A Different Republican Icon

[OSR stands with Israel]

Connally is good choice for Secretary of Defense. Funny you also have Tricky Dick as Secretary of State. Will Henry Kissinger also get a job?

Nixon seems like the obvious choice for the job :


Kissinger may get a job as a Deputy at either the State Department or the NSC.

[OSR stands with Israel]

President Johnson's Farewell Address:



Johnson: My Fellow Americans, tonight will be the final time I will have the opportunity to speak to you as your President. 8 Years ago I had the honor of running with President Kennedy as his running mate, and for 3 years had the honor of serving with him as this nation's Vice President. It has been my goal over the past 5 years to ensure that while the Assasin may have taken away President Kennedy from us , he didnt take away his Vision and Legacy.

Over the past 8 years our nation has made tremendous progress on civil rights, in Healthcare, in Education and in fighting poverty. While we have much work to do so, I am proud of the fact that our nation has made sure by law that no American will be discriminated against due to their skin color , or whether they are a man or women, that we can tell our seniors that they can retire without fear of losing their access to health care, and the fact we have expanded educational access to poor children. That does not mean the fight is over, because we can always do better but the only way we can do better is by fighting for change and at the end of the day its not I or even the Congress who brought these changes but you the people. It was because of MLK, Rosa Parks and millions of activists across the nation we were finally able to pass laws that end the horrible Jim Crow Era and it will be because of you if we make more progress.

While I may be leaving the White House next week , I will never stop fighting as well, and I will join you as a private citizen in the fights to make our nation a better place. I want to end tonight by thanking Vice President Humphrey as much of the progress we have made over the past 4 years would not have been made without all the hard work he put in making sure they happen, and I also want to give my best wishes to President-Elect Goldwater who will face many tough challenges over the next 4 years. Thank You, May God Bless You , and May God Bless America.


President Johnson Approval Rating and other polls :

LBJ Approval Rating:
Approve: 44%
Disapprove: 55%


Did you like the President's Farewell Address:

Yes: 73%
No:  26%

[OSR stands with Israel]

Breaking News: Alaska Senator Bob Bartlett passes away


Alaska Senator Bob Barlett passes away due to cardiac arrest:



David Brinkley: We have some very sad news to report you and that is that Senator Bob Barlett has passed away due to cardiac arrest. His life has been a life of service to his fellow Alaskans, and today is a very sad day for Alaska and our nation.


President Johnson, President-Elect Goldwater and Governor Wally Hickel react to the sad news:

Johnson: Today is a very sad day for our Alaska and our nation. Senator Barlett has served his state with honor, for the past 30 years and according to the Library of Congress, had more bills passed into law than any member in congressional history. The State of Alaska and our nation has been better of due to Bob and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this tough time.

Goldwater: Today is a sad day for our country. Senator Bob Barlett was a good man who served the people of Alaska with honor. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this tough time.

Hickel: Today is a sad day for the people of Alaska, and as someone who personally knew Senator Barlett as well , it is saddening for me as well. For 30 years Barlett as represented Alaska both when it was a territory and a state and I cant imagine where our state would be without him. I also want to let his family know that we will be there for you in what must be a tough time.

[OSR stands with Israel]

The Inauguration of Barry Morris Goldwater:



Prominent Republicans such as Former President Dwight Eisenhower, Illinois Senator Everett Dirksen, and California Governor Ronald Reagan give their thoughts about the Goldwater Inauguration:

Chancellor: In just a couple hours Barry Morris Goldwater will take the oath of office and become the 37th President of the United States. Now with us is Former President Dwight Eisenhower, California Governor Ronald Reagan and Illionis Senator Everett Dirksen. Lets start with you President Eisenhower, what are your thoughts

Eisenhower: I am definetly hopeful about the future of this nation, and I am also hopeful that we can make the changes necessary to put us on track to be successfull in Vietnam and aborad in general. One reason for that is the different appointments the President-Elect made in the foreign policy area, such as appointing former Vice President Richard Nixon to become the next Secretary of State and as someone who got to know the former Vice President very closely I believe he will do an excellent job as Secretary of State.


Chancellor: Governor Reagan many people consider you to be one of the 3 most influential conservatives in the nation right now, what are your thoughts on this day to see someone form your movemement have a chance to lead this nation.

Reagan: Firstly I am very excited to see my friend and mentor Barry Goldwater take the oath of office today and take charge in leading this nation. President-Elect Goldwater is one of the most principled men I know as he has spent decades fighting for policies that he deeply believed in even when they were unpopular and that is an very admirable trait.

Chancellor: What are the things you think he should mention in his inaugral today

Reagan: Well I think he needs to mention that Goverment is not the soultion to our problems, as it is the reason we are facing many problems today. This to me is critical as the fact is while many of the issues we face are different the one thing that connects all of them is they are issues due to overreach by the  Federal Goverment  and it is critical that the President-Elect Goldwater mention this.

Chancellor: Senator Dirksen , you have served along side the President-Elect for many years so what are yor thoughts

Dirksen: Well I am also optimistic as someone who has been President-Elect Goldwater's collegue for many years I saw first hand how determined he was to address the many issues we face as a nation and that type of determination I believe will lead to success.

