Senator Benson Rockefeller Goes For The Gold

[Lincoln Republican]

Benson Rockefeller is a fictional character that I created.

So readers can see his background, here is his resume.

Benson Wentworth Rockefeller
Party Affiliation Republican
State New York
Religion Protestant Christian

Born 1936 at the family summer home in Seal Harbor, Maine, son of Grayson Rockefeller, the youngest of the famous Rockefeller brothers, and his wife Margaret Wentworth Rockefeller.

Educated at private schools, graduated high school 1954.

Graduated from University of Rhode Island 1958 with a bachelors degree in social work.

Married Diane Rutherford 1960, who comes from a distinguished Rhode Island family, who lost most of their fortune during the depression of the 1930's.

Graduated from Yale University 1961 with a J.D. in law.

Worked at the State Department 1961-1963, as a staff member in the office of the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.

Enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963, as an Enlisted Seaman, serving a one year tour of duty in Vietnam September 1964-September 1965, working on an aircraft carrier as a gun handler.  Served honorably in the Navy until the end of his enlistment period in 1966.      

Asked by President Lyndon Johnson to become Secretary of the Navy, in which capacity he served 1966-January1969.

He introduced medical and pension reforms to ensure that naval veterans and their families were properly compensated and cared for.

Went to work for a prominent Manhattan law firm 1969-1973.

Asked by President Richard Nixon to become Secretary of State, serving 1973-1977, under Nixon then under President Gerald Ford.  

Negotiated a peace settlement and American withdrawal from Vietnam.

Laid the groundwork with Israeli and Palestinian leaders for future peace negotiations.

Returned to New York in January of 1977, and announced that he would be running for Attorney General of New York in the 1978 election.

Elected Attorney General of New York in November, 1978, serving in this office January 1, 1979 to December 31, 1982.

As Attorney General, significantly reduced the crime rate in the state, and took on organized crime and the drug trade in the state, significantly reducing their power and influence.  

Ran for Governor in the November 1982 election, defeating Democratic candidate, Lieutenant Governor Mario Cuomo in a squeaker, 50.4% to 49.6%.

Rockefeller was re-elected as Governor of New York in a landslide victory in November 1986 over Democratic candidate and former Governor Hugh Carey, who the Democrats hoped could make a comeback.

Governor of New York January 1, 1983-January 3, 1989.  

As Governor, he is remembered, among other things, for getting hundreds of  thousands of New York state residents off welfare and into effective job training programs,  helping unemployed New Yorkers find meaningful employment.

Governor Rockefeller announced in late 1987 that he would be running for the U.S. Senate against Democratic incumbent Daniel Patrick Moynihan in the 1988 Senate election.                

Elected to the United States Senate from New York on November 8, 1988 over Democratic incumbent Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, in a close election, with Rockefeller winning by two percentage points, Rockefeller 51%, Moynihan 49%.  

Sworn into the United States Senate on January 3, 1989.

Reelected to the United States Senate  from New York in November, 1994, winning a landslide victory over Democratic candidate, environmental activist Robert Kennedy Jr.

Brought in legislation banning trans fats in the United States, improving the health of Americans and saving the health care system and the tax payers billions of dollars.

Brought in far reaching and innovative free trade legislation, changing the way the world's nations trade with one another.

Benson and Diane Rockefeller have three grown children, one son and two daughters, Grayson II, Charlotte, and Caroline, and three young grandchildren, one grandson and two granddaughters.

[Lincoln Republican]

True.  But this is not Americana.

There are acutally several changes to the Rockefeller resume that I have made.

There will be some entries coming up which I hope readers will find interesting.

[Lincoln Republican]

Rockefeller spends a quiet and relaxing Christmas of 1994 and New Year of 1995 with his family at their winter estate in Boca Raton, Florida.

By mid January, 1995, however, the Rockefeller Florida estate becomes a beehive of activity.

There are reports that many notable Republicans have been seen entering the gates of the grounds over a period of days in mid January.

