"It was one of the most stupid, irresponsible mistakes I made in everything I've done and the culmination of my charitable fund-raising and political fund-raising career," Tonken said. "I was enamored with a president that no one else cares about."
President Ford would not comment for this report, but a spokesman confirmed the contract is authentic.
That's a hell of a lot of money to get a useless, stupid old man to show up to claim an award!
Remember WIN buttons? That's the extent of this old fossil's presidential intellect.
He did, however, keep Chevy Chase fully employed, thus doing a little something for a staggering economy.
You don't expect him to show up to receive a stolen hotel flower vase, do ya? ;-)
... former President Gerald Ford, who was being honored with the grand award of the night, the Spirit of Giving Award.(snip)
After all the gifts, perks and payments, Tonken said he had no money left for a fancy plaque, so the Spirit of Giving Award that night was an empty flower vase he found in the hotel.