The American Mind

President Gerald Ford died at the age of 93. He was most known for becoming President at the height of the Watergate scandal then proceeding to pardon President Nixon. In 1976 he narrowly lost to Jimmy Carter after being challenged for the GOP nomination by Ronald Reagan. Most of his work was in the House of Representatives serving 13 terms and becoming House Minority leader in 1963.

Politics wasn’t only what made Gerald Ford. He graduated from Yale Law School. He served four years in the Navy during World War II. While studying at the University of Michigan he was a star football player. After graduation he received offers to play for the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions. One of his proudest moments was becoming an eagle scout.

President and Mrs. Bush released this statement:

Laura and I are greatly saddened by the passing of former President Gerald R. Ford.

President Ford was a great American who gave many years of dedicated service to our country. On August 9, 1974, after a long career in the House of Representatives and service as Vice President, he assumed the Presidency in an hour of national turmoil and division. With his quiet integrity, common sense, and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the Presidency.

The American people will always admire Gerald Ford’s devotion to duty, his personal character, and the honorable conduct of his administration. We mourn the loss of such a leader, and our 38th President will always have a special place in our Nation’s memory. On behalf of all Americans, Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to Betty Ford and all of President Ford’s family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them in the hours and days ahead.

Nancy Reagan also released a statement:

I was deeply saddened this evening when I heard of Jerry Fords death. Ronnie and I always considered him a dear friend and close political ally.

His accomplishments and devotion to our country are vast, and even long after he left the Presidency he made it a point to speak out on issues important to us all. I know that his early support of stem cell research has been important in getting the U.S. Congress to debate the potential lifesaving cures and treatments that may result.

I know the days ahead will be very difficult for Betty and my love and deepest sympathy go out to her and the entire Ford family.

Ford was a transition for the Republican Party. He was the placeholder between the big government of Nixon and the modern conservatism of Ronald Reagan. The country didn’t fall apart under his watch, and the Presidency wasn’t emasculated. For that we can be thankful.

Godspeed, Mr. President.

Other webloggers commenting:

• Blue Crab Boulevard: “Rest in peace, Jerry. You did what you could with a bad situation.”
• Dale Franks gives us a great Ford quote.
• Ed Morrissey: “His was the first presidency to get defined by video bites and cheap shots, but unfortunately he was not the last.”
• Joe Gandelman: “He left office not having won re-election but still being admired for being a truly nice guy with a well-centered political soul.”

UPDATE: The NY Times has their lengthy obituary while Justin Phillips found this funny Saturday Night Live skit that has nothing to do with Chevy Chase.