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An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford
From the preeminent presidential scholar and acclaimed biographer of historical figures including George Washington, Herbert Hoover, and Nelson Rockefeller comes this eye-opening life of Gerald R. Ford, whose presidency arguably set the course for post-liberal America and a post-Cold War world.
For many Americans, President Gerald Ford was the genial accident of history who controversially pardoned his Watergate-tarnished predecessor, presided over the fall of Saigon, and became a punching bag on Saturday Night Live. Yet as Richard Norton Smith reveals in a book full of surprises, Ford was an underrated leader whose tough decisions and personal decency look better with the passage of time.
Drawing on hundreds of interviews and thousands of documents, Smith recreates Ford’s hardscrabble childhood in Michigan, his early anti-establishment politics and lifelong love affair with the former Betty Bloomer, whose impact on American culture he predicted would outrank his own. As president, Ford guided the nation through its worst Constitutional crisis since the Civil War and broke the back of the most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression—accomplishing both with little fanfare or credit (at least until 2001 when the JFK Library gave him its prestigious Profile in Courage Award in belated recognition of the Nixon pardon).
Less coda than curtain raiser, Ford's administration bridged the Republican pragmatism of Eisenhower and Nixon and the more doctrinaire conservatism of Ronald Reagan. His introduction of economic deregulation would transform the American economy, while his embrace of the Helsinki Accords hastened the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Illustrated with sixteen pages of black-and-white photos, this definitive biography, a decade in the making, will change history’s views of a man whose warning about presidential arrogance (“God help the country”) is more relevant than ever.
For many Americans, President Gerald Ford was the genial accident of history who controversially pardoned his Watergate-tarnished predecessor, presided over the fall of Saigon, and became a punching bag on Saturday Night Live. Yet as Richard Norton Smith reveals in a book full of surprises, Ford was an underrated leader whose tough decisions and personal decency look better with the passage of time.
Drawing on hundreds of interviews and thousands of documents, Smith recreates Ford’s hardscrabble childhood in Michigan, his early anti-establishment politics and lifelong love affair with the former Betty Bloomer, whose impact on American culture he predicted would outrank his own. As president, Ford guided the nation through its worst Constitutional crisis since the Civil War and broke the back of the most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression—accomplishing both with little fanfare or credit (at least until 2001 when the JFK Library gave him its prestigious Profile in Courage Award in belated recognition of the Nixon pardon).
Less coda than curtain raiser, Ford's administration bridged the Republican pragmatism of Eisenhower and Nixon and the more doctrinaire conservatism of Ronald Reagan. His introduction of economic deregulation would transform the American economy, while his embrace of the Helsinki Accords hastened the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Illustrated with sixteen pages of black-and-white photos, this definitive biography, a decade in the making, will change history’s views of a man whose warning about presidential arrogance (“God help the country”) is more relevant than ever.
826 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2023
365 people are currently reading
1608 people want to read
About the author
Richard Norton Smith
31 books51 followersRichard Norton Smith is an American historian and author, specializing in U.S. presidents and other political figures. In the past, he worked as a freelance writer for The Washington Post, and worked with U.S. Senators Edward Brooke and Bob Dole.
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September 22, 2023
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With 710 pages of text and nearly one-hundred pages of notes and bibliography, this is easily the longest of the five biographies of Gerald Ford I've read. It is also the most detailed, revealing and well-researched.
Smith, who delivered eulogies at the funerals of Gerald and Betty Ford, is hardly a clandestine fan of the former president. But, to his credit, he spends far more time reviewing Ford's actions and character than he does advocating for what he may believe is his subject's proper place in presidential history.
While this biography is quite lengthy, it is generally well-paced and begins with a bang. Readers get an excellent sense of Ford's ancestry, hometown and childhood as well as a colorful account of his service in the U.S. Navy. And one unmistakable theme resonates throughout the book: whatever you think of his politics, performance or personality, Ford was a man of unimpeachable character and personal decency.
Smith is careful to acknowledge - and scrutinize - a variety of third-party claims involving Ford's personal and public integrity. These include allegations he had an extramarital affair, that he was involved in a rush-to-judgment during his service on the Warren Commission, and that he promised a pardon to Richard Nixon.
The biography meticulously tracks, dissects, analyzes and explores nearly every accessible facet of Ford's life. It is almost impossible to imagine a future biographer surpassing this effort. Among the well-covered topics are Ford's work on behalf of the Warren Commission, his first weeks in office following Nixon's resignation, and a behind-the-scenes look at events leading up to his pardon of the 37th president. There is also more insight into the contest for the 1976 Republican nomination than I remember reading elsewhere.
But for all of its merit, this biography will not prove ideal for every reader. First, it assumes a reasonable degree of familiarity with the history of the era. While most notable historical events are referenced in the narrative, this is not a survey of American history during the LBJ, Nixon and Ford administrations. As a result, readers with little or no background on the times will fail to understand Ford's actions within the broad historical context.
Second, even readers well-versed in American political history will find that Smith's narrative sometimes feels too much like inside baseball - more likely to appeal to a small group of highly devoted Ford aficionados. The book occasionally groans under the weight of detail that many readers will find excessive or unnecessary.
Finally, Ford was famously committed to a life of public service. His personal life almost always took a back seat to whatever political office he occupied. Not surprisingly, Smith's coverage provides overweighted focus on Ford's three decades in public office and relatively little is seen of his family until the book's final chapters.
Overall, however, Richard Norton Smith has accomplished a tall task: "An Ordinary Man" is a thorough, revealing, remarkably objective and generally interesting biography of an under-covered (and almost certainly under-appreciated) president. Though it will appeal primarily to historians and fans of the Ford presidency, it is unquestionably the new definitive biography of the 38th president and worth a read by anyone perusing the presidents.
Overall Rating: 4 stars
With 710 pages of text and nearly one-hundred pages of notes and bibliography, this is easily the longest of the five biographies of Gerald Ford I've read. It is also the most detailed, revealing and well-researched.
Smith, who delivered eulogies at the funerals of Gerald and Betty Ford, is hardly a clandestine fan of the former president. But, to his credit, he spends far more time reviewing Ford's actions and character than he does advocating for what he may believe is his subject's proper place in presidential history.
While this biography is quite lengthy, it is generally well-paced and begins with a bang. Readers get an excellent sense of Ford's ancestry, hometown and childhood as well as a colorful account of his service in the U.S. Navy. And one unmistakable theme resonates throughout the book: whatever you think of his politics, performance or personality, Ford was a man of unimpeachable character and personal decency.
Smith is careful to acknowledge - and scrutinize - a variety of third-party claims involving Ford's personal and public integrity. These include allegations he had an extramarital affair, that he was involved in a rush-to-judgment during his service on the Warren Commission, and that he promised a pardon to Richard Nixon.
The biography meticulously tracks, dissects, analyzes and explores nearly every accessible facet of Ford's life. It is almost impossible to imagine a future biographer surpassing this effort. Among the well-covered topics are Ford's work on behalf of the Warren Commission, his first weeks in office following Nixon's resignation, and a behind-the-scenes look at events leading up to his pardon of the 37th president. There is also more insight into the contest for the 1976 Republican nomination than I remember reading elsewhere.
But for all of its merit, this biography will not prove ideal for every reader. First, it assumes a reasonable degree of familiarity with the history of the era. While most notable historical events are referenced in the narrative, this is not a survey of American history during the LBJ, Nixon and Ford administrations. As a result, readers with little or no background on the times will fail to understand Ford's actions within the broad historical context.
Second, even readers well-versed in American political history will find that Smith's narrative sometimes feels too much like inside baseball - more likely to appeal to a small group of highly devoted Ford aficionados. The book occasionally groans under the weight of detail that many readers will find excessive or unnecessary.
Finally, Ford was famously committed to a life of public service. His personal life almost always took a back seat to whatever political office he occupied. Not surprisingly, Smith's coverage provides overweighted focus on Ford's three decades in public office and relatively little is seen of his family until the book's final chapters.
Overall, however, Richard Norton Smith has accomplished a tall task: "An Ordinary Man" is a thorough, revealing, remarkably objective and generally interesting biography of an under-covered (and almost certainly under-appreciated) president. Though it will appeal primarily to historians and fans of the Ford presidency, it is unquestionably the new definitive biography of the 38th president and worth a read by anyone perusing the presidents.
Overall Rating: 4 stars
September 20, 2023
Absolutely terrific read! I knew a lot less about Gerald Ford than I thought I did, and I now think he deserves to be numbered among significant political figures rather than just the man who pardoned Richard Nixon. This is the only comprehensive biography of Ford that has been published. Richard Norton Smith is a fine writer and meticulous researcher who is familiar to the C-SPAN viewer as being among the writers and historians central to their long-term commitment to American presidential history. The book is close to 800 pages, so it takes a while to read it properly, and it was worth it.
April 14, 2023
I’m about 250 pages into “An Ordinary Man” and am finding it both enjoyable and instructive. It’s as much a history of the times and events President Ford lived through (1913-2006) as it is a biography of him.
Author Richard Norton Smith seems eminently qualified to write this book. Aside from authoring several political biographies, he has served as the director for the libraries/museums of five Republican presidents, Lincoln’s and Ford’s included. He clearly holds President Ford in high regard. Nevertheless, he writes with an even hand, recognizing Ford’s weaknesses as well as his strengths. His prose is a pleasure to read. And his command of historical detail—his ability to give readers chapter and verse on a host of people, events, and issues relevant to President Ford’s life—is truly impressive.
Smith addresses Ford’s life in a mostly chronological manner, detailing his unsettled early childhood, accomplishments as an athlete and Eagle Scout, college and law school education, WWII service aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific (receiving 9 battle stars), election to Congress, marriage to Mrs. Ford, congressional career and ascent to party leadership, elevation to vice president and then president, and his post-presidency and retirement. Along the way, we’re introduced to many of the people who impacted Ford’s life, some famous (like all the Presidents from Truman through Bush, both in office and out, and other well-known Washington politicians such as Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Bob Dole, and Nelson Rockefeller) and others not so famous (e.g., his birth-father, stepfather, law partner, the “political boss” of Grand Rapids, MI, and even Wendel Wilkie).
