AUGUST 20, 1976

Full News Archive

• Headline: Historic Vote for VP Nomination. Impact: If only they had known that the roll-call vote would lead to a series of awkward handshakes and debates that would make the debates of today look like a kindergarten nap time. Fact: Fun fact: This was the first time in history that a bunch of politicians tried to count to a number higher than ten without losing track.
• Headline: Viguerie Aims for VP Nomination. Impact: Viguerie's quest for the Vice-Pres nomination would eventually lead to the rise of third parties, resulting in a never-ending cycle of political confusion and the invention of the phrase 'wasted vote.'. Fact: Did you know that the American Independent Party was so independent that they couldn’t even agree on who to nominate?.
• Headline: Separation of Media Ownership Announced. Impact: As the papers divested from TV stock, it sent waves through the media landscape, eventually leading to today's reality TV stars thinking they're qualified to run for office. Thanks a lot, Minnesota!. Fact: Fun fact: This separation was the beginning of a long and tumultuous relationship between print and broadcast media—kind of like a bad marriage that never got a divorce.
• Headline: Corporation Affairs. Impact: The corporation's decision to cease operations due to losses set a precedent that would inspire generations of businesses to start blaming their failures on big companies, ultimately leading to the rise of the 'too big to fail' argument. Fact: Isn't it funny how corporate losses often lead to more corporate jargon? 'Operational adjustments' is just a fancy way to say, 'Oops, we messed up.'.
• Headline: IISSINGER AIDES DENY MEMOIRS BID. Impact: Kissinger's aides denying the memoirs rumor only solidified his status as a man of mystery, paving the way for future politicians to think they could write bestsellers about their lives without actually having lived them. Fact: Did you know that for $2 million, you could buy a lot of limousines, or you could just read a Kissinger memoir and realize how little you actually want to know?.
• Headline: DELEGATE FOR FORE IS ONLY ABSTAINER. Impact: John J J Walsh Jr's abstention from the vote became a legendary tale of indecision, inspiring future delegates to consider the merits of just sitting quietly in a corner during important decisions. Fact: Fun fact: Walsh was later nicknamed 'The Abstainer,' which sounds more like a superhero than a political delegate.
• Headline: Prison Reform Being Pressed by Liddy. Impact: Liddy's push for prison reform led to a peculiar trend where convicted felons became the unexpected advocates for reform, eventually leading to a reality TV show where prisoners discuss their feelings. Fact: It's ironic that a Watergate conspirator became a voice for reform—proof that in politics, you can always find the silver lining... or at least a shiny object to distract from the real issues.
• Headline: Carter Pays Debt and Keeps Profile Low. Impact: Carter's low-profile approach led to an era where presidents began to think that staying out of the spotlight was a good strategy, igniting a trend that would eventually result in the emergence of the 'invisible president.'. Fact: Fun fact: Carter's low profile was so effective that it inspired a generation of political figures to think they could govern just by being really good at hiding.