Ford, Gerald (Administration)

THE 895-DAY PRESIDENCY of Gerald Rudolph Ford (1913–) stands out because Ford was the first official in American history to become vice president and [Page 378]subsequently 38th president of the United States without winning a popular election. Gerry Ford, a prominent Republican congressman from Michigan who had served in the House since 1948, was appointed to the vice presidency on October 10, 1973, when Spiro Agnew resigned after a tax evasion charge. He succeeded President Richard M. Nixon on August 9, 1974, who resigned amidst the Watergate scandal. The resignations and the social and political turmoil of the Vietnam War acutely weakened the “imperial presidency,” which had undermined constitutionality during Nixon's tenure. Ford's goal was to restore public confidence in the national government and the institution of presidency that was placed in a comparatively inferior position relative to Congress because of the scandals.

The Ford administration did not have a specific agenda because there was no transition period to think of one. Lacking vision and imagination, and without a broad political base and clearly defined mandate, throughout the three-year presidency Ford tried to “clean up” the Vietnam and Watergate legacy and to revive the faltering economy that was seriously weakened because of the quadrupling of oil prices. Nevertheless, in 1977 a $2 billion Child Nutrition Reform program went into effect that aimed to facilitate the nutritional needs of poor children. In addition, the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1977 targeted the unemployed and the economically disadvantaged and provided them with training and employment opportuities.

Ford largely continued the policies that had been followed by the moderates since World War II by pursuing a conservative approach to economic and social policies and a cautiously internationalist approach to foreign policy. The country's ongoing problem with galloping inflation and a recession (stagflation), and high unemployment were some of the most important issues on Ford's domestic agenda. Neither Ford, who reduced federal budget spending but vetoed over 50 pieces of legislation while in the office, nor Congress was able to quickly remedy the difficult economic situation.

Ford's most controversial act as president was to pardon Richard M. Nixon for all wrongdoings that he “committed or may have committed or taken part in” while in office. Ford granted an unconditional pardon on September 8, 1974, only after a month in the office, arguing that he was bringing closure to the Watergate affair. This act backfired badly and the public was enraged because Ford pardoned a president who apparently violated the law and was facing criminal prosecution.

Moreover, just a week before he pardoned Nixon, Ford granted only a partial pardon to the resisters of the Vietnam War, draft dodgers, and military deserters. Unlike Nixon's unlimited pardon, this pardon required individuals seeking clemency to earn it by performing up to two years of community service. Both the opponents of any leniency and the proponents of the total amnesty were dissatisfied with this limited measure in the light of Nixon's unconditional pardon. To appease the critics and to defend his position on pardoning Nixon, Ford testified before the House Judiciary Committee where he stated that no deals were made in connection with the pardon, which saved Nixon from public humiliation.

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