CNN reports:

We have confirmation that a long list of Republican luminaries have been visiting the Benson Rockefeller estate in Boca Raton, Florida.  These include former President Gerald Ford, along with his wife Betty, former President George Bush and his wife Barbara, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.  You will recall that Kissinger held the office of Secretary of State before Rockefeller.  As well, former Defense Secretary Dick Cheney, former Nixon Treasury Secretary George Schultz, a former Attorney General and Defense Secretary Elliot Richardson, as well as several Republican Senators and Governors from across the country.

Interestingly enough, there is a Democrat in attendance here, Senator Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, and his wife Sharon.  Senator Jay Rockefeller is of course a cousin of Benson Rockefeller.  Interestingly enough, Sharon Rockefeller is the daughter of one time leading Republican Senator Charles Percy of Illinois.

One of our reporters was able to talk with Florida Senator Connie Mack, who was asked what this gathering was all about.  Senator Mack responded, with a smile, that it was just a post Christmas social gathering, sponsored by the Rockefeller family.

[Lincoln Republican]

June, 1995, Senator Benson Rockefeller meets at his summer estate in Seal Harbor, Maine, with his trusted friends and colleagues Senator John Chafee of Rhode Island, Senator John Warner of Virginia, Dick Armey of Texas, House Majority Leader, and Governor John Engler of Michigan.

Rockefeller:  How much support do you think I have with Congressional Republicans for a Presidential run?

Chafee:  Well, when you announce, I believe at least half, likely more, of Republicans in the Senate will back you.

Warner:  I agree.  They want someone who can go toe to toe with a smart incumbent President, someone as smart as, or smarter than Clinton.  Ben, you're as tough as they come, and smart.  And if you don't mind my saying so, you can go on the attack more effectively than anyone I've ever seen.

Armey:  Ben, the House Republicans are quite conservative, nevertheless, even given your moderate record, I think you would likely have about fourty percent behind you at the start.  If you win the nomination, and I can't see anyone beating you at this point, the House members will get behind you one hundred percent.

Chafee:  Once you get the nomination, the same situation applies for the Senators, they will get behind you all the way.

Rockefeller:  That all sounds very encouraging.  What's it look like with the Governors, John?

Engler:  Ben, I have spoken with all the Republican Governors.  Sixty percent are behind you now, and most of the others will support you once you announce.

Rockefeller:  Thank you all for your great work.  I trust all those supporting me will be in DC when I announce my Presidential run next week.  I'm gonna send Slick Willy packin' back to Little Rock.

Cheering and clapping erupt among the small group gathered together.

Warner:  Great news, Ben, great news.

Chafee, Armey and Engler:  Likewise.

Rockefeller, smiling:  Just leave your campaign contributions at the front door.

All:  HAHAHAHAHAHA.

[Lincoln Republican]

Uhuhuhu!

I'm evil little Polaqi dictator.

I destroy everyone who don't think I'm awesome!

I disagree with Kalwejt.

Hawkeye, if you disagree with him, I am sure that Kalwejt must have given you permission to do so.  You do not seem to do anything on this forum without his permission.  Please, get a mind of your own.

You made a post on one of my threads awhile ago, which you deleted the same day.  I am still convinced that Kalwejt told you to delete it.  Learn how to stand on your own two feet.

[Lincoln Republican]

On the steps of the United States Capitol Building, Senator Benson Rockefeller, with his wife, children, their spouses, and grandchildren at his side, announces his candidacy for the Presidency of the United States.

Attending are a solid showing of Republican Senators, Representatives, Governors, former Presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush, former Republican cabinet secretaries, and, most importantly of all, thousands and thousands of everyday Americans.

This event is being covered live by all the networks.

Rockefeller:  My friends, my fellow Americans, I am here today to announce my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States of America.

Applause and cheering from the audience.

America today faces inurmerable challenges and demands, demands on it's resources, demands on it's people.

To meet those challenges and demands in the months and years ahead, America will require a President of moral courage, not a President bereft of acceptable behaviorial standards in a Chief Executive.

My background as a Navy pilot, Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of State, Governor of New York, United States Senator from New York, with positive accomplishments in each of these offices and responsibilities, gives me the background and experience required to lead this nation at this point in time.