Chancellor: It was a pleasure having you all on, now back to you David


Barry Goldwater takes the oath of office , and gives inaugural address:



Rhodes Sworn in by Justice Harlan:

Rhodes: I, James Allen Rhodes , do solemnly swear
that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States
against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
that I take this obligation freely,
without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;
and that I will well and faithfully discharge
the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.
So help me God.

Goldwater Sworn in by Chief Justice Warren:

Goldwater: I, Barry Morris Goldwater, do solemnly swear
that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my Ability,
preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.
So help me God.


Goldwater's inaugural Address:

Goldwater: Chief Justice Warren, President Johnson, Vice President Rhodes, Vice President Humphrey, distingushed guests and my fellow Americans : every four years we gather here to now only to celebrate the inaugration of a President, but celebrate the widom of our founders(Applause) . I want to start of by thanking President Johnson and want to thank him for all the decades he spent in public life(Applause) and also want to thank him for making this tranisiton as smooth as possible(Applause) as it will make it easier for us to get the ground running to help solve the problems our nation faces(Applause).

The problems we face today did not just begin a few years ago but came to us due to many decades of policies that just made Washington more powerful. To solve the problems we currently face we must look to the government but to the people because today Government is not the solution to the problems we face, but in most cases it is why we face the problems we face(Appluase). Today we have a tax code that penalizes hard work, the ingenuity of entrepreneurs while special interest groups to Washington reap the rewards. We have a regulatory system that increases the power of Washington while restricts the freedom of our people and today I can announce that we will end that era and inaugurate a new era where the federal government stays in the limits the constitution requires it to so the people not Washington can run their own lives(Applause).

The reason our nation became the greatest economic power ever in the history of the world was because here in America we unleashed the power of the free marketplace more than any nation has ever done in the history of the world, and if we want to make sure that our nation stays at the top of the economic ladder we must once again unleash the beast(Applause) of the free market(Applause) . The reason for this is simple when people are taxed and regulated less they have more money to spend on the economy, businesses have more opportunities to hire people and be innovative all of which help our economy.

Now while too much interference by Washington has been the problem and not the solution for so many years now its just not at home but abroad as well. Instead of letting the generals on the ground decide how to run our wars, insiders in Washington DC who dont have a first hand view on the situation in Vietnam have managed our every move and it just did not work out. Our troops are still in Vietnam and things only have seem to get worse and worse, but while it may look like that right now I have complete confidence that if we make the right changes we need, we can end this war with honor soon and bring our troops home(Applause). Thank You , May God Bless You and May God Bless America

[OSR stands with Israel]

Goldwater Signs First Executive Orders, and Cabinet Confirmation Hearings take place

President Goldwater Signs First Executive Orders of His Presidency:



Frank McGee: Treasury Secretary Nominee Milton Friedman,and Health, Education and Welfare secretary Nominee William Knowland both had their confirmation hearing's today and it got very contentious. Mr.Friedman was questioned over and over about his opposition to Keynesian Economics and his economic beliefs and at times it led to which seemed like a sparring session between Mr.Friedman and many of the Senators at the hearings. Senator Knowland was questioned extensively on his support of right to work, opposition to many government programs and his reluctance to call out Joe McCarthy.


While the other nominees are easily expected to be confirmed, the nominations of Friedman and Knowland we can say are up in doubt


All Cabinet Appointees Confirmed, including Friedman and Knowland:




Secretary of State: Richard Nixon confirmed with a vote of 90 Ayes and 10 Nays
Secretary of Treasury: Milton Friedman confirmed with a vote of 51 Ayes and 49 Nays
Secretary of Defense: John Connally confirmed unanimously
Attorney General: Paul Laxalt confirmed with a vote of 71 Ayes and 29 Nays
Secretary of Interior: Edwin Reinecke confirmed with a vote of 77 Ayes and 23 Nays
Secretary of Agriculture: Carl Curtis confirmed with a vote of 74 Ayes and 26 Nays
Secretary of Commerce: William E. Simon confirmed with a vote of 69 Ayes and 31 Nays
Secretary of Labor: George Shultz confirmed with a vote of 80 Ayes and 20 Nays
HEW Secretary: William Knowland confirmed with a vote of 52 Ayes and 48 Nays
HUD Secretary: George Romney confirmed unanimously
Secretary of Transportation: Rogers Morton confirmed with a vote of 84 Ayes and 16 Nays
OMB Director : John Jacob Rhodes confirmed with a vote of 66 Ayes and 34 Nays
UN Ambassdor: Barber Conable confirmed with a vote of 97 Ayes and 3 Nays

[OSR stands with Israel]

North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launch an offensive against South Vietnam. Dates of Special Elections to fill seats vacated due to cabinet appointments announced

Breaking News: North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launch an offensive against South Vietnamese Forces.


Brinkley: We have some breaking news out of Vietnam and that the North Vietnamese have launched another offensive against South Vietnam, and while the offensive is not as large as the Tet Offensive which took place a year ago, its still large enough to cause problems for the South Vietnam and the US.

Huntley: Plus it will force the US to delay its plan of going on the offensive, as they will have to go back into full defensive mode if they want to repel this offensive.



Nebraska Governor fills Curtis's seat and Special Election dates announced for 4 vacant house seats.

