Psychobabble.
Ford was considered a moderate Republican by some, a liberal by others. But Ford was NEVER called a conservative. I know, I was around. I campaigned for Reagan versus Ford in 1976. Believe it, Ford was a pro-choice, Rockefeller Republican. Not as liberal as Rudy. The elite media of the day always said, Ford was a conservative. Nobody else.
Rudy was born a liberal and he will die a liberal. Everything in between is all liberalism.
I am not saying he (ford) was a conservative (look up moderate republican and his image will be next to it) but the general perception (outside of the GOP base) perceived him as a small c conservative until Reagan came around. Now on a lighter note, I am so envious of you I would have loved to have been a part of the 76' campaign. Did you go to the convention?