The Associated Press reported moments ago that former President Gerald Ford died Tuesday:
Gerald R. Ford, who picked up the pieces of Richard Nixon's scandal-shattered White House as the 38th and only unelected president in America's history, has died, his wife, Betty, said Tuesday. He was 93.
Ford had battled pneumonia in January 2006 and underwent two heart treatments — including an angioplasty — in August at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
He was the longest living president, followed by Ronald Reagan, who also died at 93. Ford had been living at his desert home in Rancho Mirage, Calif., about 130 miles east of Los Angeles.
The article continued:
Ford was an accidental president, Nixon's hand-picked successor, a man of much political experience who had never run on a national ticket. He was as open and straight-forward as Nixon was tightly controlled and conspiratorial.
He took office minutes after Nixon flew off into exile and declared "our long national nightmare is over." But he revived the debate a month later by granting Nixon a pardon for all crimes he committed as president. That single act, it was widely believed, cost Ford election to a term of his own in 1976, but it won praise in later years as a courageous act that allowed the nation to move on.
The Vietnam War ended in defeat for the U.S. during his presidency with the fall of Saigon in April 1975. In a speech as the end neared, Ford said: "Today, America can regain the sense of pride that existed before Vietnam. But it cannot be achieved by refighting a war that is finished as far as America is concerned." Evoking Abraham Lincoln, he said it was time to "look forward to an agenda for the future, to unify, to bind up the nation's wounds."
Ford also earned a place in the history books as the first unelected vice president, chosen by Nixon to replace Spiro Agnew who also was forced from office by scandal.
He was in the White House only 895 days, but changed it more than it changed him.
Even after two women tried separately to kill him, the presidency of Jerry Ford remained open and plain.
Not imperial. Not reclusive. And, of greatest satisfaction to a nation numbed by Watergate, not dishonest.
Even to millions of Americans who had voted two years earlier for Richard Nixon, the transition to Ford's leadership was one of the most welcomed in the history of the democratic process — despite the fact that it occurred without an election.
After the Watergate ordeal, Americans liked their new president — and first lady Betty, whose candor charmed the country.
They liked her for speaking openly about problems of young people, including her own daughter; they admired her for not hiding that she had a mastectomy — in fact, her example caused thousands of women to seek breast examinations.
And she remained one of the country's most admired women even after the Fords left the White House when she was hospitalized in 1978 and admitted to having become addicted to drugs and alcohol she took for painful arthritis and a pinched nerve in her neck. Four years later she founded the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, a substance abuse facility next to Eisenhower Medical Center.
Ford slowed down in recent years. He had been hospitalized in August 2000 when he suffered one or more small strokes while attending the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia.
The following year, he joined former presidents Carter, Bush and Clinton at a memorial service in Washington three days after the Sept. 11 attacks. In June 2004, the four men and their wives joined again at a funeral service in Washington for former President Reagan. But in November 2004, Ford was unable to join the other former presidents at the dedication of the Clinton presidential library in Little Rock, Ark.
In January, Ford was hospitalized with pneumonia for 12 days. He wasn't seen in public until April 23, when President Bush was in town and paid a visit to the Ford home. Bush, Ford and Betty posed for photographers outside the residence before going inside for a private get-together.
The intensely private couple declined reporter interview requests and were rarely seen outside their home in Rancho Mirage's gated Thunderbird Estates, other than to attend worship services at the nearby St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert
Rest in peace, Mr. President.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.
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Sad, a very unfairly maligned
December 27, 2006 - 00:13 ET by kubob21Sad, a very unfairly maligned President. Jimmy Carter was a complete downgrade from Gerald Ford.
I think one of the best comme
December 27, 2006 - 01:05 ET by newstalkmachinePresident Gerald Ford
December 27, 2006 - 00:19 ET by misterbillGo to your eternal reward Mister President. May every shot be a perfect one. Thank you for your service.
I shall pause to remember the
December 27, 2006 - 00:31 ET by UnsaneI shall pause to remember the President. Not only a Representative, a VP and President, but a WWII vet as well.
"Why am I loved only when I'm gone?" - Nightwish, "Bless The Child", from Century Child (2002)
Had just posted this on the
December 27, 2006 - 00:34 ET by John in CAHad just posted this on the open thread after Unsane broke the news -
Just heard it on the last news break on the radio Unsane. The guy
hung in there a long time. I wonder how the driveby media is going
report on his political career? Hopefully they won't treat him as badly
as they treated Ronaldus Magnus.
It's easy to poke fun
at his short time as President, but the guy took over an untenable
situation and made the very best of it at a time when it wasn't an easy
thing to do. Despite all of that he still narrowly lost to St. Jimmuh Carter.
