though the former president said his comments could be published at any time after his death.Good point, thanks.
Woodward didn't "tie the former president down and pull out toenails" but he certainly had his fingers on the president's carotid artery checking for a pulse.As far as the timing of releasing the tape you might be right. But the man's voice is on tape for a project he was actively cooperating with. Certainly didn't sound like he was being tortured.
The point is that Woodward is trying to turn Ford, at the moment of his death, into Carter rather than waiting for publication of the book in its entirety.