I have proven myself in the court of public service.

Raucous and sustained cheering and clapping from the audience.

My friends, my fellow Americans, when America was in crisis, when America was in need of a call to service, I did not avoid my duty, I did not shirk my duty, I enlisted to serve, and I was proud to serve in the defense of my country and in the defense of freedom.

Raucous and sustained cheering and clapping from the audience.

My friends, my fellow Americans, I stand ready now to lead this nation as President.  I stand ready and prepared to provide the solid leadership this nation will require now and in the future.

Americans do not run from history or responsibility, Americans do not hide from history or responsibility, we make history, let us make history together.

Thank you my fellow Americans.

Deafening and sustained cheering and clapping from the audience.

[Lincoln Republican]

NiK, thank you.

But I think that would be too drastic a step to take.

I don't wish to stifle discussion in this thread, however, as you can see, the comments have been totally ridiculous.  Obviously, they do not have to agree with me, but their comments should be intelligent.

I welcome commentary, however, all I ask is that it is reasonable.  I do not think that is asking too much.

[Lincoln Republican]

Senator Benson  Rockefeller meets with his colleagues Senators John Chafee of Rhode Island and John Warner of Virginia.

Chafee:  What do we know about Bob Dole?  He believes it's his turn to become the Republican Presidential nominee.

Warner:  Yes, Bob has been waiting for this moment for years.

Rockefeller:  Don't worry, I know just how to handle Bob.  We won't have to worry about him.

Encouraged by polls showing him to be the frontrunner for the nomination and the Presidency, Rockefeller takes his campaign on the road.

Latest polling results:

Among Republicans who will be voting for the nominee:

Benson Rockefeller              52%
Lamar Alexander                 18%
Pat Buchanan                    14%
Steve Forbes                     12%
Others                               4%

Presidential matchup:

Benson Rockefeller              54%
Bill Clinton                         46%

First stop in what apears to be the Rockefeller juggernaut, Iowa.

Rockefeller can be seen wearing jeans, a plaid shirt, and boots, gladhanding with the folks in Iowa at state fairs and in the cornfields, from one end of the state to the other.

Hi, I'm Benson Rockefeller, nice to see ya.  I'm running for President.  I hope I can count on your vote.

Now dressed in kaki pants and a nice open collar shirt, Rockefeller stops at a shopping mall in Cedar Falls and buys a pack of gum with the press there.  A crowd gathers.  He is shown on the network news stations that evening chatting it up with the locals and getting down on one knee to talk with a three year old boy.

Well aren't you a nice young man.  Standing up and holding the child by the hand, Rockefeller says, I see a future President here, looking at the boy.  The crowd laughs.

I'm Benson Rockefeller, and I'm running for President.  I would like to have your vote.

Rockefeller discusses some policy issues with the gathered crowd, however, the soundbites that evening on the national networks newscasts, and Rockefeller seen talking with a small child, were great political advertising for the Rockefeller campaign, and free.

Rockefeller seems to be headed for a big win in the Iowa caucuses.      

[Lincoln Republican]

Quit jumping the gun.  The story is to become more interesting and dramatic.

Be aware it is not because of your commentary.  I have had this planned for some time now.  I do not have the full story worked out, but some of it I have planned for awhile.   

[Lincoln Republican]

February 12, 1996, the Iowa caucuses.

At the Rockefeller headquarters in Des Moines, the excitement is building, as they are fully expecting the polling results to be borne out with a big Rockefeller win.

The results are coming in, and they are not disappointed, showing Rockefeller taking a sizeable lead over all opponents.  

Rockefeller                  57%
Alexander                   26%
Buchanan                   12%
Forbes                         5%

Cheers go up as these results flash on the screen.

Results from more of the state are coming in.

Rockefeller                  48%
Alexander                    34%
Buchanan                     9%
Forbes                         9%

Someone in the crowd at the Rockefeller headquarters says

It's only natural that the race would tighten up as more results come in.

More results

Alexander                    44%
Rockefeller                   41%
Forbes                         10%
Buchanan                      5%

Lamar Alexander has actually jumped into a slight lead.  Disbelief at the Rockefeller headquarters greets this turn of events.

