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Essay on The Presidency of Gerald R. Ford

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The Presidency of Gerald R. Ford Gerald R. Ford was the 38th President of the United States, after gaining the position through extraordinary circumstances. His good will and friendly demeanor helped him climb the political ladder higher than even he had anticipated. His career in politics began with his law firm, yet ended up in the oval office. While his presidency was short lived, it is remembered due to numerous crucial decisions he had to make. After graduating from Yale with a law degree in 1941, Gerald R. Ford returned to his home town of Grand Rapids Michigan to start a law firm with his friend Phillip Buchen. He also became active in local politics. However, less than a year passed before he joined the Navy in 1942 to assist in …show more content…

As a matter of fact, his route to the presidency was more circumstantial than intentional. In 1973, Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned from office due to a kick-back scandal ("Gerald R. Ford Timeline" 3). President Richard Nixon then decided to select Ford as the new vice president, knowing that Ford’s reputation in Congress would make him the only candidate both houses and parties would accept. As the vice president, Ford was not very active. Even more so, he intentionally chose to stay out of the way; perhaps because he did not want to be associated with the actions and policies of the Nixon administration. Next, as is popular knowledge, President Nixon resigned after the Watergate scandal came to light, leaving Ford to become the President. Gerald R. Ford was sworn in on August 9, 1974, as the United State’s 38th president. In his inauguration speech, Ford was open about the bizarre circumstances that led to him holding the position. He acknowledged to the people that he was not chosen by them for the job as President. He continues to say, “If you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I gained office by any secret promises. I have not campaigned either for the Presidency or the Vice Presidency. I have not subscribed to any partisan platform.” He spoke these words to show the public—who were skeptical of all politicians after the Watergate scandal—that he could be trusted. He knew without

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