Prepare to be astounded by a mind-blowing story from our political history. In the midst of the Watergate scandal and the resignation of corrupt Vice President Spiro Agnew in 1973, a group of Democrats in Congress devised a cunning plan. They aimed to delay the confirmation of Agnew’s chosen replacement, House Minority Leader Gerald Ford, and then force President Richard M. Nixon out of office. This would result in the presidency falling into the hands of the Democratic speaker, Carl Albert, by constitutional order.
However, despite the cleverness of the plan, Albert himself recoiled from the idea. To the diminutive Oklahoman, a coup was a coup, whether it was constitutional or not. He refused to utilize parliamentary maneuvers to seize the presidency that his party had failed to win in the previous year. Albert ensured that Ford was promptly confirmed and that he himself would not inherit the presidency.
This intriguing tale is just one of the many captivating stories recounted in Richard Norton Smith’s recently published biography of Gerald R. Ford, titled “An Ordinary Man.” The biography is an 800-page tome that offers comprehensive details of Ford’s life and legislative career. While some may argue that such an extensive biography is unnecessary, the book excels in its storytelling and captivates readers with its humanity. In fact, revisiting Ford’s presidency left me feeling deeply disturbed by the current state of our own political landscape, marked by daily headlines detailing the indictment of former President Donald Trump and the imprisonment of his loyalists for their involvement in an unlawful attempt to seize the presidency.
There are striking parallels between Ford and President Biden. Both men assumed office as unlikely presidents through unconventional means during periods of turmoil. Ford became president due to his predecessor’s resignation, while Biden won the presidency through the first virtual campaign of the quarantine era. Both were experienced and well-liked figures in Congress, with their only taste of executive power coming through the vice presidency. They were both perceived as prone to mistakes and lacking in charisma, facing pressure to step aside instead of running for another term.
However, the political landscapes in which Ford and Biden governed are vastly different. Biden’s future biographies will undoubtedly depict an era marked by unwavering partisanship, contempt for government institutions, and a disregard for truth. In contrast, Smith’s book on Ford is filled with countless instances of principled actions, compassion, and patriotism.
Consider, for example, how Ford’s vice presidential nominee received strong support from leaders in the opposing party simply because they admired his character. Andrew Young, a civil rights leader turned congressman, explained his vote to confirm Ford by stating, “Decent men, placed in positions of trust, will serve decently.” Such instances of bipartisan support are hard to imagine in today’s polarized political climate.
Another telling example is Ford’s attendance at a dinner party on the eve of Nixon’s resignation, hosted by a society reporter. This demonstrates the trust and common purpose that existed in Washington at the time. Ford, who was about to assume the presidency, felt more at ease dining with journalists than canceling at the last minute.
Moreover, the friendship that developed between Ford and Jimmy Carter, his bitter political adversary who defeated him in the 1976 election, is remarkable. After Ford’s death in 2006, Carter, then 82 years old, paced the family plane with Ford’s baby granddaughter bouncing in his arms. This unexpected bond between two former foes demonstrates a level of mutual respect and camaraderie that is hard to envision in today’s hyper-partisan landscape.
Furthermore, Ford displayed acts of political courage that would be viewed as exceptional by today’s standards. For instance, he vocally advocated for Vietnamese immigrants when both parties were resorting to nativism. He boldly proclaimed, “These refugees chose freedom. They do not ask that we be their keepers, but only, for a time, that we be their helpers.”
Ford’s willingness to address contentious issues is further highlighted by his speech before the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he made a case for granting conditional clemency to draft-dodgers. He knew his plea would not be well received, but he felt compelled to present his viewpoint to an audience that may disagree.
In addition, Ford’s support for the Equal Rights Amendment and his nonchalant response when his wife declared herself pro-choice are noteworthy. These actions demonstrate a willingness to embrace progressive ideas and prioritize personal beliefs over political expediency, which is rare among present-day Republican leaders.
While it may seem naive to idealize politicians from the past, it is undeniable that there was a time when Washington was better and more ennobling. In Ford’s America, leaders genuinely cared about one another and the country. Many of them held steadfast convictions and were willing to prioritize integrity over electoral victories.
Ford had a set of litmus tests for individuals considering a career in public service, and one can only imagine how he would have viewed President Trump. The current Republican Party, with its spineless presidential candidates and obsequious members of Congress, would likely appall the Republicans of Ford’s era.
Additionally, Ford and Biden share a common trait: niceness. While Ford may not have been the most astute or memorable president, Richard Norton Smith’s biography portrays him as the nicest person to hold the office, at least in the 20th century. Ford’s graciousness, self-awareness, and humanity shine through, even in moments when nobody was watching. For instance, there is a heartwarming scene involving a Holocaust survivor, a tailor who came to measure Ford for a suit. The president told the tailor that he was “one of the best Americans,” prompting the tailor to embrace him enthusiastically.
In light of recent events, it has become evident that niceness is a highly valued trait in a president. Ford’s biography serves as a reminder that leaders who genuinely care about others and display empathy can make a profound impact.
In conclusion, Richard Norton Smith’s biography of Gerald R. Ford offers a captivating journey through history. It reminds us of a time when leaders prioritized integrity, cared for one another, and governed with a sense of purpose. The stark contrast between Ford’s America and the current political landscape is a cause for reflection and underscores the importance of character and decency in our leaders.
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