Jerry Ford in history

Townhall.com ^ | January 1, 2007 | Michael Barone

[jazusamo]

Gerald Ford, who died last week at age 93, lived longer than any other president and survived after leaving office longer than any other president but Herbert Hoover. So we've had time to reflect on where he and his presidency stand in history. As commentators have been reminding us, Ford healed the wounds of Watergate and provided steady leadership in difficult times. But there is more to be said.

Ford came to office when the postwar consensus on foreign and economic policy was in ruins. The nation seemed on a downward trajectory at home and abroad. By dint of hard work and with the help of top-flight appointees, he helped to steer us toward a different course.

This, despite the fact that he was very much part of the postwar consensus himself. He was elected to Congress in 1948, defeating an isolationist Republican incumbent. This was a victory for the bipartisan Cold War policies of President Harry Truman and Republican Sen. Arthur Vandenberg, who, like Ford, was from Grand Rapids, Mich.

In the House, Ford served on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and specialized in defense and foreign policy, mostly supporting the Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson administrations at a time when politics tended to stop at the water's edge.

[jazusamo]

With the Capitol in the background, American flags fly at half-staff at
the foot of the Washington Monument in Washington, Saturday, Dec. 30,
2006 as the nation's capital honored former President Gerald R. Ford
during funeral ceremonies recalling the touchstones of his life, from
combat in the Pacific to a career he cherished in Congress to a presidency.
(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

[jazusamo]

Former President Gerald R. Ford, a good man.

May he Rest In Peace.

[PAR35]

Ford came to office when the postwar consensus on foreign and economic policy was in ruins. The nation seemed on a downward trajectory at home and abroad. By dint of hard work and with the help of top-flight appointees, he helped to steer us toward a different course.

Written by someone with poor memory of the times. Ford's WIN was a failure; the economy didn't really improve until Reagan. And they carefully omit all mention of his role on the Warren Commission.

[My GOP]

The economy did improve some by the time Ford left office, it just ended up tanking when that idiot Carter took office.

[Democratshavenobrains]

George W. Bush is basically Gerald Ford when it comes to domestic issues. They both largely agree with Democrats about spending, but the Left still hates them both.

[Looper]

Come on, Ford vetoed dozens of bills. He also told NYC effectively to "drop dead" and that there would be no federal bailout.