Gerald Ford

NAME Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. (Born Leslie Lynch King Jr.)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Gerald Ford is famous for being the 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977. He was the only person to serve as both Vice President and President without being elected to either office. He assumed the presidency after Richard Nixon's resignation amidst the Watergate scandal and is widely recognized for his role in restoring public confidence in the government, notably through his controversial pardon of Richard Nixon.

BIRTH Gerald Ford was born on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Leslie Lynch King and Dorothy Ayer Gardner King. 

FAMILY BACKGROUND Ford's biological father, Leslie Lynch King, was described as abusive, leading to Dorothy's decision to divorce him and relocate to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where her parents lived. On February 1, 1916, Dorothy King married Gerald R. Ford Sr., a Grand Rapids paint salesman, providing young Gerald with a stable father figure who would legally adopt him.

The Ford family grew to include three younger half-brothers: Thomas, Richard, and James, creating what was described as a "close-knit family". Gerald Ford Sr. operated a paint business, providing the family with middle-class stability during Gerald's formative years. This blended family structure, with Ford as the eldest of four boys, helped develop his leadership qualities and his ability to work collaboratively with others—traits that would serve him well throughout his political career.

CHILDHOOD Ford's childhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was marked by stability, achievement, and the development of strong character traits that would define his later life.  His childhood was enriched by active participation in the Boy Scouts, where he achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout in November 1927. This accomplishment reflected the discipline, leadership, and commitment to service that would characterize his entire life. He was the only American president who was an Eagle Scout.

Ford in 1916

During his childhood, Ford worked various jobs to earn spending money, including filling and cleaning paint cans in the family paint business and working at a local restaurant. These early work experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and an understanding of the value of honest labor. (1)

EDUCATION He attended Madison Elementary School and East Grand Rapids Elementary School,  where he was named to the National Honor Society and earned "All-City" and "All-State" honors in football. His high school years were marked by active participation in multiple organizations, including the Varsity Letter Club, Glee Club, Student Council, Latin Club, and Hi-Y (High School YMCA). He also participated in football, basketball, and track, demonstrating an athletic versatility 

From 1931 to 1935, Ford attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he majored in economics and graduated with a B.A. degree in June 1935. He also studied political science during his time at the university. Ford financed his education through part-time jobs, a small scholarship from his high school, and modest family assistance. 

As a gifted athlete, Ford played on the University's national championship football teams in 1932 and 1933, was voted the Wolverines' most valuable player in 1934, and played in prestigious all-star games. 

Ford as a center on the University of Michigan football team, 1933

After graduating from Michigan, Ford attended Yale Law School, earning his LL.B. degree in 1941 and graduating in the top 25 percent of his class. Yale Law School was considered one of the most prestigious and challenging law schools in the country, making Ford's academic achievement particularly noteworthy. (1)

CAREER RECORD 1942-1946 Served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1942 to 1946, reaching the rank of lieutenant commander during World War II. 

1946-1949 Following his military service, he returned to Grand Rapids to practice law before entering politics.

1949-1973 U.S. House of Representatives: Served Michigan's 5th congressional district for 25 years. 

1973-1974 Vice President of the United States: Appointed by President Nixon after Spiro Agnew resigned. 

1974-1977 President of the United States : Assumed office on August 9, 1974, following Richard Nixon's resignation.

APPEARANCE Gerald Ford presented an impressive physical presence that reflected his athletic background and disciplined lifestyle. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 195 pounds during his presidency, Ford maintained the trim, muscular figure of his youth well into his political career. His physical appearance was characterized by blond hair, which he combed straight back, and small blue eyes that conveyed both intelligence and warmth.

Ford's facial features were described as handsome and characterized by a square jaw, somewhat fleshy nose, and generous mouth. His broad grin revealed large, straight teeth, contributing to his approachable and friendly demeanor. 

Gerald Ford's presidential portrait

FASHION Ford's approach to fashion reflected his Midwestern sensibilities and practical nature. He preferred conservative, well-tailored clothing that projected both authority and approachability. His longtime tailor, Lloyd Lievense of Grand Rapids, who made Ford's suits for 23 years, noted that Ford was practical in his clothing purchases, never buying a suit until he really needed one and always choosing items he could "wear right out and talk to farmers in".

