Camelot Rises: 1960 and On

[DKrol]

Gerald R. Ford, Jr. Elected Vice President

AP -- November 12, 1968

Vice President Hubert Humphrey swore in all newly or re-elected Senators and began the 91st Congress yesterday afternoon for a Contingent Election, in accordance with the Supreme Court ruling in “Nixon V. McCarthy”. The Senate is charged with electing a Vice Presiding independently from the President, who is being voted on by the House. The Upper House of Congress selected House Minority Leader Jerry Ford over South Dakota Senator George McGovern in a vote of 61 for Mr. Ford to 39 for Mr. McGovern. The map below shows how voting broke down. Dark blue stands for two votes for Gerald R. Ford, Jr., Dark red stands for two votes for George S. McGovern, and pink stand for one vote for each of the candidates.

Richard M. Nixon Elected by House After Compromise with Wallace

AP -- November 13, 1968

The House of Representatives, sworn in by Speaker John McCormack on 11 November, postponed their Contingent Election until after the Senate elected House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford, Jr. as Vice President. Mr. Ford did not resign his House seat until after the contingent election, and led the Michigan delegation to vote for former Vice President Richard M. Nixon. Mr. Nixon met with former Alabama Governor George C. Wallace, a fellow candidate, in the early hours of the 12th and held a joint press conference immediately afterwards. Mr. Nixon announced that Mr. Wallace would be appointed Attorney General, “given our common stance on the need for a restoration of law and order to our cities”, in the Nixon administration and Mr. Wallace announced that he has advised his supporters in the House to “vote for the next President of the United States -- Richard Milhous Nixon.” The vote in the House was 35 votes for Mr. Nixon, 14 votes for Mr. McCarthy, and 1 vote for Mr. Wallace from his home state of Alabama. The map below shows how the votes broke down, with blue representing a state for Mr. Nixon, red, a state for Mr. McCarthy, and green, a state for Mr. Wallace.

[DKrol]

Nixon Sworn In by Earl Warren

AP -- January 20, 1969

Surrounded by former Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, outgoing Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, and his wife Pat former Vice President Richard M. Nixon was inaugurated as President after what was the closest election in modern history. The race was so close it had to be determined by the House of Representatives. In his Inaugural Address President Nixon stressed the need for national unity following such a close election. He also challenged the “younger generation” to “accept the flame of innovation and advancement in this new age.” President Nixon promised “an end to the war in Vietnam will come during my tenure as President”, which was met with massive applause, as was the announcement that Senator Eugene J. McCarthy, Mr. Nixon’s former rival, will join the Nixon Administration as Secretary of State. Outgoing President John F. Kennedy was not present as doctors have placed him on bed-rest in Hyannis Port due to his bad back, but he was represented by both of his brothers: Senator Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy of Massachusetts and the newly seated Senator Robert F. Kennedy of New York.

Overview of the Richard M. Nixon Administration

1969:
-- President Nixon orders the draft to end
-- Civil Rights Act of 1969 is presented to Congress by President Nixon, AG Wallace leaves administration over the CRA
-- SoS McCarthy goes to Paris for Vietnam Peace talks

1970:
-- President Kennedy and SoS McCarthy travel to China
-- Sos McCarthy travels to the Soviet Union
-- Nuclear Test Ban Treaty is signed, approved by the Senate
-- Former President John F. Kennedy passes away in Hyannis Port
-- Republicans gain a 50-50 majority in the Senate, but loose 12 seats in the House (50-50 Senate, 231-204 House)

1971:
-- Civil Rights Act of 1969 is passed, signed
-- Poll taxes are removed by the 24th Amendment
-- The 25th Amendment is ratified
-- The number of votes needed for impeachment is lowered by the 26th Amendment
-- Paris Peace Talks collapse, President Nixon orders a drawback of troops in Vietnam
-- President Nixon announces he’s seeking a second term

1972 Primary Contests

Republicans


President Richard M. Nixon of California

Democrats


Senator Robert F. Kennedy of New York


House Minority Whip Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill of Massachusetts


