Gerald Ford assumed the presidency in 1974 following Richard Nixon's resignation. His vice president was Nelson Rockefeller, who served from 1974 to 1977.
Rockefeller was a prominent businessman and politician from New York. He served as governor of New York from 1959 to 1973. He was a member of the Republican Party.
In the 1976 presidential election, Ford and Rockefeller were defeated by the Democratic ticket of Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale.
Who was Gerald Ford's Vice President
Here are 10 important points about Gerald Ford's vice president:
- Name: Nelson Rockefeller
- Political party: Republican
- Home state: New York
- Occupation: Businessman, politician
- Governor of New York: 1959–1973
- Vice President: 1974–1977
- Presidential ticket: Ford/Rockefeller
- Election: 1976
- Outcome: Defeated by Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale
- Legacy: Rockefeller was a prominent businessman and politician who served as vice president during a tumultuous time in American history.
Additional information:
- Rockefeller was the first vice president to be appointed under the 25th Amendment following the resignation of a president.
- He was a member of the Rockefeller family, a prominent American political family.
- Rockefeller died in office in 1979.
Name: Nelson Rockefeller
Nelson Rockefeller was Gerald Ford's vice president from 1974 to 1977. He was a prominent businessman and politician from New York.
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Prominent businessman:
Rockefeller was the chairman and CEO of Rockefeller Center, Inc. and president of Rockefeller Brothers Fund. He was also a major shareholder in several other companies.
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Governor of New York:
Rockefeller served as governor of New York from 1959 to 1973. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of the World Trade Center and the expansion of the State University of New York system.
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Republican Party member:
Rockefeller was a lifelong Republican. He was a moderate Republican who supported liberal policies on social issues but conservative policies on economic issues.
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Ford's vice president:
Rockefeller was Ford's vice president from 1974 to 1977. He was chosen as Ford's running mate because he was a well-known and respected figure who could help Ford win the 1976 presidential election.
Rockefeller died in office in 1979. He is remembered as a prominent businessman, politician, and vice president who served during a tumultuous time in American history.
Political party: Republican
Nelson Rockefeller was a lifelong Republican. He was a moderate Republican who supported liberal policies on social issues but conservative policies on economic issues.
Rockefeller's Republican Party affiliation was a major factor in his selection as Gerald Ford's vice president. Ford was a Republican, and he wanted a running mate who would help him appeal to moderate and liberal voters. Rockefeller was a well-known and respected figure who could help Ford win the 1976 presidential election.
However, Rockefeller's Republican Party affiliation also caused some problems for him during his vice presidency. Rockefeller was a liberal Republican, and he often clashed with conservative Republicans in Congress. This made it difficult for him to get his legislative agenda passed.
Despite these challenges, Rockefeller remained a loyal Republican throughout his life. He was a strong supporter of the Republican Party and its principles. He believed that the Republican Party was the best party to lead the United States.
Rockefeller's Republican Party affiliation had a significant impact on his vice presidency. It helped him get elected, but it also caused him some problems. Ultimately, Rockefeller was a loyal Republican who served his country to the best of his ability.
Home state: New York
Nelson Rockefeller was born and raised in New York. He was a lifelong New Yorker, and he was very proud of his home state.
Rockefeller's New York roots had a significant impact on his political career. He served as governor of New York from 1959 to 1973, and he was a popular and successful governor. His experience as governor helped him to win the Republican nomination for vice president in 1976.
As vice president, Rockefeller was a strong advocate for New York. He worked to secure federal funding for New York City and other parts of the state. He also worked to promote New York businesses and industries.
Rockefeller's love for New York was evident in everything he did. He was a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to New York institutions. He was also a strong supporter of the arts and culture in New York.
Rockefeller's New York roots were an important part of his identity. He was a proud New Yorker who loved his home state. He served New York with distinction as governor and vice president.
Occupation: Businessman, politician
Nelson Rockefeller was a successful businessman and politician. He was the chairman and CEO of Rockefeller Center, Inc. and president of Rockefeller Brothers Fund. He was also a major shareholder in several other companies.
