollister (R): 47.5%
DEMOCRATIC GAIN

*Nevada:
Howard Cannon (D-incumbent): 63.0%✔
David Towell (R): 31.4%
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*New Jersey:
Harrison Williams (D-incumbent): 60.7%✔
David Norcross (R): 38.0%
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*New Mexico:
Harrison Schmidt (R): 56.8%✔
Joseph Montoya (D-incumbent): 42.7%
REPUBLICAN GAIN

*New York State
Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D): 54.2%✔
James Buckley (R-incumbent): 44.9%
DEMOCRATIC GAIN

*North Dakota:
Quentin Burdick (D-incumbent): 62.1%✔
Robert Stroup (R): 36.6%
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*Ohio:
Howard Metzenbaum (D): 49.5%✔
Robert Taft (R-incumbent): 46.5%
DEMOCRATIC GAIN

*Pennsylvania: OPEN
John Heinz, III (R): 52.4%✔
William Green, III (D): 46.8%
REPUBLICAN HOLD

*Rhode Island: OPEN
John Chafee (R): 57.7%✔
Richard Lorber (D): 42.0%
REPUBLICAN GAIN

*Tennessee:
Jim Sasser (D): 52.5%✔
Bill Brock (R-incumbent): 47.0%
DEMOCRATIC GAIN

*Texas:
Lloyd Bentsen (D-incumbent): 56.8%✔
Alan Steelman (R): 42.2%
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*Utah:
Orrin Hatch (R): 53.7%✔
Frank Moss (D-incumbent): 44.8%
REPUBLICAN GAIN

*Vermont:
Robert Stafford (R-incumbent): 50.0%✔
Thomas Salmon (D): 45.3%
REPUBLICAN HOLD

*Virginia:
Douglas Wilder (D): 57.3%✔
Harry F. Byrd, Jr., (I-incumbent): 38.6%
DEMOCRATIC GAIN

*Washington:
Scoop Jackson (D-incumbent): 71.83%✔
George Brown (R): 24.2%
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*West Virginia:
Robert Byrd (D-incumbent): 99.9%
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*Wisconsin:
William Proxmire (D-incumbent): 72.27%✔
Stanley York (R): 27.0%
DEMOCRATIC HOLD

*Wyoming:
Malcolm Wallop (R): 54.7%✔
Gale McGee (D-incumbent): 45.4%
REPUBLICAN GAIN

 

[49ersfootball]

GUBERNATORIAL OUTLOOK ON THE 1976 ELECTIONS

US State/Territory Governorships: November 2nd, 1976

*Arkansas: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
David Pryor (D-incumbent): 83.24%✔
Leon Griffith (R): 16.74%

*Delaware: REPUBLICAN GAIN
Pete du Pont (R): 56.86%✔
Sherman W. Tribhitt (D-incumbent): 42.46%

*Illinois: OPEN REPUBLICAN GAIN
James R. Thompson (R): 64.68%✔
Michael Howlett (D): 34.71%

*Indiana: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Otis Bowen (R-incumbent): 56.85%✔
Larry Conrad (D): 42.63%

*Missouri: DEMOCRATIC GAIN
Joseph Teasdale (D): 50.25%✔
Kit Bond (R-incumbent): 49.55%

*Montana: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Thomas Lee Judge (D-incumbent): 61.7%✔
Robert Woodahl (R): 36.58%

*New Hampshire: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Meldrim Thomson, Jr., (R-incumbent): 57.6%✔
Harry Spanos (D): 42.32%

*North Carolina: OPEN DEMOCRATIC GAIN
Jim Hunt (D): 64.99%✔
David Flaherty (R): 33.9%

*North Dakota: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Arthur Link (D-incumbent): 51.58%✔
Richard Elkin (R): 46.53%

*Rhode Island: OPEN DEMOCRATIC HOLD
J. Joseph Garrahy (D): 54.82%✔
James Taft (R): 44.71%

