dispatches from the new world of work

Thanks, Mr Ford!

In 1973–1974 I worked in the Nixon White House on drug abuse treatment and drug interdiction policy. I left on August 1, 1974, Mr Nixon about a week later. (We both went to California.) I hate to say something like this, it's so pretentious, but in a way only those of us who were there at the implosion may know how it felt from the inside. All of which is to say that the administration of the oath of office to Gerald Ford was a very momentous occasion. The Republic was wobbly. Ford doubtless had his faults, but he restored calm in almost a flash with his demeanor. (Anyone remember the picture of him in the White House kitchen toasting his own toast?) Hence, I will miss him. I met him only once, when we were both speaking in San Jose. Our conversation lasted but a couple of minutes, but his graciousness and lack of pretense shone through. Ford was tough when he needed to be tough, to be sure—it goes with the turf. But it is his decency that I shall fondly remember.

Tom Peters posted this on 12/27/06.

Comments

And how wonderful that he lived to be 93 - fond memories of him as such a class act - and Chevy Chase on SNL - "President Ford" ... woops - slipping & falling!

And Dan Akroyd as Mr. Nixon late at night in the Oval office!

Posted by sean_ford_fan at December 27, 2006 10:03 AM

Thanks for that insight Tom â€“ Mr Ford always appeared to be a thoroughly decent man and I hope historians will be kind to him.

â€˜Our conversation lasted but a couple of minutes but his graciousness and lack of pretense shone through â€¦â€¦. But it is his decency that I shall fondly rememberâ€™

What a fabulous testimonial that is to any of us.

Posted by Trevor Gay at December 27, 2006 10:06 AM

I read he always regretted making the "wrong" decision about the Nixon pardon. It may have very well been the right decision - maybe not for him, but for the country. I guess we'll never really know.

Posted by Mike Sax at December 27, 2006 10:15 AM

Gerald Ford was a true leader.

I was just out of high school when he took office. He made some hard and unpopular decisions but he stuck to them. The pressure had to be incredible yet he reestablished the dignity of the office and kept the country moving forward.

We need more leaders like him today.

Posted by Jeff Pasquale at December 27, 2006 1:55 PM

Living here in West Michigan, we always had a special love and bond with President Ford. I often wondered if it was because he never had to go through an election for the vp role or the presidency that he served in those roles as a true man of conviction. My favorite memories are the number of occassions that he and his wife made joint visits to his home in Grand Rapids with his very close friends, President Carter and his wife. In today's world of politics, he could teach many about true bipartisanship. OK, I still think the pardon was wrong as it hurt the principle of a country of laws not of men, but I am grateful for his distinguished service.

Posted by Mike Neiss at December 27, 2006 2:23 PM

BRAND Ford - apparently Mr. Ford was the 1st president to post service Brand himself - $265k net worth when selected president - now north of $20M - including fabulous charity contributions - per last night's FOX channel discussions.

Posted by sean_brand at December 28, 2006 12:16 PM

Just finished watching a special on Ford last night on PBS. In an interview with him, no hint of any regret giving the pardon. Same for the others who were around at the time, such as Cheney. Ted Kennedy recently even said it was the right thing to do. In President Ford's mind, it was an overwhelming distraction for him at a difficult time to be President, and he believed it be proper from an ethical and religious grounding in mercy and forgiveness. By resigning Nixon paid the highest price that could have been imposed upon him - a trial and conviction would not have added to his shame or changed the public opinion of him. History has proved Ford right, and he seems to have always been at peace with that hard decision that he knew might cost him any chance to be elected President.

Posted by Bruce Gerhardt at December 29, 2006 12:37 PM