Rockefeller's business experience was a major asset to him in his political career. He was able to use his business acumen to help solve problems and make decisions. He was also able to use his business connections to raise money and support for his political campaigns.
Rockefeller was also a skilled politician. He was able to connect with voters and build relationships with other politicians. He was also a gifted orator and campaigner.
Rockefeller's combination of business and political skills made him a successful and influential figure. He was able to use his talents to make a difference in the world.
Rockefeller's career as a businessman and politician was long and distinguished. He served as governor of New York, vice president of the United States, and chairman of the National Commission on Critical Choices for Americans. He was a respected and admired figure who made a significant contribution to American society.
Governor of New York: 1959–1973
Nelson Rockefeller served as governor of New York from 1959 to 1973. He was a popular and successful governor who oversaw a period of economic growth and social progress in the state.
During his tenure as governor, Rockefeller oversaw the construction of the World Trade Center and the expansion of the State University of New York system. He also implemented a number of social programs, including Medicaid and Medicare. Rockefeller was a strong supporter of education and the arts. He also worked to improve the state's infrastructure and transportation system.
Rockefeller's accomplishments as governor made him a popular figure in New York. He was re-elected three times, and he left office with high approval ratings.
Rockefeller's experience as governor was a major factor in his selection as Gerald Ford's vice president. Ford was looking for a running mate who was experienced and respected, and Rockefeller fit the bill. Rockefeller's popularity in New York also helped Ford to win the state in the 1976 presidential election.
Rockefeller's tenure as governor of New York was a time of great progress for the state. He was a visionary leader who made a significant contribution to New York's development. His accomplishments as governor are still felt today.
Vice President: 1974–1977
Nelson Rockefeller served as vice president of the United States from 1974 to 1977. He was appointed to the position by President Gerald Ford following the resignation of Spiro Agnew.
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Appointed vice president:
Rockefeller was appointed vice president by President Ford on December 19, 1974. He was confirmed by the Senate on December 20, 1974, and he was sworn into office on the same day.
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First vice president appointed under the 25th Amendment:
Rockefeller was the first vice president to be appointed under the 25th Amendment. The 25th Amendment was ratified in 1967, and it provides for the appointment of a new vice president if the office becomes vacant.
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Served during a tumultuous time in American history:
Rockefeller served as vice president during a tumultuous time in American history. The Vietnam War was still ongoing, and the Watergate scandal had just come to light. Rockefeller was a steady and experienced leader who helped to guide the country through these difficult times.
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Died in office:
Rockefeller died in office on January 26, 1979. He was 70 years old. He was succeeded by Walter Mondale, who was appointed vice president by President Jimmy Carter.
Rockefeller's vice presidency was a brief but eventful one. He served during a time of great change and upheaval in American history. He was a respected and experienced leader who helped to guide the country through these difficult times.
Presidential ticket: Ford/Rockefeller
The Ford/Rockefeller presidential ticket was the Republican Party's ticket in the 1976 presidential election. The ticket consisted of President Gerald Ford and Vice President Nelson Rockefeller.
Ford and Rockefeller were both experienced politicians. Ford had served as president since 1974, following the resignation of Richard Nixon. Rockefeller had served as governor of New York from 1959 to 1973. He was a prominent businessman and politician who was well-known and respected.
The Ford/Rockefeller ticket was seen as a moderate ticket. Ford was a moderate Republican, and Rockefeller was a liberal Republican. This made the ticket appealing to a wide range of voters.
However, the Ford/Rockefeller ticket faced a strong challenge from the Democratic Party's ticket, which consisted of Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale. Carter and Mondale were seen as more progressive than Ford and Rockefeller, and they were able to appeal to voters who were looking for change.
In the end, the Carter/Mondale ticket defeated the Ford/Rockefeller ticket in the 1976 presidential election. Carter won the popular vote by a margin of 2.1%, and he won the Electoral College by a margin of 297 to 240. The Ford/Rockefeller ticket lost the election, but it ran a strong campaign and it helped to unite the Republican Party.
Election: 1976
The 1976 presidential election was held on November 2, 1976. It was a close election, with the Democratic Party's ticket of Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale narrowly defeating the Republican Party's ticket of Gerald Ford and Nelson Rockefeller.