*Utah: OPEN DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Scott Matheson (D): 52.02%✔
Vernon Romney (R): 45.96%

*Vermont: OPEN REPUBLICAN GAIN
Richard Snelling (R): 53.39%✔
Stella Hackel (D): 40.56%

*Washington: OPEN DEMOCRATIC GAIN
Dixy Lee Ray (D): 53.14%✔
John Spellman (R): 44.43%

*West Virginia: OPEN DEMOCRATIC GAIN
Jay Rockefeller (D): 66.15%✔
Cecil H. Underwood (R): 33.82%

*Puerto Rico: PNP GAIN
Carlos Romero Barcelo (PNP/D): 48.28%✔
Rafael Hernandez Colon (PPD/D-incumbent): 45.29%

 

[49ersfootball]

EXIT POLLS OF THE 1976 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

*(Anglos):
Brooke: 56%
Brown: 41%

*(African Americans):
Brown: 73%
Brooke: 23%

*(Latinos):
Brown: 63%
Brooke: 35%

*(Democrats):
Brown: 77%
Brooke: 22%

*(Independents):
Brooke: 59%
Brown: 38%

*(Republicans):
Brooke: 83%
Brown: 16%

*(Liberals):
Brown: 73%
Brooke: 23%

*(Moderates):
Brooke: 59%
Brown: 39%

*(Conservatives):
Brooke: 69%
Brown: 29%

*(Females):
Brown: 50%
Brooke: 48%

*(Males):
Brown: 50%
Brooke: 48%

*(Protestants):
Brooke: 57%
Brown: 42%

*(Anglo Protestants):
Brooke: 59%
Brown: 40%

*(Catholics):
Brown: 54%
Brooke: 43%

*(Jewish):
Brown: 64%
Brooke: 32%

*(18-21):
Brooke: 49%
Brown: 48%

*(22-29):
Brown: 51%
Brooke: 46%

*(30-44):
Brooke: 49%
Brown: 49%

*(45-59):
Brooke: 56%
Brown: 44%

*(60+):
Brooke: 63%
Brown: 33%

*(Regions: East):
Brown: 55%
Brooke: 42%

*(South):
Brown: 59%
Brooke: 40%

*(Anglo Southerners):
Brooke: 52%
Brown: 46%

*(Midwest):
Brooke: 50%
Brown: 48%

*(West):
Brown: 51%
Brooke: 46%

 

[49ersfootball]

Thursday, November 4th, 1976

ABC NEWS SPECIAL REPORT: BROWN CAMPAIGN FILES LAWSUITS DEMANDING FOR PROVISIONAL BALLOTS BEING COUNTED IN TEXAS.

Ted Koppel: "Good afternoon. I am Ted Koppel and this is an ABC News Special Report. We're getting new developments coming out of Texas, where according to sources close to the situation, reported that California Governor Jerry Brown's presidential campaign has filed lawsuits demanding that provisional ballots should be allowed to be counted with the fate of the 1976 Presidential election hanging in the balance.

Sixteen days ago, Texas with 26 Electoral Votes was previously called for Vice President Edward Brooke on Election Night, but after hours of uncertainty about the provisional ballots, ABC News had no other choice but to retract Texas from the Vice President's column.

There's been a legal battle over provisional ballots including ongoing accusations of voting irregularities in parts of Texas such as Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.

Brown campaign manager and Gubernatorial Chief of Staff Gray Davis aggressively pushed for legal action in federal court in Houston to allow provisional ballots be counted. Davis also suggested these ballots will turn the tide in Governor Brown's favor.

Of course, Brooke campaign manager Newt Gingrich blasted the Brown campaign's lawsuits by suggesting it's nothing more than political desperation on a flailing campaign with lack of excitement and energy."

