Date of Graduation

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Political Science

Advisor/Mentor

Williams, Patrick

Committee Member

Parry, Janine A.

Second Committee Member

Pittman, Noah

Third Committee Member

Williams, Patrick

Fourth Committee Member

Chapman, Kate

Abstract

Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller once stood as one of the most prominent figures in the Republican Party, standing as a champion of liberal Republicanism. But from the heights that he achieved with his ascension to the vice presidency, he fell from grace, not being re-nominated for the post alongside President Gerald Ford in 1976. This thesis seeks to explain why this occurred. In explaining this, Rockefeller's previous primary campaigns, vice presidential actions, and ideology are all explored to show the conservative opposition that rallied itself against him. In light of this, Ronald Reagan's challenge of Gerald Ford in 1976 for the Republican nomination for president is shown to be primarily a challenge against Rockefeller. They no longer wanted liberal Republicanism to hold such influence in the party, and throughout the campaign to win the nomination, Ford was made to cede ground to them. The conservatives challenged Rockefeller for the soul of the Republican Party, and they prevailed. Rockefeller was replaced with Bob Dole, his beliefs were repudiated, and Rockefeller himself was thrust to the sidelines. And with Rockefeller experiencing this political death, the liberal Republican ideology he championed died along with him.

Keywords

Gerald Ford; Republican Party; Barry Goldwater; Richard Nixon; Southern Strategy; Ronald Reagan

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