Confirmation of Nelson Rockefeller as Vice President

On December 19, 1974, Nelson A. Rockefeller was confirmed as the Vice President of the United States under President Gerald Ford. This significant political event followed a tumultuous period marked by the Watergate scandal and the subsequent resignation of President Richard Nixon, which drastically reshaped the American political landscape.

Context and Background

• Watergate Scandal Aftermath: The Watergate scandal, a major political scandal involving illegal activities by members of the Nixon administration, culminated in Nixon’s resignation on August 9, 1974. Gerald Ford, who was then the Vice President, ascended to the presidency, creating a vacancy for the position of Vice President.

• 25th Amendment: This amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1967, process was invoked for Ford’s selection as Vice President when Spiro Agnew resigned in 1973, and again when Ford became president. It allowed the president to nominate a Vice President in case of a vacancy, subject to confirmation by a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Selection of Nelson Rockefeller

• Nomination: President Ford nominated Nelson Rockefeller, the former Governor of New York, as his Vice President on August 20, 1974. Rockefeller was a prominent and influential figure within the Republican Party, known for his moderate stances and extensive experience in state governance and national politics.

• Confirmation Process: The road to confirmation was detailed and involved widespread vetting. Hearings were conducted where Rockefeller’s past governmental actions and personal finances were scrutinized. The process sought to ensure his suitability for the executive role given the recent national distrust following Watergate.

House of Representatives Vote

• Vote Outcome: On December 19, 1974, the House of Representatives voted to confirm Rockefeller as Vice President. He had already been confirmed by the Senate on December 10, 1974, by a vote of 90-7.

Significance and Consequences

• Political Stability: Rockefeller’s confirmation helped stabilize the Ford administration during a critical time when public confidence in political institutions was wavering due to the Watergate scandal.

• Historical Legacy: His appointment marked the second time the Vice Presidency was filled by appointment rather than election, highlighting the importance of the 25th Amendment in ensuring continuity in government leadership.

Conclusion

Nelson Rockefeller’s confirmation as Vice President under President Gerald Ford represented a pivotal moment in U.S. political history, showcasing constitutional mechanisms at work amid a crisis and setting precedence for handling future presidential and vice-presidential vacancies.