Nebraska Senate Seat:  Seat to be filled by Lieutenant Governor John Everroad
Maryland's 1st District and New York's 35th District: Special Election to be Held on June 17th
Arizona's 1st District and California 27th District: Special Election to be Held on June 24th


Breaking News: North Vietnamese offensive repelled by US and South Vietnamese forces in less than 3 weeks.  


David Brinkley: We have breaking news to report to you out of Vietnam and that is the North Vietnamese offensive has been officially repelled by US and South Vietnamese forces. Unlike the Tet Offensive of Last Year, US and South Vietnamese troops were prepared for an attack which allowed them to repel the offensive much more easily than they did last year.

[OSR stands with Israel]

White House releases Tax Reform Proposal

Details of the White House's Tax Reform Proposal:



- New Income Tax Rates: 5 brackets which have marginal rates go from a low of 10% to a high of 40%

- New Corporate Taxes Rates: Two Rates of 15% and 30% . 15% tax bracket will be taxed on the first $50,000 of corporate income , and the 30% will apply to income above $50,000

- Creates an Alternative Minimum Tax of 10%

- Doubles Standard Deduction

- Removes Many types of Depreciation Deductions

- Requires people to list Dependents Social Security Number

- Removes Investment Tax Credit

- Removal of many tax shelters


Prominent Democrats Slam Proposal as Giveaway to the rich:




Mansfield: This tax proposal is nothing but a give away to the rich , and if this comes up for a vote I will vote against it and do all I can to make sure the entire Democratic Caucus does as well.

Kennedy: This bill would require us to cut programs for the poor to pay for this so there is no way I will vote for this if it comes up in the Senate.


Summary of President's Goldwater Address to a Joint Session of Congress:





Brinkley: The President today addressed a joint session of Congress for the first time . He started out by talking about Vietnam and pledged to end the war with honor. He also mentioned that he believes the generals on the ground not us in Washington should run day to day operations and has made it clear he will follow through with that policy.

He then moved on to domestic policy and began by talking about tax reform. He talked about how high taxes hurt the economy, stifle innovation and beneift only the special interests. He then talked about how lowering rates would help stimulate the economy both on demand and supply side. He then moved on to regulatory reform where he talked about how he plans to dismantle the current regulatory state and talked over and over again how he wants to take away power from uneelected Buerecrats here in Washington and give it to the people.

[OSR stands with Israel]

The US begins to mine Haiphong Harbor in attempts to blockade the North Vietnamese.


David Brinkley: The President earlier today ordered the US forces to renew the bombing of Hanoi and  Haiphong and to begin to mine the Harbor in Haiphong as well. The reason we are told that the President made this decision is that nearly 85% of tonnages imported to North Vietnam comes through the port of Haiphong, and successfully blockading the harbor would blockade the North Vietnamese as a whole and then potentially end the war


Anti-War Protests are held throughout the nation in response to the President's decision to mine Haiphong Harbor



Huntley: The Decision by the President to mine Haiphong Harbor sparked outrage among anti-war activists and responded to that by taking to the streets to protest. The protests are taking place all over the country, and are now calling Goldwater a Liar and saying the only honorable way to end the war is by ending it now.


US naval forces increase raids against North Vietnamese Coastal Installations:



Brinkley:Today the President ordered the US Navy to increase the number of raids against North Vietnamese Coastal Installations. This operation is being carried out simultaneously with the renewal of the bombing of  Haiphong and the mining of its harbor in an attempt to totally blockade the North Vietnamese Forces.

[OSR stands with Israel]

President Goldwater and Secretary of State Nixon meet with Canadian Prime Minister to discuss a potential trade agreement between the two nations:



Frank McGee: Earlier today , the House and Ways Committee voted to pass the White House's tax reform bill after 6 weeks long of hearings and debate. While there were some markups to the bill they were mostly minor changes so at the moment the President's Tax Plan will stay almost fully intact.

Brinkley: With the numbers , the Conservatives have in the House it is very likely that this bill will pass the house pretty much unchanged. The key question is the Senate because the Democrats have a larger majority in that chamber than they do in the House so whether this bill in its current form passes the Senate is another question.

Huntley: If this bill in the current is voted on the Senate , it likely would fail to pass so I believe that there will be changes made to the bill in that chamber, so the key to whether tax reform succeeds or not will come down to the conference committee.

[OSR stands with Israel]

House Passes Tax Reform Bill



Brinkley: The House today delievered a major win to the President as the so called conservative coalition made up of Republicans and Conservative Democrats were able to pass a Tax Reform Bill. Now there is still a long way to go before the bill becomes law as the hill to pass this bill will be much more steap in the Senate and then if there are differences both houses will have to reconcile the differences in their bills.

President Goldwater's Interview with Walter Cronkite:




Cronkite: Mr.President thanks for giving me the pleaure of interviewing you here in the White House

Goldwater: Pleasure's mine Walter

Cronkite: Lets get straight to it then Mr.President. Your tax proposal passed the house a couple weeks ago and is currently being debated in the Senate Finance Committee. Why do you think it is important for us to pass that bill

Goldwater: Well one problem with our current tax code is that is one it taxes the average American and our buisnesses too much, benefits the special interests and buercracies due to many loopholes.