BREAKING NEWS: TEXAS SUPREME COURT TO HEAR CASE ON PROVISIONAL BALLOTS; TOWER REACTS

United States Senator John G. Tower (R-TX) in a press release, blasted the Texas Supreme Court for accepting the Brown campaign's lawsuits on provisional ballots. "The people of Texas had already spoken on November 2nd, I am confident that Vice President Brooke is the winner of the 1976 Presidential election. It's a downright shame that by accepting these frivolous lawsuits, the Texas Supreme Court has become complicit in conniving with Governor Brown and his Sacramento cronies of trying to steal this election."

November 7th, 1976

INSULTS FLYING: HOT MIC REVEALS DAVIS' CONTROVERSIAL COMMENTS AGAINST TOWER

During an in-depth interview with ABC affiliate KOVR-TV Sacramento, Gubernatorial Chief of Staff Gray Davis was caught on a hot mic launching insults against United States Senator John G. Tower (R-TX), who attacked the Brown campaign's lawsuits on pushing to getting provisional ballots be counted with regard to the uncertainty about Texas and it's 26 Electoral Votes.

Davis was caught saying, "Who in the fuck does that jackass Senator from Texas think he is? A drunk short asshole who cannot even control his refreshments and spouting off baseless allegations being all half-cocked!" Things had taken an uglier turn when Davis mocked Tower's height belittling him with uglier insults, nastier comments, etc.,

Senator Tower's office declined to issue response, preferring to put the focus on the 1976 Presidential election with Texas being the deciding Battleground State.

 

[49ersfootball]

Saturday, November 13th, 1976

BREAKING NEWS: TEXAS SUPREME COURT RULING BY ALLOWING PROVISIONAL BALLOTS, SENATOR TOWER & REPUBLICANS STRONGLY OBJECT

With the Thanksgiving holiday break around the corner, the Texas Supreme Court in Austin ruled earlier on Tuesday morning to allow the provisional ballots in question into the full statewide count. "Based on the detailed information we've been receiving including listening to all of the evidence from both sides, we believe it's important that local authorities are allowed to grant extension of polling openings in the cases due to serious events such as heavy weather. Therefore, ballots which were submitted after the passing of the deadline shall be counted as valid votes," TX Supreme Court Chief Justice Joe Greenhill (D) wrote in the majority opinion. "Not including votes that were submitted up to an hour later through no fault of their own (the voters) based on the circumstances, would become an unlawful infringement of voting rights," the majority opinion continued to read.

Local Democratic officials, such as US Reps. Barbara Jordan (D-TX), Henry B. Gonzalez (D-TX), United States Senator Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX) including several other Democratic politicians praised the decision. Spokesperson for the Brown campaign thanked the Texas Supreme Court for upholding basic democratic standards. While a spokesperson for the Brooke campaign said the matter might need further review all the way to the United States Supreme Court if necessary. However, prominent Republicans such as United States Senator John G. Tower (R-TX) quickly came out in opposition of the decision. "We respect the Texas Supreme Court's majority opinion, but the Republican National Committee continues to believe that provisional ballots shouldn't be allowed to be counted due to voter fraud miscues. Therefore, we will appeal the decision and fight this all the way to the United States Supreme Court. We also demand Governor Briscoe not to sign any certification for the State of Texas before a full recount in all 254 counties is conducted successfully."

Following the inclusion of the provisional ballots, the updated voting count statewide for Texas looks as follows:
Texas:
Edmund G. Brown, Jr., (D): 2,244.673 (49.75%)
Edward W. Brooke, III (R): 2,244,419 (49.73%)

Based on the assumptions of this ruling being held up & if the statewide recount doesn't put Vice President Brooke ahead again, Governor Brown would be elected the 40th President of the United States by just under 200 votes.

US Attorney General Edward H. Levi: No interference from the Federal Government or US Department of Justice

Just seven hours after the ruling from the Texas Supreme Court, US Attorney General Edward H. Levi issued a statement during a press conference at the US Department of Justice in Washington, DC., saying there will be no interference from the Justice Department or even the federal government in any matter with regard to the outcome of the 1976 Presidential election. "As far as we're concerned, this is basically an issue for the State of Texas and there's not going to be any involvement by the federal government. We have complete confidence in the local officials and state courts in making sure all of the votes will be counted according to the law," Levi said. White House Press Secretary Ron Nessen confirmed Levi's statements & that were made with the approval of President Nelson Rockefeller. The President repeatedly stressed the need for the American people to remain patient in letting local and state officials making decisions & continuing talks with Brooke & Brown confidants in assuring a smooth transition of power regardless of the official final outcome.