What?  What's going on?

With all results now in

Alexander                     46%
Rockefeller                    41%
Forbes                          10%
Buchanan                        3%

The crowd at the Rockefeller headquarters does not know quite what to make of these results.  They were expecting a big win.  Now, they have finished five points back of the winner, Alexander.

Rockefeller immediately puts in a call to Alexander, congratulating him on his come from behind win.  

Lamar, congratulations on your win tonight.  I must admit, I am somewhat surprised, but in this business, you never know.  But good work, and once again, congratulations.  

Ben, you're surprised?  Think of how surprised I am.

Both laugh.

Thanks for the call.

Rockefeller speaks to his supporters and to a nationwide viewing audience.

My friends, this has been a long and tough campaign.  Thank you so very much to all of you for your hard work and dedication over the course of this campaign.  We didn't win, but that's the nature of politics.  You take the good with the bad.

I have just gotten off the phone with the winner, Lamar Alexander, and have given him my congratulations on his big win tonight.

And now, on to New Hampshire.

The crowd, many in tears, cheer this last line.

Meanwhile, at the Alexander headquarters, they are ecstatic, cheering, dancing, singing.

Someone in the crowd yells out

Ben, you can't buy the nomination.

Cheering and laughter from the crowd.

Alexander takes the stage.

Thank you, thank you for your hard work and dedication over the course of these last few months.  Senator Rockefeller has called me and has been most gracious in congratulating me on the win here tonight.  

Clapping from the crowd.

My friends, this is your win.

And now, we move on to New Hampshire.

Cheering from the audience.

[Lincoln Republican]

The primary schedule is jam packed, and the Rockefeller campaign has been going all out for the past three months with media advertising in the March primary states, and with Senator Benson Rockefeller making campaign appearances in as many states as possible.

He is again concentraing on New Hampshire, knowing the optics of two losses in a row, Iowa and New Hampshire, could be damaging to his campaign.  One big advantage the Rockefeller campaign has is that it is far more well financed than any of the others.

The Rockefeller campaign has made the decision to spend an entire week after Iowa campaigning in New Hampshire, with one stop in Delaware.

Rockefeller appears at organized rallys in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Danbury, Wentworth, Whitefield, Colebrook, stressing his background and experience, and the qualities of leadership he will bring to the Presidency, his success on the world stage, his success as Governor of New York, turning the New York economy around and making it possible for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers to be trained and find meaningful employment.  He stressed his Senate record, improving the lives of Americans.  

My friends, my fellow Americans, I am Benson Rockefeller, and I am running for President of the United States.  I need your support in order to bring about the changes this nation needs.  In order to defeat a tough, smart, smooth talking candidate like Bill Clinton, the Republicans will require a candidate who can go toe to toe with him.  I present to you that I am that candidate.

His blitz throughout the state was accompanied by a media blitz, stressing Rockefeller's experience and abilities, and long and successful record of public service.

This strategy paid off for Rockefeller on primary election night, with the following results

Rockefeller               55%
Alexander                31%
Forbes                     8%
Buchanan                  6%

There is jubilation at the Rockefeller headquarters in Concord.

My friends, my fellow Americans, the people of New Hampshire, thank you so very much for this great victory tonight.  We all share in this victory.

I have just gotten off the phone with Lamar Alexander, who has very graciously congratulated me on this win here tonight.  Thank you Lamar for your call, and all my best to you and your family.

We are back on track, and we are taking this campaign across America.

Cheering, hugging, dancing in the audience.    