Cronkite: But how would it help the economy

Goldwater: Well when disposable income goes up, people have more money to spend on the economy, and buisnesses have more moeny to expand their buisnesses and doing both these things would result in new jobs being created. New Jobs being created leads to more revenue for the Goverment not less

Cronkite: Ok we will see what happens to the bill in the coming weeks, now lets go on the another issue Vietnam. Your adminstaration got a lot of controversy for its decision to mine Haiphong Harbor. Why was the decision made and why wouldnt that result in the war being escalated.

Goldwater: Well the reason we decided to mine Haiphong Harbor is that 85% of tonnages imported to North Vietnam comes through the port of Haiphong, and if we can destroy that harbor we would essiently be able to blockade North Vietnam and then end their ability to wage war.

Cronkite: The problem is many Chinese and Russian ships go around that area as well, so if the mines explode at the same time their ships are at Haiphong, could that lead to a potnetial conflict with them.

Goldwater: No because we have made it clear that we have minded the Harbor, and have told all ships to stay away for safety reasons.

Cronkite: How though will this end the war

Goldwater: Once they are blockaded, the North Vietnamese will have no ability to attack and would have no choice but to agree to end the war.

Cronkite: Ok , now for another major issue what has come up and that is the Sumpreme Court. In late June or early July you will get to pick two justices . What criteria will you consider when picking them

Goldwater: Well they have to be highly qualified and can be either by previous experiance as a judge or by being respected legal minds.

Cronkite: As you may know issues such as State Abortion Laws, Rights of Crimnal Defendents , the Death Penealty will likely be decided by the courts over the next few years. Is there any issue that you will consider the most when selecting a pick

Goldwater: Well I do not believe in picking someone based on their stances on political issues, so that is not something I will consider when making my choice. I will look at their overall juducial philosphy , their views on how the constitution should be interperated and how consistent they have been in their ideology.

Cronkite: What do you mean by consistent

Goldwater: By people who stick with their judicial philposphy when forming opinion on different legal matters no matter what their political views may be on the particular issue. One exampe is if a justice says he believes that the 10th amendment has been violated in issues where he agrees politically with the states, but doesnt believes it has been violated in cases where he agrees with the federal goverment than that is not being consistent , thats making ruling based on politics and I will not pick any person who I believe would making rulings based on politics.

Cronkite: Thank You once again

Goldwater: Pleasure is Mine


Breaking News: Associate Justice Abe Fortas resigns due to scandal




Brinkley: We have some breaking news to report to you and that is that Associate Justice Abe Fortas has resigned due to scandal. Justice Fortas had had accepted a $20,000 retainer from Louis Wolfson, a friend and former client  in January 1966 and in return for unspecified advice, it was to pay Fortas $20,000 a year for the rest of Fortas's life . The President responded by saying he is disappointed that a member of the highest court in the land would conduct himself in such a matter and said he would announce a successor as soon as possible.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Goldwater orders all Government Programs that have been created in the past 10 years to be audited.A lawsuit has been filed against the administration to stop the order form being implemented



Brinkley: Earlier today the President signed an executive order that would have each government programs that have been created in the past 10 years to be audited. The President claims this would make it easier for us to find out how to cut wasteful spending. In response to that order, a lawsuit has been filed against the administration to stop the order form being implemented .

Goldwater Appoints DC Court of Appeals Judge Warren Burger and Law Professor Alexander Bickel to fill vacancies on Supreme Court


Chancellor: The President today announced that he would be appointing DC Court of Appeals Judge to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Chief Justice Earl Warren on the Supreme Court. If confirmed Judge Warren Burger would become the next Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

The President also announced that he would be appointing Yale Law Profesor Alexander Bickel to full the vacancy caused by the retirement of Justice Abe Fortas on the Supreme Court. Both nominations are expected to be confirmed but nothing is certain until the hearings take place.

[OSR stands with Israel]

The Senate Passes Modified Version of Tax Reform:



Brinkley: After 2 months of debate, hearings and markups the Senate has passed Tax Reform as well. Unlike the house though which passed a bill almost identical to the President's tax reform bill with the exception it also made it that credit card debt would no longer be deductible, this bill has made some major changes to the original bill. Here are the main differences:

- New Income Tax Rates: 10 brackets which have marginal rates go from a low of 14% to a high of 54%

- New Corporate Taxes Rates: Two Rates of 20% and 40% . 20% tax bracket will be taxed on the first $35,000 of corporate income , and the 40% will apply to income above $35,000

- Does not Require people to list Dependents Social Security Number

- Phases Implementation of Tax Reform over a 5 year period


Huntley: While there are some differences I dont think it is anything the two chambers cant agree on so I think its very likely to be passed into law.

Brinkley: I agree but you never know and another question is  will the final bill be more similar to the House or Similar Bill. If its similar to the house bill it will be a major win for the President if its more similar to the Senate bill it will be just a minor win.


Breaking News: Dozens of Mines at Haiphong Harbor detonate, destroying much of the Harbor and many enemy ships.



Brinkley: We have some Breaking News coming out of Vietnam and that is dozens of mines at Haiphong Harbor have detonated, destroying much of the Harbor and many enemies ships. Due the damage caused by the mines, the Harbor has been closed indefinitely and with potentially many more mines which haven't detonated, it could mean the Harbor will have to remain closed for the rest of the war.