Brown campaign spokesperson expressed support for Levi's comments & added that the White House is fully cooperating with the team. While a spokesperson for the Brooke campaign declined to issue statement but previously confirmed contacts with White House officials to being prepared to take over the reins of government should Vice President Brooke be declared the winner.

Wednesday, November 17th, 1976: Jordanian Army commandos rescue hostages at Intercontinental Hotel in Amman

On the orders of King Hussein of Jordan, commandos of the Jordanian Army during an operation landed by helicopter on the roof of the Intercontinental Hotel, overpowering four Palestinian guerillas who had taken guests & employees hostages; during the gunbattle, three gunmen, two hotel employees & two Jordanian soldiers were killed.

Friday, November 19th, 1976: Murdoch purchases the New York Post
Australian media entrepreneur Rupert Mudroch successfully purchased the New York Post, the afternoon newspaper of New York City, NY St from its owner & publisher Dorothy Schiff.

Saturday, November 20th, 1976: Mexican President Lieutenant General Oscar Robles dismantles land reform policies of previous administration
Since coming to power during the Spring of 1973 in a military coup d'etat which ousted then-Mexican President Luis Echeverria Alvarez from office, Mexican President Lieutenant General Oscar Robles signed an executive order dismantling the land reform redistribution policy of the Echeverria administration, which was met with backlash from rural Mexican farmers & their families. Federal judge affirmed Robles' executive order as final.

Sunday, November 21st, 1976: James rumored to serve as US Secretary of Defense
As it appears that CA Governor Jerry Brown (D) might win the Presidency, US Air Force General Daniel James, Jr., who has served as Commander-in-Chief of North American Aerospace Defense Command since 1975, is rumored to be tapped as the next US Secretary of Defense, but might have to step down from his current position & retire from the United States Air Force in order to accept the position in the event Governor Brown. Some reports indicate that James would've preferred staying as Commander-in-Chief of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, but rumors indicating James' future escalated immediately following a meeting with President Rockefeller at NORAD/ADCOM when Rockefeller visited back in mid September.

Thursday, November 25th, 1976: Argentine President Isabel Peron confirms she will seek election to full 6-year term in 1977 elections
During a nationwide address from the Casa Rosada (Government Office) in Buenos Aires, Argentine President Isabel Peron, who successfully crushed the botched military coup attempt back during the nearly 3-month Civil War, confirmed she will be a candidate for election to a full 6-year term in the upcoming 1977 Presidential elections. "I believe that steady leadership is needed during difficult times and while we are facing rough turmoil in light of an economic downturn, I am confident that as Argentinians, we will overcome these challenges and emerge victorious. We are a proud independent country with years of history, we should remain excited about both the present and the future going forward. And it is because of overcoming these obstacles in recent years, that I am a candidate for a full six-year term as your President in the 1977 elections."

Peron, who ascended to the Presidency upon the death of her husband, iconic three-term Argentine President Juan Peron on July 1st, 1974, has faced economic & political challenges during her administration. In the aftermath of successfully defeating the botched military coup attempt, she aggressively ordered a full-scale scrubbing of the entire Argentinian Armed Forces Command & demanded loyalty in all of the branches of the Argentinian Armed Forces Command, which all of whom pledged & gave their loyalty to the whacky & quirky Peronist government.

Monday, November 29th, 1976: US Supreme Court to decide election case by next month
The US Supreme Court formally picked up the election case Tower vs. Houston. Spokesperson for the US Supreme Court informed the public about the deadline: Accordingly, the Texas Supreme Court had already ruled their decision in allowing provisional ballots on November 13th. However, with Texas expected to certify their results pending the official decision from the nation's highest court, could deliver its formal election certificate to Congress in time, allowing a President & Vice President duly elected by electors in late December & announced by Congress on January 6th, 1977.