Fashion experts of the time offered various suggestions for improving Ford's presidential image through clothing choices. They recommended solid-colored shirts and conservative striped suits for television appearances, noting that Ford should look as serious as possible when addressing the American people about difficult topics. Some fashion observers suggested that Ford consider contact lenses and avoid bold neckties, while others praised his "button down" approach as reflecting "confident fashion". 

During his presidency, Ford's casual, outdoorsy family style was seen as a refreshing change from the more formal approach of his predecessor, with the family dressing informally in the fashion typical of Virginia and Michigan suburbia.

CHARACTER Gerald Ford's character was universally praised by those who knew him personally and worked with him professionally. By all accounts, Ford was open, friendly, forthright, honest, and considerate. He appeared to genuinely like people and, despite being a veteran of more than 30 years of political battles, made remarkably few enemies throughout his career. His ability to maintain friendships across party lines was legendary in Congress, where he was known for his fair leadership and inoffensive personality.

A longtime observer described Ford's intellectual approach: "He never in his life tried to outsmart anybody, but if from intellectual hubris a tormentor gave him a chance, Jerry would outdumb him, swiftly and deadpan. It might be days before the attacker would realize he'd been had". This quotation reveals Ford's strategic intelligence and his ability to use perceived simplicity as a tactical advantage. (2)

Ford's character was also marked by his philosophy as "a moderate in domestic affairs, an internationalist in foreign affairs, and a conservative in fiscal policy". Throughout his career, he demonstrated a commitment to civil rights, voting in favor of the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, 1964, and 1968, as well as the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

SPEAKING VOICE Ford's inaugural address on August 9, 1974, demonstrated his ability to speak with both gravity and reassurance during one of the nation's most difficult moments. His declaration that "our long national nightmare is over" became one of the most memorable presidential statements in American history.

Ford's approach to public speaking emphasized directness and plainspokenness rather than rhetorical flourishes. In his first address to Congress as president, he stated simply: "My fellow Americans, we have a lot of work to do. My former colleagues, you and I have a lot of work to do. Let's get on with it". This straightforward communication style reflected his character and his belief that the nation needed action rather than elaborate speeches. Ford emphasized that his administration would focus on "Communication, Conciliation, Compromise, and Cooperation" with Congress.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Gerald Ford possessed a well-developed sense of humor that he used effectively throughout his political career, though this aspect of his personality was often overshadowed by comedy portrayals that depicted him as clumsy and not particularly bright. Ford demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of satirical attacks, particularly Chevy Chase's portrayal of him on Saturday Night Live, which perpetuated myths about his coordination and intelligence despite Ford being a Yale Law School graduate and accomplished athlete.

Ford's humor was characterized by self-deprecation and quick wit. When someone tried to give him a phone shaped like a lamp, he declined the gift saying, "My image has enough problems without me saying 'Excuse me while I answer my lamp'". 

Despite being described as possibly "the best athlete ever to occupy the Oval Office," Ford joked about his wife Betty's assessment that he was a terrible dancer and quipped that he played center in football because it was "the one position where he didn't have to move his feet". 

Ford's ability to laugh at himself and use humor to deflect criticism demonstrated both confidence and political savvy. (3)

RELATIONSHIPS Gerald Ford became engaged to Elizabeth "Betty" Warren while campaigning for his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Betty, a divorcee and former John Robert Powers fashion model and dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, married Ford on October 15, 1948, at Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their wedding was intentionally delayed until just before the elections, as Ford was concerned about how voters might react to his marrying a divorced ex-dancer. (4)

Betty and Gerald Ford on their wedding day, 1948

The couple had four children: Michael, Jack, Steven, and Susan. 

Ford valued his wife's advice above all others, stating that his "most valued advice" came from his wife. Their marriage was characterized by mutual support and partnership, with Betty Ford becoming a prominent First Lady who was known for her candor and advocacy on various social issues.

Ford's relationship with his stepfather, Gerald Ford Sr., was particularly significant in shaping his character and values. The elder Ford provided stability and guidance that Ford's biological father had been unable to offer. 

Ford's relationships with his colleagues in Congress were marked by respect and friendship across party lines. He was described as someone who "appeared to generally like people" and who made "remarkably few enemies" despite decades in political life. His relationships with political opponents were characterized by civility and mutual respect, earning him the reputation as a "Congressman's Congressman". (2)

MONEY AND FAME Ford's approach to money and fame reflected his practical Midwestern values and his focus on public service rather than personal enrichment. Throughout his congressional career, he lived modestly, purchasing suits only when necessary and choosing practical clothing that would serve multiple purposes. 