What emerges is the picture of a man from America’s heartland—a very talented, sincere, warm, kind, and self-effacing man who goes into politics because he wants to be of service—because he wants to help others—and because he’s ambitious. Forsaking a potentially lucrative law practice, he works hard to get elected to Congress and once there, works even harder, providing top-notch constituent services (once driving an injured constituent from DC back to Michigan because she had no other way to get home) and earning the trust of many of his fellow representatives on both sides of the aisle. A fiscal conservative but socially liberal, over time, he advances to various committee and leadership positions, including, ultimately, Republican Minority Leader. Loving work in the House of Representatives, he hopes one day to become its Speaker. Instead, fate and politics place him in the Vice Presidency and then the White House, where, despite knowing it will probably cost him his chance to be elected President in his own right, he pardons Richard Nixon for the good of the nation.
It’s a fascinating, even inspiring story. My only reservation so far is Mr. Smith’s treatment of Congressman Ford’s service on the Warren Commission, which treatment seemed to get lost in detail and lacked a “big picture” context. I still don’t have much of a sense of what Ford really thought about the assassination or of his participation in the commission’s investigation.
Then again, some of the details that Mr. Smith includes about other matters are surprising and illuminative. For example, I never knew President Ford spent time as a forest ranger at Yellowstone, or that he suffered from a trick knee (earned playing football) that contributed to several of the falls he famously suffered, or that he spent time wooing a young lady in Manhattan as a Yale law student, or that Mrs. Ford studied dance with legendary instructor and choreographer, Martha Graham. Nor did I know how competent, hard-working, and knowledgeable he was as a legislator. In other words, through Mr. Smith’s work, I believe I’m getting a better sense of who President Ford was.
All in all, “An Ordinary Man” is an impressive work well-suited for those interested in President Ford, Congress, the Presidency, and/or 20th Century American history.
P.S. Some readers may appreciate the following caution: This book is 830 pages long (but only 710 pages if you don't count the bibliography, index, acknowledgments, etc.). It weighs approximately three pounds. (Thank goodness for my Kindle!)
Author Richard Norton Smith seems eminently qualified to write this book. Aside from authoring several political biographies, he has served as the director for the libraries/museums of five Republican presidents, Lincoln’s and Ford’s included. He clearly holds President Ford in high regard. Nevertheless, he writes with an even hand, recognizing Ford’s weaknesses as well as his strengths. His prose is a pleasure to read. And his command of historical detail—his ability to give readers chapter and verse on a host of people, events, and issues relevant to President Ford’s life—is truly impressive.
Smith addresses Ford’s life in a mostly chronological manner, detailing his unsettled early childhood, accomplishments as an athlete and Eagle Scout, college and law school education, WWII service aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific (receiving 9 battle stars), election to Congress, marriage to Mrs. Ford, congressional career and ascent to party leadership, elevation to vice president and then president, and his post-presidency and retirement. Along the way, we’re introduced to many of the people who impacted Ford’s life, some famous (like all the Presidents from Truman through Bush, both in office and out, and other well-known Washington politicians such as Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Bob Dole, and Nelson Rockefeller) and others not so famous (e.g., his birth-father, stepfather, law partner, the “political boss” of Grand Rapids, MI, and even Wendel Wilkie).
What emerges is the picture of a man from America’s heartland—a very talented, sincere, warm, kind, and self-effacing man who goes into politics because he wants to be of service—because he wants to help others—and because he’s ambitious. Forsaking a potentially lucrative law practice, he works hard to get elected to Congress and once there, works even harder, providing top-notch constituent services (once driving an injured constituent from DC back to Michigan because she had no other way to get home) and earning the trust of many of his fellow representatives on both sides of the aisle. A fiscal conservative but socially liberal, over time, he advances to various committee and leadership positions, including, ultimately, Republican Minority Leader. Loving work in the House of Representatives, he hopes one day to become its Speaker. Instead, fate and politics place him in the Vice Presidency and then the White House, where, despite knowing it will probably cost him his chance to be elected President in his own right, he pardons Richard Nixon for the good of the nation.
It’s a fascinating, even inspiring story. My only reservation so far is Mr. Smith’s treatment of Congressman Ford’s service on the Warren Commission, which treatment seemed to get lost in detail and lacked a “big picture” context. I still don’t have much of a sense of what Ford really thought about the assassination or of his participation in the commission’s investigation.
Then again, some of the details that Mr. Smith includes about other matters are surprising and illuminative. For example, I never knew President Ford spent time as a forest ranger at Yellowstone, or that he suffered from a trick knee (earned playing football) that contributed to several of the falls he famously suffered, or that he spent time wooing a young lady in Manhattan as a Yale law student, or that Mrs. Ford studied dance with legendary instructor and choreographer, Martha Graham. Nor did I know how competent, hard-working, and knowledgeable he was as a legislator. In other words, through Mr. Smith’s work, I believe I’m getting a better sense of who President Ford was.
All in all, “An Ordinary Man” is an impressive work well-suited for those interested in President Ford, Congress, the Presidency, and/or 20th Century American history.
P.S. Some readers may appreciate the following caution: This book is 830 pages long (but only 710 pages if you don't count the bibliography, index, acknowledgments, etc.). It weighs approximately three pounds. (Thank goodness for my Kindle!)
April 22, 2023
Gerald Ford is one of the most underrated Presidents in American history and has lacked a decent indepth biography for years. In An Ordinary Man Richard Norton Smith finally gives Ford his due in this excellent and exhaustively researched biography. Starting with Ford's parents, his early years and beginnings of his political career Smith sets the stage for Ford's success through hard work and well honed though occasionally well hidden ambition. Ford's accession to the Presidency may have been deemed accidental but Smith makes it feel the natural progression of a lengthy career. While Ford isn't remembered for any specific achievements as President, Smith shows tha Ford was a consequential President who successfully navigated many crises and set the stage for some of the successes enjoyed by his immediate successors who built on the groundwork his administration laid. Smith doesn't pull any punches when dealing with the infighting in Ford's administration and how it hurt Ford's attempts to convey his own views to the public. Smith also does a great job of tracking Betty Ford's struggle with addiction to alcohol and painkillers during her husband's long career and her eventual recovery. What really makes this book enjoyable is the incredible readable style of Smith's prose, unlike some other historians Smith always writes in a style that is easy to follow and keeps the reader's interest. Easily the best book ever written on Gerald Ford and one of the finest biographies I've had the pleasure of reading.
May 29, 2023
This was my first presidential biography since finishing 1-46 in 2021, and after preordering it in October and waiting a long time for delivery, I was not disappointed. An Ordinary Man was fantastic.
Gerald Ford ranks as one of the shortest-serving US presidents, but truly lived a full life of service to his country. Yet it would be easy to mistake him for a placeholder president; an empty suit filling out the remainder of Richard Nixon’s term after Watergate led to Nixon’s resignation. Richard Norton Smith, however, presents Ford’s many accomplishments as president—with a level of detail that few biographers attempt in one volume for a 4- or 8-year chief executive.
Thorough biographies of Ford are hard to come by, making this a much-anticipated release. Ford’s life was dramatic from start-to-finish, at times as unbelievable as that of Alexander Hamilton. Among presidents, Ford’s action in the military may be the most intense since Ulysses S. Grant, and his numerous brushes with death may be the most since Andrew Jackson. Smith tells the story masterfully.
The tale of Ford’s wartime encounter with a hurricane had me sweating. The twin assassination attempts were less dramatic but equally surreal. Ford’s decision to pardon his predecessor is dissected with care, and then the book moves on with the swiftness that Ford intended for the country at the time. Also well-covered are Ford’s battle with the first man to try to unseat him from the White House, and the late-in-life friendship with the man who eventually did so.
Smith puts the pieces together that form the puzzle of Ford’s turbulent early life, with only a little, necessary, speculation. He cites much original material for this book—from in-person interviews—yet manages to mostly keep himself out of the story, save for the footnotes.
My disappointments are limited to a bit of repeated minutiae here and there, a somewhat rushed post-presidency (not uncommon to the genre), and a failure to mention that Ford died on the same calendar day as one of his political role models, the frequently-mentioned Harry Truman.
This was worth the wait!
Gerald Ford ranks as one of the shortest-serving US presidents, but truly lived a full life of service to his country. Yet it would be easy to mistake him for a placeholder president; an empty suit filling out the remainder of Richard Nixon’s term after Watergate led to Nixon’s resignation. Richard Norton Smith, however, presents Ford’s many accomplishments as president—with a level of detail that few biographers attempt in one volume for a 4- or 8-year chief executive.
Thorough biographies of Ford are hard to come by, making this a much-anticipated release. Ford’s life was dramatic from start-to-finish, at times as unbelievable as that of Alexander Hamilton. Among presidents, Ford’s action in the military may be the most intense since Ulysses S. Grant, and his numerous brushes with death may be the most since Andrew Jackson. Smith tells the story masterfully.
The tale of Ford’s wartime encounter with a hurricane had me sweating. The twin assassination attempts were less dramatic but equally surreal. Ford’s decision to pardon his predecessor is dissected with care, and then the book moves on with the swiftness that Ford intended for the country at the time. Also well-covered are Ford’s battle with the first man to try to unseat him from the White House, and the late-in-life friendship with the man who eventually did so.
Smith puts the pieces together that form the puzzle of Ford’s turbulent early life, with only a little, necessary, speculation. He cites much original material for this book—from in-person interviews—yet manages to mostly keep himself out of the story, save for the footnotes.
My disappointments are limited to a bit of repeated minutiae here and there, a somewhat rushed post-presidency (not uncommon to the genre), and a failure to mention that Ford died on the same calendar day as one of his political role models, the frequently-mentioned Harry Truman.
This was worth the wait!
April 17, 2023
Outstanding biography! Ford deserved more credit than he got at the time, and it's good to see that so many recent biographies give him his due credit. This book is fair and representative, as well as interesting and historical. Highly recommend!!
