Gerald Ford

Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr. (born July 14, 1913) (born Leslie Lynch King, Jr., renamed after his mother's remarriage) was the fortieth (1973–1974) Vice President and the thirty-eighth (1974–1977) President of the United States. He remains the only individual to serve as President without ever having been elected to either the presidency or vice presidency. Instead, following the resignation of Spiro Agnew in 1973, he was nominated as Vice President by Richard Nixon and approved by both houses of Congress (not just the Senate, as is the procedure for Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, and most other federal officials), in keeping with provisions of the 25th Amendment. When Nixon resigned on noon of August 9, 1974, Ford assumed the presidency.

Later elections

At the 1980 Republican National Convention, Ford was nearly nominated to return to service as Vice President under nominee Ronald Reagan. Very serious discussions were held between representatives for the two men (Henry Kissinger reportedly was present as one of the representatives for Ford.) Because of Ford's experience as President, however, he asked for an unprecedented areas of responsibility, primarily over foreign policy, which may have created a "co-presidency".

Related Topics:
1980 Republican National Convention - Vice President - Ronald Reagan - Henry Kissinger

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Reagan was not receptive to such proposals (and their constitutionality may be questioned.) Instead, Reagan asked George H. W. Bush, his main rival for the Republican nomination, to join him on a party unity ticket.

Related Topics:
Constitutionality - George H. W. Bush

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While attending the 2000 Republican National Convention, Ford suffered two mild strokes, but has subsequently recovered. He was hospitalized twice for dizziness in 2003.

Related Topics:
2000 Republican National Convention - Strokes - 2003

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