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Gerald Ford

Gerald Ford. Served as President from 1974 -1976 Only man to serve as VP and President without being elected. Dealing with Nixon. Ford pardons Nixon Felt that the United States need closure on the Watergate issue Nixon had never been tried and never conceded to any wrong doing –

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Gerald Ford

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  1. Gerald Ford • Served as President from 1974 -1976 • Only man to serve as VP and President without being elected

  2. Dealing with Nixon • Ford pardons Nixon • Felt that the United States need closure on the Watergate issue • Nixon had never been tried and never conceded to any wrong doing – • So the pardon was Controversial • Many people thought that Nixon’s pardon was part of a deal when Ford was selected president. • Most likely the reason why Ford could not win reelection

  3. Also - Oil • Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries • In the 1960’s, these Middle Eastern countries took more control over the oil production in their countries. • Issues with the profit margin and the value of the dollar caused tension between the oil producing nations and consumers • Oct 6, 1973 – Yom Kippur War between Israel, Egypt and Syria. • OPEC announces a reduction in oil production until Israel leaves occupied territories. • The United States backed Israel. • OPEC declares an Oil Embargo on the United States. • Oil went from $3 to $11.65 a barrel • (Oil is currently just under $90 a barrel today!) • Embargo ended in March 18, 1974. • Cost 500,000 American jobs and $10 – 20 billion in GNP.

  4. More of Nixon’s Mess • High unemployment (9.2%) • High Inflation

  5. No Vietnam – Just Mayaguez • The Mayaguez was a ship flying an American flag that was captured by the Cambodians • Ford ordered the ship released – It wasn’t done fast enough for him…. • So he ordered in the Marines… • They landed on the wrong island… • A heavily defended island…. • Worst of all, the Cambodians had decided to let the ship go BEFORE Ford ordered in the Marines!

  6. Bumbling Ford • One of the most athletic presidents • Star football player at Michigan (could have gone pro) • Swam all the time • Played golf • Accidentally hit a spectator with the ball • "It's not hard to find Jerry Ford on a golf course - you just follow the wounded." (Bob Hope) • 1975 – Slipped exiting Air Force One – landed at the feet of the Austrian Chancellor • Banged his head on the doorway to his helicopter.

  7. Almost loses to Reagan and Carter! • Challenged for the Republican nomination by Ronald Reagan • Reagan came within 100 votes of taking the nomination! • Lost to the underdog Carter – • Carter was a Washington outsider – promised Change! • Ford lost 40.3 million to 38.5 million in popular election.

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