March 4, 2024
This was fantastic. I wept at the end. Gerald Ford and I would’ve been besties, I know it. I love this man.
June 10, 2023
Gerald Ford has always been an intriguing person to me. Undoubtedly a good man, definitely a throwback to the Eisenhower-Dewey days of the GOP, caught between the conniving power seeking of Richard Nixon and the extremism of Ronald Reagan, I was always unsure how exactly to take him. Could we claim he was underrated? Richard Norton Smith certainly tries. He notes that Ford, who famously admitted "I'm a Ford, not a Lincoln", did try to follow Lincoln's quest to appeal to the better angels of our nature. This is the reason Ford did things like pardon Nixon. Smith clearly appreciates Ford's more old fashioned balanced budget approach to economics and he does a decent job telling Ford's side of things. The book is a bit dense and honestly in my mind doesn't quite make the case that Ford was an "historic" president. He comes off as a decent man trying to do what he thought he was right, but we already knew that. Smith does note that some of the foreign policy things that either Carter or Reagan get credit for did in fact originate in Ford policies. His achievements at Helsinki set the stage for the end of the Cold War and he made great progress in arranging peace between Egypt and Israel. To my mind, Ford's greatest achievement, may have actually BEEN his character. As we saw with the revisionist history on Eisenhower, it is not nothing to simply govern without scandal. Smith closes with a quote from Ford on what would be the worst trait in a President: "If you had an arrogant President--and I mean in a vicious way--God help the country." We certainly saw this from 2017-2021. I recommend the book for those interested in an understudied man. Ford comes out as a good man who did a better than expected job--I'm not so sure I'd call him "historic". But I'll admit--I still wish we'd re-elected him in 1976.
May 5, 2024
Gerald Ford was quite an interesting guy. This book is well written and very informative about the events in his life. His real last name was Leslie but he was raised by his mother and a man named Gerald Ford. His real father was not in his life.
Even though I didn't take a star off I was put off by certain remarks by the author that I know were directed Towards Donald Trump. I don't think Trump is at all relevant to the story. We should just look at the story AS IT WAS and not through a lens of NOW.
Even though I didn't take a star off I was put off by certain remarks by the author that I know were directed Towards Donald Trump. I don't think Trump is at all relevant to the story. We should just look at the story AS IT WAS and not through a lens of NOW.
May 24, 2025
Outstanding Biography of a Great American
4.5/5 *. Audible/ Paperback
An Ordinary Man is an extraordinary biography of a president too often overshadowed in the broader sweep of American history. Richard Norton Smith delivers a deeply researched and eloquently written portrait of Gerald R. Ford—one that both informs and, for me personally, evokes a sense of heartfelt nostalgia.
As someone born in 1965, I find myself drawn to figures from that era who embodied a kind of grounded, pragmatic leadership that feels rare today. Gerald Ford was exactly that: a man who didn’t seek the limelight, but stepped into it when the country needed stability and trust. Smith captures that decency beautifully. Ford wasn’t flashy—he was steady, self-effacing, and deeply committed to doing what was best for the country. He supported equal rights for all Americans and was blessed with a strong, candid partner in Betty, whose own legacy is just as admirable. Together, they faced challenges head-on, with a grace that resonates even now.
And let’s not forget—he was a park ranger, for goodness' sake! That kind of salt-of-the-earth background is part of what makes Ford so compelling. As an old football guy myself, I would have loved even more stories from his gridiron days at Michigan and perhaps a few coaching anecdotes. Those glimpses into his athletic past hint at a toughness and team-first mentality that carried through his political career.
While the book occasionally veers into dense procedural territory, it never loses sight of the man at the center of it all. Smith has done a remarkable job elevating Ford from a footnote in presidential history to the complex, admirable figure he truly was.
This biography checks all the boxes for me: rich in detail, emotionally resonant, and unexpectedly inspiring. If you’re looking to revisit a time when integrity quietly led the way, An Ordinary Man is a deeply satisfying read.
4.5/5 *. Audible/ Paperback
An Ordinary Man is an extraordinary biography of a president too often overshadowed in the broader sweep of American history. Richard Norton Smith delivers a deeply researched and eloquently written portrait of Gerald R. Ford—one that both informs and, for me personally, evokes a sense of heartfelt nostalgia.
As someone born in 1965, I find myself drawn to figures from that era who embodied a kind of grounded, pragmatic leadership that feels rare today. Gerald Ford was exactly that: a man who didn’t seek the limelight, but stepped into it when the country needed stability and trust. Smith captures that decency beautifully. Ford wasn’t flashy—he was steady, self-effacing, and deeply committed to doing what was best for the country. He supported equal rights for all Americans and was blessed with a strong, candid partner in Betty, whose own legacy is just as admirable. Together, they faced challenges head-on, with a grace that resonates even now.
And let’s not forget—he was a park ranger, for goodness' sake! That kind of salt-of-the-earth background is part of what makes Ford so compelling. As an old football guy myself, I would have loved even more stories from his gridiron days at Michigan and perhaps a few coaching anecdotes. Those glimpses into his athletic past hint at a toughness and team-first mentality that carried through his political career.
While the book occasionally veers into dense procedural territory, it never loses sight of the man at the center of it all. Smith has done a remarkable job elevating Ford from a footnote in presidential history to the complex, admirable figure he truly was.
This biography checks all the boxes for me: rich in detail, emotionally resonant, and unexpectedly inspiring. If you’re looking to revisit a time when integrity quietly led the way, An Ordinary Man is a deeply satisfying read.
August 17, 2025
"Nothing astonishes men so much as common sense and plain dealing."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Post-bicentennial America was entering a more ideological phase than his problem-solving was accustomed to. 'Maybe Ford was the last true pragmatist--someone who concentrated on making the political system work,' suggested David Mathews, one of the more thoughtful of his Cabinet appointees. A classic Eisenhower Republican, fiscally conservative and socially moderate to liberal, Ford was virtually marooned in his later years...”
“We can only speculate as to Ford's feelings about our contemporary scorched-earth politics, in which consensus yields yields to conspiracy, Facebook masquerades as a news source, and demagoguery is delivered round the clock in 140-character doses. But he left a clue in an unusually thoughtful and far-ranging interview he gave Neil MacNeil of Time in October 1980. After setting out the necessary experience and qualifications for future presidents, Ford was asked to identify any qualities that were 'especially disabling' for the job. Weighing his words carefully, he told MacNeil 'The one that came to mind was arrogance. That’s a terrible characteristic for a President. Fortunately an arrogant person will most unlikely ever be elected, but if you had an arrogant President--and I mean in a vicious way--God help the country."
--Richard Norton-Smith, An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Post-bicentennial America was entering a more ideological phase than his problem-solving was accustomed to. 'Maybe Ford was the last true pragmatist--someone who concentrated on making the political system work,' suggested David Mathews, one of the more thoughtful of his Cabinet appointees. A classic Eisenhower Republican, fiscally conservative and socially moderate to liberal, Ford was virtually marooned in his later years...”
“We can only speculate as to Ford's feelings about our contemporary scorched-earth politics, in which consensus yields yields to conspiracy, Facebook masquerades as a news source, and demagoguery is delivered round the clock in 140-character doses. But he left a clue in an unusually thoughtful and far-ranging interview he gave Neil MacNeil of Time in October 1980. After setting out the necessary experience and qualifications for future presidents, Ford was asked to identify any qualities that were 'especially disabling' for the job. Weighing his words carefully, he told MacNeil 'The one that came to mind was arrogance. That’s a terrible characteristic for a President. Fortunately an arrogant person will most unlikely ever be elected, but if you had an arrogant President--and I mean in a vicious way--God help the country."
--Richard Norton-Smith, An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford
August 30, 2023
This is a thorough biography of former President Gerald Ford. I’m not a big fan of Smith’s method of organizing his chapters (which is not unique to this book), but there is a lot of good information. I give him a lot of credit for pulling so much information together and showing a fair view of Ford. There are plenty of footnotes and sources giving additional insights. I grew up in Grand Rapids, so was very familiar with Congressman Ford, and many of the places and events mentioned.
This book makes we nostalgic for the days when politicians were able to get things done. Things were definitely not without friction, as evidenced by the Republican intra-party bickering between the Ford and Reagan factions. However, it is very telling that the Senate voted unanimously to confirm Supreme Court justice John Paul Stevens. This doesn't happen today.
One extremely petty problem: on the third page of the photos, there is a photo of Ford with Senator Vandenberg (a man largely forgotten today, even in West Michigan). The caption of the photo spells it as "Vandenburg", although the name is spelled correctly throughout the text of the book. Proofreaders, unite! :)
This book makes we nostalgic for the days when politicians were able to get things done. Things were definitely not without friction, as evidenced by the Republican intra-party bickering between the Ford and Reagan factions. However, it is very telling that the Senate voted unanimously to confirm Supreme Court justice John Paul Stevens. This doesn't happen today.
One extremely petty problem: on the third page of the photos, there is a photo of Ford with Senator Vandenberg (a man largely forgotten today, even in West Michigan). The caption of the photo spells it as "Vandenburg", although the name is spelled correctly throughout the text of the book. Proofreaders, unite! :)
April 16, 2024
Who would have ever thought Gerald Ford would be so interesting?! I learned what a decent, smart and honorable person and president Ford was. The book made me yearn for a functional government in which political parties worked together. Ford was the end of the moderate Republican party. I also grew to like and admire Betty Ford.
October 13, 2024
Smith’s excellent book about President Ford was a pleasure to read. Besides being a real page turner that reads like a novel instead of a carefully researched biography, it was refreshing to read about an honest, decent and pragmatic man who cared more about healing our country than his own personal ambition. We need more Gerald Fords in our national politics.
January 13, 2025
I have read many biographies over the years. I have read many political biographies. This one is a standout in the level of detail. It was more than I expected, and honestly more than I started out wanting but the writing was wonderful and the story compelling enough to keep bringing me back.
Want to read
April 22, 2023The inner Michigander in me wants to read this!
