Photo (above): Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
S T A T E & HILL
he won the office by four votes, becoming the highest-ranking Republican in Congress. As minority leader, Ford attempted to develop more substantive and positive Republican platforms. He campaigned for moderate Republican candidates, and helped to narrow the gap between the Democratic majority and Republican minority in the House. And along the way, he also did what the House minority leader is supposed to do: he engaged with the majority, across the aisle, to address issues of joint concern. Democratic Representative John Dingell, the longest-serving member of Congress, remembers Ford fondly. “When it comes down to it, the best political leaders are those who
A 1948 billboard in Grand Rapids, Mich. during Gerald Ford’s first campaign for the House of Representatives.
put partisan labels and rhetoric aside to best get the job done.” Though from opposing parties, Dingell and Ford did just that, he says. In 1973, when Richard Nixon nominated Ford two days after Agnew’s resignation—setting in motion the “extraordinary circumstances” under which Ford would later assume the presidency—Congress deliberated, as it must, but only briefly. Ford’s bipartisan leadership, civility, work ethic, and modesty had earned him the respect of his peers. His nomination was confirmed by an overwhelming majority of Republicans and Democrats in both houses. ■
Ford School Spotlight Opposite: “I christen thee United States ship…” On November 9, Susan Ford Bales christened the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the first of America’s next-generation aircraft carriers. Dean Collins attended the event in Newport News, VA. The ship will have a lifespan of 50 years and will be completed in 2015.
Right: President Obama’s spiritual advisor, Joshua DuBois , gave a Policy Talks @ the Ford
School lecture in November about faith, the White House, and the public square.
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