Following the lawsuit being submitted on November 13th, oral arguments are being heard from November 23rd. Both the Brooke & Brown campaigns welcomed the statement as the intriguing 1976 Presidential election was nearing a close.

 

[49ersfootball]

Tidbits on the TL:
Chapter IV:
1.) State Funeral festivities for President Ford in Washington, DC
2.) Michiganders paying their respects to the late 38th President inside the MI State Capitol Rotunda in Lansing
3.) Final Farewell to President Ford
4.) President Rockefeller addressing Joint Session of Congress
5.) Segment on First Lady Happy Rockefeller

 

[49ersfootball]

Chapter 1 to be posted sometime over the weekend.

 

[49ersfootball]

Coming up this weekend: The following segments on Chapter I:
1.) Moonbeam's inaugural address as CA's 34th Governor on January 6th, 1975 in Sacramento.

2.) Profiles on CA down-ballot statewide officeholders.

3.) Profile on United States Senators Alan Cranston (D-CA) & John V. Tunney (D-CA).

4.) Profile on Los Angeles, CA Mayor Thomas Bradley (D)

 

[49ersfootball]

December 6th, 1976

ABC NEWS SPECIAL REPORT: US SUPREME COURT RULES THAT TEXAS STOPS PROVISIONAL BALLOTS; ALSO RULE GOVERNOR BROWN IS THE WINNER OF THE 1976 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Voiceover: "The following is a special report from ABC News."

Frank Reynolds: "This is ABC News from Washington. I am Frank Reynolds and we're interrupting your regularly scheduled programming because we've got major breaking news developments coming out of the US Supreme Court in regard to the ongoing legal action case of Tower vs. Houston as the battle over provisional ballots in the battleground State of Texas and it's 26 Electoral Votes remain hanging in the balance with the 1976 Presidential election still undecided.

Just about a few moments ago, the US Supreme Court has ruled 7-2 putting an end to the month long drama of the 1976 Presidential election; US Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger wrote in the majority opinion, "After conducting and analyzing the evidence from both sides of the nationally-watched case. The Majority strongly believes that all efforts on a full-scale statewide recount in all 254 counties in the State of Texas be put to an immediate stop effective immediately! Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., of California is therefore the winner of Texas' 26 Electoral Votes and the 1976 Presidential election."

I repeat once again, the US Supreme Court rules in favor of California Governor Jerry Brown, the Democratic Party nominee for the Presidency, as the winner of Texas and it's 26 Electoral Votes including the winner of the 1976 Presidential election.

I am being told by the production staff that one of our reporters in our ABC affiliate in Austin, Texas KVUE-TV is live in downtown Austin on new information coming out."

Reporter: "Frank. We've got new information coming out in terms of press statements from the office of Texas Secretary of State Mark W. White; Secretary White announced the full findings of tbe statewide recanvassing of all 254 counties, confirming Governor Brown is the winner of Texas' 26 Electoral Votes by a margin of 309 votes overall and 0.2 percent.

Here are the final numbers coming in:
Texas (100%)
Edmund G. Brown, Jr., (D): 2,313,325 (49.83%)✔ Projected winner
Edward W. Brooke (R): 2,313,016 (49.63%)

Secretary White also confirmed these final results will be certified and this was reaffirmed by Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe (D). We haven't heard any reaction from the plaintiffs like United States Senator John G. Tower (R-TX) or anyone from the Texas Republican Party about the US Supreme Court deciding to end this lawsuit altogether."