November 8, 2023
An ordinary man was an interesting ebook. After reading a couple of pages. I realized that I had already known all about him
August 9, 2025
3.5 stars
This is a solid bio published in 2023 about the only unelected President in US history who held office for just 29 months and whose integrity & honesty, exemplified the virtuous executive envisioned by the founders.
He was born Leslie King, Jr. to a “foulmouthed, physically abusing, suspicious “ father whom his mother divorced when he was only an infant. When his mom remarried, Ford took the name of his stepfather who proved to be very influential in his upbringing and character development. He was a H.S. football star, Eagle Scout, left handed, Michigan Wolverine bench warmer, & Yale law school grad w/photographic memory for names and numbers.
After law school, Ford tried to open a law practice only to find his true passion was politics. Once elected to Congress from a strong Republican Michigan district, Ford served 26 consecutive years in the House of Representatives, rising to Minority leader before he accepted Nixon’s offer to replace Agnew as V-P in late 1973.
His political philosophy was to prefer compromise if possible while believing in fiscal conservatism and social responsibility. Thus he could support the ERA amendment, same sex marriage and also work to lower the deficit as he became a key member of the House Appropriations Committee. He favored balanced budgets in lieu of cutting taxes. He was a ‘budgetary hawk’.
Quotes that reveal insights into the type of person Ford was:
“Ford always accepts responsibility when things go wrong: it’s always ‘I’, but when things succeed, it is always ‘we’.”
When introduced as Agnew’s VP replacement, Ford said-“ I’m a Ford, not a Lincoln”
“Unlike Nixon, Ford welcomed spirited debate before making up his mind”.
When asked in retirement what quality is especially disabling for a President, Ford replied-“ Arrogance. Fortunately an arrogant person is unlikely to be elected, but if you had an arrogant President, and I mean in in a vicious way- God help the country“ (Well, fast forward to 2024 and I guess the U.S. is going to need divine assistance)
Highlights:
Nice narrative surrounding Ford’s dilemma as VP; as more damaging Watergate evidence became public, Ford caught between criticism as a sycophant if he supported Nixon and criticism for disloyalty if he keeps quiet. (he kept quiet)
Like McCullough’s description of Truman’s atomic bomb decision, author Smith presents a great description of Ford’s difficult decision to pardon Nixon, a most controversial decision which most believe cost him the 1976 election. Ford explained his decision was based on mercy and putting Vietnam/Watergate cover up behind the country to move forward. ( the bad optics of US troop S. Vietnam withdrawals and collapse of Saigon government didn’t help either)
Lowlights:
Since Ford did not really face the serious crises that other presidents have (other than impending Nixon impeachment), the author spends a great deal of time discussing mundane Congress activities of Ford. He does the same thing with his 1976 Republican primary contest with Reagan and relatively little time on the actual 1976 election with Carter.
Footnotes are average, mostly just citations.
Summary:
A contemporary assessed Ford’s short presidency this way: “Ultimately, he was a successful President not because he was clever, articulate, or a man of vision, but because he was honest, straightforward, forgiving, & possessed of sound judgment. He was all that Nixon was not and so was exactly what the country needed”
This is a solid bio published in 2023 about the only unelected President in US history who held office for just 29 months and whose integrity & honesty, exemplified the virtuous executive envisioned by the founders.
He was born Leslie King, Jr. to a “foulmouthed, physically abusing, suspicious “ father whom his mother divorced when he was only an infant. When his mom remarried, Ford took the name of his stepfather who proved to be very influential in his upbringing and character development. He was a H.S. football star, Eagle Scout, left handed, Michigan Wolverine bench warmer, & Yale law school grad w/photographic memory for names and numbers.
After law school, Ford tried to open a law practice only to find his true passion was politics. Once elected to Congress from a strong Republican Michigan district, Ford served 26 consecutive years in the House of Representatives, rising to Minority leader before he accepted Nixon’s offer to replace Agnew as V-P in late 1973.
His political philosophy was to prefer compromise if possible while believing in fiscal conservatism and social responsibility. Thus he could support the ERA amendment, same sex marriage and also work to lower the deficit as he became a key member of the House Appropriations Committee. He favored balanced budgets in lieu of cutting taxes. He was a ‘budgetary hawk’.
Quotes that reveal insights into the type of person Ford was:
“Ford always accepts responsibility when things go wrong: it’s always ‘I’, but when things succeed, it is always ‘we’.”
When introduced as Agnew’s VP replacement, Ford said-“ I’m a Ford, not a Lincoln”
“Unlike Nixon, Ford welcomed spirited debate before making up his mind”.
When asked in retirement what quality is especially disabling for a President, Ford replied-“ Arrogance. Fortunately an arrogant person is unlikely to be elected, but if you had an arrogant President, and I mean in in a vicious way- God help the country“ (Well, fast forward to 2024 and I guess the U.S. is going to need divine assistance)
Highlights:
Nice narrative surrounding Ford’s dilemma as VP; as more damaging Watergate evidence became public, Ford caught between criticism as a sycophant if he supported Nixon and criticism for disloyalty if he keeps quiet. (he kept quiet)
Like McCullough’s description of Truman’s atomic bomb decision, author Smith presents a great description of Ford’s difficult decision to pardon Nixon, a most controversial decision which most believe cost him the 1976 election. Ford explained his decision was based on mercy and putting Vietnam/Watergate cover up behind the country to move forward. ( the bad optics of US troop S. Vietnam withdrawals and collapse of Saigon government didn’t help either)
Lowlights:
Since Ford did not really face the serious crises that other presidents have (other than impending Nixon impeachment), the author spends a great deal of time discussing mundane Congress activities of Ford. He does the same thing with his 1976 Republican primary contest with Reagan and relatively little time on the actual 1976 election with Carter.
Footnotes are average, mostly just citations.
Summary:
A contemporary assessed Ford’s short presidency this way: “Ultimately, he was a successful President not because he was clever, articulate, or a man of vision, but because he was honest, straightforward, forgiving, & possessed of sound judgment. He was all that Nixon was not and so was exactly what the country needed”
July 21, 2025
A Remarkable Tribute to a Decent Man. An Ordinary Man by Richard Norton Smith is a deeply researched and beautifully written portrait of Gerald R. Ford — a man whose humility, integrity, and steady hand helped heal a nation in crisis. Smith captures not just the political leader, but the character of a man who never sought greatness yet rose to meet it with quiet strength. In an era of cynicism, Ford’s honesty and decency shine all the more brightly. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand how goodness can still be a presidential virtue.
July 1, 2024
I have an enormous respect for biographers. The immense amount of research that’s required to produce this book is admirable.
My problem with the book is that I can sense a bias in the author. It’s hard to point out exactly, but I can feel it in the writing.
Aside from the bias, the subject of the book is difficult. Gerald Ford was apparently a very nice man who was doing the best that he could do in the situations that he was in. In other words, he didn’t do extraordinary things. (The section on the Nixon pardon was very interesting. Possibly the best part.)
His wife has a more interesting life story
My problem with the book is that I can sense a bias in the author. It’s hard to point out exactly, but I can feel it in the writing.
Aside from the bias, the subject of the book is difficult. Gerald Ford was apparently a very nice man who was doing the best that he could do in the situations that he was in. In other words, he didn’t do extraordinary things. (The section on the Nixon pardon was very interesting. Possibly the best part.)
His wife has a more interesting life story
May 12, 2023
Richard has captured Jerry Ford and provided a much needed reevaluation of our only unelected VP and President. The storytelling is top notch and Ford’s many contributions are worthy of this good and decent public servant. Thank you!
August 17, 2024
In the past 10 years or so, I've read and posted reviews of close to 600 books. Of those books, probably 20% of them have been about U.S. Presidents or other influential world leaders, and I find myself repeating myself when writing my reflections. What I thought I would do for this review, is to take a slight detour and explain why I tend to state what I do when I review many of these offerings. If you don't care to read my reflections and simply want to quickly know how this book was, I'll summarize by saying this book was good overall, but could have been better. If you want elaboration, read on; but first, some explanation about my reflections is necessary.
For most of my life I have been employed as a professional trainer. A big part of my job is classroom training, and I have spend many days in the past 25 years standing in front of a group of people and talking to them for 8 straight hours. Let me give you some helpful advice if you're ever asked to do this: People get bored very quickly. A big challenge I have is keeping people engaged. I need to present my material to where people feel they haven't wasted an 8-hour day listening to a speaker drone on all day while pretending to read sloppy PowerPoint slides. It's not an easy gig, and most people, even some that do it for a living, simply aren't very good.
Oftentimes I'm asked to coach presenters who don't do such a thing regularly. A big mistake I see people make over an over again is that they see how much time they have on the agenda, and they think they need to completely fill their time slot. So if they have a 30-minute time slot and they only have 20 minutes of material, they think they have to "pad their material", "add more PowerPoint slides", or worse "talk slower". They are often amazed when I tell them that none of this is necessary. If you have a 30-minute slot and you finish in 20 minutes, your audience will LOVE you!
So what does all of this have to do with a biography about the 38th U.S. President? Well, it seems as though the author, sadly, does just what I instruct novice speakers not to do. It seems as though he had a "page commitment" and had trouble filling his book with relevant material, so he pads the book. Sadly, it doesn't work to the reader's favor.
Gerald R. Ford. If there was ever an "ordinary man" to hold the office of President, Ford fits the bill almost better than we all wish. He's the only president who was never "elected". He didn't get elected to the office, nor was he an elected President's Vice-President on a ticket. In the midst of the turbulent Nixon administration, Ford was pushed into the role of Vice President after the current office holder Spiro Agnew was indicted for taking bribes and forced to resign. Then, about a year later: Watergate.
It's plain to see that Ford probably never could have been elected for such a visible office as President had he ever decided to run. He was simply too ordinary. Not that this is a bad thing. Sometimes we need a lot more substance and far less style when choosing a Commander in Chief, but voters are fickle and we're not programmed to think quite so rationally. But....well.....an "ordinary" man probably shouldn't warrant an 800-page retrospective, which is what we sadly have with this biography.
