August 12th, 1974
The White House-Washington D.C.
George Romney stood outside of the Oval Office with his resignation in hand. It had been two weeks since the disastrous press statement was released. The calls for resignation grew louder and louder by both Democrats and the people.
Now there were grumbles from several Republicans about asking Evans to resign as the whole thing was damaging the party. Romney didn’t want to just cut and run from Evans administration but…Lenore had convinced him.
She talked to him about how resigning one night, Romney knew his wife had lost faith in Evans. While she believed him in his innocence the whole scandal left a bad taste in her mouth and Romney would be lying if he said it also didn’t leave a bad taste in his mouth. It also didn’t help that the whole scandal was stressing Romney out.
As soon as the secretary gave him the go-ahead to enter the room Romney pushed the doors open and entered gently closing the doors behind him.
“Hey George, how are you?” Evans greeted him.
Romney could see how draining this whole affair had been on the President. The bags under his eyes showed a lack of sleep and his hair on the side of his head was starting to turn grey. His smile looked tired and forced.
“Hey, Dan all good just…came to give you something.” Romney replied as he handed him the piece of paper.
President Evans's smile quickly turned into a frown as he read the letter. “Are you…serious George?” He asked.
Romney nodded. “Yes, I…need a break. I want to spend some more time at home with Lenore and the kids.”
Evans sat there, “is this about the scandal George?” he asked almost as if he knew.
“Not entirely Dan…” Romney replied, trying not to upset Evans anymore.
“You don’t have to lie George…this whole damn thing has consumed my administration. I wouldn’t blame you for leaving.”
“I hope you’re not angry Dan,” Romney said. Evans smiled and waved him off. “Nonsense!” He replied.
“If you wanna leave then that is your decision, not mine. I may be sad to see you go but it’s up to you.”
Romney gave a small smile in return. “Thanks for being understanding Dan.” He then turned to leave but before he left he turned and looked at President Evans. “I wish you well Dan.”
“As do I George.” Replied the President.
Evans could only watch as George Romney left the room. He sighed as soon as Romney left. First, it was Stassen, then it was Nixon, and now it was Romney.
This whole damn scandal…it was becoming the death of him.
Outside the room, George Wilcken Romney breathed a sigh of relief. It felt like an elephant had been lifted off his shoulders.
August 12th, 1974
Panda Gourmet-Washington D.C.
The former president Hubert Humphrey sat down inside the nice Chinese restaurant for lunch with Terry Sanford. The same man he put on the Supreme Court when he was President. Before he was a court member Sanford was governor of North Carolina.
“I hear Senator Ervin is retiring.” Humphrey said casually.
“So I heard as well” Sanford replied.
The Senator Ervin they were talking about was North Carolina Senator Sam Ervin who had been a Senator since the 50s long before Sanford was governor. Senator Ervin, an arch segregationist, was finally retiring after years in the senate. Humphrey saw a chance, a new south was forming and rising.
A movement which was started by the very same man sitting across from him having lunch. Humphrey saw the perfect chance to perhaps help a friend into the Senate and mold a potential successor. One who would complete his vision for the country.
A vision in which all were employed, in which all could share in the glory and greatness of the nation, and a vision in which all who sought a good education would get it. All he had to do was convince Sanford of it.
“I think you should run,” Humphrey said getting straight to the point.
Sanford chuckled. “Straight to the point eh Hubert.”
“I’m being serious. I think you could win Terry.” Humphrey replied.
“I’m much better on the court.” Sanford said.
“Are you really?” Humphrey asked.
That caused Sanford to pause. Humphrey smiled and continued. “You won before in 1960. You could do it again Terry…and besides I know you want to be President.”
That hit the spot, Sanford had expected to get a spot on the ticket with Humphrey with 68 only for Muskie to get chosen instead. Everyone knew that the Supreme Court nomination was simply a make-good. And Sanford couldn’t quite win statewide office in North Carolina after his perceived weakness on the civil rights issue, so Sanford thought his career was dead.
Confined to the court until he retired or died. But now…now there may be a chance.
With Ervin retiring Sanford could enter and with his name recognition, experience, and the backing of Humprhey he could gain the nomination and then he could win the general election. Perhaps Humphrey was right, after all, Senator J. Terry Sanford had a nice ring to it.
August 12th, 1974
The White House-Washington D.C.
President Daniel J. Evans currently sat in a meeting with several prominent Republicans. Those being House Minority leader Gerald Ford, Senate Minority leader Hugh Scott, Senate Minority Whip Robert P. Griffin, Tennessee Senator Howard Baker, and Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater. They had just told him to resign.
“I would like for you to repeat what you just said, gentleman.” Evans said calmly.
“Mr. President I believe it would be best if you were to resign,” Ford said just as calmly as Evans. All through the room was calm. You could cut the tension with a knife.
“And why should I Jerry?” Evans asked.
Baker replied instead. “It’s hurting the party, Dan. We’re getting slaughtered in the polls.” “Before you try and argue, think about it for a moment, your administration is practically finished. You’re not winning reelection, you’re not going to be doing anything else.” Goldwater said.
Senator Griffin then put the final nail in the coffin. “It’s over Dan…There ain’t nothing you can do about it but resign.”
Evans sat there in silence, he wanted to argue but he knew they were right. His administration was damaged and dead…dead in the grave.
The Democrats were refusing to work with him, the public were protesting, and now members of his own party were asking him to resign. Perhaps they were right…perhaps this was the best chance to get the country moving forward.
“I’ll think about it gentleman.” He said before they nodded and left the room.
Now Evans was left in the Oval Office all alone with his thoughts.
August 13th, 1974
Number One Observatory Circle-Washington D.C.
Vice President Scranton had just got off the phone with Chief of Staff Robert Finch. He had received the news that he was dreading. President Evans was going to resign and tomorrow he would officially become President of the United States.
Scranton would be lying if he said he didn’t expect this to happen. It was almost foretold the minute that press statement came out.
Scranton had a few phone calls to make.
August 13th, 1974
The White House-Washington D.C.
Evans sat behind the desk in the Oval Office as the camera crew got everything set up. He had readied himself for his statement. As soon as Finch gave him the signal Evans spoke.
“Good evening,” Evans began. “I’ll keep this as brief as possible effective at noon tomorrow I will resign the office of President of the United States.” Evans paused before he continued.
“I have come to realize that this was the best decision to help move the country forward and heal. I am sorry for the damage that my inaction and misjudgment of Mr. Bundy has caused. I know that the families hurt by his crimes will never be able to get back what they have lost though I hope that this action will help with the healing. I wish Vice President Scranton all the best, thank you, and goodnight.”
With that, the broadcast ended and with it, President Daniel J. Evans was now a former President Joining the likes of the very man he beat for the office Hubert Humphrey.
He could swear Humprhey was laughing somewhere.
August 14th, 1974
The White House-Washington D.C.
William Scranton now stood in the press room. The room was full of men and women of the press.
Scranton was nervous and anxious as he stood in front of Chief Justice William O’ Douglas awaiting Burger to begin administering the oath of office.
Douglas to begin administering the oath of office.
“Place your hand on the bible. Douglas said. Scranton did as Douglas said.
“I William Warren Scranton” Douglas began “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.”
Scranton repeated the oath back to the Chief Justice. Douglas held out his hand. “Good luck Mr. President.”
Scranton shook Douglas’s hand and then turned to the crowd of reporters.
END.
Authors Note: I would just like to thank all of you for sticking with this wild and crazy ass story of mine. I haven't really seen anyone cover or do a TLIAW like this, I must once again thank
@Vidal for inspiring me and for all of you for reading this. As for what's next well...I have something in the works
