Ford, Gerald R.

Description

Autograph ID: 4155
Condition: Very good
Description: “(1913-2006) 38th President 1974-77, 40th VP 1973-74. First person appointed Vice President under 25th Amendment; when he became President upon Richard Nixon’s resignation (Aug. 9, 1974), became the only President who was neither elected President nor Vice President. Before ascending to the vice-presidency, served nearly 25 years as Michigan US Rep., 8 as GOP Minority Leader. As President, Ford signed the Helsinki Accords, marking a move toward détente with the USSR. With conquest of So. Vietnam by North Vietnam 9 months into his presidency, US involvement in Vietnam essentially ended. Domestically, he presided over what was then the worst economy since the Depression, with growing inflation and a recession during his tenure. One of his more controversial acts was to grant a presidential pardon to Nixon for his role in the Watergate scandal. During his incumbency, foreign policy was characterized by increased role Congress began to play, and by corresponding curb on powers of the President. In 1976, Ford narrowly defeated Ronald Reagan for the Republican nomination, but lost election to Jimmy Carter. He lived longer than any other president, dying at age 93 years and 165 days.

Signed 3 ¾ x 6 ½ 1973 Nixon 2nd Inauguration cacheted cover, postmarked Washington, January 20 1973. Cachet features portrait of President & Mrs. Nixon, 3 3c US 1950 National Capital Sesquicentennial-Legislative Branch stamps postmarked “Inauguration Day.” Nice Ford signature at bottom center.

Nixon did not serve out his term. On the resignation of Vice President Agnew, Ford was elected VP under the 25th Amendment, 1st VP so elected. On Nixon’s August 9, 1974 resignation, Ford became 38th US President in a somewhat subdued swearing-in ceremony. Nixon’s resignation was tendered to Secretary of State Kissinger at 11:35 a.m. At that moment Ford was made president, but he took the oath of office at 12:05 p.m. The oath was administered to Ford by Chief Justice Burger in the White House East Room.”
Type: Signed Inaugural Cover