To be fair, the last 100 pages are indexes, footnotes, etc. but still, 700 pages is way too much page space devoted to an "ordinary" man never elected to the presidency, who essentially served 1/2 of a 4-year term. Literally half the volume is devoted to Ford's presidency, and this is the half that the reader struggles to remain conscious while reading. This is a shame because the "other" half is quite rewarding. Even though Gerald Ford is ordinary, it's at least interesting to read about his life, and had the author shaved 150 pages off the 'presidential' portion, the overall book would have been far more rewarding.
It's ironic because when Gerald Ford was running for re-election against Governor Jimmy Carter in 1976, many voters were asked to list one thing that Ford had accomplished during his short tenure in the oval office. Many couldn't. That's not surprising. I doubt they could have had they read.....or attempted to read....the accounts in this book. It's simply unbearably boring.
So, yes, the highlights are told very well here. Most notably is the reason why he was chosen to be Vice-President in the first place. (Those who were intelligent on Capitol Hill knew Richard Nixon's career was on borrowed time.) So the politics involved in his selection and confirmation are well told here. The biggest thing that Ford is remembered for is his pardoning of Richard Nixon. Again, the detail in this book is well told, and although most argued that this decision doomed Ford's political career, hindsight many years in the future indicate that it the move was probably for the best.
There was also an entire chapter on Ford's participation the Warren Commission in 1964 after John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and although interesting, the book seemed to wander a tad, and it times I felt as though I was reading a book about conspiracy theories and speculation about what really happened in Dallas as opposed to reading about the intended subject matter. Still, it made for interesting reading which, sadly, wasn't always the case as I've mentioned.
Once 1976 arrives and Ford is replaced by the voters, we read very little about the remainder of Ford's life. I guess it felt as though the author should have taken his time with Ford's pre and post presidency and not so much laborious thick detail during his short tenure. This book was rewarding but definitely had its limitations.
I have to also state that I thought James Cannon's biography of Gerald Ford (written about 10 years prior) was much better. In fact, when I saw that this book had been written, my first thought was "Do we really need another one? Especially so soon after the last one?" Well, sadly, we really didn't. I can't imagine many people wanting to read a biography of Gerald Ford, and if you're one of those people, I would go with The James Cannon one.
For most of my life I have been employed as a professional trainer. A big part of my job is classroom training, and I have spend many days in the past 25 years standing in front of a group of people and talking to them for 8 straight hours. Let me give you some helpful advice if you're ever asked to do this: People get bored very quickly. A big challenge I have is keeping people engaged. I need to present my material to where people feel they haven't wasted an 8-hour day listening to a speaker drone on all day while pretending to read sloppy PowerPoint slides. It's not an easy gig, and most people, even some that do it for a living, simply aren't very good.
Oftentimes I'm asked to coach presenters who don't do such a thing regularly. A big mistake I see people make over an over again is that they see how much time they have on the agenda, and they think they need to completely fill their time slot. So if they have a 30-minute time slot and they only have 20 minutes of material, they think they have to "pad their material", "add more PowerPoint slides", or worse "talk slower". They are often amazed when I tell them that none of this is necessary. If you have a 30-minute slot and you finish in 20 minutes, your audience will LOVE you!
So what does all of this have to do with a biography about the 38th U.S. President? Well, it seems as though the author, sadly, does just what I instruct novice speakers not to do. It seems as though he had a "page commitment" and had trouble filling his book with relevant material, so he pads the book. Sadly, it doesn't work to the reader's favor.
Gerald R. Ford. If there was ever an "ordinary man" to hold the office of President, Ford fits the bill almost better than we all wish. He's the only president who was never "elected". He didn't get elected to the office, nor was he an elected President's Vice-President on a ticket. In the midst of the turbulent Nixon administration, Ford was pushed into the role of Vice President after the current office holder Spiro Agnew was indicted for taking bribes and forced to resign. Then, about a year later: Watergate.
It's plain to see that Ford probably never could have been elected for such a visible office as President had he ever decided to run. He was simply too ordinary. Not that this is a bad thing. Sometimes we need a lot more substance and far less style when choosing a Commander in Chief, but voters are fickle and we're not programmed to think quite so rationally. But....well.....an "ordinary" man probably shouldn't warrant an 800-page retrospective, which is what we sadly have with this biography.
To be fair, the last 100 pages are indexes, footnotes, etc. but still, 700 pages is way too much page space devoted to an "ordinary" man never elected to the presidency, who essentially served 1/2 of a 4-year term. Literally half the volume is devoted to Ford's presidency, and this is the half that the reader struggles to remain conscious while reading. This is a shame because the "other" half is quite rewarding. Even though Gerald Ford is ordinary, it's at least interesting to read about his life, and had the author shaved 150 pages off the 'presidential' portion, the overall book would have been far more rewarding.
It's ironic because when Gerald Ford was running for re-election against Governor Jimmy Carter in 1976, many voters were asked to list one thing that Ford had accomplished during his short tenure in the oval office. Many couldn't. That's not surprising. I doubt they could have had they read.....or attempted to read....the accounts in this book. It's simply unbearably boring.
So, yes, the highlights are told very well here. Most notably is the reason why he was chosen to be Vice-President in the first place. (Those who were intelligent on Capitol Hill knew Richard Nixon's career was on borrowed time.) So the politics involved in his selection and confirmation are well told here. The biggest thing that Ford is remembered for is his pardoning of Richard Nixon. Again, the detail in this book is well told, and although most argued that this decision doomed Ford's political career, hindsight many years in the future indicate that it the move was probably for the best.
There was also an entire chapter on Ford's participation the Warren Commission in 1964 after John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and although interesting, the book seemed to wander a tad, and it times I felt as though I was reading a book about conspiracy theories and speculation about what really happened in Dallas as opposed to reading about the intended subject matter. Still, it made for interesting reading which, sadly, wasn't always the case as I've mentioned.
Once 1976 arrives and Ford is replaced by the voters, we read very little about the remainder of Ford's life. I guess it felt as though the author should have taken his time with Ford's pre and post presidency and not so much laborious thick detail during his short tenure. This book was rewarding but definitely had its limitations.
I have to also state that I thought James Cannon's biography of Gerald Ford (written about 10 years prior) was much better. In fact, when I saw that this book had been written, my first thought was "Do we really need another one? Especially so soon after the last one?" Well, sadly, we really didn't. I can't imagine many people wanting to read a biography of Gerald Ford, and if you're one of those people, I would go with The James Cannon one.
March 9, 2025
For my entire life, I had always thought of Gerald Ford as just “the guy who replaced — and pardoned — Nixon” as well as the only president who had once been offered an NFL contract (in 1935, he turned down offers from the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, instead opting for grad school).
As the title of this biography — “An Ordinary Man” by Richard Norton Smith — suggests, Ford is seen as just plain ordinary to so many Americans.
But his life was incredibly robust and fascinating. His unconventional, Watergate-fueled rise to the presidency was thrilling, and his two-year presidency was surprisingly impactful.
The drama of Ford’s life began immediately upon his birth as Leslie Lynch King Jr. (he and Bill Clinton are the only presidents to be born with different last names). His father, Leslie Sr., was horribly abusive to his mother, Dorothy, who fled to Oak Park, Illinois with her son just 16 days after his birth.
She later moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, met and married Gerald R. Ford, which spawned the official change of her son’s name to Gerald R. Ford Jr. As we learn through Smith’s biography, the scars of this early-life drama stuck with Ford throughout his life.
As a football fan and broadcaster, learning about Ford’s college football career at Michigan was a treat. He was a star two-way player (linebacker and center) who and helped guide the Wolverines to unbeaten seasons and national championships in both 1932 and 1933. During this time, he not only starred on the gridiron but also stood up for an African-American teammate and friend, Willis Ward, who had been unrightfully removed from Michigan’s roster for a game against racist Georgia Tech.
Ford often tried to be everything to everyone, and that may have peaked in 1935 when he enrolled at Yale Law School while simultaneously serving as the university’s boxing coach. He knew nothing about boxing, and his classes strapped him for time, but Ford dove into the challenge nonetheless — another example of his lifelong need to serve in many roles at once.
A major reason behind the nation’s collective brush-off of the Ford presidency was how he conducted it: as a congressman. It’s hard to blame him — old habits die hard. He served as congressman for Michigan’s 5th District for 24 years (1949-73) and retained his congressman’s predilection for constituent pleasing and legislative shenanigans throughout his presidency.
It was gripping to read about Ford’s unlikely ascension to the presidency. First, he became Richard Nixon’s Vice President designate thanks to Spiro Agnew’s 1973 scandal-fueled resignation, making Ford the country’s first unelected Vice President. But we collectively remember Ford most for his 1974 ascension to the nation’s highest office due to a scandal far greater in scope: Watergate.
I was incredibly impressed at Ford’s discretion during the Watergate fallout as he learned, bit by bit, that the likelihood of a Ford presidency was increasing daily. Ford maintained an ironclad cloak of secrecy, not even divulging details to his wife, Betty, as Nixon’s impending resignation (and his subsequent swearing-in as president) became more of a reality. We can all learn something from his ability to stay quiet under all-world pressure.
I recently read a biography of Chester Arthur, who was scared silly from the moment he rose to the presidency as a result of James Garfield’s assassination. Arthur was in over his head and suffered from brutal anxiety. Ford was the opposite. As president, he coolly adjusted to the trappings — and pressure — of the Oval Office, even amidst a horrible stagflation-ridden economy, never-ending conflict with the Soviet Union, and the question of how to handle now ex-President Richard Nixon.
I had always thought of Ford’s pardon of Nixon as a cop-out, and I think many Americans still do. But in re-living the decision with 50 years of hindsight, I see that Ford was justified. His intention was to put the Watergate-Nixon clusterf**k (for lack of a better word) behind the nation. How could Ford govern effectively, and how could the U.S. move on, if a Nixon criminal trial dragged on for years? What effect would that have on foreign policy, and on the U.S. economy? Ford really had no choice. He couldn’t have Nixon’s trial hanging over the country. The pardon was a brutal political decision at the time — Ford’s approval rating tanked — but it was in the best interest of the country.