NBC Correspondent: Yes and since many of the North Vietnamese imports come from that Harbor, having to close that will have a huge impact on their war effort. The US is hoping that closure of this Harbor will effectively blockade the North Vietnamese and force them to sue for peace.


President Goldwater's Approval 6 months in:


Goldwater's Approval:

Approve: 54%
Disapprove: 37%


House Genetic Ballot:

Democrats: 44%
Republicans: 43%

Brinkley: So far the polls are positive for the President, but once concerning thing for the President is that as his Presidency has gone on most of the people who were previously undecided have gone into the disapprove camp showing signs of potentially the President becoming a very polarizing figure during his tenure as President.


Conference Committee Agrees on Tax Reform Bill and proposed Bill Passes Both Houses of Congress:



Summary of Bill:

- New Income Tax Rates: 7 brackets which have marginal rates go from a low of 12% to a high of 48%

- New Corporate Taxes Rates: Two Rates of 17.5% and 35% . 17.5% tax bracket will be taxed on the first $45,000 of corporate income, and the 35% will apply to income above $45,000

- Creates an Alternative Minimum Tax of 10%

- Doubles Standard Deduction

- Removes Many types of Depreciation Deductions

- Requires people to list Dependents Social Security Number

- Removes Investment Tax Credit

- Interest on Credit Card Debt will no longer be deductible

- Removal of many tax shelters

- Phases Implementation of Reform over a 3 year period


Brinkley: The President got his first legislative victory of his Presidency with the passage of Tax Reform, as all 3 of his goals of tax reform were passed: Get Top Marginal Rate to be cut to under 50%, Get the amount of tax brackets to be reduced to single digits and getting rid of many deductions.

Huntley: The Official Vote Count if anyone wants to know was 260 Ayes to 175 Nays in the House and 59 Ayes to 41 Nays in the Senate.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Goldwater's Remarks on Signing the Tax Reform Bill:



Goldwater: I want to begin by thanking members of both parties here today as without their hard work this remarkable day would never be possible. Thanks to their hard work we can finally end an era of unfair, punitive taxation system which hurt the average American while benefiting every special interest in Washington and take the first steps in inaugurating an era where we can move to a tax system that is fair, and will help our economy grow. Now there is just one more step to take and that is for me to sign the tax reform bill so let me go to the desk over there and sign the bill.

Goldwater signs Bill

Senate Confirmation for Sumpreme Court Nominees Hearings Begin:



Brinkley: The Senate Confirmation Hearings for Judge Warren Burger and Professor Alexander Bickel began today. The Hearings so far we are told have gone smoothly and it looks like both nominations will be approved.

Huntley: Yes it have but remember its only day 1, so things are more likely to go smoothly then they will in later in the hearings. On the other hand it doesnt look like either Judge Burger or Professor Bickel will come close to be rejected by the Senate so things do look good for them right now.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Breaking News: North Vietnamese Leader Ho Chi Minh Dies:



David Brinkley: We have breaking news to report to you and that is the Leader of North Vietnam Ho Chi Minh has died. The Administration has not reacted to the news , and we are told likely will not respond.

Breaking News: Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen Dies of Cancer:




Brinkley: We have some sad news to report to you and that is that Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen has passed away due to cancer. Senator Dirksen will forever be known as the man who worked with President Johnson in passing civil rights legislation despite the fact that he and the President were ideological opposites, with President Johnson being a strident New Deal Democrat, while Senator Dirksen was one of the most influential members of the Conservative Coalition in Congress. We will be forever grateful for his service to the state of Illinois and our nation of ours.


President Goldwater and other Prominent figures react to the news of Senator Dirksen's passing:


President Goldwater: Today is a very sad day for the state of Illinois and our nation as we have lost a great man. Senator Dirksen always put the interests of the people first even if it may not have been in his personal interests to do so , and that is why he will be missed by all of us. So to my friend, and colleague I want to let you know that you will be known in history as one of our greatest senators and may you rest in peace.


Former President Johnson: Today is a very sad day for our nation. It is also a a sad day for me personally, because he was a good friend, and a great partner because I can tell you without his effort we would not have made the progress on civil rights as we did.The world will miss a great man, and I want to offer my condolences to his family in what must be this tough time.

Secretary of State Nixon: Today is a sad day for our nation. Senator Dirksen served the people with honor and dignity his whole life, and the world has certainly been a better place due to him being in it . I want to let his family know that we all will be there for them in what must be a tough time.


Long Time Senator From Utah named Wallace Bennett Named New Minority Leader



Brinkley: Long Time Senator from Utah, Wallace Bennett was named GOP leader over Pennsylvania Senator High Scott in an extremely narrow vote of 24-21. Senator Bennett has long been known as a Pro-Civil Rights Business Conservative Senator, and will now become the new minority leader in the Senate.

Illinois Speaker of the House Ralph Tyler Smith appointed to fill the Late Senator Dirksen's Seat



Huntley: Illinois Speaker of the House Ralph Tyler Smith was appointed earlier today by Governor Richard Ogilvie to fill the Senate Seat of the Late Senator Dirksen. He will be sworn in by Vice President Rhodes tomorrow morning, and officially become senator of Illinois.


