THE VICE PRESIDENCY: A Natural Force on a National Stage

Few men in American public life have sought the presidency with more fervor than Nelson Rockefeller. "When you think of all I had," he once explained, "what else was there to aspire to?" Nothing would divert him from his ambition, least of all the vice presidency, which he twice spurned when the nomination was offered to him. "The Vice President is stand-by equipment," he complained. "I don't think I'm cut out to be a No. 2 guy." But last week, pending Congress's approval, that is what he finally accepted. At 66, after...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!