And that’s who Ford was. He was, almost to a fault, forgiving. Some of this may have stemmed from his early days as an infant, the result of an abusive marriage. He ended up reconnecting with his biological father. He tried to sit out of the Michigan-Georgia Tech game when his friend Willis was barred from action. He answered every request from constituents as a congressman. He pardoned Nixon. And he operated his presidency with principles of integrity and forgiveness.
Admittedly, there’s nothing earth-shattering about Ford’s years in office. The Helsinki Accords did scale back Soviet aggression, but only in theory. He battled the ravaged economy with grace, but he hardly solved it. And tensions in the Middle East didn’t improve much under his tenure. So no, Ford’s presidency was no Mount Rushmore-worthy masterpiece. But his life — the stories and the way he lived it — are worth reliving, and Smith’s biography is a wonderful way to do just that.
As the title of this biography — “An Ordinary Man” by Richard Norton Smith — suggests, Ford is seen as just plain ordinary to so many Americans.
But his life was incredibly robust and fascinating. His unconventional, Watergate-fueled rise to the presidency was thrilling, and his two-year presidency was surprisingly impactful.
The drama of Ford’s life began immediately upon his birth as Leslie Lynch King Jr. (he and Bill Clinton are the only presidents to be born with different last names). His father, Leslie Sr., was horribly abusive to his mother, Dorothy, who fled to Oak Park, Illinois with her son just 16 days after his birth.
She later moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, met and married Gerald R. Ford, which spawned the official change of her son’s name to Gerald R. Ford Jr. As we learn through Smith’s biography, the scars of this early-life drama stuck with Ford throughout his life.
As a football fan and broadcaster, learning about Ford’s college football career at Michigan was a treat. He was a star two-way player (linebacker and center) who and helped guide the Wolverines to unbeaten seasons and national championships in both 1932 and 1933. During this time, he not only starred on the gridiron but also stood up for an African-American teammate and friend, Willis Ward, who had been unrightfully removed from Michigan’s roster for a game against racist Georgia Tech.
Ford often tried to be everything to everyone, and that may have peaked in 1935 when he enrolled at Yale Law School while simultaneously serving as the university’s boxing coach. He knew nothing about boxing, and his classes strapped him for time, but Ford dove into the challenge nonetheless — another example of his lifelong need to serve in many roles at once.
A major reason behind the nation’s collective brush-off of the Ford presidency was how he conducted it: as a congressman. It’s hard to blame him — old habits die hard. He served as congressman for Michigan’s 5th District for 24 years (1949-73) and retained his congressman’s predilection for constituent pleasing and legislative shenanigans throughout his presidency.
It was gripping to read about Ford’s unlikely ascension to the presidency. First, he became Richard Nixon’s Vice President designate thanks to Spiro Agnew’s 1973 scandal-fueled resignation, making Ford the country’s first unelected Vice President. But we collectively remember Ford most for his 1974 ascension to the nation’s highest office due to a scandal far greater in scope: Watergate.
I was incredibly impressed at Ford’s discretion during the Watergate fallout as he learned, bit by bit, that the likelihood of a Ford presidency was increasing daily. Ford maintained an ironclad cloak of secrecy, not even divulging details to his wife, Betty, as Nixon’s impending resignation (and his subsequent swearing-in as president) became more of a reality. We can all learn something from his ability to stay quiet under all-world pressure.
I recently read a biography of Chester Arthur, who was scared silly from the moment he rose to the presidency as a result of James Garfield’s assassination. Arthur was in over his head and suffered from brutal anxiety. Ford was the opposite. As president, he coolly adjusted to the trappings — and pressure — of the Oval Office, even amidst a horrible stagflation-ridden economy, never-ending conflict with the Soviet Union, and the question of how to handle now ex-President Richard Nixon.
I had always thought of Ford’s pardon of Nixon as a cop-out, and I think many Americans still do. But in re-living the decision with 50 years of hindsight, I see that Ford was justified. His intention was to put the Watergate-Nixon clusterf**k (for lack of a better word) behind the nation. How could Ford govern effectively, and how could the U.S. move on, if a Nixon criminal trial dragged on for years? What effect would that have on foreign policy, and on the U.S. economy? Ford really had no choice. He couldn’t have Nixon’s trial hanging over the country. The pardon was a brutal political decision at the time — Ford’s approval rating tanked — but it was in the best interest of the country.
And that’s who Ford was. He was, almost to a fault, forgiving. Some of this may have stemmed from his early days as an infant, the result of an abusive marriage. He ended up reconnecting with his biological father. He tried to sit out of the Michigan-Georgia Tech game when his friend Willis was barred from action. He answered every request from constituents as a congressman. He pardoned Nixon. And he operated his presidency with principles of integrity and forgiveness.
Admittedly, there’s nothing earth-shattering about Ford’s years in office. The Helsinki Accords did scale back Soviet aggression, but only in theory. He battled the ravaged economy with grace, but he hardly solved it. And tensions in the Middle East didn’t improve much under his tenure. So no, Ford’s presidency was no Mount Rushmore-worthy masterpiece. But his life — the stories and the way he lived it — are worth reliving, and Smith’s biography is a wonderful way to do just that.
July 10, 2023
Having been a Presidential nerd for years, i must confess I did not know many of the details of Ford's presidency beyond the first few months (the pardon etc), the fact that the economy was in very bad shape, the Vietnam War ending and the 1976 campaign. I always had a positive impression of Ford and felt maybe he was sort of short changed by inheriting an office he never sought under extraordinary circumstances. I came away feeling sure that he has been short changed by history after reading this book.
Richard Norton Smith has used previously unreleased oral histories and other records to reveal things about President Ford that were not previously known and are very interesting (I will not spoil them here).
The last real "centrist" President we have had sometimes sounds like a Democrat, sometimes like a Republican and ends up annoying both sides at times-which as Ford says is a sign he was doing something right. He brings double digit inflation down, begins the path to peace between Israel and Egypt forged by his successor and the end of the Cold War by his successors after that with the Helsinki Accords.
You also learn how Ford is one of the most misremembered Presidents in history. He fell one time down rain soaked stairs on Air Force One and, thanks to SNL, was known as a klutz, despite being the only President that could have had an NFL career and being an excellent skier (i will note we have had later Presidents that were bigger klutzes but I digress). He was thought of as an intellectual lightweight, despite graduating from Michigan and Yale Law School and in one scene in the book presents the budget to the media answering rapid fire questions on minute details of it. Hard to imagine today's teleprompter and index card Presidents of either party being able to do that.
His life story is fascinating-being rescued from his horrible father and into the arms of his stepfather who gave him his name we all know (I believe the only President to be born with a different name, Lesley King). His early stands for Civil Rights (threatening not to play an important football game unless his African American friend who had been prohibited could play) and heroics in the Pacific in World War II are also extensively covered.
Through it all, his high moral character shines through (especially as it's often missing from politicians today). Numerous times, you read about him making decisions that are best for the country rather than for his administration and reelection prospects like (a) refusing to increase the money supply or other election time tricks to make the economy appear better than it is, and of course (b) the Pardon. While his reasons for pardoning his predecessor make sense in retrospect (and were acknowledged by all parties when he received the Profile in Courage award for it from the Kennedy family in 2001), he knew it would likely make his reelection difficult. History now applauds him for doing it as part of a general restoration of sanity in the Presidency and in our Republic. Richard Norton Smith has finally given our 38th President the biography he deserves in a flowing style that made me not want to put it down and at times, feel moved.
Richard Norton Smith has used previously unreleased oral histories and other records to reveal things about President Ford that were not previously known and are very interesting (I will not spoil them here).
The last real "centrist" President we have had sometimes sounds like a Democrat, sometimes like a Republican and ends up annoying both sides at times-which as Ford says is a sign he was doing something right. He brings double digit inflation down, begins the path to peace between Israel and Egypt forged by his successor and the end of the Cold War by his successors after that with the Helsinki Accords.
You also learn how Ford is one of the most misremembered Presidents in history. He fell one time down rain soaked stairs on Air Force One and, thanks to SNL, was known as a klutz, despite being the only President that could have had an NFL career and being an excellent skier (i will note we have had later Presidents that were bigger klutzes but I digress). He was thought of as an intellectual lightweight, despite graduating from Michigan and Yale Law School and in one scene in the book presents the budget to the media answering rapid fire questions on minute details of it. Hard to imagine today's teleprompter and index card Presidents of either party being able to do that.
His life story is fascinating-being rescued from his horrible father and into the arms of his stepfather who gave him his name we all know (I believe the only President to be born with a different name, Lesley King). His early stands for Civil Rights (threatening not to play an important football game unless his African American friend who had been prohibited could play) and heroics in the Pacific in World War II are also extensively covered.
Through it all, his high moral character shines through (especially as it's often missing from politicians today). Numerous times, you read about him making decisions that are best for the country rather than for his administration and reelection prospects like (a) refusing to increase the money supply or other election time tricks to make the economy appear better than it is, and of course (b) the Pardon. While his reasons for pardoning his predecessor make sense in retrospect (and were acknowledged by all parties when he received the Profile in Courage award for it from the Kennedy family in 2001), he knew it would likely make his reelection difficult. History now applauds him for doing it as part of a general restoration of sanity in the Presidency and in our Republic. Richard Norton Smith has finally given our 38th President the biography he deserves in a flowing style that made me not want to put it down and at times, feel moved.
August 23, 2023
This is the first biography I’ve read. I wasn’t able to get my hands on his autobiography. I’ve discovered that I prefer autobiographies. I feel I can get to know the person better by seeing how they personally view themselves and what they care about. What they choose to spend time speaking on is enlightening. This biography felt very sterile, like a textbook.
Like almost every other President, it’s shared how “not racist” Ford was - owing to the fact he played college football. When I say my jaw dropped. 🤦🏻♀️
I felt I could barely get to know Ford with the formatting of the book, stilted and jumping back and forth. From what I gather through is that he was somewhat moderate. At his best he stood up for marginalized communities to promote equality. At his worst he conceded that he would have to appease liberals in order to keep favorable polls.