National Popular Vote: President
******Final Official Results

Vice President Edward W. Brooke, III (R-MA)/United States Senator Robert J. Dole (R-KS): 41,713,725 (49.73%) 266 Electoral Votes
Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., (D-CA)/Former Governor James E. Carter, Jr., (D-GA): 41,625,637 (49.23%) 271 Electoral Votes✔ Projected winner
​

UPCOMING SEGMENTS:
*Concession speech from Vice President Brooke at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC
*Victory speech from Governor Brown in Sacramento
*President Rockefeller meets with President-elect Brown at the White House
*National reaction of the 1976 Presidential election
*International fallout
*Brown transition team working on Cabinet Secretaries

@stevep @TheRomanSlayer @Zyobot @Captain X @History Learner @Circle of Willis

​

 

[49ersfootball]

December 6th, 1976
3:56 PM EST
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Washington, DC

ABC NEWS SPECIAL REPORT: VICE PRESIDENT BROOKE GIVES CONCESSION SPEECH

Vice President Edward William Brooke, III concedes the 1976 Presidential Election.

Just hours after the US Supreme Court voted to end the dragged-out drama of the 1976 Presidential election, spokesperson for Vice President Edward Brooke confirmed that Brooke phoned California Governor Jerry Brown (D) conceding the election & offered his personal congratulations.

Inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Vice President Brooke appeared before the podium with the Vice Presidential seal on it & delivered his concession speech in a midday address to the American people.

Vice President Edward William Brooke, III: "Good afternoon my fellow Americans. After nearly a full year of non-stop campaigning since November 1975, the 1976 Presidential election in our nation's 200-year history is officially over.

First, I would like to thank my wife and your Second Lady Remigia Brooke; our two beautiful daughters; family members, relatives and friends including former colleagues in the United States Senate. Without any of you, none of this would've been possible.

Second, I also want to personally thank the hardworking people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who have elected me in five consecutive statewide elections. Fighting hard for Bay Staters during my time as Massachusetts State Attorney General, United States Senator and currently as the 42nd Vice President of the United States, including pushing legislation in regards to improving infrastructure projects, tackling ethics reforms, standing up against political corruption and leading the battle for civil rights for all Americans will be accomplishments I will forever cherish for the rest of my life.

Third, I want to thank my close friend and co-partner of leading America: President Nelson Rockefeller, the 39th President of the United States. Your administration's legacy of leading America out of the chaos of Watergate, Vietnam, economic turmoil and doing everything to heal our divided nation during difficult circumstances will always be remembered.

Fourth, to my supporters, who backed me during the presidential campaign: When I announced my candidacy last year, I said that regardless of the outcome that we should always respect the election results. You've stuck with me during the most difficult and painful moments of this campaign especially during the early primaries. To the 41,713,725 Americans, who voted for me during Election Day on November 2nd, special thank you and I greatly appreciate your enthusiasm and support you've given to Remigia and I. Plus, I strongly note to everyone watching that I won 30 States, an absolute majority.

Fifth, Special thank you to my running mate, United States Senator Robert J. Dole from the State of Kansas. Your honesty of limited government, staunch suppprt of the US Armed Forces, bipartisan achievements in the United States Senate will be critical in the years going forward. I sincerely hope that you and your wife, Elizabeth continue to serve the American people including fighting for Kansans in the Heartland.

Just about several hours ago, I spoke wirh Governor Brown and offered him my concession. The American people needs to know that democracy, despure its imperfections, can go quite smoothly. Campaigns are rough, difficult and often bitter, but once millions of Americans cast their votes in an open free democratic election, we must respect the will of the people no matter what.

It's my hope that President-elect Brown and Vice President-elect Carter understand that majority of Americans in 30 out of the 50 States that voted for stay the course, must be respected too.

Finally, I want to leave you with this: 200 years after we won the Revolutionary War, America will forever remain a true beacon of hope and opportunity in the days, weeks, months, years and decades ahead going forward. Serving as the 42nd Vice President of the United States has been absolutely the honor of my life.

Thank you very much for letting me serve you, the American people. I will forever cherish these memories as I move to the private sector, charting a new course in life.

God Bless America !"

[Rounds of applause occurs as Vice President Brooke kisses his wife, Remigia & greets his family before leaving the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.]