Senator Birch E. Bayh, Jr. of Indiana

January 2 Polls:

1972 Democratic Nomination:
Robert F. Kennedy: 51%
Birch E. Bayh, Jr.: 25%
Thomas P. O’Neill: 24%

1972 Presidential Election:
Richard M. Nixon/Gerald R. Ford, Jr.: 51%
Robert F. Kennedy/James E. Carter, Jr.: 49%

1972 Presidential Election:
Richard M. Nixon/Gerald R. Ford, Jr.: 56%
Thomas P. O’Neill/Patsy M. Mink: 44%

1972 Presidential Election:
Richard M. Nixon/Gerald R. Ford, Jr.: 53%
Birch E. Bayh, Jr./Edward M. Kennedy: 47%

*All Polls have a margin of error of 5%

[DKrol]

Senator Bayh Wins Iowa Caucus

B. Bayh, Jr. 49%
R. Kennedy: 30%
T. O’Neill: 21%

Senator Bayh Wins Arizona Primary

B. Bayh, JR.: 47%
R. Kennedy: 27%
T. O’Neill: 26%

Congressman O’Neill Wins New Hampshire Primary

T. O’Neill: 43%
R. Kennedy: 41%
B. Bayh, JR.: 16%

Senator Kennedy Wins Florida Primary

R. Kennedy: 48%
B. Bayh, JR.: 45%
T. O’Neill: 7%

Senator Kennedy Wins Illinois Primary

R. Kennedy: 39%
B. Bayh, JR.: 38%
T. O’Neill: 23%

Senator Bayh Wins Wisconsin Primary

B. Bayh, Jr.: 51%
R. Kennedy: 37%
T. O’Neill: 12%

Senator Bayh Wins Idaho Primary

B. Bayh, Jr. 49%
R. Kennedy: 31%
T. O’Neill: 20%

Congressman O’Neill Wins Massachusetts Primary

T. O’Neill: 53%
R. Kennedy: 25%
B. Bayh, Jr.: 22%

Senator Kennedy Wins Pennsylvania Primary

R. Kennedy: 49%
B. Bayh, JR.: 32%
T. O’Neill: 19%

Congressman O’Neill Suspends Campaign

AP -- April 27, 1972

After poor showings in states outside of New England House Majority Whip Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill suspended his campaign for President, saying that he will “focus on my duty for the citizens of Boston in Washington.” He endorsed Senator Robert F. Kennedy for the nomination.

[DKrol]

I might've actually voted for Nixon in this TL.

My '68 Nixon or my '72 Nixon?

[DKrol]