It sounds like there was shadiness in all parts of Nixon’s cabinet from the word go From what I could tell, as soon as Ford took over as Vice President from Agnew (tossed out for criminal activity), his opinion of the President (a friend of 25 years) went from supportive, to curious, to skeptical. He was open that his months as VP was “the worst job I ever had”.
Even after Nixon’s resignation, he seemed uncomfortably loyal, as did much of the GOP, ultimately pardoning Nixon. Looks like cronyism from where I stand. People rot for years (even life) in prison for far less damaging offenses. Overall, the U.S. was very split in their opinion of this.
Once President, Ford didn’t seem to prove a very impressive figure. His cabinet was disorganized, he was not terribly assertive, and he had to be scolded for his day drinking habits. Betty (his wife) however was very active and considerably more liberal than Gerald - urging him to appoint (specifically to the Supreme Court) and hire women and women of color and staunchly supporting the Equal Rights Amendment and abortion rights. She also spread awareness regarding breast cancer as she battled it herself and endured a double mastectomy. Prior, breast cancer and the like was referred to as “female problems” and very taboo to discuss openly. Betty made it clear that she wanted her condition and treatment announced without euphemism or a G rating.
In post presidency, Betty Ford was forced to reckon with her addictions, which she struggled with for years, after an intervention by her family. She then established a rehab center which saved countless lives. Gerald swayed significantly liberal out of office, spreading awareness and raising money for HIV/AIDS, promoting same sex marriage, speaking out in favor of legalized and protected abortion, and issuing the Presidential Medal of Honor to Jesse Owens - righting a wrong for when FDR snubbed him. ( check out more on that here https://www.whitehousehistory.org/run... ) Even still, he remained loyal to the Republican Party. As I’ve said before, it’s alarming how radicalized and regressive conservatives have become. This would be unheard of now.
Like almost every other President, it’s shared how “not racist” Ford was - owing to the fact he played college football. When I say my jaw dropped. 🤦🏻♀️
I felt I could barely get to know Ford with the formatting of the book, stilted and jumping back and forth. From what I gather through is that he was somewhat moderate. At his best he stood up for marginalized communities to promote equality. At his worst he conceded that he would have to appease liberals in order to keep favorable polls.
It sounds like there was shadiness in all parts of Nixon’s cabinet from the word go From what I could tell, as soon as Ford took over as Vice President from Agnew (tossed out for criminal activity), his opinion of the President (a friend of 25 years) went from supportive, to curious, to skeptical. He was open that his months as VP was “the worst job I ever had”.
Even after Nixon’s resignation, he seemed uncomfortably loyal, as did much of the GOP, ultimately pardoning Nixon. Looks like cronyism from where I stand. People rot for years (even life) in prison for far less damaging offenses. Overall, the U.S. was very split in their opinion of this.
Once President, Ford didn’t seem to prove a very impressive figure. His cabinet was disorganized, he was not terribly assertive, and he had to be scolded for his day drinking habits. Betty (his wife) however was very active and considerably more liberal than Gerald - urging him to appoint (specifically to the Supreme Court) and hire women and women of color and staunchly supporting the Equal Rights Amendment and abortion rights. She also spread awareness regarding breast cancer as she battled it herself and endured a double mastectomy. Prior, breast cancer and the like was referred to as “female problems” and very taboo to discuss openly. Betty made it clear that she wanted her condition and treatment announced without euphemism or a G rating.
In post presidency, Betty Ford was forced to reckon with her addictions, which she struggled with for years, after an intervention by her family. She then established a rehab center which saved countless lives. Gerald swayed significantly liberal out of office, spreading awareness and raising money for HIV/AIDS, promoting same sex marriage, speaking out in favor of legalized and protected abortion, and issuing the Presidential Medal of Honor to Jesse Owens - righting a wrong for when FDR snubbed him. ( check out more on that here https://www.whitehousehistory.org/run... ) Even still, he remained loyal to the Republican Party. As I’ve said before, it’s alarming how radicalized and regressive conservatives have become. This would be unheard of now.
December 10, 2024
'An Ordinary Man: The Suprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford' is a wonderful biography. However, I would say that it is mistitled....Jerry Ford was far from an 'ordinary man'. He was an exceptional human being but not without flaws.
As a lifelong Democrat, the 1976 presidential election (the 2nd presidential election I had the opportunity to vote in) was the most difficult choice for president I have ever had to make. And, having read Ford's biography and a biography of Carter this year, I may not have voted for Carter had I read these two books in 1976 :) - an impossibility I know! But like many in 1976 I could not get over the hurdle that Ford pardoned Nixon for his acts to obstruct justice during the Watergate affair.
Richard Norton Smith takes the reader on an extensive and comprehensive ride through Ford's life from his early childhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a single mom to his activities as a leader of the Republican party into the W. Bush administration. Ford was a model student/athlete in his integrated high school in Grand rapids, a student/athlete at the University of Michigan, law school at Yale and like many of his generation, volunteer in the United States Navy during WWII. From there Smith focuses on Ford's life as a congressman from western Michigan and his marriage to Betty Bloom.
Smith's attention to the details of Ford's rise in the Republican Party and his congressional career, sometimes at the expense of his wife and family, is wonderfully written. When Nixon's vice president, Spiro Agnew, resigns his position, leaders of both parties are supportive of Nixon's decision to nominate Jerry Ford. And when Nixon resigns in humiliation in 1974, the nation rallies around Ford who introduces himself as a "Ford not a Lincoln'. Ford had unenviable task of cleaning up the mess of distrust that Americans had in their government as a result of Nixon and his cronies. It takes Ford some time to 'clean house' but after he does he sets out on an agenda of compromise with the Democratic leaders who controlled Congress. Smith does a great job in explaing and showing the early split in the republican party - the traditional Republicans that Ford represented and the coming of the conservative revolution in the GOP under the leadership of Ronald Reagan. Ford's presidency was not one that today's GOP would recognize: clemency for Viet Nam war resisters, support of the ERA, Roe v Wade, TitleIX, environmental regulations to name a few. Smith also does an excellent job in detailing the exceptionally close 1976 election which went down to the wire and a change of 9,000 votes would have changed the outcome. Smith is also very candid about the trials and tribulations that Betty Ford faced as a 'political wife' and many times single mom to her battles with breast cancer and drug and alcohol dependency.
Smith has written a well researched and detailed account of the life and presidency of an exceptional human being.
As a lifelong Democrat, the 1976 presidential election (the 2nd presidential election I had the opportunity to vote in) was the most difficult choice for president I have ever had to make. And, having read Ford's biography and a biography of Carter this year, I may not have voted for Carter had I read these two books in 1976 :) - an impossibility I know! But like many in 1976 I could not get over the hurdle that Ford pardoned Nixon for his acts to obstruct justice during the Watergate affair.
Richard Norton Smith takes the reader on an extensive and comprehensive ride through Ford's life from his early childhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a single mom to his activities as a leader of the Republican party into the W. Bush administration. Ford was a model student/athlete in his integrated high school in Grand rapids, a student/athlete at the University of Michigan, law school at Yale and like many of his generation, volunteer in the United States Navy during WWII. From there Smith focuses on Ford's life as a congressman from western Michigan and his marriage to Betty Bloom.
Smith's attention to the details of Ford's rise in the Republican Party and his congressional career, sometimes at the expense of his wife and family, is wonderfully written. When Nixon's vice president, Spiro Agnew, resigns his position, leaders of both parties are supportive of Nixon's decision to nominate Jerry Ford. And when Nixon resigns in humiliation in 1974, the nation rallies around Ford who introduces himself as a "Ford not a Lincoln'. Ford had unenviable task of cleaning up the mess of distrust that Americans had in their government as a result of Nixon and his cronies. It takes Ford some time to 'clean house' but after he does he sets out on an agenda of compromise with the Democratic leaders who controlled Congress. Smith does a great job in explaing and showing the early split in the republican party - the traditional Republicans that Ford represented and the coming of the conservative revolution in the GOP under the leadership of Ronald Reagan. Ford's presidency was not one that today's GOP would recognize: clemency for Viet Nam war resisters, support of the ERA, Roe v Wade, TitleIX, environmental regulations to name a few. Smith also does an excellent job in detailing the exceptionally close 1976 election which went down to the wire and a change of 9,000 votes would have changed the outcome. Smith is also very candid about the trials and tribulations that Betty Ford faced as a 'political wife' and many times single mom to her battles with breast cancer and drug and alcohol dependency.
Smith has written a well researched and detailed account of the life and presidency of an exceptional human being.
May 22, 2023
During my time in Washington Gerald Ford was someone who I came in contact with, first as the leader of the Michigan Delegation (I was working for a Michigan Congressman) and then later as VP (when I worked for Bill Simon in the very early days of the Federal Energy Office (FEO - which evolved into the Department of Energy). I offer that prelude as an indicator that I knew something of our 38th President. Smith's book is exhaustive. And most of it is compelling. Ford got the job of VP out of a sense of responsibility not because he sought to succeed Nixon.
When you read this book the qualities - of genuineness and humility come through clearly. But what also comes clear are some qualities which I think people at the time often did not get. Three quotes will suffice - 1) "A Government large enough to give you everything you want is also large enough to take everything you have" - evidencing a clear knowledge of the limits of government. 2) Ford commented that he did not mind adversaries but didn't think it necessary to have them become enemies. (An understanding of the notion first advanced by Palmerston about no permanent enemies or friends only permanent values). 3) When he became President he had a golden retriever named Liberty who took a dump in the Oval Office and as an aide went out to clean up the dog's mess - the President said "No I'll do it" and said "No man should be forced to pick up the poop from another man’s dog "
The challenges in the less than 900 days of his presidency were profound and by any measure he responded with careful leadership both on the international and domestic front. When he ran to be reelected he took a 20% deficit in the polls and made it into a horse race.
Here's where I have a problem with the narrative offered by Smith. He has some memes about how the tax system works (with a special negative set of feelings about supply side theory on taxes) which reflect a bias that is not confirmed by the data. Between Carter's last budget and Reagan's last (even with two massive supply side tax bills (1981 and 1986) individual income tax revenues almost doubled and corporate revenues followed the same trend. But the Washington consensus which Smith blindly follows is that the tax cuts caused the deficits of the Reagan presidency. What really caused those deficits was a profligate (tiny in todays terms) Congress expanding programs willy nilly.
