Annalee Ferguson. Dr. Wolfe. Dc American History. 30 March

Annalee Ferguson Dr. Wolfe DC American History 30 March 2017 Gerald Ford Gerald Ford was a simple man born in Omaha, Nebraska on July 14, 1913 (Brinkley 1). Through trials and tribulations growing up, Ford, originally named Leslie Lynch King, Jr., became a stellar football player, friend, and student (Green). Though law was always in his wheelhouse, graduating in the top third of his class at Yale’s Law School, Ford never intended on being in a position higher than Speaker of the House, which he strived so hard for. (Friedel and Sidey). He was selected to be the Vice-President to Richard Nixon by senior Congressional leaders after Nixon’s vice resigned (Green). After Nixon resigned, Ford gained the title of President Ford, making him the†¦show more content†¦On August 5, 1979, Ford could no longer backup Nixon (Green). He stated, â€Å"It is impossible for the President to continue to claim that he was not guilty of an impeachable offense† (Ford). Three days later, Nixon resigned in they way of a televised nation al address and Gerald R. Ford became the thirty eighth president of the United States. As president, Ford’s first goal and expectation by America, was to speak on the resignation of Nixon and the Watergate scandal (Green). Upon being inaugurated, on August 9, 1974, Ford declared, â€Å"I assume the Presidency under extraordinary circumstances.... This is an hour of history that troubles our minds and hurts our hearts† (Ford). On September 8, 1974, President Ford signed a proclamation pardoning Richard Nixon (Green). This means that Nixon nor any of his family members would be punished for any crime that he committed (Ford). This was a very controversial act on Ford’s part and many Americans thought that it was because they were such close friends (Freidel and Sidey). Other people and even newspapers mocked Ford saying this pardon was, â€Å"A gross misuse, if not abuse, of presidential power† (Brinkley 68). This was simply not the case. America was in a rough spot; terrible inflation plagued the country as well as the political unrest caused by the recent incidents (Freidel and Sidey). How much more could the people take? Ford chose this