Senator Kennedy Wins D.C. Primary

R. Kennedy: 53%
B. Bayh, Jr.: 47%

Senator Bayh Wins Indiana Primary

B. Bayh, Jr.: 73%
R. Kennedy: 27%

Senator Bayh Wins Ohio Primary

B. Bayh, Jr.: 56%
R. Kennedy: 44%

Senator Kennedy Wins Tennessee Primary

R. Kennedy: 54%
B. Bayh, Jr.: 46%
Senator Kennedy Wins North Carolina Primary

R. Kennedy: 51%
B. Bayh, Jr.: 49%

Senator Bayh Wins Nebraska Primary

B. Bayh, Jr.: 53%
R. Kennedy: 47%

Senator Kennedy Wins West Virginia Primary

R. Kennedy: 56%
B. Bayh, Jr.: 44%

Senator Bayh Wins Maryland Primary

B. Bayh, Jr.: 51%
R. Kennedy: 49%

Senator Bayh Wins Michigan Primary

B. Bayh, Jr.: 57%
R. Kennedy: 43%

Senator Bayh Wins Oregon Primary

B. Bayh, Jr.: 52%
R. Kennedy: 48%

Senator Kennedy Wins Rhode Island Primary

R. Kennedy: 61%
B. Bayh, Jr.: 39%

Senator Kennedy Wins California Primary

R. Kennedy: 53%
B. Bayh, Jr.: 47%

Senator Kennedy Wins New Jersey Primary

R. Kennedy: 55%
B. Bayh, Jr.: 45%

Senator Bayh Wins New Mexico Primary

B. Bayh, Jr.: 60%
R. Kennedy: 40%

Senator Bayh Wins South Dakota Primary

B. Bayh, Jr.: 56%
R. Kennedy: 44%

Senator Kennedy Wins Vermont Primary

R. Kennedy: 58%
B. Bayh, Jr.: 42%

Democratic Primary Map

Democratic Primary Still Open

AP -- June 7, 1972

The Democratic Primary, now between Senators Robert F. Kennedy, of New York, and Birch E. Bayh, Jr., of Indiana, is still open for either of the candidates with neither of the Senators scoring a decisive win. Senator Kennedy won 11 Primary Contests, while Senator Bayh won 12, and House Majority Whip Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill won 2. Senator Kennedy has the most pledged delegates but there are enough unpledged delegates to swing the nomination either way.

[DKrol]

Kennedy, Albert Nominated in Miami

AP -- July 13, 1972

Senator Robert F. Kennedy, brother of the recently deceased former President John F. Kennedy, secured the Democratic nomination on the final night of the Democratic Convention in Miami, Florida. He won 2025 of the Delegates, compared to 731 for Senator Birch E. Bayh, Jr., and 43 for House Majority Whip Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill. The other 215 votes were scattered among various candidates. Senator Kennedy tapped the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Carl B. Albert of Oklahoma, as his Vice Presidential nominee. The Kennedy/Albert ticket is seen as an appeal to both the East and the West.

Nixon, Ford Re-Nominated in Miami

AP -- August 23, 1972

President Richard M. Nixon and Vice President Gerald R. “Jerry” Ford were both re-nominated at the Republican Convention in Miami, weeks after Senator Robert F. Kennedy and House Speaker Carl B. Albert were nominated by the Democrats. The President was met with some dissent from Miami citizens as unemployment reaches 5.9%, a 10-year high. However, once inside the Convention, the President received non-stop applause for 21 minutes when he discussed the drawdown of troops in Vietnam. One awkward moment occurred as Vice President Ford fell going up the stairs to the stage to give his acceptance speech. The Vice President was fine and laughed about the incident.

September 3 Polls:

1972 Presidential Election
Robert F. Kennedy/Carl B. Albert: 52%
Richard M. Nixon/Gerald R. Ford, Jr.: 48%

[DKrol]

Nixon Rejects Debates, Senator Kennedy Travels to South Africa

AP -- October 15, 1972

President Richard Nixon knows that the Kennedy family are skilled debaters, many accredit his loss in 1960 to his first debate with then-Senator John F. Kennedy, and has decided that he will not debate Senator Robert F. Kennedy. President Nixon said “I will not be debating Senator Kennedy before November 7th, as I am firmly dedicated to the awesome duty of the office which I hold.” However, Vice President Jerry Ford and Speaker Carl Albert have both agreed to speak at a forum held by the Reverend Billy Graham in North Carolina. This is not expected to be a debate, but both vice presidential candidates will speak. Senator Robert Kennedy, now free from a possible debate, has announced that he will travel to South Africa with his brother, Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, and other Kennedy family members to “view the effects of apartheid.” The Kenney family is expected to return to the United States two days before the election, on November 5.

October 21, 1972

1972 Presidential Election:
Robert F. Kennedy/Carl B. Albert: 54%
Richard M. Nixon/Gerald R. Ford, Jr.: 46%

A Review of the Race
AP -- October 21, 1972

Senator Robert F. Kennedy of New York has been the favorite for much of the race. He is being carried partially by the recent death of his brother, whose popularity has soared since leaving office, and also by his support from the black community. This will be the first election where it is illegal to charge a poll tax on minorities, which is setting up for a massive turnout of blacks. President Richard M. Nixon of California is winning the support of the youth vote, do to his drawback of troops in Vietnam, and he is leading among veterans for the same reason. One issue of the campaign has been the space program. President Nixon cut much of the manned spaceflight program budget to “tackle the race riots rocking our cities” and has said that he sees no reason to “spend many thousands of dollars to send a man into God’s domain.” Senator Kennedy has responded, saying “God wouldn’t have given us the technology to go into space if He didn’t want us to.” The war in Vietnam has not been a major issue of the campaign as both candidates agree that the drawdown was a good thing, although Senator Kennedy is promising to end the war immediately. Senator Kennedy has promised to renew the Head Start Program that President Nixon allowed to expire at the end of 1970, as well as passage of the 27th Amendment. President Nixon has remained neutral on both the Head Start Program and the 27th Amendment.