During his presidency, Ford lived in the White House but maintained his home at 514 Crown View Drive in Alexandria, Virginia, which they had built in 1955 and lived in throughout his congressional career. The house was described as "typical of middle-class housing in the northern Virginia suburbs" and reflected Ford's unpretentious lifestyle. After leaving the presidency, Ford continued to live modestly, though he did become involved in various speaking engagements and served on corporate boards, which provided financial security in his later years.

FOOD AND DRINK Ford's culinary preferences reflected his Midwestern background and practical approach to life. His favorite meal was pot roast and red cabbage, a hearty, traditional American dish that aligned with his unpretentious character. For breakfast, Ford typically enjoyed orange juice, melon, English muffins, and tea with lemon—a relatively simple and healthy meal that reflected his disciplined approach to personal habits.

Ford's favorite dessert was butter pecan ice cream, and his preferred beverages were coffee and iced tea. (1)

Image by Perplexity

President Ford was known to enjoy martinis, especially during his time in the House of Representatives, sometimes even at lunch. He also liked Gin and Tonics. After his presidency, he quit drinking altogether, a year after his wife Betty quit. His drinking was often associated with business, toasts, and social obligations.

MUSIC AND ARTS Ford's musical preferences leaned toward jazz and swing, genres that were popular during his formative years and reflected the American musical traditions he appreciated. His favorite dance was ballroom dancing, though he humorously noted that his wife Betty considered him a terrible dancer. 

Ford's engagement with the arts was practical rather than passionate. While he appreciated music and participated in cultural activities when required by his official duties, there's little evidence that he was deeply involved in artistic pursuits as a personal interest. (3)

When he and Betty Ford personally selected the music for his state funeral service, they included the hymn "For All the Saints" and performances by the United States Marine Orchestra and the Armed Forces Chorus.

Gerald Ford was a male model during his time graduating from Yale Law School and leaving for World War II . He was in Look magazine and was on the cover of a 1942 issue of Cosmopolitan. (4)

LITERATURE  Ford's favorite type of book was non-fiction contemporary history, reflecting his deep interest in understanding current events and their historical context. This preference aligned perfectly with his career in politics and his need to understand the historical precedents for the challenges he faced as a leader. (1)

Ford co-authored a book with John R. Stiles titled Portrait of the Assassin (1965), which discussed the findings of the Warren Commission that had investigated President Kennedy's assassination. 

NATURE  Ford's relationship with nature was deeply connected to his recreational activities and his preference for outdoor environments. His favorite weather conditions were "sunshine on golf course, snow on ski slopes," indicating his appreciation for different natural environments that supported his athletic activities. His favorite place to visit was Vail, Colorado, reflecting his love of mountain environments and winter sports.

Ford's preferred times were "dawn, all seasons," suggesting someone who appreciated the natural rhythms of day and night and who found beauty in all seasonal changes. His favorite flowers were apple blossoms and azaleas, both of which reflect an appreciation for spring and renewal. (1)

PETS Ford's most famous pet was Liberty, a Golden Retriever who became an iconic part of his presidency. Honor's Foxfire Liberty Hume was born on February 8, 1974, and was given to Ford as an 8-month-old puppy by his daughter Susan and White House photographer David Hume Kennerly in the fall of 1974. Liberty was frequently photographed with Ford in the Oval Office, in the swimming pool at Camp David, and on the South Lawn of the White House.

Liberty played an interesting role in Ford's presidential routine and even his political strategy. The dog had a litter of puppies in the White House on September 14, 1975, one of which—named Misty—was kept by the Ford family. Ford reportedly used Liberty as a natural conversation-ender in the Oval Office; when he wanted to conclude a meeting, he would signal Liberty, who would approach guests with her tail wagging, creating a natural break in the conversation. This clever use of his pet demonstrated Ford's practical approach to managing his time and relationships, even incorporating his beloved dog into his presidential duties. (5)

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Despite taking considerable ribbing in the press and from comedians about alleged lack of coordination, Ford described himself as "the most athletic president to occupy the White House in years". 

Ford's athletic background and interests were among his most defining personal characteristics. His favorite participatory sports included golf, tennis, skiing, and swimming, activities that he continued throughout his life and presidency. His athletic ability was legendary; he had been a star football player at the University of Michigan, playing on national championship teams in 1932 and 1933 and being voted the team's most valuable player in 1934.