[Lincoln Republican]

1996 Republican primary results

Delware                         Rockefeller
Arizona                          Forbes
North Dakota                  Forbes
South Dakota                 Forbes
South Carolina                Alexander
Puerto Rico                    Rockefeller
Colorado                       Forbes
Connecticut                  Rockefeller
Georgia                        Alexander
Maine                          Rockefeller
Maryland                      Rockefeller
Massachusetts              Rockefeller
Rhode Island                 Rockefeller
Vermont                       Rockefeller
New York                     Rockefeller
Florida                         Alexander
Louisiana                     Alexander
Mississippi                    Alexander
Oklahoma                    Alexander
Oregon                       Rockefeller
Tennessee                   Alexander
Texas                        Alexander
Illinois                        Rockefeller
Michigan                    Rockefeller
Ohio                          Rockefeller
Wisconsin                   Rockefeller
California                    Rockefeller
Nevada                      Forbes
Washington                Rockefeller
Pennsylvania              Rockefeller
DC                            Rockefeller
Indiana                      Alexander
North Carolina             Alexander
Nebraska                    Forbes
West Virginia               Buchanan
Arkansas                    Alexander
Idaho                        Alexander
Alabama                    Alexander
Montana                    Alexander
New Jersey                 Rockefeller
New Mexico                Forbes

After a very tough and competitive primary season, Senator Benson Rockefeller of New York wins the Republican Presidential nomination, and sets right to work uniting the party, and running for President of the United States of America.     


     

[Lincoln Republican]

This is CNN.

Good evening.  This is news anchor Bernard Shaw.

Senator Benson Rockefeller of New York has won the Republican Presidential nomination, and what is expected to be a very tough, hard hitting campaign for what has been called the most powerful political office in the world begins officially.

Senator Rockefeller and his running mate, yet to be named, will face tough competition in President Bill Clinton, and Vice President Al Gore.

Rockefeller is known for his sometimes confrontational and bombastic style, but he is also known as a politician who gets results, witness his achievements in negotiating peace agreements in the Middle East and Northern Ireland.  He was instrumental in leading the way for bringing forth legislation enacting what is widely acknowledged as an effective, affordable, and efficient universal health care plan.  He is also credited with opening the doors around the world to to innovative and effective free trade policies.

This should prove to be an extremely competitive and hard fought campaign.

[Lincoln Republican]

Thank you to the both of you for your comments.

Given the political dispositions of the GOP primary candidates, Rockefeller, Alexander, Forbes, Buchanan, are the primary results I have made realistic in your view?

[Lincoln Republican]

I made peace efforst and deleted my spam here.

Now, either we'll live in peace or for every spam in Americana edition hardcore I'll respond with multiple spam, with Rochambeau and HoffmanJohn help

My my, you do have a very short memory, either that, or a short attention span.  In case you forgot, let me refresh your memory.  You and your friend have spammed this story many, many, many times already.

Deleted today? 

So, you like to spam other stories, however, you get very offended when a comment is made on your story.

Let that be a lesson to you and Hawkeye.  Two can play at your little game.

However, I will  refrain from commenting further in your story, and promise not to bring North America under my control.     

[Lincoln Republican]

I have and have had a story line planned out, which has not been changed or altered in the least because of your incessant spamming.

[Lincoln Republican]

Wonder, who'd be selected as Rockefeller running-mate.

Ah, good thought.  That is one of the very next parts of the story.  I believe you, and most others, will be very pleased with Ben Rockefeller's selection.  Then again, maybe not.  I am not sure what anyone thinks of the selection that Ben will be announcing shortly.  Overall though, I believe it is a selection that will be widely favorable.

[Lincoln Republican]

Wonder, who'd be selected as Rockefeller running-mate.

Ah, good thought.  That is one of the very next parts of the story.  I believe you, and most others, will be very pleased with Ben Rockefeller's selection.  Then again, maybe not.  I am not sure what anyone thinks of the selection that Ben will be announcing shortly.  Overall though, I believe it is a selection that will be widely favorable.

I'd have in his place one good choice, but I don't want to interfere.

Feel free to name your pick.  I was going to throw the VP pick out for suggestions anyway.  I just hope it is not the same one I will be naming.

[Lincoln Republican]

By mid May, 1996, Senator Benson Rockefeller was in possession of what he had been working toward his entire career, the Republican Presidential nomination.  He had beat off a determined challenge from three capable and tough competitors, Lamar Alexander, Steve Forbes, and Pat Buchanan.  Alexander in particular had proven to be a most formidable primary opponent.  Alexander's name was being bandied about in the press and on television news shows as a potential running mate for Rockefeller.