[DKrol]

Election Night -- 1972
Walter Cronkite: Hello and welcome to CBS Election headquarters in New York. Will Bobby Kennedy follow his brother into the White House, or will President Nixon win four more years? We are about to find out, as the first returns of Election ‘72 are coming in.

President Nixon Wins Georgia


President Nixon Wins Indiana


President Nixon Wins Kentucky


Senator Kennedy Wins South Carolina


Senator Kennedy Wins Vermont


Senator Kennedy Wins North Carolina


President Nixon Wins Ohio


Senator Kennedy Wins West Virginia

President Richard M. Nixon/Vice President Gerald R. Ford, Jr. (R) - 59
Senator Robert F. Kennedy/Speaker of the House of Representatives Carl B. Albert (D) - 30

[DKrol]

Senator Kennedy Wins Alabama


Senator Kennedy Wins Connecticut


Senator Kennedy Wins Delaware


President Nixon Wins Florida


Senator Kennedy Wins Illinois


President Nixon Wins Maine


Senator Kennedy Wins Maryland


Senator Kennedy Wins Massachusetts


President Nixon Wins Mississippi


Senator Kennedy Wins Missouri


President Nixon Wins New Hampshire


Senator Kennedy Wins New Jersey


Senator Kennedy Wins Oklahoma


Senator Kennedy Wins Pennsylvania


Senator Kennedy Wins Rhode Island


President Nixon Wins Tennessee


Senator Kennedy Wins Washington, D.C.


President Nixon Wins Arkansas

Senator Robert F. Kennedy/Speaker of the House of Representatives Carl B. Albert (D) - 171
President Richard M. Nixon/Vice President Gerald R. Ford, Jr. (R) - 107

[DKrol]

Senator Kennedy Wins Alabama


Senator Kennedy Wins Connecticut


Senator Kennedy Wins Delaware


President Nixon Wins Florida


Senator Kennedy Wins Illinois


President Nixon Wins Maine


Senator Kennedy Wins Maryland


Senator Kennedy Wins Massachusetts


President Nixon Wins Mississippi


Senator Kennedy Wins Missouri


President Nixon Wins New Hampshire


Senator Kennedy Wins New Jersey


Senator Kennedy Wins Oklahoma


Senator Kennedy Wins Pennsylvania


Senator Kennedy Wins Rhode Island


President Nixon Wins Tennessee


Senator Kennedy Wins Washington, D.C.


President Nixon Wins Arkansas

Senator Robert F. Kennedy/Speaker of the House of Representatives Carl B. Albert (D) - 171
President Richard M. Nixon/Vice President Gerald R. Ford, Jr. (R) - 107

[DKrol]

President Nixon Wins Arizona


Senator Kennedy Wins Colorado


President Nixon Wins Kansas


President Nixon Wins Louisiana


Senator Kennedy Wins Michigan



Senator Kennedy Wins Minnesota


President Nixon Wins Nebraska


Senator Kennedy Wins New Mexico


Senator Kennedy Wins New York


President Nixon Wins South Dakota


Senator Kennedy Wins Texas, Election


President Nixon Wins Wisconsin


Senator Kennedy Wins Wyoming

Senator Robert F. Kennedy/Speaker of the House of Representatives Carl B. Albert (D) - 283
President Richard M. Nixon/Vice President Gerald R. Ford, Jr. (R) - 150

[DKrol]

