Gerald Ford, R.I.P.

[H.G.P.]

Personally appreciated his quiet unassuming ways seeing his past interviews.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Yup, just heard. Lived a long life and I think history will show that his decision to let Nixon off the hook was the best for healing the country....at least that's my feeling. It's been what? 22-23 years since that decision? and people are STILL pissed about it. He knew it would probably cost him election in his own right and I think it was a brave decision to make. Probably wouldn't happen today. Rest in Peace Sir.

[slodave]

Man, we used to have dinner next to him while skiing in Vail. He was always very nice. Bummer. R.I.P.

[Evans, Marv]

My best friend was in the Secret Service at the time of Nixon/Ford and was on their details for a long time. He said Ford was a really nice person, who showed concern for those around him. If one on his detail got sick, he would visit & wish them the best. He also said the Nixons were the exact opposite. Distant and nasty. He got one of the pups from Ford's dog Liberty.

[Sonic dB]

Former All-American Center at the University of Michigan...
First goes Bo, and now Jerry joins him up in the sky.
(Go Blue, Beat SC)
Great diplomat and underrated President. Should have been a 2 termer but for the political climate and economic conditions of the time. RIP Mr. Ford.

I think history will show that his decision to let Nixon off the hook was the best for healing the country....

+1

[speeder]

Sad to hear it, he was a real "nice guy" father figure who got the country through a tough time of healing. He lived to be quite old and died peacefully, though, which is the most that anyone can wish for.

RIP Jerry Ford.

[speeder]

And it's been 32 years since he took office and pardoned Nixon, not 22. Time flies, doesn't it?

[84porsche]

Rest in Peace, Mr. President and if you can read this, thank you for your service to our country.

[jim72911t]

While I was a bit young when he was in office, I did get to see him speak at a university function in the late '80s. He came across as a very intelligent, reasoned, forthright, and insightful man. Much to the contrary of what I'd read previously, FWIW.

Seems like he was put in a tough spot after Nixon's resignation, and did the best he could with it.

RIP, Mr. President.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally posted by speeder
... He lived to be quite old and died peacefully, though, which is the most that anyone can wish for.

RIP Jerry Ford.

To me there's no greater reward than dying peacfully. Its the best we can hope for after a long life - its winning the life lottery!

What is the cynical thig they say? "I'd never want to have for President anyone who could run for it and win?" Well, guess what? He was the only one never to run for it and win!

Maybe thats why we remember him fondly and honor his passing. Just a capable civil servant? Does such exist? I hope so and I hope he was.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Agreed. The guy had balls. A rare quality in politicians these days.

The nation is a bit emptier for his loss today - R.I.P.

[TerryH]

My draft number in 1974 was 003. I was guarranteed gone in the next draw. I've always blamed President Ford for not letting me see Vietnam.





I'm kidding of course. R.I.P.

[artplumber]

One of the last true gentlemen to ascend to the office of POTUS. Interesting that he was known more for his pratfalls during office and a "bumbling" nature back then than for what we consider him today - a reserved, thoughtful gentleman. RIP and condolences to his wife and family.

[Jim Richards]

I think President Ford lived a full life and likely died without regrets. My sympathy goes out to his family, and I appreciate his contributions to America. RIP, President Ford.

[rouxroux]

Really "stepped up to the plate" after Spiro messed up...A real straight-shootin' type of guy. He will be missed (on a lighter note, he really gave Chevy Chase a real life "fall guy" for some of his funniest SNL openings).

[Zeke]

Originally posted by 84porsche
Rest in Peace, Mr. President and if you can read this, thank you for your service to our country.

That was nicely put, better than I could have said. Poor ol' Ford took about as much crap about his clumsy golf game (and other things) as Quayle did on his speech. And he took it gracefully IIRC.

Wouldn't it be nice to have one of these ol' boys back now to straighten things out? Maybe he could, maybe he couldn't. It's a new era and one more has left the old era.

[speeder]

Chevy's imitation of Ford taking the stage was some of the best physical comedy ever committed by man, and it was all in good fun and President Ford took it as such. He was a good sport when the country needed one. Can you imagine Nixon's reaction if SNL had debuted a few years sooner??

Chase's later pain pill addiction was blamed on the debilitating injuries he suffered in those prat-falls. That was what made them so funny, he really took a dive in every one. They will probably show some on the news, watch for the best/worst prat-falls ever.

[Moneyguy1]

Hey....Nixon showed up on "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" and said the following (or close):

"I said 'sock it to me' but not that hard!!"

But, Mr. Ford was handed a wasp's nest and did an excellent job.

[Sonic dB]

Amazing that the most accomplished athlete to ever reach the White House (football All-American) would be ridiculed in such a manner by a comedic hack on SNL.

Thats the way it is though... the comedians have to find at least 1 thing to latch on to...then build a career off of while that Pres. is in office.

This bit was harmless enough though.
Its not like he was getting BJs in the Oval Office, or shoving cigars up interns twats.
Those types of actions would be real comedic fodder, wouldnt they?

[Flatbutt1]

dying at 93 after a full life including service to your country...not so bad. RIP Gerry