Also,
another Republican the press want's to color as dumb and stumbling.
(Wow, the guys at Wikipedia are FAST!) He was a graduate of the
University of Michigan, a star football player (IIRCC, an All American
center?), law degree from Yale. And served in the United States Navy in
WW2.
Give a Democrat Party free America a chance!
He was a very graceful presid
December 27, 2006 - 00:36 ET byPresident Gerald Ford was a very graceful president. People were so upset that he pardoned Nixon. Even as a child, I knew pardoning Nixon was the right thing to do. I recall thinking how how if Ford had not pardoned Nixon, it would have looked awful to other nations, considering Nixon had the decency to step down and not put our nation through an impeachment trial. Ford stood strong and did the right thing. His wife, Betty Ford, is also very graceful and strong. ---Debra... of: www.InformingChristians.com
"Error is a stranger to no man. Courage to correct errors, visits only a few." ~Debra
And, Noel,Beautiful write-up.
December 27, 2006 - 01:16 ET byAnd, Noel,
Beautiful write-up. I hope that Mrs. Ford sees it. Truly, every news paper and site in our nation should post your write-up. Your depth of your heart in your words is beautiful.
Debra...
The absolutely right man at a
December 27, 2006 - 00:40 ET by crsheddThe absolutely right man at a difficult time in our nations history. He will be sorely missed.
From the University of Mich
December 27, 2006 - 01:25 ET by John in CAFrom the University of Michigan Athletic Department
Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president of the
United States of America and a 1935 graduate of the University of
Michigan, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, at the age of 93. A three-year
football letterman (1932-34) for the Wolverines as a center and
linebacker, Ford was a member of undefeated Big Ten and national
championship teams in 1932 and 1933 and earned team Most Valuable
Player honors as a senior in 1934. U-M's School of Public Policy is
named for Ford, who had the distinction of being the longest living
U.S. president.
Postscript: Just heard on sports talk radio, JT the Brick Show, Ford's no. 48 jersey is retired, one of only five UofM football numbers so honored.
Give a Democrat Party free America a chance!
God bless you and keep you,
December 27, 2006 - 01:40 ET by spiderdanGod bless you and keep you, Mr. President.
Rest in peace.
DUmmies Dancing On Ford's Grave
December 27, 2006 - 08:17 ET by P.J. GladnickThe DUmmies at the Democrat Underground are already showing their "class" by slamming Gerald Ford:
DUmmies Dance On Gerald Ford's Grave
Maybe I'm just being dense he
December 27, 2006 - 09:34 ET by crsheddMaybe I'm just being dense here.
The link goes to a site written by PJ-Comix, any relation to you, PJ?
The site claims that they are expecting Democratic Underground to respond in a certain way. That means a conservative wrote this. I don't see the humor of the site cited. All I see is a conservative trying to use any pretext to slam liberals.
You are dense then what we se
December 27, 2006 - 09:48 ET by Dan The Man 2You are dense then what we see is exposing idiots like you slamming a recently deceased President. He is hardly cold and the bashing goes on. The DU, I perused the site, is a collection of idiots who couldn't tell their ass from a hole in the ground, meatheads all of them.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark. -- save my gun, shoot a liberal.
It is absolutely shocking the
December 27, 2006 - 10:57 ET by USA4freedomIt is absolutely shocking the hatefulness of the party of: understanding and love of your fellow man. Its just appalling. Clink on the link, its beyond understanding.
Rest in Peace Mr. President.
America is best described by one word, freedom... Dwight D. Eisenhower
Democratic Underground is a
December 27, 2006 - 11:39 ET by mr druidDemocratic Underground is about what Dummies already have said, not what is claimed they will say. Try reading the entire article and scanning the others and you will see this.
The site doesn't have to "slam" liberals, merely report on what they say. That is enough to "slam" liberals.
RIP President Ford
December 27, 2006 - 12:06 ET by acumen"Maybe I'm just being dense here"
No..... just confused. But it's not your fault CR. You are the victim of a party that "feels" a funeral memorial ("feel" Wellstone) is a time for a political rally, a funeral service ("feel" Ron Brown) is a time for crockodile tears and a funeral tribute ("feel" Coretta Scott King) is a time for an anti-Republican bash-fest.
But enough about your shortcomings.
Despite a Nixon lynch-mob mentality daily displayed by the insurgent media, once Gerald Ford was cast into the unenviable position of assuming the Presidency in very tenous times, he healed our Kronkite-induced fractured nation with a calm decency that once again brought all but the most "dense" Americans together. For that unique ability, I will be forever grateful to President Ford. You've earned your rest and your heavenly reward good and faithful servant of America. For the sake of your family, friends and other grateful mourners, my prayer is that our insurgent media will allow America to mourn our loss in a manner consistent with the respect you deserve. Rest in Peace Gerald Ford.