Rockefeller wastes no time.  From mid May, now as the presumptive nominee, he barnstorms the country, visiting every region, making speeches in venues large and small, appearing at state fairs, eating hot dogs, kissing babies, shaking hands, discussing issues with Americans across the country.   

At Rockefeller's invitation, following the conclusion of the primaries in mid June, the three primary opponents appeared with him in a show of unity at a huge rally in Detroit, Michigan, an important swing state in the coming election.  Governor John Engler introduces Rockefeller. 

Engler delivers a powerful endorsement of Rockefeller.

My friends, it is my honor and privilege to introduce to you today our nominee for President of the United States, Senator Benson Rockefeller.  Ben, welcome to Michigan. 

Cheers from the crowd.

When America called, Benson Rockefeller answered, putting his life on the line..........

America calls again, for strong leadership.  Benson Rockefeller is ready and able to provide that strong leadership this nation is in such need of today..........

Cheering and clapping. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the next President of the United States, Benson Rockefeller.

Cheering and clapping.

Governor, thank you so much for that introduction.  Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Americans, I am Benson Rockefeller and I am running for President of the United States.

Wild cheering, clapping, and foot stomping.   

Rockefeller discusses issues, domestic and foreign, then plunges into the crowd, shaking hands and thanking people for coming.

Nice to see ya, thanks for coming.

After the Michigan event, the press and television news shows are talking about Governor Engler as a potential running mate.         

There is only one thing Rockefeller has been working harder to secure than the nomination, and that is the Presidency of the United States of America.  He is going all out.

Learning from past blunders by various Presidential candidates and would be  Presidential candidates, Rockefeller chooses his words carefully.

[Lincoln Republican]

Speculation is running rampant in the country as to who Rockefeller will pick as his Vice Presidential running mate.

Names being mentioned, Lamar Alexander, Richard Lugar, Phil Gramm, Steve Forbes, Governors John Engler, George Voinovich, Tommy Thompson, Tom Ridge, Jim Edgar, George W Bush, George Allen, Senator John Ashcroft, Congressman John Kasich, former Defense Secretary Dick Cheney, Senator John McCain, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Congressman J.C. Watts, among others. 

Rockefeller was asked about his pick on Meet The Press.

Senator, what kind of a Vice Presidential running mate are you looking for exactly?

I will pick someone who has not only the ability to serve capably as Vice President, but someone who has the ability to serve capably as President.  My selection will not be based on political expediency, but rather on who has the capacity for the job.

At the Rockefeller compound in Seal Harbor, Maine, Juy 22, three weeks before the Republican National Convention is to open August 12 in San Diego, Rockefeller is meeting with his most trusted advisors and friends, Senator John Chafee of Rhode Island and Senator John Warner of Virginia.

Rockefeller (speaking to John Warner):  John, I would like to thank you for heading up my Vice Presidential selection committee.  The information you have provided me has been absolutely invaluable in helping me make my decisiion.

I have made my decision, which I will share with the two of you.

Warner:  Absolutely top choice Ben.  I am very pleased, and I know the party and I am sure the nation will be as well.

Chafee:  I am most impressed.  Brilliant choice, brilliant.

Rockefeller:  The two of us will be appearing at a campaign rally one week from today, on July 29, where I will be making the official announcement.

Now let's have some dinner.             

[Lincoln Republican]

July 29 in Charlotte, North Carolina dawned as a beautiful, bright, sunny day.

Thousands are gathered for the official Vice Presidential announcement from Senator Benson Rockefeller.  The event is being carried live by all the networks.  Local high school bands provide patriotic music

Benson Rockefeller takes the stand, to wild and enthusiastic cheering and applause.

My fellow Americans, thank you for joining us today, both those in attendance and those viewing these proceedings on television, thank you for being here and thank you for tuning in.

I am pleased to introduce to you today the next Vice President of the United States, Elizabeth Dole from right here in the great state of North Carolina.

Wild and sustained cheering and applause.

