Howlin, thanks for the ping - I was proud to have voted for President Ford in 1976. I was devastated when he lost to the peanut farmer, but perhaps if he HAD won, there might not have been a President Reagan.
I voted for Ford in '76 as well, but at this point in my life I believe all things happen for a reason and maybe we wouldn't have had the great admiration for Reagan if we had not the experience of a failed President like Carter before him.
Me, too!
But, then, my husband (ex) pointed out that I didn't even *know* anybody who wouldn't vote Republican........LOL.
I just hated that he lost.
And bringing those tacky Carter children to the White House? *Shudder!*
I was really depressed when Ford lost to Carter. That was one of the easiest choices for me to make, unlike a couple of other elections. That was one election where in hindsight the electorate did not elect the best man. I suspect there is wide agreement on that now, an agreement that crosses party lines and ideology. Ford may not have been one of the more articulate presidents, but he was one of the most "centered" and sane, and honest. I salute him. May he rest in peace.