The Presidency of Gerald R. Ford (American Presidency Series) - Softcover

"A revealing and important book."--James M. Cannon, author of Time and Chance: Gerald Ford's Appointment with History"Should remain the standard work for some time to come. Greene's close, judicious examination will go far toward dispelling simplistic notions about a 'failed' administration. I found it riveting from start to finish."--Herbert S. Parmet, author of Richard Nixon and His America "This insightful study jettisons the caretaker/healer stereotype to plumb Ford's accomplishments and failures, his sound judgments and miscalculations. A rich portrait of an important period."--Louis Fisher, coeditor of the Encyclopedia of the American Presidency "An incisively critical account of an important period in twentieth century American history."--Bernard J. Firestone, coeditor of Gerald R. Ford and the Politics of Post-Watergate America "Should generate new appreciation for a decent man with crushing public problems."--Washington Post Book World"Greene has afforded us a solid foundation on which to develop a thorough understanding of the Ford presidency."--Michigan Historical Review "This is a balanced study of a troubled time and a welcome addition to the growing field of presidential history."--Illinois Historical Journal "Greene has written a fair and thoughtful study of the Ford administration."--Reviews in American History "Greene provides a useful, accessible insight into the major issues of the time, notable foreign policy, including the fall of Saigon, the tragedy of Cambodia, the 'Mayaquez' incident and Ford's attempts to pursue the Nixon legacy of detente."--American Politics Review "Green's serious treatment of a presidency that still has its problems being taken seriously . . . is an indispensable guide and goad to further research."--H-Net Reviews "The book lays out the major events of the Ford administration honestly and concisely."--Journal of American History "A fine book."--American Historical Review

This is a study of one of the most popular yet most misunderstood presidents. Reaching beyond the image of Ford as ""healer"" of a war-torn and scandal-ridden nation, the author aims to extend and revise our understanding of Ford's struggles to restore credibility to the presidency in the wake of Watergate and Vietnam.Few presidents have ever be en asked to achieve so much in so little time against such great adversity. Greene shows that Ford's efforts to lead the nation were severely hampered by Nixon's misdeeds, by America's ignominious disengagement from an unpopular war, and by a watchdog Congress eager to put a brake on presidential power. Working from recently declassified documents, Greene reveals evidence on Ford's roles in Watergate and challenges the prevailing view of the infamous ""Mayaguez"" incident. He argues that Ford made no ""deal"" with Nixon, but that his pardon of Nixon was costly nevertheless, for it shadowed his entire presidency thereafter. Greene also shows that the ""Mayaguez"" catastrophe was less a simple ""rescue mission"" than it was an attempt to revive sagging political fortunes by attacking Cambodia. In addition, Greene details Ford's rise to prominence within the Republican Party; chronicles the president's problematic relations with his staff, the new Democratic Congress, and Ronald Reagan; sheds light on the selection and performance of Vice-President Nelson Rockefeller; offers insights into the election of 1976; and provides a look at Ford's Amnesty Programme for Vietnam era draft evaders. Based on interviews with Ford and more than 60 individuals who figured prominently in his presidency and on extensive use of the Ford Library, Greene's study covers Ford's valiant efforts during some of the presidency's most troubled years.