President Gerald Ford

Easton Press Gerald Ford books

A Time to Heal - Autobiography of Gerald Ford - signed by Gerald Ford - 1987
Humor and The Presidency - signed by Gerald Ford - 2014

President Gerald Ford biography

Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., the 38th President of the United States, was born on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska. Ford ascended to the presidency under unique circumstances, becoming the only person in U.S. history to assume the office without being elected as either president or vice president. Ford's political career began in the House of Representatives, where he served from 1949 to 1973. He quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming the Minority Leader. In 1973, following the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew, President Richard Nixon nominated Ford to fill the vacancy. Ford's nomination was approved by Congress, and he became the 40th Vice President of the United States.

 

The nation faced a constitutional crisis with the Watergate scandal, leading to President Richard Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974. Consequently, Gerald Ford assumed the presidency, pledging to heal the nation and restore public trust in government. Ford's presidency, which spanned from 1974 to 1977, was marked by efforts to stabilize the country and promote transparency. One of his first acts as president was to grant a full pardon to Richard Nixon, a decision that generated controversy but was intended to help the nation move past the Watergate scandal.

Economically, Ford faced challenges, including high inflation and unemployment rates. His administration implemented policies to address these issues, but the economic difficulties persisted. In foreign policy, Ford dealt with the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the Cold War tensions. His administration faced challenges such as the fall of Saigon and the Helsinki Accords, an effort to improve relations between Eastern and Western Europe. Ford's presidency concluded in 1977, and he was succeeded by Jimmy Carter. Throughout his life, Gerald Ford remained active in public service and continued to contribute to national discourse. He passed away on December 26, 2006, leaving a legacy as a leader who sought to restore stability and confidence in the wake of a turbulent period in American history.

A Time to Heal

A Time to Heal: The Autobiography of Gerald Ford offers a candid and introspective account of the life and presidency of the 38th President of the United States. In this illuminating memoir, Gerald Ford provides readers with a firsthand glimpse into the defining moments that shaped his personal and political journey.

From his modest upbringing in Michigan to his ascent to the highest office in the land following the resignation of Richard Nixon, Ford reflects on the pivotal events and decisions that marked his tenure as president. With humility and honesty, he grapples with the challenges of leading a nation reeling from the Watergate scandal and a crisis of confidence. Through poignant anecdotes and insightful reflections, Ford offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at his efforts to heal a divided country, restore trust in government, and confront pressing domestic and foreign policy issues. From his controversial decision to pardon Nixon to his steadfast leadership during the tumultuous days of the Cold War, Ford reveals the principles and values that guided his presidency.

Beyond his time in office, A Time to Heal also delves into Ford's early years as a college football star, his service in World War II, and his distinguished career in Congress. With warmth and sincerity, Ford shares personal stories and anecdotes that shed light on his character, integrity, and enduring commitment to public service.

As both a memoir and a historical document, A Time to Heal offers readers a compelling portrait of a leader who rose to the challenges of his time with grace, courage, and conviction. Gerald Ford's autobiography stands as a testament to his enduring legacy as a statesman, patriot, and advocate for unity and healing in a time of crisis.

Humor and the Presidency

Humor and the Presidency offers a unique and insightful perspective on the intersection of humor and leadership through the lens of Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States. In this engaging exploration, Ford provides readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the role of humor in the highest office in the land. Drawing from his own experiences as president, Ford shares anecdotes and personal reflections that highlight the importance of levity and wit in navigating the complexities of the presidency. From lighthearted moments with foreign dignitaries to humorous exchanges with members of the press, Ford demonstrates how humor can be a powerful tool for building rapport, diffusing tension, and connecting with the American people.

Throughout the book, Ford offers keen insights into the art of political humor and the delicate balance between wit and statesmanship. He shares stories of memorable encounters with comedians, journalists, and fellow politicians, revealing the role of humor in shaping public perception and shaping the political landscape. Beyond the anecdotes and humor, Humor and the Presidency also delves into the broader significance of laughter and levity in American politics. Ford reflects on the enduring appeal of humor in times of crisis, the role of satire in holding leaders accountable, and the ways in which humor can serve as a bridge across partisan divides.

The former President's favorite funny stories and anecdotes are accompanied by political cartoons and political humor by Art Buchwald, Chevy Chase, Mark Russell, and Bob Orben, as well as sharp-witted politicians.

As both a memoir and a meditation on the power of laughter in leadership, Humor and the Presidency offers readers a compelling and entertaining glimpse into the lighter side of the Oval Office. Gerald Ford's wit, charm, and warmth shine through in this engaging exploration of humor and its place in the highest echelons of power.

 

Gerald Ford quotes

"A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have."
"Things are more like they are now than they have ever been."
"I am a Ford, not a Lincoln."
"Truth is the glue that holds government together."
"I am a Ford, not a Lincoln."
"The political lesson of Watergate is this: Never again must America allow an arrogant, elite guard of political adolescents to by-pass the regular party organization and dictate the terms of a national election."
"In all my public and private acts as your president, I expect to follow my instincts of openness and candor with full confidence that honesty is always the best policy in the end."
"The only honest answer is that an impeachment is a question of fact and law, not politics."
"I believe that truth is the glue that holds government together, not only our government but civilization itself."
"History and experience tell us that moral progress comes not in comfortable and complacent times, but out of trial and confusion."