Alt-history: Nixon chooses a different Veep in 1973

Per Jeff Toobin's solid "The Pardon," Richard Nixon had several alternatives to replace Spiro Agnew in 1973.

Other than eventual choice Jerry Ford, John Connally, whom Nixon had almost considered in 1972, was atop that list as Nixon's personal preference. Connally seemed to have awe-stunned Nixon the same way JFK did. But, as Toobin noted, the tip of the milk price support scandal was already popping up in early fall 1973.

The others were St. Ronald of Reagan and Nelson Rockefeller. Politically antagonistic, though not so much personally, both would have posed problems for possibly splitting the party. Per my piece a week ago, 10 months later, Ford seems not to have taken notice.

Speaking of that political piece? What if Dick Nixon chooses Shrub Bush? He probably would not have faced much more confirmation problem than Ford. Like Ford, Nixon probably would have regarded him as a lightweight.