Nelson Rockefeller (Carpe Diem)

Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller (July 8, 1908 – September 5, 1975) was an American businessman, philanthropist, public servant, and politician. He served as the 37th President of the United States (1969–1975), and as the 49th Governor of New York (1959–1969). He also served in the administrations of Presidents Franklin Roosevelt regarding Latin America and Dwight Eisenhower regarding welfare programs. Rockefeller had been a Republican all his life, however, following events at the 1964 Republican National Convention, he became a member of the Progressive Party as well as many other liberal and moderate members of the GOP.

Nelson Rockefeller's presidency is generally regarded as one of the most successful modern administration in American History (generally ranked up with Theodore Roosevelt's presidency). He was instrumental in withdrawing American troops from Southeast Asia, got a Universal Health care bill through Congress , and helped push even stronger civil rights legislation than seen in the.

Despite his popularity, Rockefeller faced a tough opponent in the 1972 election in the form of Michigan Governor George W. Romney. There was also the presence of Democratic nominee George Wallace of Alabama. As a result of this formidable opposition to his reelection, Rockefeller won a plurality in the electoral college, but failed to receive the 270 votes needed to win the presidency. As a compromise for the presidency, Rockefeller agreed drop Harold Hughes as his Vice-President and allow the Republican vice-presidential nominee, Donald Rumsfeld, take the post.

Rockefeller soon faced problems in Congress. Because of the compromised 1972 election, the Progressives lost their majority in the Senate and the House. This made pushing his agenda very difficult. It also didn't help that his new Vice-President, Donald Rumsfeld, was not only a member of the opposition party, but also against the President's agenda. Rockefeller's presidency was then cut short when on a trip in Sacramento, California, Charles Manson Family cult member Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme shot him. Rockefeller was rushed to Mercy General Hospital where he was pronounced dead half an hour later.