Ford Death & DUmmies
December 27, 2006 - 17:46 ET by P.J. Gladnick"All I see is a conservative trying to use any pretext to slam liberals."
It's called COPY and PASTE. Nothing there was made up as a way to slam liberals. They slammed themselves. A link to the original DUmmie thread is provided so you can VERIFY for yourself that this is what they are saying.
Oh, and try to improve your reading comprehension skills in the future.
Hey, lighten up. Political
December 27, 2006 - 17:45 ET by JohnboHey, lighten up. Political banter is harsh on both sides. And, though the "dummies" use harsh language, they make valid points - especially about how failure to hold Nixon accountable in a court of law has led to a continuation of the extra-legal activities in Washington D.C. by current politicians.
If you want to check out a little of the kind of course discourse dished out by conservatives, you can just turn on almost any right-wing talk radio show. And, here's a link to an article I read recently by the political reporter for the Seattle Times written about Jimmy Carter who is on a tour promoting his new book. Check out the kind of comments hurled in Carter's direction:
I wrote about him Wednesday in my blog. Commenters there called him "an incompetent, anti-American snake," the weakest president in a lifetime, and a lover of socialism and tyranny. They accused him of "pseudo-moral grandstanding" and dismissed his "disgraceful twaddle."
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/davidpostman/2003478658_postman15m.html
Here's an interesting bit from the end of a good, respectful piece by Canadien Rachel Sklar that makes a good comparison between the current president and Gerald Ford:A note: As a Canadian who was two years old when Gerald Ford was sworn in, I have never had much of an awareness of his presidency, but I have been struck by the humility of what he said upon taking office: "I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, and so I ask you to confirm me as your President with your prayers." Perhaps it was that acute awareness that made him so focused on making his presidency literally a time to heal. He seems to have been an amazing, unassuming person, truly a uniter and not a divider. Definitely an example to emulate, if only someone would.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rachel-sklar/ford-coverage-nixon-che_b_37218.html
So what kind of charges would
December 28, 2006 - 12:16 ET by Dan The Man 2So what kind of charges would be brought against Nixon?
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark. -- save my gun, shoot a liberal.
PJ....thanks for the link, I
December 27, 2006 - 19:29 ET by bigtimerPJ....thanks for the link, I wished I could of laughed.
How low-class can one get, how typical of the so-called peaceful we love all mankind party...what filthy despicable people....this is pitiful, pathetic and just plain disgraceful. I could not read but a few of those words/posts.
We have to fight these people with all our might, we need sanity back in this world, it is truly good vs. evil on this earth.
Bless the Ford family and may he rest in eternal peace.
Thank you Mr. Ford for your service to this country.
"If we ever forget that we are a Nation Under God....then we will be a Nation Gone Under." Ronald Reagan
You President Ford did someth
December 27, 2006 - 09:25 ET by Airforce_5_OYou President Ford did something that other former Presidents can not do and that is to stay out of the affairs of state at hand. You were a gentleman and got a bad wrap.
Rest in Peace Mr. President.
The new world order is in power. God help us all. Airforce_5_O, 2330, November 7, 2006
Libs
December 27, 2006 - 10:42 ET by iveseenitallIt's sad how the left is already attacking this man, so soon after his passing. But if there truly is a Heaven and a Hell, he will never have to see them. God Bless Gerald Ford.
NEVER, NEVER trust a liberal
In death, "simplicity&qu
December 27, 2006 - 10:41 ET by donsalesIn death, "simplicity" of heart and mind is cherished and fondly remembered by the MSM....
In life, it is vilified by the MSM (see GWB)....these disingenous hypocrites....
Let us not forget that it was the MSM who skewered Ford for the pardoning of President Nixon that resulted in the election of one of the single worst Presidents in the history of this nation (Jimmah Carter)....today a Nobel Prize winner because he has become an enemy to this nation.....
And it will be this very SAME press who will whine for the pardoning of Sadaam Hussein when it comes time to meet his maker prematurely at the gallows.....just wait......
Ford has joined Reagan....among the pantheon of good men and women together on that shining hill....for eternity....rest in peace, Mr. President.....
Nowhere to Run....Nowhere To Hide.....
Vitriol against President Ford
December 27, 2006 - 11:28 ET by misterbillVitriol against President Ford. It is disenheartening to me to follow the link and to read such awful things about a good man. Worse, it illustrates to me the great rift in thinking in America. The extreme is so hateful, I see no chance for reconciliation. I once posted , in wry humor, how I would like to see a treatise on secession on this blog. The humor, on my part is gone. Perhaps I am wrong , but I am assuming that these same haters are the ones who are against GW Bush, in favor of illegal immigration and all the other issues we conservatives deplore.
