A Reporter’s Memories of President Gerald Ford
It was July 4, 1976, the Bicentennial Celebration at Independence Hall. I was on the podium to narrate the Pageant of Flags. President Ford leaned over to Mayor Frank Rizzo and gave him the news that the Israeli forces had rescued hostages in Entebbe Uganda. It was the first time I had ever had a story revealed to me by a President of the United States. Ford was warm and affable and seemed truly joyous about taking part in a ceremony on the 200th anniversary of the United States.
After the whispered news briefing and the ceremony, including an appearance by Charlton Heston, we all motored to the Bellevue Hotel for a private reception and lunch. I was a passenger in the car with Charlton Heston. Being with the President and the man who played Moses was a bit much for one day.
In the quiet cocktail reception at the Bellevue, Ford moved through the crowd like the guy next door, which he was to millions of Americans. Later that year, I saw him at the Walnut Street theater where he he debated Jimmy Carter. And a few days before the election, the 38th President joined me for something rare - a “live” interview on the six o’clock news at Channel 6. It was spontaneous - no spin, just a straight one on one conversation.
President Ford was perhaps the most personable and approachable Presidents I ever met. Ronald Reagan was great on Television, but one on one in a crowd, few could match Ford’s charisma and warmth.In August, In August of 1976 I saw him work the crowd after beating back an attempt by California Governor Ronald Reagan to get the nomination at the Kansas City Convention.
Ford came into our lives after two years of the Watergate mess. His was a time of healing and an incredible spirit of working together with Congress. Although he was well-liked, few people forgave him for pardoning Richard Nixon. But in retrospect, it may have been the right thing to do.
As he entered the 1976 Presidential race, few thought that he could be beaten by Jimmy Carter. But America was looking for something new, and the former peanut farmer and Governor from Georgia ousted the incumbent.
Although President Ford was an “accidental President”, rising to power in the aftermath of the Nixon resignation, it is important to remember what a calming force he was. He was especially courageous after two attempts on his life, assuring the people that he was in total control.It is poignant that a man of his texture and stablity took over for the nation on that fateful day in 1974.
Awesome recounting of one of America’s least understood Presidents!
I was a 20-year-old on the cusp his first national election, and just left the Army after a three-year tour (I returned months later to complete a 20-plus career). While I did not vote for President Ford (I saw Jimmy Carter at a Whistle Stop campaign appearance in Overbrook), I was the beneficiary of many of his policies to bring back a sense of pride and respect for American in general and the Armed Forces in particular. His public life apparently mirrored his private life. What you saw was what you got. I believe that he had an uncanny ability to get beyond the divisive party politics of the day and get the job done - and quietly at that. Perhaps this was his political undoing ((i.e. not a blustery politician, but an everyman looking out indeed for the best interests of our country)). He will be missed by many!
You know, Larry, it’s interesting that you mention the aftermath of Ford’s pardon for Nixon. I would disagree that only a few people now think that was the right thing to do. The tone in much of the news coverage seems to convey that many now think it was the right thing to do. I personally think it was the right thing to do, and I admire him for his courage of doing the right thing when he must have known that it could potentially be career suicide.
Hindsight is only 20-20. But I have to say, that looking back NOW, it appears that he did the right thing. But as you say it was potentially destructive - for him.