Gerald R. Ford: The 38th President of the United States

Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. (pronounced JERR-əld), born Leslie Lynch King Jr. on July 14, 1913, embarked on a distinguished career in American politics that culminated in his unique ascension to the presidency. He served as the 38th President of the United States from August 9, 1974, to January 20, 1977. Ford's path to the White House was unprecedented, as he became the only person to serve as both Vice President and President without ever being elected to either office by the Electoral College. Prior to his presidency, he was a prominent leader within the Republican Party in the House of Representatives and held the office of the 40th Vice President of the United States from December 6, 1973, to August 9, 1974. His presidency began abruptly following the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974, though Ford was subsequently defeated in his bid for a full presidential term in the 1976 election.

Early Life, Education, and Military Service

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Gerald Ford was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he established deep roots. His formative years were marked by both athletic and academic excellence. Ford attended the University of Michigan, where he was a star player on the Wolverines' football team, contributing to two undefeated seasons that secured national championships in 1932 and 1933. His prowess on the field earned him offers from professional football teams, including the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, but he ultimately turned them down to pursue his academic aspirations. Instead, he enrolled in Yale Law School, demonstrating a clear commitment to a legal and public service career.

Following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Ford, like many Americans, felt a strong sense of duty. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1942, serving actively until 1946. During his decorated military career, he participated in combat operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Monterey in the Pacific Theater, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander before his honorable discharge. His naval service provided him with invaluable leadership experience and a deep understanding of national defense.

A Quarter Century in Congress and Vice Presidency

Ford initiated his political career in 1949, successfully running to represent Michigan's 5th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served his constituents for an impressive 25 years, earning a reputation as a hardworking, honest, and consensus-oriented legislator. For the final nine years of his tenure in the House, from 1965 to 1973, he served as the House Minority Leader, a critical role that showcased his ability to unite and lead his party while engaging in bipartisan dialogue.

His journey to the Vice Presidency was equally unprecedented. In October 1973, Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned amid a scandal. Under the provisions of the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which addresses presidential disability and succession, President Nixon nominated Ford to fill the vacant vice-presidency. After comprehensive hearings and confirmations by both the House and the Senate, Ford was sworn in on December 6, 1973, becoming the first person to assume the vice-presidency under the terms of this amendment. Just nine months later, on August 9, 1974, President Nixon resigned due to the escalating Watergate scandal. Gerald Ford immediately assumed the presidency, marking the most recent intra-term U.S. presidential succession and the only time a non-elected president has appointed a non-elected vice president.

Key Challenges and Policies During Ford's Presidency

President Ford inherited a nation grappling with significant domestic and international challenges. His short tenure was defined by efforts to restore public trust and address pressing issues.

• Foreign Policy and Détente: In a pivotal foreign policy achievement, Ford signed the Helsinki Accords in August 1975. This international agreement aimed to improve relations between the Communist bloc and the West, focusing on human rights, economic cooperation, and respect for existing borders. It marked a crucial step in the Cold War era's policy of détente.
• End of the Vietnam War: Nine months into his presidency, the prolonged U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War effectively concluded with the collapse of South Vietnam in April 1975. The dramatic fall of Saigon, marked by the iconic evacuation of U.S. personnel and Vietnamese allies (Operation Frequent Wind), brought an end to one of the most divisive conflicts in American history.
• Domestic Economy: Domestically, Ford presided over one of the most severe economic downturns since the Great Depression. His administration faced rampant inflation, coupled with a recession – a phenomenon later termed "stagflation." Efforts to curb inflation, such as his "WIN" (Whip Inflation Now) campaign, met with limited success, and the economic struggles significantly impacted public morale.
• The Nixon Pardon: One of Ford's most controversial and defining acts was his granting of a full presidential pardon to Richard Nixon on September 8, 1974, for any crimes he may have committed against the United States during his time in office. Ford stated his belief that the pardon was necessary to heal the nation, allow the country to move past the divisions of Watergate, and focus on more pressing issues. While he maintained it was the right decision for the country, it drew widespread criticism and is often cited as a key factor in his narrow defeat in the 1976 election.
• Congressional Power Shift: During Ford's presidency, there was a noticeable increase in the role Congress began to play in foreign policy, reflecting a post-Vietnam War desire to curb presidential powers. This shift was part of a broader rebalancing of power between the executive and legislative branches.

In the lead-up to the 1976 Republican presidential primary, Ford faced a strong challenge from former California Governor Ronald Reagan, ultimately securing the nomination. However, he narrowly lost the general election to the Democratic challenger, former Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter.

Post-Presidency and Legacy

After leaving office, Gerald Ford remained an active and influential figure in the Republican Party, contributing to political discourse as an elder statesman. His generally moderate views on various social issues, however, sometimes placed him at odds with the increasingly conservative wing of the Republican Party in the 1990s and early 2000s. In a testament to his graciousness and commitment to national unity, Ford set aside any lingering animosity he might have felt toward Jimmy Carter following the intensely competitive 1976 election. The two former presidents developed a remarkably close and enduring friendship, often collaborating on projects and symbolizing bipartisan cooperation.

Gerald R. Ford passed away at his home on December 26, 2006, after experiencing a series of health problems, leaving behind a legacy as a president who guided the nation through a period of profound crisis and helped restore faith in government institutions. Surveys of historians and political scientists have often ranked Ford as a below-average president, primarily due to the severe economic challenges he faced and the controversial Nixon pardon. However, many also acknowledge his integrity, his role in healing the nation, and the immense difficulties of the era he presided over.

Sara Jane Moore: The Attempted Assassination of President Ford

Sara Jane Moore (née Kahn), born on February 15, 1930, gained notoriety as an American criminal who attempted to assassinate U.S. President Gerald Ford. Her attempt took place on September 22, 1975, in San Francisco, California, only 17 days after another assassination attempt on President Ford by Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme in Sacramento.

When did Sara Jane Moore attempt to assassinate President Ford?

Sara Jane Moore attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford on September 22, 1975, in downtown San Francisco, California.

What was the outcome of her assassination attempt?

Moore fired a single shot from a .38 caliber revolver at President Ford from about 40 feet away, but a former Marine named Oliver Sipple lunged and deflected her arm, causing the shot to miss the president by inches and hit a nearby taxi driver. Ford was unharmed.

What was Sara Jane Moore's sentence?

Moore was arrested immediately after the attempt and subsequently given a life sentence for the attempted assassination of the President.

When was Sara Jane Moore released from prison?

She was released from federal prison on December 31, 2007, after serving 32 years of her sentence. Her release was due to good behavior and federal sentencing guidelines in place at the time of her conviction.

Who are the only women to have attempted to assassinate an American president?

Sara Jane Moore and Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme are historically unique as the only two women to have attempted to assassinate an American president. Notably, both of their attempts were directed at President Gerald Ford, and both incidents occurred in California within a remarkably short span of three weeks in September 1975.