Elizabeth Dole and her husband Senator Bob Dole join Benson Rockefeller and his wife at the podium.  The four of them raise their arms in a victory gesture to the wild cheering of the audience.

Let me take this opportunity to pay tribute to the other half of the Dole team, Bob.  Senator Bob Dole has been a truly outstanding patriot and public servant, and this nation will always be greatful for his inumerable contributions to the betterment of our society.

Enthusiastic cheering and applause.

I am pleased and honored that Liddy, she has given me permission to call her that,

Laughter from the audience, from the Doles and from Diane, Benson's wife

that Liddy has accepted my invitation to join me on the Republican ticket.

Liddy Dole is a woman, an American, of outstanding achievement and accomplishment, experienced in government and leadership.

Liddy worked in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare during the administration of President Lyndon Johnson.  She has been an advisor to Presidents in various capacities, Deputy Assistant to President Richard Nixon for Consumer Affairs, and a member of the Federal Trade Commission.

Liddy has worked to reform laws to ensure equality for women.

Liddy served in the administration of President Ronald Reagan, first as Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison then as United States Secretary of Transportation.

Liddy then served as Secretary of Labor in the administration of President George Bush.

Since 1991, Liddy has been serving as President of the American Red Cross, directing the humanitarian and compassionate services of this outstanding organization.

In each of these capacities, Liddy has demonstrated outstanding leadership and accomplishment.  She will bring these same talents and abilities to the Rockefeller Dole administration.

My friends, my fellow Americans, I give you the next Vice President of the United States, Liddy Dole.

Wild cheering and applause, the band strikes up a patriotic number.  Elizabeth Dole takes the podium.

Thank you, thank you so very much for that overwhelming welcome.  And thank you Senator Rockefeller for that introduction.

I am honored to have been asked by Senator Rockefeller to be his Vice Presidential running mate.  

America needs Benson Rockefeller's proven leadership at this time in our history.  

Bob, thank you for standing beside me as we begin this campaign.

I will work as hard as is humanly possible to ensure that Benson Rockefeller is elected President of the United States.

I have witnesed leadership first hand throughout my years of public service.  I have witnessed the courage and the determination that Presidents are called upon in times of trial.  

I can tell you, Benson Rockefeller has those qualities of leadership, unlike the current occupant of the Oval Office.

My friends, my fellow Americans, come join with us in this campaign, and let us go forth with courage and confidence, committed to restoring decency and honor to our republic.

Thank you my friends, thank you my fellow Americans.

The band strikes up a patriotic number, and the Rockefellers and the Doles wave to the crowd.

Then Benson Rockefeller and Liddy Dole leave the stand and delve into the crowd, shaking hands and greeting people in the audience.

[Lincoln Republican]

The newly minted Rockefeller Dole ticket embarks on a whirlwind campaign tour, flying out of Charlotte, North Carolina on their campaign plane, now freshly painted in bold red lettering with ROCKEFELLER DOLE on the sides.

They head south with stops in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and concluding the tour with a mammoth rally in Houston, Texas, where they are introduced by Texas Governor George W Bush.

At each stop, Rockefeller urges Americans

Break down this barrier that has existed in this nation for too long.  Liddy Dole takes a back seat to no one when it comes to possessing the qualifications and experience required for the Vice Presidency, and indeed, should occasion require, the Presidency.

Polls have consistently shown Rockefeller running ahead of Clinton among male voters and Clinton running ahead of Rockefeller among female voters.  Since the selection of Liddy Dole as Rockefeller's running mate, polls are now showing Rockefeller steadily increasing his share of support among female voters.

The Rockefeller Dole team are relentless in taking their message to the American people.  Before heading to San Diego where they will be officially nominated as the Republican ticket, they make campaign stops in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, where they are introduced by Senator John McCain, and then Nevada.

They then fly into Los Angeles where they attend a giant rally,  being introduced by California Governor Pete Wilson.

[Lincoln Republican]

Rockefeller and Dole, with Rockefeller's wife Diane and Dole's husband, Senator Bob Dole, take a whistle stop rail tour from Los Angeles to San Diego for the convention.  They are met by huge, enthusiastic crowds at every stop between the two cities.