President Nixon Wins Iowa


President Nixon Wins Montana


Senator Kennedy Wins Nevada


President Nixon Wins Utah


President Nixon Wins California


Senator Kennedy Wins Hawaii


President Nixon Wins Idaho


President Nixon Wins North Dakota


President Nixon Wins Oregon


Senator Kennedy Wins Washington


Senator Kennedy Wins Virginia


President Nixon Wins Alaska

Senator Robert F. Kennedy/Speaker of the House of Representatives Carl B. Albert (D) - 311
President Richard M. Nixon/Vice President Gerald R. Ford, Jr. (R) - 227

[DKrol]

President Kennedy Sworn in By Warren Burger

AP -- January 20, 1973

Senator Robert F. Kennedy of New York was sworn in as President by Chief Justice Warren Burger. In his inaugural address President Kennedy echoed many of the sentiments his brother made 12 years prior. President Kennedy mentioned his desire to land a man on the moon “by the end of the decade.” He also announced that his administration would end official recognition of South Africa “until the shackles of apartheid are removed” as well as pledge that he will bring an end to the war in Vietnam by 1974. President Kennedy visited the grave of his late brothers, President John F. Kennedy and Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., before attending the Inaugural Luncheon that was put on by the United States Congress. The incoming Congress is composed of 60 Democrats, 37 Republicans, 1 Conservative and 1 Independent in the Senate and 291 Democrats and 144 Republicans in the House. The President’s brother, Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, resigned his Senate seat to run for Governor of Massachusetts in 1974.

Overview of the Robert F. Kennedy Administration

1973:
-- Paris Peace Accords are signed, ending the war in Vietnam
-- The Apollo 13 mission successfully puts man on the moon, Fred W. Haise becomes the the first human to step foot on the moon.
-- Capital Punishment is declared unconstitutional

1974:
-- Former President Richard M. Nixon is charged with covering up a break in at Democratic Headquarters in 1972. President Kennedy refused to pardon Mr. Nixon.
-- President Kennedy and SoS Hubert Humphrey travel to the Soviet Union, meet with Leonid Brezhnev.
-- Head Start Program is renewed, expanded
-- Democrats gain 49 seats in the House of Representatives, the Senate is composed of 60 Democrats, 38 Republicans, 1 Independent, and 1 Conservative.  

1975:
-- An assassin attempts to fly a plane into the White House, crash lands outside McLean, Virginia
-- 27th Amendment is passed, ratified by 43 states.
-- President Kennedy announces he is seeking a second term.

[DKrol]

1972 Primary Contests

Republicans


Senator Robert J. “Bob” Dole of Kansas


Former Vice President Gerald R. “Jerry” Ford, Jr. of Michigan


Governor Ronald W. Reagan of California

Democrats


President Robert F. Kennedy of New York

January 2 Polls:

1976 Republican Nomination:
Gerald R. Ford: 43%
Robert J. Dole: 34%
Ronald W. Reagan: 23%

1976 Presidential Election:
Robert F. Kennedy/Carl B. Albert: 52%
Gerald R. Ford, Jr/Charles E. Grassley: 48%

1976 Presidential Election:
Robert F. Kennedy/Carl B. Albert: 51%
Robert J. Dole/Howard H. Baker, Jr.: 49%

1976 Presidential Election:
Robert F. Kennedy/Carl B. Albert: 54%
Ronald W. Reagan/George H.W. Bush: 46%

*All Polls have a margin of error of 5%

[DKrol]

Well, what do you guys think?

[DKrol]