Judge Warren Burger and Professor Alexander Bickel sworn in by Justice Black after being Confirmed by the Senate



Brinkley: Earlier today Judge Warren Burger was sworn in by Justice Hugo Black and will become the 15th Chief Justice of the United States, and Professor Alexander Bickel was sworn in as well and now will be called Associate Justice Alexander Bickel.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Glad to see Burger becoming Chief Justice. He was pretty a pretty solid pick, although not as good as the great Earl Warren (nobody since was).

Burger was actually  viewed as a strict-constructionist Judge Before he was nominated:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_E._Burger#National_prominence


So in ways he kinda was like the Roberts at the time, someone viewed as very conservative when they were nominated but moderated over the years due to the becoming the Chief Justice.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Just wondering, how both parties' share in the Senate and in the House of Representatives look like in this scenario?

Right now in the House, it is: 223 Democrats to 212 Republicans

in the Senate, it is: 54 Democrats to 46 Republicans


From an Ideological Perspective though: Conservatives hold the majority in the House, while in the Senate it depends on the issue.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Goldwater proposes that Congress increase the amount it spends on Block Grants to make Government programs more efficient:



Brinkley: Earlier today the President requested that Congress increase amount it spends on block grants to make governments more efficient. He said that states and local municipalities can better solve unique problems facing them while the federal government  cannot do that which means they would have to spend more money to solve problems then they would have if the states ran the programs.

Democrats in Congress have said that they will oppose the plan but people in the White House believe that there are more than enough conservative Democrats for this plan to pass.



Brinkley: Massive anti-war protests and teach-ins took place all across the nation in an attempt to end the war. The President responded to these protests in a statement saying that he is doing all he can to end the war with honor, and he hopes that our soldiers can be brought home soon.


Off Year Election Preview:


Brinkley: The off year elections will take place next week, which will decide who becomes mayor in the many cities across our nation, and even a couple Gubernatorial Elections will take place next week. We are following 3 races : the Virginia and New Jersey Gubernatorial Races , and the New York City Mayoral Race, so Chet what are the state of those races

Huntley: Well lets first start in Virginia

Virginia: Former Ambassador William Battle(D) vs Representative Richard Harding Poff(R): Tossup

Huntley: Congressman Poff currently has a 2-3 point lead in the polls and if he holds would become the first Republican Governor in nearly a 100 years.

New Jersey: Former State Senator Robert Meyner(D) vs Representative William Cahill(R): Likely Republican

Huntley: Representative Cahill holds a 20 point lead in the polls so unless something goes really wrong he will for certain win

New York City: Mayor John Lindsey(Liberal) vs NYC Comptroller Mario Procaccino(D) vs State Senator John Marchi(R) - Tossup between Liberal and Democratic Candidates

Huntley: While Mayor Lindsey was primaried he still won the Liberal Party Nomination and has decided to run for mayor as a nominee of their party and he currently holds a 1 point lead in the polls over Mr.Procaccino.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Republicans win both Virginia and New Jersey in Off-Year Elections, while Mayor Lindsay wins as 3rd party candidate



David Brinkley: In Yesterday's off-year elections the Republicans won in both New Jersey and Virginia. In New Jersey Republican William Cahill was elected in a landslide victory defeating his Democratic opponent by a margin of 23 points and in Virginia Republican Richard Poff will become the first Republican Governor of the state in nearly 100 years and won by 7 points over his opponent. In the New York City Mayoral Race , Mayor John Lindsay the Liberal Party candidate defeated both the Democratic opponent and Republican opponent to be reelected.


Massive Anti-War Protest takes place Washington DC



David Brinkley: We have breaking news to report to you and that is that over 500,000 protestors have marched to Washington DC to protest the Vietnam War. About 40,000 of those protestors are right outside the White House chanting Are You Listening Goldwater, Are You Listening Goldwater, Are You Listening Nixon and it is time to give peace a chance. The President had no comment to give about the protests other than that he is working as hard as he can to end the war.


Huntley: While the protests are not nearly as violent as they were last year they have made it clear they are not willing to be patient with the new administration as they believe that he like President Johnson isnt trying hard enough to end the war.


Goldwater signs 2 bills which will give the US justice department the ability to crack down heavily on Organized Crime 




Brinkley: Earlier today President Goldwater signed the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act into law which allows the justice department to crack down on Racketeering and prosecute the leaders of a crime syndicate for crimes they ordered other people to do. He also signed a bill which allows the Justice Department to protect the witnesses and families of the witnesses.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Goldwater's First Year: Helm Hard to the Right



Huntley: With the first year of the Goldwater Presidency wrapping up, it is clear there has been a clear shift rightward in our nation both politically and policy-wise

Brinkley: There is no doubt of that. Conventional Wisdom for decades has been that while Presidents may come and go, the Federal Bureaucracy remains unchanged, the very progressive tax code remains unchanged but so far conventional wisdom as been wrong. The Tax Code has been altered significantly, the President has declared an all-out war on the regulatory state issuing numerous executive orders which get rid of many regulations and made it harder for new regulations to be implemented and has already beginning to remake the judiciary with the nomination and confirmation of 27 new judges: most of them who are strong believes in Federalism and Strict Constructionists . 2 of those 27 Judges have been Supreme Court Judges and a record 12 have been Appeals court judges.


