The reason Ford was chosen by Nixon

[WI_DEM]

This is not a Ford was a good man or evil man post just some thoughts on how Ford became our first unelected president. When Agnew resigned Nixon wanted John Connolly, the former Democratic Governor of Texas (riding with JFK in Dallas on 11/22/63), and then head of Dems for Nixon before becoming a Republican in 1973. However, both Democrats and Republicans were opposed to "Big Jawn" Connolly--Dems because they thought he was a turncoat and Republicans because he just became a Republican and they didn't think he should be awarded with becoming vice president and probably succeeding Nixon. Finally, Nixon was made to see the light. He tossed around a few other names notably Ronald Reagan and Nelson Rockefeller, but both of those people had significant opposition even in their own parties. In a poll that Nixon took of sentiment among house republicans, Ford was by far the top choice of most house republicans. Since he was Minority Leader may be one reason, but the other was that they didn't see him as a threat. At the time he was selected as VP, Ford said publiclly that he thought that would cap his career (since his dream of being Speaker of the House was out of the question given Watergate)and he would retire in '76. Nixon also agreed with this because he wanted Connolly as his successor in '76. For the simple reason that Ford was the easiest man he could get confirmed by the House and Senate and because he told him he would not run in '76--Nixon selected him as vice president.

p.s.
Nixon also thought that Ford was his insurance against being impeached! saying to Nelson Rockefeller that the congress would never see Ford as president.

[Faygo Kid]

1. That's how I understand it, too. Thanks for the post.

Good time for a history lesson, I think.

[BuyingThyme]

2. The real reason Ford was chosen by Nixon:

[WI_DEM]

3. yes, as a former house republican, Rummy was urging Ford on Nixon

as well. Rummy was actually considered a moderate back in those days.