Gerald Ford Becomes Vice President (3:57)
After Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned from office on October 10, 1973, Gerald R. Ford became the first vice president in U.S. history to be installed under the succession outlined in the 25th Amendment. On December 6, 1973, Ford takes the oath of office and delivers a speech on the momentous occasion.
Speeches & Audio (11)
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Gerald Ford Becomes Vice President
Gerald Ford Becomes Vice PresidentAudio Clip (3:57)
Audio Clip (3:57)
After Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned from office on October 10, 1973, Gerald R. Ford became the first vice president in U.S. history to be installed under the succession outlined in the 25th Amendment. On December 6, 1973, Ford takes the oath of office and delivers a speech on the momentous occasion.
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Ford's Inaugural Address
Ford's Inaugural AddressAudio Clip (2:22)
Audio Clip (2:22)
On August 9, 1974, after the resignation of President Richard Nixon, Vice President Gerald Ford takes the oath of office and reassures the American people that "our long national nightmare is over." For the first time in U.S. history, a non-elected vice president became president of the country.
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Gerald R. Ford Pardons Richard Nixon
Gerald R. Ford Pardons Richard NixonAudio Clip (0:53)
Audio Clip (0:53)
In a live broadcast on September 8, 1974, President Gerald Ford grans his disgraced predecessor, Richard Nixon, a "full free and absolute pardon." In an effort to end speculation over whether he had cut a "deal" with Nixon, Ford emphatically stated he'd given the pardon to heal the nation.
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Ford Offers Clemency to Draft Evaders
Ford Offers Clemency to Draft EvadersAudio Clip (1:20)
Audio Clip (1:20)
On September 16, 1974, President Gerald Ford signed a proclamation that would offer Vietnam War draft evaders the chance to earn clemency by performing alternative service for their country. In a speech to the American people, Ford defends his decision as one that's best for the nation.
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Gerald Ford's "Sunday Morning Massacre"
Gerald Ford's "Sunday Morning Massacre"Audio Clip (4:53)
Audio Clip (4:53)
On November 3, 1975, President Ford holds a news conference and announces a number of personnel changes among his top national security posts. The press dubbed his action the "Sunday Morning Massacre."
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Ford Phones Apollo Astronauts
Ford Phones Apollo AstronautsAudio Clip (8:14)
Audio Clip (8:14)
On July 17, 1975, President Gerald Ford speaks by telephone to the Apollo astronauts following their rendezvous and docking with the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. This was the first joint orbital mission between the two superpowers, and it helped pave the way for further cooperation in the exploration of space.
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Ford Pledges to Whip Inflation Now
Ford Pledges to Whip Inflation NowAudio Clip (3:47)
Audio Clip (3:47)
On October 8, 1974, in an address to a joint session of Congress broadcast live over radio and television, President Gerald Ford introduces his WIN, or Whip Inflation Now, program to improve the economy.
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Gerald Ford on Economic Woes
Gerald Ford on Economic WoesAudio Clip (3:47)
Audio Clip (3:47)
After finding little support in Congress on his proposed budget-reducing actions, President Gerald Ford stresses the necessity of his plan in a news conference held December 2, 1974, which was broadcast live on television and radio.
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Ford's Address at the Helsinki Conference
Ford's Address at the Helsinki ConferenceAudio Clip (1:54)
Audio Clip (1:54)
On August 1, 1975, at the Helsinki Accords, a major diplomatic agreement was signed by 35 nations, including the United States and the Soviet Union, in an attempt to secure peace between the eastern and western blocs. In a speech delivered at the Finland conference, President Gerald Ford promises to do his part for the good of all nations.
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Gerald Ford on Resignation of South Vietnam's President
Gerald Ford on Resignation of South Vietnam's PresidentAudio Clip (0:34)
Audio Clip (0:34)
In April 1975, when North Vietnamese forces reached Xuan Loc, Saigon's last line of defense, President Nguyen Van Thieu announced his resignation. In an interview, President Gerald Ford denies that the U.S. government influenced Thieu's decision.
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Gerald Ford on Death of Mao Tse-Tung
Gerald Ford on Death of Mao Tse-TungAudio Clip (0:32)
Audio Clip (0:32)
In a press conference on September 9, 1976, President Gerald Ford responds to the death of China's Chairman Mao Tse-tung, who died at the age of 82. Ford credits Mao with opening the door of diplomacy to America.
Videos (11)
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Presidential Fun Facts
Presidential Fun FactsVideo Clip (1:21)
Video Clip (1:21)
The Oval Office has been filled with extraordinary presidents, but did you know about these not-so-famous firsts?
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Gerald Ford Embraces Chicken
Gerald Ford Embraces ChickenVideo Clip (1:11)
Video Clip (1:11)
Timothy Dickinson tells us about Gerald Ford and the Chicken.
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Gerald Ford's Children Remember
Gerald Ford's Children RememberVideo Clip (1:25)
Video Clip (1:25)
Watch this clip of Tom Brokaw as he interviews the sons and daughters of former U.S. Presidents and Vice Presidents. Listen as they share stories about their memories of the first time in the White House.
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Gerald Ford: Cold War vs. War on Terror
Gerald Ford: Cold War vs. War on TerrorVideo Clip (2:08)
Video Clip (2:08)
Watch this interview clip of former U.S. President, Gerald Ford, about his views on war and President Bush. He claims President Bush has many more difficult decisions to make than he did while he was in office.
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Gerald Ford: Mayaguez Incident
Gerald Ford: Mayaguez IncidentVideo Clip (2:54)
Video Clip (2:54)
Watch this historical clip of President Ford as he announces that the crew men of the SS Maya Guez have been rescued from Cambodian forces. This was a very exciting and popular move for President Ford.
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First Ford Assassination Attempt
First Ford Assassination AttemptVideo Clip (3:44)
Video Clip (3:44)
In Sacramento California on September 5, 1975, Lynette Fromme attempted to kill President Gerald Ford
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Ford: Defends Nixon Pardon
Ford: Defends Nixon PardonVideo Clip (1:49)
Video Clip (1:49)
Watch this historical clip of President Gerald Ford as he speaks in front of the House Judiciary Committee about the impeachment of President Nixon. Listen and see what he had to say in this clip.
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Inaugural Address: Gerald Ford
Inaugural Address: Gerald FordVideo Clip (2:15)
Video Clip (2:15)
Excerts from Gerold R. Ford's inaugural address on Friday, August 9, 1974.
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Second Ford Assassination Attempt
Second Ford Assassination AttemptVideo Clip (3:57)
Video Clip (3:57)
President Gerald Ford escapes assassination just 17 days after a previous attempt on his life.
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Betty Ford Recalls Intervention
Betty Ford Recalls InterventionVideo Clip (1:53)
Video Clip (1:53)
Betty Ford on her success on being sober.
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Deconstructing History: White House
Deconstructing History: White HouseVideo Clip (1:35)
Video Clip (1:35)
It may not have been home to the president until 1800 or even called the White House until 1901, but it remains a symbol of freedom and democracy throughout the world.
Photo Galleries (3)
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Gerald Ford
Gerald Ford(20 Photos)
20 Photos
View an image slideshow on President Gerald Ford.
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Michigan
Michigan(11 Photos)
11 Photos
History.com's state gallery for Michigan. Learn more about the state symbols and famous landmarks.
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Nebraska
Nebraska(9 Photos)
9 Photos
History.com's state gallery for Nebraska. Learn more about the state symbols and famous landmarks.
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