Huntley: Many of those judges also could be candidates for the Supreme Court next vacancy as well, and if he is reelected he could appoint up to 4 more Supreme Court justices as well so the fact is this could be his most lasting change. On policy if his block grant proposal gets passed it would remake the nation's bureaucracy as well, so the fact is while we have helmed hard to the right over the past year its likely to helm even further right over the next 3 and maybe next 7 years.



Goldwater's Approval Rating and any other news polls released :


Goldwater's Approval:

Approve: 54%
Disapprove: 38%


House Generic Ballot:

Democrats: 45%
Republicans: 44%

Very Early Democratic Primary Poll:


Former North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford 24%
Former Alabama Governor George Wallace: 23%
Congressman Eugene McCarthy: 21%
Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey: 19%
Other/Dont Know: 13%



Summary of Goldwater's 1970 State of the Union Address:




Chancellor: The President in his state of the union address today addressed many issues from regulatory reform , to block grants to Vietnam. He over and over called for reform to the US regulatory system saying that currently unelected bureaucrats are able to effectively create laws with their power and  he believes that it is time for Congress to take that power away as it is power that only the people or their elected representatives should have . He also called for there to be more checks and balances as well when it comes to regulations to prevent bad regulations from being implemented in the first place.

The President also called for Congress to block grant more programs as he said that each state and local municipality faces unique problems that only the states and local governments can solve effectively as well. He said that the federal goverment cannot solve those unique problems with one size fits all solution and brought up multiple examples of these cases.

On the issue of Vietnam he brought up the success the US military has had in destroying their harbor in Haiphong and said that the new strategy for winning the war has worked.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Economist George Stigler nominated by President Goldwater to chair Federal Reserve



Brinkley: Earlier today President Goldwater nominated Economist George Stigler to become the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. This pick as expected , but this pick will mean both our Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy will be run by top Economists from the Chicago School of Economics. The Senate Announced that they have scheduled a confirmation hearing for him and those hearings will begin on January 26th

Buffalo Bills Star Jack Kemp announces that he will be challanging Senator Charles Goodell for the Republican Nomination in the New York Senate Race:



Brinkley: Earlier today , Buffalo Bills star Jack Kemp announced that he will be running for the New York Senate Seat this year. He will be running as the Conservative Alterantive in the Republican Primary to Senator Charles Goodell one of the top Liberal Republicans in the Senate and one of the top critics of the Goldwater Adminstration in the Republican party . Mr.Kemp in his speech emphazied the importance of the tax reform and his support of the President's Regualatory Reform Agenda.

Huntley: While Senator Goodell will be the favorite in the primary , Mr.Kemp wont be an easy challanger given that he is well known in the State of New York and given the ascndence of Conservatism in the Republican Party.

Brinkley: Many Conservatives have said this primary could resemble the 1966 Republican Primary in California where then actor Ronald Reagan easily defeated the Liberal Republican Candidate Mayor Chrstopher in the primary.

Huntley: Well there are some differences. One is that California is signfiantly more of a Conservative State than New York. Also Remember in 1966 Reagan not Christopher was supported by much of the party establishment from Southern California which is where most of the votes live while in New York at least half the votes will come from New York City which both the voters and the party establishment are liberal.  For Mr.Kemp to have a chance he not only will need President Goldwater's endorsement he will need the President to Campaign for him and even then it will be difficult as Governor Rockefeller for certian will campain for Senator Goodell.


Breaking News: Economist George Stigler Confirmed by the Senate , will become the new Chairman of the Federal Reserve




Brinkley: After a tenicious confirmation hearings where many senators challanged Mr.Stigler over his economic beliefs , he has been confirmed by a vote of 60 Ayes to 40 Nays.

[OSR stands with Israel]

House Passes President's Block Grant Plan in the Budget:



Brinkley: The House Today passed President Goldwater's Block Grant Plan in the Budget. If approved by the Senate it would mark an extraordinary shift in the way government programs are run in the future. House Minority Leader Gerald Ford surprised his critics from Conservatives in the party with the amount of effort he put in to make sure the President's Block Grant Plan Passed and it looks like it has paid off.


President Goldwater holds Press Conference with Prime Minister Trudeau at White House on Trade:


Media Member: Mr.President and Mr.Prime Minster what are the goals you would see in a trade agreement with Canada

Goldwater: Well the goal is to see all trade barriers between our nations dropped.

Trudeau: I also agree that is the goal but specifically some areas which are the highest priority rights now are the energy and auto sectors. Both sectors are very important to our economies so we agree that those are the areas which we need to accomplish the most in.

Media Member 2: What are some areas other than Tariffs you are looking to accomplish

Trudeau: One other goal is that we want to let the citizens of both our nations have the ability to work and attend university in both our nations. Now obviously that does not mean that we would open up citizenship to any person who comes across our borders to work as that is an issue which will solely be decided by the immigration laws of our nations.