Senator Dole Wins Iowa Caucus

R. Dole: 52%
R. Reagan: 27%
G. Ford: 21%

Senator Dole Wins New Hampshire Primary

R. Dole: 49%
G. Ford: 32%
R. Reagan: 19%

Vice President Ford Wins Massachusetts Primary

G. Ford: 43%
R. Dole: 37%
R. Reagan: 20%

Senator Dole Wins Vermont Primary

R. Dole: 48%
G. Ford: 32%
R. Reagan: 20%

Vice President Ford Wins Florida Primary

G. Ford: 48%
R. Dole: 36%
R. Reagan: 16%

Senator Dole Wins Illinois Primary

R. Dole: 56%
G. Ford: 30%
R. Reagan: 14%

Vice President Ford Wins North Carolina Primary

G. Ford: 43%
R. Reagan: 41%
R. Dole: 16%

Senator Dole Wins Wisconsin Primary

R. Dole: 50%
G. Ford: 31%
R. Reagan: 19%

Senator Dole Wins Pennsylvania Primary

R. Dole: 49%
G. Ford: 33%
R. Reagan: 18%

Governor Reagan Suspends Campaign

AP -- April 28, 1976

After poor showings in the first nine primary contests, and failing to win a single one, Governor Ronald W. Reagan of California suspended his second campaign for President. He did not endorse a candidate and did not rule out an Independent run in November.

Republican Primary Map

[DKrol]

Senator Dole Wins Texas Primary

R. Dole: 50%
G. Ford: 49%

Senator Dole Wins Georgia Primary

R. Dole: 52%
G. Ford: 48%

Senator Dole Wins Indiana Primary

R. Dole: 52%
G. Ford: 48%

Senator Dole Wins Nebraska Primary

R. Dole: 61%
G. Ford: 39%

Senator Dole Wins West Virginia Primary

R. Dole: 51%
G. Ford: 49%

Senator Dole Wins Maryland Primary

R. Dole: 53%
G. Ford: 47%

Vice President Ford Wins Michigan Primary

G. Ford: 78%
R. Dole: 22%

Senator Dole Wins Arkansas Primary

R. Dole: 51%
G. Ford: 49%

Senator Dole Wins Idaho Primary

R. Dole: 57%
G. Ford: 43%

Senator Dole Wins Kentucky Primary

R. Dole: 55%
G. Ford: 45%

Senator Dole Wins Nevada Primary

R. Dole: 51%
G. Ford: 49%

Vice President Ford Wins Oregon Primary

G. Ford: 52%
R. Dole: 48%

Senator Dole Wins Tennessee Primary

R. Dole: 55%
G. Ford: 45%

Ford Suspends Campaign, Endorses Dole

AP -- May 25, 1976

After failing to win all but two of the Primary Contests since May 18 former Vice President Jerry R. Ford, Jr. of Michigan suspended his presidential campaign. “For me to stay in the race any longer would serve only to give President Kennedy a larger chance of victory.” This essentially gives the nomination to Senator Bob J. Dole of Kansas, who will be officially nominated at the party convention in Kansas City in August.

Republican Primary Map

[DKrol]

President Kennedy, Vice President Albert Re-Nominated in New York

AP -- July 15, 1976

At a Convention filled with nearly no drama President Robert Kennedy of New York and Vice President Carl Albert of Oklahoma were renominated by national Democrats. The President was met by massive support from the city of New York as well as the assembled Democrats of the Convention. During his speech the President was forced to stop speaking for 13 minutes while the delegates chanted “Four More Years!”.

Senators Dole, Baker Nominated in Kansas City

AP -- August 19, 1976

After a sweep in the Primary Contests Senator Bob Dole of Kansas was nominated by the Republican Party in Kansas City, Missouri. Senator Dole selected his companion in the Senate, Howard Baker of Tennessee, saying that they were both men “who know how to compromise and know how to make difficult situations work.” As a show of party unity former Vice President Jerry Ford of Michigan nominated Senator Dole with a passionate speech, highlighting the Senator’s service during World War II. Notably absent from the convention was California Governor Ronald Reagan.

Governor Reagan to Run as an Independent

AP -- September 1, 1976

After losing the 1976 Republican Nomination for President to the more moderate Senator Bob Dole of Kansas and being passed over for the Vice Presidential Nomination California Governor Ronald W. Reagan announced at a Press Conference that he would run for President - as an Independent. In the Press Conference Governor Reagan said that “There is no conservative on the ballot, and I will provide that option to the American people.” He also announced that he has spoken to Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina, and that Senator Helms has agreed to run as Reagan’s Vice Presidential candidate. Response to Governor Reagan decision has been critical, with many Republicans attack him for dividing the party and “giving the President a cake-walk” back to the White House.