Ford's favorite hobby was stamp collecting, a pursuit that required patience, attention to detail, and historical interest—qualities that aligned well with his methodical approach to other aspects of life. 

His favorite parlor game was bridge, which demanded strategic thinking and partnership skills that translated well to his political career.  (1)

SCIENCE AND MATHS Ford majored in economics at the University of Michigan, a field that requires strong mathematical and analytical skills. His ability to graduate in the top 25 percent of his class at Yale Law School also suggests strong analytical and logical thinking abilities.

Ford's approach to problem-solving throughout his political career demonstrated the kind of systematic, analytical thinking that characterizes good scientific and mathematical reasoning. 

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Gerald Ford  grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a community influenced by Dutch immigrants and Calvinist theology, which emphasized personal piety and a religious understanding of the limited state. Raised Episcopalian, he attended Grace Episcopal church weekly with his parents and was raised in "an atmosphere of personal prayer, belief in God and the Bible." From a young age, he memorized Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." He repeated this daily throughout his life. 

As a congressman, he and his family attended Immanuel-on-the-Hill in Alexandria, Virginia, where he served as an usher and occasionally a lay reader. He regularly attended Bible study, received weekly devotionals from his spiritual adviser, Gospel film executive Billy Zeoli, and participated in prayer sessions, but he deliberately avoided publicizing his religious beliefs or using them for political advantage. (6)

His favorite hymn was "The Navy Hymn - Eternal Father Strong to Save," reflecting both his naval service and his religious beliefs. This hymn choice is particularly meaningful as it speaks to divine protection during dangerous times, which may have resonated with Ford's experiences during World War II and his later service during turbulent political times.

Ford's approach to governance reflected a philosophical commitment to moderation, compromise, and institutional respect. His self-description as "a moderate in domestic affairs, an internationalist in foreign affairs, and a conservative in fiscal policy" revealed a thoughtful approach to balancing competing political philosophies. His religious background influenced his emphasis on personal integrity, service to others, and the importance of moral leadership in public life.

POLITICS Ford's political career was marked by dedication to public service, institutional respect, and bipartisan cooperation. During his 25 years in the House of Representatives, Ford developed a reputation for honesty, openness, and the ability to work across party lines. He voted in favor of landmark civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, 1964, and 1968, as well as the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

As House Minority Leader from 1965 to 1973, Ford worked to provide Republican alternatives to Democratic policies while maintaining respectful relationships with political opponents. His leadership during this period was characterized by his participation in televised press conferences with Senator Everett Dirksen, which became known as The Ev and Jerry Show. Ford's approach to politics emphasized communication, conciliation, compromise, and cooperation—principles he carried into his presidency. His political philosophy sought to balance competing interests and find practical solutions to national challenges.

PRESIDENCY It is one of the great ironies of American history that Gerald R. Ford, a man who never won a single national election, ended up as both vice president and president of the United States. He wasn’t even supposed to be there. Ford was the political equivalent of the guy who shows up at a party because someone else bailed last minute, and then somehow ends up hosting the thing.

On August 9, 1974, after Richard Nixon finally ran out of excuses and fled the White House ahead of the Watergate wolves, Ford took the oath of office and delivered a line for the ages: “Our long national nightmare is over.” America, bleary-eyed and hungover from years of scandal and tape recordings, really wanted to believe him.

Then, just a month later, Ford did something that turned the national hangover into a full-blown migraine. He pardoned Nixon. Completely. Unconditionally. No time served, no trial, no tell-all testimony. Just a tidy little absolution that led many Americans to suspect there had been a shady deal behind the scenes, perhaps involving smoke-filled rooms and mutually raised eyebrows. Ford insisted it was an act of mercy to help the country heal. The public, still nursing a grudge, mostly disagreed. The decision haunted his presidency like an awkward uncle at Thanksgiving and very likely cost him the 1976 election.

Domestically, Ford inherited an economy that looked like a pileup on the interstate. Inflation was soaring, unemployment was rising, and America’s love affair with cheap gasoline had hit a brick wall thanks to the OPEC oil embargo. Ford responded with the much-mocked “Whip Inflation Now” (WIN) campaign, which was basically a patriotic call to cut back — turn down the thermostat, skip dessert, buy WIN buttons and hope for the best. It was well-intentioned but about as effective as treating pneumonia with peppermint tea.

