The vice president had a bargaining asset, however, that no ordinary person has: He was next in line to the presidency. I saw no chance that he would resign first, then take his chances on trial, conviction, and jail.

As U. Richardson is one of only two individuals to serve in four United States Cabinet positions within the United States government: Secretary of Health Education and Welfare from 1970 to 1973 Secretary of Defense from January to May 1973 Attorney General from May to October 1973 and Secretary of Commerce from 1976 to 1977.