September 5 Polls:
1976 Presidential Election:
Robert F. Kennedy/Carl B. Albert: 56%
Robert J. Dole/Howard H. Baker, Jr.: 39%
Ronald W. Reagan/Jesse A Helmes, Jr.: 5%

*All Polls have a margin of error of 5%

[DKrol]

Unemployment Rises to High of Kennedy Administration

AP -- October 10, 1976

The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the national unemployment rate has reached 7.4%, an all-time high of the administration of Robert F. Kennedy. He took office with 5.9% unemployment, which was a 10-year high in 1972, and was seen as part of the reason for his victory over President Richard M. Nixon. The unemployment rate has been relatively calm, hovering around 6.2% for most of the last four years, but has been slowly rising over the last 5 months. President Kennedy addressed the increase in his weekly address, airing on all major news networks, by announcing that he has directed Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman to lower the requirements to receive Food Stamps “to ease the suffering of many millions of Americans.” Governor Reagan attacked the President, saying that [the President] is attempting to “create and expand a welfare state, similar to that of the Soviet Union.” Senator Dole has not commented on the President actions, simply saying “It is unacceptable that nearly 10% of Americans are unemployed.” President Kennedy still has a lead in the polls and has a 54% approval rating.

Dole, Baker Score Wins in Debates, Reagan, Helms Excluded

AP -- October 15, 1976

  For the first time since 1960 there has been a debate between the candidates for President. President Robert Kennedy and Senator Bob Dole met at the College of William and Mary and debated each other for two hours. Governor Ronald Reagan was excluded from the debate, as he is not reaching 15% in national polls. The debate was moderated by John Chancellor of NBC and focused on the economy and our relationship with the Soviet Union. The Kennedy’s are a family of powerful orators but the President floundered last night. Senator Dole hit the President hard on the weakening economy, as well as the President’s warming of relations with the Soviet Union. “Thousands of American boys were killed in Vietnam while fighting off communists,” Senator Dole said “Hundreds of thousands of American boys, my friends, were killed in Europe and Asia while fighting off communists and fascists, and yet you, Mr. President, want to sit down and have tea with Leonid Brezhnez.” This was met with massive applause from the audience. A set of polls taken immediately after the debate showed that 55% of people felt that Senator Dole won the debate, compared to 43% for President Kennedy, and 2% who felt neither candidate won. Another poll found the race for President much closer than it had been, with President Kennedy receiving 52%, Senator Dole receiving 45%, and Governor Reagan receiving just 3%.
  The Vice Presidential Candidates, Vice President Carl Albert and Senator Howard Baker, also met for a debate. The Vice Presidential Debate was held at American University and was moderated by Dan Rather of CBS. There were few moments of interest in the debate, as they candidates reiterated the statements made by their respective Presidential partners. A poll showed that 45% of people felt Senator Baker won the debate, while 40% felt that way about Vice President Albert, and 15% felt neither won the debate.

New York, Oregon, Oklahoma, Florida, Maine Are Toss-ups

AP -- October 25, 1976

The AP has released a map of the Electoral College, based on current polls, showing how the vote could turn out on November 2. The Toss-Up states, states where polls show the race is within 3 points, are green. Lean Dole states, states where polls show Senator Dole is leading by less than 5 points, are light blue. Lean Kennedy states, where polls show President Kennedy is leading by less than 5 points, are pink. Solid Dole states, states where polls show Senator Dole is leading by more than 5 points, are blue. Solid Kennedy states, states where polls show President Kennedy is leading by more than 5 points, are red. If the election was held today: Senator Dole would win 233 Electoral College votes and President Kennedy would win 229 Electoral College votes, while 76 belong to Toss-up states.

[DKrol]

Election Night -- 1976
Walter Cronkite: Hello and welcome to CBS Election headquarters in New York. Will President Kennedy remain in the White House, or can Senator Bob Dole unseat the Kennedy Dynasty? And what role will Governor Reagan play in his independent run, can he play the role of George Wallace in 1968? This election began as a cake-walk for the President, but has tightened after a debate win by Senator Dole. We are about to find out, as the first returns of Election ‘76 are coming in. We’re also closely monitoring the Senate and House elections, where Republicans are set to reclaim the Congress for the first time since 1955.