Would I recommend the book. On the whole it is worth the read. But watch out for those occasional hidden biases.
When you read this book the qualities - of genuineness and humility come through clearly. But what also comes clear are some qualities which I think people at the time often did not get. Three quotes will suffice - 1) "A Government large enough to give you everything you want is also large enough to take everything you have" - evidencing a clear knowledge of the limits of government. 2) Ford commented that he did not mind adversaries but didn't think it necessary to have them become enemies. (An understanding of the notion first advanced by Palmerston about no permanent enemies or friends only permanent values). 3) When he became President he had a golden retriever named Liberty who took a dump in the Oval Office and as an aide went out to clean up the dog's mess - the President said "No I'll do it" and said "No man should be forced to pick up the poop from another man’s dog "
The challenges in the less than 900 days of his presidency were profound and by any measure he responded with careful leadership both on the international and domestic front. When he ran to be reelected he took a 20% deficit in the polls and made it into a horse race.
Here's where I have a problem with the narrative offered by Smith. He has some memes about how the tax system works (with a special negative set of feelings about supply side theory on taxes) which reflect a bias that is not confirmed by the data. Between Carter's last budget and Reagan's last (even with two massive supply side tax bills (1981 and 1986) individual income tax revenues almost doubled and corporate revenues followed the same trend. But the Washington consensus which Smith blindly follows is that the tax cuts caused the deficits of the Reagan presidency. What really caused those deficits was a profligate (tiny in todays terms) Congress expanding programs willy nilly.
Would I recommend the book. On the whole it is worth the read. But watch out for those occasional hidden biases.
August 11, 2023
Many may ask why is Gerald R Ford Jr. deserving of such a mammoth sized biography considering he is but a short term president? The answer is simple, as the title of this book suggest his presidency was ‘historic’ Presidency which paved the way for others.
This book brings Ford to life both through his official work and through his private life. It paints an elegant picture of the caring man who sacrificed political success for the success of his nation. Of all the leaders I have read and done research on he stands out not for his achievements per say but for his character, a gentle giant in many a way who strove to better all he could, he was a service man who dedicated his life in the service of others whether that be as a sailor in WWII, a Congressman, as Minority Leader, as Vice President or as President, all that Gerald R Ford Jr. did was in the service of others.
To many Gerald Ford is the unelected Vice President who through no success of his own rose to be an unelected President, to others he was “the son-of-a-bitch who pardoned the son-of-a-bitch” yet for many years Ford’s true successes have been hidden. It is true that his first year was bogged down by decisions and actions of his predecessors while his second and final year in office was controlled by Reagan’s Republican revolt, yet even through these times he paved his own successes.
His 2 years, 5 months and 11 days in office saw the pardoning of Nixon (within his first month), the stagnating economy, the fall of Vietnam, the controversy of the CIA and DOJ and several other major crises. Yet to his own credit he waged war on inflation and the national deficit, relocated thousands of Vietnamese fleeing Communism (including thousands of orphaned children), he saved New York from bankruptcy through his hard ball tactics, signed the Helsinki Accords and through doing so sowed the seeds of destruction of the USSR, he fared off against North Korean and won and also dealt with a virus that today is all but forgotten.
Yet Ford’s greatest accomplishment is weathering the storm and bring respect back to the Presidency, any man less noble, less trustworthy, less bipartisan and less likeable could have chanced the corse of American and world history leading it down a darker and more dangerous path. It was these attributes that allowed Ford to revitalise the Presidency and preserve it, it was his unlikeness to Nixon which insured the institutions survival.
Whatever your opinions on the man, it is safe to say that Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. was the right man, in the right place at the right time.
This book brings Ford to life both through his official work and through his private life. It paints an elegant picture of the caring man who sacrificed political success for the success of his nation. Of all the leaders I have read and done research on he stands out not for his achievements per say but for his character, a gentle giant in many a way who strove to better all he could, he was a service man who dedicated his life in the service of others whether that be as a sailor in WWII, a Congressman, as Minority Leader, as Vice President or as President, all that Gerald R Ford Jr. did was in the service of others.
To many Gerald Ford is the unelected Vice President who through no success of his own rose to be an unelected President, to others he was “the son-of-a-bitch who pardoned the son-of-a-bitch” yet for many years Ford’s true successes have been hidden. It is true that his first year was bogged down by decisions and actions of his predecessors while his second and final year in office was controlled by Reagan’s Republican revolt, yet even through these times he paved his own successes.
His 2 years, 5 months and 11 days in office saw the pardoning of Nixon (within his first month), the stagnating economy, the fall of Vietnam, the controversy of the CIA and DOJ and several other major crises. Yet to his own credit he waged war on inflation and the national deficit, relocated thousands of Vietnamese fleeing Communism (including thousands of orphaned children), he saved New York from bankruptcy through his hard ball tactics, signed the Helsinki Accords and through doing so sowed the seeds of destruction of the USSR, he fared off against North Korean and won and also dealt with a virus that today is all but forgotten.
Yet Ford’s greatest accomplishment is weathering the storm and bring respect back to the Presidency, any man less noble, less trustworthy, less bipartisan and less likeable could have chanced the corse of American and world history leading it down a darker and more dangerous path. It was these attributes that allowed Ford to revitalise the Presidency and preserve it, it was his unlikeness to Nixon which insured the institutions survival.
Whatever your opinions on the man, it is safe to say that Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. was the right man, in the right place at the right time.
April 1, 2024
5-
I remember Jerry Ford. I watched his presidency, short though it was, on the news in real time. I did not agree with many of his conservative policies, but I always respected his basic decency and faithfulness to duty. I only wish that these rare qualities made him "ordinary." We need more people like him who show the courage of their deeply held convictions and loyalties.
I never understood the portrayal of him on Saturday Night Live. They so often get politicians right, but Ford deserved better than the "not very bright", bumbling depiction I saw. He wasn't a charismatic speaker, but he was honest and forthright even when he knew his positions would probably lose votes. His instinct told him that living by his values was more important than pleasing the masses.
He certainly was not perfect. He was too often an absent husband and father in order to further his career and meet the unending needs of his district's constituents. During his long political life he sacrificed the affluence that might have eased his life and that of his family. I was pleased to learn that he gained that after leaving the White House.
I never believed that Ford gained his position as Vice-President and President though a secret deal to pardon Nixon, although I knew many ethical Republicans who withheld their votes because they questioned his motives. I never agreed with Ford on the Nixon pardon, but I always believed his reasons were principled, intrinsic in his personal moral code . I was proud that such a person had graduated from the University of Michigan, and that he remained a strong supporter of that institution until the end of his life.
Gerald Ford was a rare gift to this country at a time we most needed his steady, moral hand. He and I would have argued spiritedly and amicably about politics, but we could have also been friends and good neighbors. There are few public figures or politicians of either party that I can say that about.
Richard Norton Smith has given us a fair, honest biography of a most extraordinary man.
I remember Jerry Ford. I watched his presidency, short though it was, on the news in real time. I did not agree with many of his conservative policies, but I always respected his basic decency and faithfulness to duty. I only wish that these rare qualities made him "ordinary." We need more people like him who show the courage of their deeply held convictions and loyalties.
I never understood the portrayal of him on Saturday Night Live. They so often get politicians right, but Ford deserved better than the "not very bright", bumbling depiction I saw. He wasn't a charismatic speaker, but he was honest and forthright even when he knew his positions would probably lose votes. His instinct told him that living by his values was more important than pleasing the masses.
He certainly was not perfect. He was too often an absent husband and father in order to further his career and meet the unending needs of his district's constituents. During his long political life he sacrificed the affluence that might have eased his life and that of his family. I was pleased to learn that he gained that after leaving the White House.
I never believed that Ford gained his position as Vice-President and President though a secret deal to pardon Nixon, although I knew many ethical Republicans who withheld their votes because they questioned his motives. I never agreed with Ford on the Nixon pardon, but I always believed his reasons were principled, intrinsic in his personal moral code . I was proud that such a person had graduated from the University of Michigan, and that he remained a strong supporter of that institution until the end of his life.
Gerald Ford was a rare gift to this country at a time we most needed his steady, moral hand. He and I would have argued spiritedly and amicably about politics, but we could have also been friends and good neighbors. There are few public figures or politicians of either party that I can say that about.
Richard Norton Smith has given us a fair, honest biography of a most extraordinary man.
June 13, 2023
There have been a couple of biographies about Gerald Ford—the most well-known and regarded likely being James Cannon’s Gerald R. Ford: An Honorable Life—and I feel it’s safe to say that in An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford author and journalist Richard Norton Smith has supplanted Cannon as the eminent Ford biographer. This will, without a doubt, be the definitive Ford biography for years to come. Covering the entirety of the 38th presidents life, Smith excels in detailing the facts of the man’s life and the facts surrounding key events such as his football career, Watergate, the Helsinki Accords, and the 1976 campaign. However, my critique lies in the depiction of Ford himself, in that unlike some other biographies, I wish I as a reader could have gleaned more about the inner workings of Ford’s thought process and in particular a more clearly defined picture on his changing views. A key example comes in with Ford’s involvement in the Warren Commission, where some illuminating insight is offered about Ford’s initial hesitations with certain theories and personal beliefs on the motive and suspects involved, but his ultimate conclusion and closing assessments aren’t as deeply discussed. We understand what he did and where he was, but often I’m left wanting to still learn more about the why and how of the Michigander’s thinking. Ford is depicted as a much more straightforward, modest, firm, and not particularly adept politician (or executive for that matter, even Ford himself remarking the Capitol Building was his true home, not the White House), but even after over 700-pages, I’m left wanting to see more about what makes Ford tick or why he believed what he did was necessary. Still, Smith’s prose is direct, detailed and always informative and this will surely serve as an excellent and necessary resource for those looking to the facts of Ford’s life and presidency.
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