I pray God, sincerely, that they are a small minority, for if they are not, this country is headed to a vicious struggle and a complete change. There will not be 50 states in the United States. This is OUR country, not theirs to give away or demean. We are not the Satan that we are called. We are the most generous nation in the world.
Gerald Ford: Gentleman personified.
December 27, 2006 - 11:41 ET by kathleenirishGerald Ford: a good man who embodied the qualities of a true gentleman: a dwindling, almost extinct breed of human in this society today. There are few left, unfortunately, something those on the left have no concept of whatsoever, especially those who are writing (more like puking and spewing) on the wacko web sites of hatred about Republicans and the President of the U.S. as we speak.
Gerald Ford was the right man at the right time. A dignified, classy, respectful president whom provided a certain calming influence I think this country needed and benefitted from. Jimmy Carter was a phony then and he's an even bigger phony now. Can't wait to see the media's fawning show when he passes. No, I can definitely wait. Better stock up on the Pepto right now.
Mr. President: I'm so sorry to know you're gone. God Bless You and God Bless your family. Betty, I'm sorry for your loss. I think you both were one great, class act. Thank you for your great service to this great country.
Former President Gerald For
December 27, 2006 - 13:38 ET by ww thumperFormer President Gerald Ford . Thank you Sir and thank you Betty for your fine service to America. May GOD be with the Ford family and give them peace and comfort at this time. Warren & Family
I was a child of the 70's, ra
December 27, 2006 - 22:04 ET by Iron LadyI was a child of the 70's, radically anti-Nixon and anti-corruption. Mr. Ford's death has brought me back to those times, and view them with the wisdom time has brought, particularly in regards to how the press molded my perception of him.
I thought him rather slow and a dolt. What a "surprise" today to hear the press (including some who said fed the myths back then) admit he was actually top of his class at law school. It was interesting that the one comment always pulled out to show how stupid he was, the one he made in the debate with Carter where he seemed to say that Poland wasn't under Soviet influences, was mentioned. And rather than him being "out of touch", he meant something else than what the press spun. Funny how Mort Kondracke admitted that all the press knew what he meant, but of course, they didn't spin it that way, did they?
Also surprising to find out they knew he was an incredibly gifted athlete. I found it out years later and was shocked. Never heard it during his presidency. Nope, the press had too much fun pushing the story of his clumsiness. I heard several people mention Chevy Chase today, but they forget that it was media playing those clips over and over that got CC started. Funny how the focus of all that attention made a graceful man into the clumsy oaf they claimed.
I also remember the debate over him pardoning Nixon. I was aghast at the time. I still go back and forth over whether it was better or not. Now, in retrospect, it probably was better. I think Jimmy Carter getting in was inevitable after Watergate, pardon or not I think Ford was set to lose. But the horror of JC finally brought us the great Reagan.
Now, I see the incredible vitriole of the Democrats over the loss of the House in 94 and years out of the presidency, and the sullying of their golden boy Clinton. They were out to get anyone who succeeded Clinton if they were a Republican. My gosh, without a year of relative calm in their never-ending hunt to destroy Bush, I wonder what this country would be like now? The argument over whether the pardon was good takes on new light when I think of the years of witch-hunting the Dems (and their media counterparts) could have drug out.... Maybe it was the right thing.
OTOH, many think Clinton felt good about breaking the law right and left because he was sure he would get off eventually. Which he did.
Rest in peace, Mr. Ford. I have no doubt you did what you thought best, and maybe it was.
iron lady
December 28, 2006 - 11:38 ET by misterbillI applaud your willingness to change and I am happy to read your defense and praise of Gerald Ford. I also applaud your closing statement:
"Rest in peace, Mr. Ford. I have no doubt you did what you thought best, and maybe it was. ",
because I believe all we can do is what we think is the best and most righteous thing to do. From the lofty pinnacle of 73 years, I believe his decision has proven to be correct for Mr Joe Citizen, that is, you and me. I was angry with President Ford and I thought that Jimmy Carter would bring serenity to a discordant America, I was a fool! I often wonder how things would have gone had Gerald Ford been re-elected. At any rate, after observing politicians for some 50 years now, I believe that Gerald Ford was an honest man and a gentleman in a profession that breeds scoundrels. I shall hold his memory fondly as I do that of Ronald Reagan. They were both, my kind of guy!
At this link, http://news.yah
December 27, 2006 - 22:46 ET by jdhawkAt this link, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061227/ap_en_tv/ford_tv_2, find CBS reaching still another low. Note how they couldn't break into their regular programming to bring news of President Ford's death, but did so for that murdering thug, Arafat. Shame on them.