Senator Dole Wins Georgia


Senator Dole Wins Indiana


Senator Dole Wins Kentucky


Senator Dole Wins South Carolina


President Kennedy Wins Vermont


President Kennedy Wins Virginia


Senator Dole Wins North Carolina


President Kennedy Wins Ohio


Senator Dole Wins West Virginia

Senator Robert J. Dole/Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. (R) - 61
President Robert F. Kennedy/Vice President Carl B. Albert (D) - 40
Governor Ronald W. Reagan/Senator Jesse A. Helms, Jr. (I) - 0

[DKrol]

Senator Dole Wins Alabama


President Kennedy Wins Connecticut


President Kennedy Wins Delaware


President Kennedy Wins Florida


President Kennedy Wins Illinois


President Kennedy Wins Maine


President Kennedy Wins Maryland


President Kennedy Wins Massachusetts


Senator Dole Wins Mississippi


President Kennedy Wins Missouri


President Kennedy Wins New Hampshire


President Kennedy Wins New Jersey


Senator Dole Wins Oklahoma


President Kennedy Wins Pennsylvania


President Kennedy Wins Rhode Island


Senator Dole Wins Tennessee


President Kennedy Wins Washington, D.C.


Senator Dole Wins Arkansas

President Robert F. Kennedy/Vice President Carl B. Albert (D) - 189
Senator Robert J. Dole/Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. (R) - 101
Governor Ronald W. Reagan/Senator Jesse A. Helms, Jr. (I) - 0

[DKrol]

Reagan Concedes Election
Walter Cronkite: I’m going to have to cut you off there, Governor Kennedy because I’ve just been handed a piece of paper telling me that Governor Ronald Reagan has conceded the election. Let’s go live to his speech in Sacramento.

Ronald Reagan: I have called President Kennedy and Senator Dole and it is with a heavy heart that I told them that I cannot win the office of the President. I’d like to thank everyone who helped on the campaign, especially my running mate...

Senator Dole Wins Arizona


Senator Dole Wins Colorado


Senator Dole Wins Kansas


President Kennedy Wins Louisiana


President Kennedy Wins Michigan


President Kennedy Wins Minnesota


Senator Dole Wins Nebraska


Senator Dole Wins New Mexico


President Kennedy Wins New York, Election


Senator Dole Wins South Dakota


Senator Dole Wins Texas


President Kennedy Wins Wisconsin


Senator Dole Wins Wyoming


President Kennedy Wins Iowa


President Kennedy Wins Montana


President Kennedy Wins Nevada


Senator Dole Wins Utah

President Robert F. Kennedy/Vice President Carl B. Albert (D) - 297
Senator Robert J. Dole/Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. (R) - 167
Governor Ronald W. Reagan/Senator Jesse A. Helms, Jr. (I) - 0

[DKrol]

How did RFK managed to swing that election for his side?

Although Reagan didn't win any states, he was able to siphon off enough votes from Dole to allow Kennedy to win.

Also, a general update: From here on out I will be changing the way I cover a President's term. I currently just give an overview, but I think that is just too brief to make this a good TL. From now on it will be presented in a series of "news broadcasts" on major events, along with the overview.

[DKrol]

President Kennedy Wins California


President Kennedy Wins Hawaii


Senator Dole Wins Idaho


Senator Dole Wins North Dakota


President Kennedy Wins Oregon


President Kennedy Wins Washington


Senator Dole Wins Alaska

President Robert F. Kennedy/Vice President Carl B. Albert (D) - 361
Senator Robert J. Dole/Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. (R) - 177
Governor Ronald W. Reagan/Senator Jesse A. Helms, Jr. (I) - 0

[DKrol]

Yay Bobby! You asked what people thought earlier, sorry for not commenting often but I enjoy reading this one! How far do you plan to take it?

I've planned on going to at least 2024 or 2028.