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Candidates:
The candidates in the 1976 presidential election were:
- Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale (Democratic Party)
- Gerald Ford and Nelson Rockefeller (Republican Party)
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Issues:
The key issues in the 1976 presidential election were:
- The economy: The United States was experiencing high inflation and unemployment.
- The Vietnam War: The war was still ongoing, and it was very unpopular with the American people.
- Watergate: The Watergate scandal had just come to light, and it had damaged the public's trust in the government.
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Results:
Jimmy Carter won the popular vote by a margin of 2.1%, and he won the Electoral College by a margin of 297 to 240. Gerald Ford lost the election, but he ran a strong campaign and he helped to unite the Republican Party.
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Significance:
The 1976 presidential election was a significant event in American history. It marked the end of the Vietnam War era, and it ushered in a new era of American politics.
The 1976 presidential election was a close and hard-fought race. In the end, Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale won the election, but Gerald Ford and Nelson Rockefeller ran a strong campaign and they helped to unite the Republican Party.
Outcome: Defeated by Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale
In the 1976 presidential election, the Ford/Rockefeller ticket was defeated by the Carter/Mondale ticket. Carter won the popular vote by a margin of 2.1%, and he won the Electoral College by a margin of 297 to 240.
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Reasons for the defeat:
There were a number of reasons why the Ford/Rockefeller ticket lost the 1976 presidential election. These reasons include:
- The economy: The United States was experiencing high inflation and unemployment, and voters were looking for a change.
- The Vietnam War: The war was still ongoing, and it was very unpopular with the American people.
- Watergate: The Watergate scandal had just come to light, and it had damaged the public's trust in the government.
- Carter's appeal: Carter was a charismatic and popular candidate who was able to connect with voters.
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Impact of the defeat:
The defeat of the Ford/Rockefeller ticket had a significant impact on American politics. It marked the end of the Vietnam War era, and it ushered in a new era of American politics.
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Ford's legacy:
Despite his defeat in the 1976 presidential election, Gerald Ford is remembered as a respected and honorable leader. He served his country with distinction as president, and he helped to unite the Republican Party.
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Rockefeller's legacy:
Nelson Rockefeller is remembered as a prominent businessman, politician, and vice president. He served his country with distinction, and he made a significant contribution to American society.
The defeat of the Ford/Rockefeller ticket in the 1976 presidential election was a significant event in American history. It marked the end of an era, and it ushered in a new era of American politics.
Legacy: Rockefeller was a prominent businessman and politician who served as vice president during a tumultuous time in American history.
Nelson Rockefeller left behind a significant legacy as a prominent businessman, politician, and vice president.
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Businessman and philanthropist:
Rockefeller was a successful businessman and philanthropist. He was the chairman and CEO of Rockefeller Center, Inc. and president of Rockefeller Brothers Fund. He was also a major shareholder in several other companies. Rockefeller used his wealth to support a variety of charitable causes, including education, the arts, and medical research.
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Governor of New York:
Rockefeller served as governor of New York from 1959 to 1973. He was a popular and successful governor who oversaw a period of economic growth and social progress in the state. Rockefeller's accomplishments as governor include the construction of the World Trade Center and the expansion of the State University of New York system.
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Vice President of the United States:
Rockefeller served as vice president of the United States from 1974 to 1977. He was appointed to the position by President Gerald Ford following the resignation of Spiro Agnew. Rockefeller was the first vice president to be appointed under the 25th Amendment. He served during a tumultuous time in American history, including the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal.
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Legacy:
Rockefeller is remembered as a prominent businessman, politician, and vice president. He was a respected and honorable leader who served his country with distinction. Rockefeller made a significant contribution to American society, and his legacy continues to inspire people today.
Nelson Rockefeller was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a successful businessman, a popular politician, and a dedicated public servant. He served his country with distinction during a tumultuous time in American history. Rockefeller's legacy is one of leadership, service, and philanthropy.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Nelson Rockefeller, who served as vice president under President Gerald Ford:
Question 1: Who was Nelson Rockefeller?
Answer: Nelson Rockefeller was a prominent businessman, politician, and philanthropist. He served as the 49th vice president of the United States from 1974 to 1977 under President Gerald Ford.
