Amid speculation that Eisenhower might not run for re-election , Knowland briefly floated his candidacy for president in 1956 , but he withdrew when Eisenhower decided to seek a second term . Knowland was Temporary Chairman of the 1956 Republican National Convention in the San Francisco Cow Palace . On appointing Knowland as delegate to the Eleventh General Assembly of the United Nations in 1956 , Eisenhower wrote : " Knowland brings to his leadership post an absolute , unflinching integrity that rises above politics . In the councils of government , he inspires faith in his motives and gives weight to his words . " Knowland had a long-running battle with Nixon , with whom he served in the Senate from 1951 to 1953 , for influence in California Republican Party affairs . Nonetheless , he gave Nixon the constitutional oath for Vice President of the United States January 20 , 1953 and January 21 , 1957 on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol . In 1968 , as Nixon came across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco to Oakland , when an aide pointed out the '' Oakland Tribune '' Tower , Nixon replied , " Bastard . " In 1958 , Knowland decided to run for Governor of California instead of re-election to the Senate . His father was shaken by the decision , as he cherished the Senate seat ; voters had denied him California 's other Senate seat in 1914
1956 Republican National Convention
1956 Republican National Convention
William Knowland