Media Member 2: Mr.President many people say this agreement would hurt American Companies and cost jobs , what do you say to that

Goldwater: Well they are definitely wrong about that, because opening up our markets does not make our economy worse but better. Due to the increase in competition, it will result in the quality of the product getting better which leads to more demand which spurs our economy and creates more jobs.

Report: Can Texas go Republican in 1970



David Brinkley: With a Senate Seat and a Gubernatorial Seat up in Texas this year , Republicans believe this is the year they can finally turn Texas Republican. With us is the anchor from the NBC affiliate in Houston KPRC. So lets get right to it , Texas has gone Republican 3/5 past Presidential Elections, the President is popular there so is it possible it could result in Texas going Republican.

KPRC Anchor: Well there is certainly a chance the Republicans can win big in Texas this year but the problem is its one thing for a state to be Republican on the Presidential Level than the state one. Reason is simple, in a national election the candidates that run as a Democrats are mostly people who need to appeal to the National Democrats and the Texas dems are totally different. In Texas Dems are able to create a message which is tailor made for Texas while they cant nationally.

Brinkley: What are the some key to the races you have for a Republican to win

KPRC Anchor: First they have to win by landslide margins in the Dallas Metropolitan areas and win big in the Houston too. Then they must make inroads into the very heavily Democratic Rural Areas. Goldwater did it two years ago but this will still be hard

Brinkley: Which race do you think they have a better chance

KPRC Anchor: The Senate without a doubt. Congressman George Bush the Republican challenger is actually leading in a couple polls that have been done against Senator Ralph Yarborough, although he is down by more than 5 points against Congressman Llyod Betsen

[OSR stands with Israel]

My guess is of course Texas can go Republican in 1970 since it already went Republican in 1952 and 1956.

Thats true but other than the Presidential Level, Texas hasnt voted for a Single Republican State Wide since Reconstruction(and OTL Bill Clements in 1978 was the first Republican to do so).

So there are lots of doubts that they can win statewide at another level but Presidential, though unlike the past when victory was assured for the Democrats this time the GOP is viewed to have a really good chance of winning the state

[OSR stands with Israel]

My guess is of course Texas can go Republican in 1970 since it already went Republican in 1952 and 1956.

Thats true but other than the Presidential Level, Texas hasnt voted for a Single Republican State Wide since Reconstruction(and OTL Bill Clements in 1978 was the first Republican to do so).

So there are lots of doubts that they can win statewide at another level but Presidential, though unlike the past when victory was assured for the Democrats this time the GOP is viewed to have a really good chance of winning the state

You forget about me John Towers, who won the 1961 Special Election for LBJ's Seat in 1961 and won Re-election in 1966 on his own, so by the 70s, it was only a matter of time and candidate Choice for both Senate seats to turn Republican

yup thats true (Forgot about Tower lol) but its gonna be close so Goldwater will have to put alot of effort into GOP operations in flipping TX.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Goldwater to embark on a 15 day tour the nation to promote Block Grant Plan:



Brinkley: Earlier today President Goldwater kicked off his 15 day tour around the nation to promote his block grant plan. He will visit 20 states in this tour to promote the Block Grant plan and the states he plans to visit are:

In the North East: New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
In the Midwest/Border States: Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois , Missouri , Iowa
In the South: Virginia , North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Texas
In the West: California, Colorado , Montana, Oregon and will end his tour in his home state of Arizona

While its obvious Republicans like Ronald Reagan, and John Tower would join him what surprising is in New York the person who will be joining him is Former NFL State and Senate Candidate Jack Kemp. Now the President said he wont be giving any endorsements in these rallies and has invited members from both parties to join him these rallies.


Goldwater's use of bully pulpit working as opposition to Block Grant Plan Begins to Wither:



Goldwater Approval:

Approve: 57%
Disapprove: 38%


Opinion of President's Block Grant Plan:

Before:

Approve: 39%
Disapprove: 40%
Dont Know: 21%

Now:

Approve: 44%
Disapprove: 37%
Dont Know: 19%


Brinkley: Whats striking to be about these polls is how large a number are undecided.

Huntley: Well what it tells me is people are willing to say that this block grant plan , along with the tax reform plan last year are new ideas with economists giving conflicting reports about them. So the people are saying well the fact is we dont know how it will work so since we elected the President to make change we should be willing to give him a chance on his policy proposals as well. That though will begin to change when voters go the polls during the midterms this year and by 1972 people will definitely being to judge whether his policies have worked or not because the results of his policies will start to come out.


Breaking News: Man Lands On Moon:




Brinkley: We have some major breaking news to report to you and that is Neil Armstrong and his Crew on Apollo 11 have landed on the Moon. Today is a historic day not only for our nation, but mankind as well . We now will go to the White House where the President will give his comments about today's historic events.

President Goldwater: 10 years of hard work has paid off as Neil Armstrong and the crew Apollo 11 have landed on the moon. Today is a historic day not only for our nation, but all of humanity in general because if we can go too the moon I am sure we can accomplish anything we put our minds towards.

Neil Armstrong and Apollo 11 Crew Return Home to a Hero's Welcome:

[OSR stands with Israel]

For some reason, I forgot to add in a part about the Moon Landing earlier in this TL when I covered the events of July 1969.

So the Official Date of the Moon Landing in this TL will be : March 27th 1970