Question 2: What was Rockefeller's political party?
Answer: Rockefeller was a lifelong Republican. He was a moderate Republican who supported liberal policies on social issues but conservative policies on economic issues.
Question 3: What was Rockefeller's home state?
Answer: Rockefeller was born and raised in New York. He served as governor of New York from 1959 to 1973.
Question 4: What was Rockefeller's occupation before entering politics?
Answer: Rockefeller was a successful businessman. He was the chairman and CEO of Rockefeller Center, Inc. and president of Rockefeller Brothers Fund. He was also a major shareholder in several other companies.
Question 5: When did Rockefeller serve as vice president?
Answer: Rockefeller served as vice president from 1974 to 1977. He was appointed to the position by President Gerald Ford following the resignation of Spiro Agnew.
Question 6: What happened after Rockefeller's vice presidency?
Answer: Rockefeller remained active in public life after his vice presidency. He continued to support various charitable causes and organizations. He died in 1979 at the age of 70.
Question 7: What is Rockefeller's legacy?
Answer: Rockefeller is remembered as a prominent businessman, politician, and philanthropist. He was a respected and honorable leader who served his country with distinction. Rockefeller made a significant contribution to American society, and his legacy continues to inspire people today.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Nelson Rockefeller. He was a complex and fascinating figure who left behind a significant legacy.
In addition to these frequently asked questions, here are some additional tips for learning more about Nelson Rockefeller:
Tips
Here are some tips for learning more about Nelson Rockefeller, who served as vice president under President Gerald Ford:
Tip 1: Visit the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center
The Nelson A. Rockefeller Center is a museum and research center dedicated to the life and legacy of Nelson Rockefeller. The center is located in Troy, New York, Rockefeller's hometown. It houses a collection of Rockefeller's personal papers, photographs, and artifacts. Visitors can learn about Rockefeller's life and career through exhibits, films, and educational programs.
Tip 2: Read Rockefeller's autobiography
Rockefeller wrote an autobiography titled "Memoirs" in 1976. The book covers his life from his childhood to his vice presidency. It provides a fascinating insight into Rockefeller's thoughts, beliefs, and motivations. The book is available in print and audiobook formats.
Tip 3: Watch documentaries about Rockefeller
There are a number of documentaries about Nelson Rockefeller available online and on streaming services. These documentaries provide an in-depth look at Rockefeller's life and career. Some popular documentaries include "Nelson Rockefeller: A Biography" (1999) and "The Rockefeller Years" (2007).
Tip 4: Explore Rockefeller's philanthropic work
Rockefeller was a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes and organizations. He was particularly interested in supporting education, the arts, and medical research. You can learn more about Rockefeller's philanthropy by visiting the websites of the organizations he supported.
These are just a few tips for learning more about Nelson Rockefeller. He was a complex and fascinating figure who left behind a significant legacy. By following these tips, you can gain a deeper understanding of Rockefeller's life and career.
In addition to these tips, here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
Conclusion
Nelson Rockefeller was a prominent businessman, politician, and vice president who served during a tumultuous time in American history. He was a complex and fascinating figure who left behind a significant legacy.
Rockefeller's life and career were marked by a number of accomplishments. He was a successful businessman who built a vast fortune. He was a popular politician who served as governor of New York for four terms. He was a respected vice president who helped to guide the country through a difficult time. And he was a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes.
Rockefeller was a man of contradictions. He was a wealthy businessman who supported liberal policies. He was a Republican who was often at odds with his own party. And he was a private person who enjoyed the public spotlight.
Despite his contradictions, Rockefeller was a man of integrity and honor. He was a dedicated public servant who always put the interests of the country first. He was a respected leader who was admired by people from all walks of life.
Nelson Rockefeller was a complex and fascinating figure who made a significant contribution to American society. He will be remembered as a prominent businessman, politician, and philanthropist who served his country with distinction.
Thank you for reading this article about Nelson Rockefeller. I hope you found it informative and interesting. If you would like to learn more about Rockefeller, I encourage you to explore the resources that I have provided in the FAQ and Tips sections.