Congress, dominated by Democrats and not terribly keen on Ford’s free-market instincts, blocked many of his efforts. He vetoed legislation left and right — over 60 times in fact — often with the energy of a man swatting flies at a picnic. The economy slipped into a recession, and by 1976 unemployment had hit 8%, which was enough to make even the WIN buttons sweat.

In foreign policy, Ford did better. He picked up the Cold War détente baton from Nixon and ran with it, signing the Helsinki Accords in 1975 — a rather noble if not entirely enforceable agreement that tried to get the Soviets to play nicer on human rights. He also oversaw the final evacuation from Vietnam, which ended with helicopters lifting off rooftops in Saigon as desperate crowds swarmed the U.S. embassy. It was not, one must say, the stuff of triumphal documentaries.

Then there was the Mayaguez incident, where Ford responded to the Khmer Rouge seizure of a U.S. merchant ship with swift military force. It was part rescue, part confusion, and part overreaction — the sort of event historians still argue about over coffee.

In the Middle East, Ford showed an unexpected flintiness, temporarily suspending arms shipments to Israel to push for peace negotiations. It worked — sort of — and led to the Sinai Interim Agreement between Egypt and Israel.

Despite the uphill terrain, Ford managed to fend off a vigorous primary challenge from Ronald Reagan, which was no small feat considering Reagan could charm the paint off a wall. But in the 1976 general election, Ford lost narrowly to a peanut farmer from Georgia named Jimmy Carter, who promised honesty, integrity, and a fresh start — qualities Americans were very much in the mood for.

Looking back, Ford’s presidency is often seen as a transitional chapter — not especially dazzling, but important in its own right. He was decent, earnest, and as scandal-free as a man could reasonably be in that job. Historians don’t tend to rank him near the top, but public affection for Ford grew over time, especially for his integrity, his moderation, and his willingness to do what he thought was right — even when it cost him.

He may not have been the most charismatic president, but in a time of national exhaustion, Gerald Ford was the right kind of boring. And in 1970s America, that was almost revolutionary.

SCANDAL The most significant scandal associated with Ford's presidency was his decision to grant a full and unconditional pardon to Richard Nixon on September 8, 1974. This controversial action was formalized as Proclamation 4311 and covered any crimes Nixon might have committed during his presidency, particularly those related to the Watergate scandal. Ford explained in a televised broadcast that he felt the pardon was in the best interests of the country and that continuing to pursue Nixon would prolong the national trauma.

The pardon generated intense controversy and significantly damaged Ford's political standing. Many Americans viewed it as evidence of a secret deal between Nixon and Ford, though Ford consistently denied any such arrangement. The decision was so controversial that Ford took the unprecedented step of voluntarily appearing before a House subcommittee on October 17, 1974, to explain his reasoning—the first time a sitting president had formally testified before a congressional committee. After leaving office, Ford privately justified his decision by carrying in his wallet a portion of the text from a 1915 Supreme Court case that stated a pardon carries an imputation of guilt. (4)

As president, Ford survived two assassination attempts: the first by a Charles Manson cult member, Lynette Fromme, in September 1975; the second 17 days later by a mentally unstable former FBI informant, Sarah Jane Moore. Both women served more than 30 years before being paroled. These were the only two presidential assassination attempts by women in US history.

MILITARY RECORD Ford served with distinction in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1942 to 1946, reaching the rank of lieutenant commander during World War II. His naval service was significant and included combat duty aboard the light aircraft carrier USS Monterey in the Pacific Theater. This combat experience during one of America's most important military conflicts shaped Ford's worldview and his later approach to foreign policy and national security issues.

Ford in U.S. Navy uniform, circa 1945.

Ford's military service was later honored when the U.S. Navy named the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) after him. Construction of this vessel began in 2005, and it was formally commissioned in 2017, becoming the lead ship of its class and the world's largest aircraft carrier. The naming of this ship while Ford was still alive was particularly meaningful, as Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced the honor during Ford's eulogy, indicating that he had personally told Ford about the honor during a visit shortly before Ford's death.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Ford maintained excellent physical fitness throughout most of his life, drawing on his background as a collegiate athlete and his commitment to regular exercise. Despite suffering from weak knees due to football injuries sustained during his college career, Ford's overall health was described as sound.  His commitment to physical fitness was part of his overall disciplined approach to life and may have contributed to his longevity—he lived to be 93 years old.