Upon arrival in San Diego, Rockefeller and Dole and their spouses get into a cavalcade taking them from the train to the hotel where they are staying.  It is a highly publicized event, and thousands are lining the route.  

Part way through the route, Rockefeller orders the cavalcade to stop, and he and Liddy Dole leave their limos, and begin greeting and shaking hands with people in the large crowd, Rockefeller on one side of the street, Dole on the other.  

Hello, nice to see you, thank you for coming......

What a beautiful city......

We hope we can depend on your vote......          

The crowd is pleased to see Rockefeller and Dole, and are impressed that they are meeting them face to face.  The crowd is excited, and starts chanting Rockefeller Dole Rockefeller Dole.

The candidates then switch sides of the street, and continue gladhanding and chatting up the crowd for the next thirty minutes.

This campaign tactic is judged a big hit, and becomes the top news story on the evening news casts across the country.

 

[Lincoln Republican]

The Republican National Convention opens at the San Diego Convention Center, on the waterfront, August 12, 1996.

Amidst massive security, Senator Benson Rockefeller, his wife Diane, Secretary Liddy Dole and Senator Bob Dole, make their entrance to the convention in a large row boat, owned by a working class, Latino San Diego family, who rowed the boat themselves.  The family is given front row center seats at the convention to take in the proceedings.

Four speakers address the convention the first day, former First Lady Nancy Reagan, former President Gerald Ford, former President George Bush, General Colin Powell.

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan

..........As you all know, I am not the speechmaker in the family, so let me close with Ronnie's words, not mine. In that last speech four years ago, he said, "Whatever else history may say about me when I'm gone, I hope it will report that I appeal to your best hopes not your worst fears, to your confidence rather than your doubts, and may all of you as Americans never forget your heroic origins, never fail to seek divine guidance, and never, never lose your natural, god-given optimism."

Former President Gerald Ford

When I suddenly found myself President, I said I was a Ford, not a Lincoln.  Today, what we have in the White House is neither a Ford or a Lincoln.  What we have is a convertible Dodge..........

America desperately needs a leader of principle,  of proven integrity, an expert at building consensus, a commander-in-chief who has earned his salute, a President who would rather tackle tough problems than talk and talk and talk about them.  America needs President Benson Rockefeller and Vice President Liddy Dole..........      



  

[Lincoln Republican]

Former President George Bush

Strong families and strong values are the backbone of America, and they are the heart and soul of the Republican party.  And families are also where leadership begins.  Leadership based on trust, values and character.  You know, as President, I worked hard to uphold the dignity and honor of the Presidency.  And I tried, as did my superb staff, to treat both the White House and the Presidency with respect..........

It breaks my heart when the White House is demeaned, the Presidency itself  diminished.  Benson Rockefeller as President will treat the White House with respect, his staff will be beyond even the appearance of impropriety, and in the process he will increase respect for the United States of America all across the world..........  

General Colin Powell  

Benson Rockefeller's life began at the family summer home in Maine, born to a family of wealth and privilege.  Just as poverty must not preclude anyone in this nation from serving the public, nor should wealth.  The values his family bred in him led him  to a distinguished career in public service, almost unequaled in the history of this nation, decorated war hero, Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of State, Governor of New York, United States Senator..........  

That's where I met him.  We worked together closely on matters that were vital to war and peace with respect to this nation.  When I was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and when I was National Security Advisor, the administration knew they could always count on Benson Rockefeller.  He is a man of strength, maturity and integrity.  He is a man who can bring trust back to government and bring Americans back together again.  He is a fighter possessed of endless energy, drive and commitment..........    

Benson Rockefeller is the candidate most qualified, by virtue of his beliefs, his character, his experience, and his competence to be the next President of the United States of America.  And I want you to know how very pleased I am that Benson Rockefeller had the great wisdom to pick as his running mate an incredible American, a woman of passion and conviction, a caring woman, a woman completely qualified for the Vice Presidency and for the Presidency, my friend, your friend, America's friend, Liddy Dole, the next Vice President of the United States..........