Gerald Ford (1913-2006)

Gerald Ford, who succeeded to the White House on the resignation of Richard Nixon, died today, his wife announced. 

Mr. Ford was one of only two modern presidents to have attained the office without seeking it.  (The other was Harry Truman, who also died on this date, in 1972.)  He brought dignity to the office simply by his contrast to Mr. Nixon, and reasserted American foreign power with his handling of the Mayaguez incident.  He lost to Jimmy Carter in 1976, a loss that was inevitable after he pardoned Mr. Nixon, and he deserves more credit for how he handled his time in office than history will likely give him. 

He was equable before be became president and he remained equable afterward, which together with his moderate habits and exercise regimen helped him stay remarkably fit into his 90s.  (The picture above shows Mr. and Mrs. Ford at their California house in April of this year.)  He also was willing to listen to people who disagreed with him and take their views seriously, a trait that the man to his right might well adopt for himself.