HOMES Ford's primary residence for most of his congressional career was a house at 514 Crown View Drive in Alexandria, Virginia, which was built in 1955. This house served as Ford's home from its construction until he moved into the White House on August 19, 1974. The house was described as typical of middle-class housing in northern Virginia suburbs and reflected Ford's unpretentious lifestyle. When Ford became vice president in 1973, the Secret Service converted the garage into a command post.

The Alexandria house featured a rectangular two-story main block with a two-story eastern section, a single-story rear ell, and a swimming pool that the Fords added in 1961. Between Ford's swearing-in as president on August 9, 1974, and his move to the White House on August 19, the U.S. presidential residence was technically on Crown View Drive, as Ford continued to live there during the transition.

514 Crown View Drive in Alexandria,

 After his presidency, Ford retired to Rancho Mirage, California, where he lived until his death in 2006.

TRAVEL Ford's travel experiences included both official presidential trips and personal recreational travel. One of his most memorable official trips was his first Grand Tour of Asia as president, during which he met with Japanese Emperor Hirohito. This trip was notable not only for its diplomatic significance but also for a wardrobe malfunction that received press attention—Ford's trousers rode up toward "half-mast" during meetings because he had modeled the suit at home while in pajamas and barefoot, never properly adjusting the suspenders.

Ford's favorite place to visit was Vail, Colorado, reflecting his love of mountain environments and winter sports. This preference for mountain destinations aligned with his appreciation for skiing and outdoor recreation. His travel preferences, both official and personal, reflected his practical approach to life and his genuine interest in meeting people and experiencing different environments.

DEATH Gerald Ford died on December 26, 2006, at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, at the age of 93. His death marked the end of an era in American politics, as he was the last surviving member of the Warren Commission that had investigated President Kennedy's assassination. 

Ford's death was widely mourned across party lines, with leaders from both political parties acknowledging his service to the country during a difficult period in American history. His funeral services were held both in California and in Washington, D.C., reflecting his national significance and the respect he had earned from Americans of all political persuasions.

Ford was interred on a hillside just north of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, where the burial site is open to the public

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Ford's most famous media legacy might not be from something he actually said—but how he fell. Literally. Ford had a reputation, not always fairly earned, for being clumsy. This reputation was immortalized by Chevy Chase on Saturday Night Live in 1975, where Chase’s impression of Ford mostly consisted of pratfalls, stumbles, and crashing into podiums while shouting “I’m Gerald Ford, and you’re not.” The bit became iconic and helped cement SNL’s early success—but it also exaggerated Ford’s actual clumsiness (which was mostly based on a single slip down the stairs of Air Force One and a golf ball to the head). Ford, to his credit, had a good sense of humor about the whole thing.

Gerald Ford made numerous televised addresses and appearances during his presidency, including State of the Union addresses, press conferences, and interviews. Notable appearances include an interview with John Chancellor and Tom Brokaw (NBC) in January 1975 and an appearance before the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice of the House Judiciary Committee regarding the Nixon Pardon Hearing in October 1974. He also appeared at events like the Funny Lady Premier (a benefit for Special Olympics) and the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

After leaving office, Ford popped up occasionally in the media in ways that suggested he enjoyed lighter moments: He appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and The Dick Cavett Show where he showed off his dry wit. Ford  also did cameos or appearances in documentaries and news specials, often offering political commentary with the tone of a wise (if slightly buttoned-up) elder statesman.

In The Simpsons episode “Two Bad Neighbors” (1996), Ford is portrayed as Homer’s friendly new neighbor, replacing George H. W. Bush. The cartoon Ford invites Homer over for nachos and a game of football, cheerfully asking: “Do you like...nachos? And football?” It's a warm and goofy portrayal that plays on Ford's wholesome Midwestern charm and everyman image.

ACHIEVEMENTS Restoring Public Confidence: Widely credited with helping to heal the nation and restore public confidence in the presidency after the Watergate scandal.

Warren Commission: Appointed to the Warren Commission investigating the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Civil Rights Legislation: Voted in favor of the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, 1964, and 1968, as well as the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Helsinki Accords: Signed the Helsinki Accords in 1975, affirming détente, territorial integrity, and human rights, which history has shown helped bring down the Soviet Union.

Longest-Lived President (at the time of his death): Lived to be 93 years and 165 days old.

Sources (1) Gerald R Ford Presidential Library and Museum (2) Presidential Ham (3) Kera News (4) Encyclopaedia of Trivia (5) Wikipedia (6) Time magazine