Ford, Betty (1918—)

Betty Ford was the first lady of the United States from 1974 to 1976. As wife of the first unelected president, following the Watergate scandal and Richard Nixon's departure from the White House, Ford attempted to develop an open relationship with the press and the American public. Ford was known as a candid first lady who would engage in frank discussions about both political and personal issues. Ford's political activism challenged the American public's expectations for a first lady, and Ford is credited with helping expand the role of first lady to include political activities. During her short tenure as first lady, Ford actively advocated for breast cancer awareness, caused a public furor with an interview on 60 Minutes, and campaigned for the Equal Rights ...