Posted on 04/23/2006 7:01:51 PM PDT by Sub-Driver
Bush Visits Ailing Former President Ford
12 minutes ago
President Bush paid a visit Sunday to the ailing former President Ford at his home in this resort town where Bush was spending the weekend.
Ford and his wife, Betty, were waiting with smiles outside their low-slung stucco home, which overlooks a golf course, as Bush's limousine pulled into the circular driveway. Bush gave Mrs. Ford a kiss on the cheek and had a handshake for the Republican former president.
Ford then linked his arm into Bush's and led him inside the home in a gated community near Palm Springs in the California desert.
The nearly hourlong visit, conducted out of public view and kept under wraps until the last minute, could be the last time Bush would see the oldest living former commander in chief. Ford, 92, was hospitalized with pneumonia for 12 days in January and has not been seen much in public of late.
After the meeting, Bush and Ford walked slowly out of the house holding hands. Ford was also leaning on a cane, and his wife trailed alongside.
"It's such an honor to be with President and Mrs. Ford," Bush said.
"You remember these characters, don't you?" he said, gesturing toward the waiting collection of news media.
"We solved all the problems, didn't we?" Ford said, smiling. Bush laughed and replied: "We sure did."
Ford thanked Bush for stopping by and wished him well.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
I must confess...I voted for Ford over Carter in 1976. I blame it on ignorance and lack of maturity. I was in Kindy or 1st grade (the kiddie vote) and I voted for Carter because he shared my last name at the time. I'm still haunted by the memory. (Shuffling away) LOL
I thought Ford said that what the generals said concerned him; that is, I understood that Ford at least somewhat sided with them. I do not remember him speaking out against them.
Ford was more than decent. His pardon of Nixon was important for the country, and it was the end of his political career. And he knew it.
When we talk about patriots, he should be in the first tier.
LOL!!
"We solved all the problems, didn't we?" Ford said, smiling. Bush laughed and replied: "We sure did."
That's really nice.
Interesting this visit coincides with Ford's recent entrance to the news the past couple of days in defense of Rummy.
IMO, a better President than he is given credit. After all, to this day he remains gracious and has not tried to destroy this country following his departure from office. He could have taken the low road of Carter and Clinton. He has chosen not to do so. That shows good character.
Who was the last Good Democrat President? Ignoring policy, someone of decency and caring for this nation? I'm not sure of kennedy, though he was better than the crop today. Was it Truman? Pitiful we have to go back that far.
Never mind...I screwed that one up! LOL
Particularly as he is ailing.
I just love seeing people with class and style. The world is getting so tacky (and this forum is keeping pace with it), that it refreshes the soul to see people like George W. Bush and Gerald Ford who exhude class and character.
I was serious when I said that I wondered if we will ever see it again.
There are few boomers with the class of President Bush, and behind us, what's there to hope for?
Don't mean to be too negative, but I love honor, and it just doesn't happen that often any more.
Clean living does that for a person. They age gracefully!
He don't look too bad for 92.
I pray Ford is at peace and in comfort in the life he has left.
Gerald Ford and George W. Bush are two of the nicest guys to ever be President.
Here is one of my favorite Gerry Ford quotes.
“If the government is big enough to give you everything you want, it is big enough to take away everything you have.”
Ford was also great at using the veto.
He is somewhat shorter than he used to be. That comes with the age, of course, and he IS frail looking. God keep him.
It still hurt him. The irony that one of the most physically gifted of modern presidents, a first rate athlete, was portrayed as clumsy. Even Carter's collapse during a long run didn't get as much attention.
Haqrry was really a great ex-president. He tried to remain relevant in Democratic party politics up to the 1960 election. Didn't succeed. However, as the "curator" of his own library he was always very gracious and approachable.
See, see, see? GWB always holds hands with frail older people, not just with Saudi princes. I told y'all! Now, somebody tell the press corps.
Thanks for posting this; makes me feel all warm and toasty inside.
BIG Deal my first vote went too Bill Clinton in 1992 LOL!
MANNNNN That first vote and I regret I was young and stupid LOL!
Yeah I believe this thread hasn't turn into something vivle YET but hey you got give props to Gerald Ford he try turn the country to POSTIVIETLY after Watergate BTW I am not suprise I wonder if Dubya family is friend with Gerald Ford PROBABLY
Dont forget which two cabinet member who serve under Ford is now part of Dubya adminiatarion HMMMM
Dick CHeney and RUMMYYYYY
Yeah when Cheney still had hair LOL!
LOL! That is the first thing I thought when I saw the pic!
Me too. At least we came to our senses.
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