Gerald R. Ford Quotes

A collection of quotes by Gerald R. Ford.

Gerald R. Ford was the 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977. He was born on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska. Ford grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and pursued a career in law after graduating from Yale University. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later represented Michigan as a Republican member of the House of Representatives for 25 years.

In 1973, Ford became the Vice President under President Richard Nixon, following the resignation of Spiro Agnew. However, in August 1974, Nixon too resigned due to the Watergate scandal, making Ford the first unelected President in American history. As President, Ford aimed to heal the nation's wounds caused by the Watergate crisis and restore confidence in the government.

During his presidency, Ford faced numerous challenges, including inflation, high unemployment rates, and an energy crisis. He initiated and implemented policies to address these issues, although his economic policies were met with mixed results. Ford also played a significant role in foreign policy, particularly during the period of detente with the Soviet Union.

In 1976, Ford ran for re-election but narrowly lost to Jimmy Carter. After leaving office, Ford remained active in public life, serving on various boards and speaking out on national issues until his death on December 26, 2006. Ford is often remembered for his efforts to promote unity and healing during a challenging period in American history.

Even though this is late in an election year, there is no wa

Even though this is late in an election year, there is no way we can go forward except together and no way anybody can win except by serving the peoples urgent needs. We cannot stand still or slip backwards. We must go forward now together.

I would hope that understanding and reconciliation are not l

I would hope that understanding and reconciliation are not limited to the 19th hole alone.

Our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. H

Our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here, the people rule.

Government

I love sports. Whenever I can, I always watch the Detroit Ti

I love sports. Whenever I can, I always watch the Detroit Tigers on the radio.

Sports

I had pro offers from the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packer

I had pro offers from the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, who were pretty hard up for linemen in those days. If I had gone into professional football the name Jerry Ford might have been a household word today.

Sports

There are no adequate substitutes for father, mother, and ch

There are no adequate substitutes for father, mother, and children bound together in a loving commitment to nurture and protect. No government, no matter how well-intentioned, can take the place of the family in the scheme of things.

Family

It's very expensive to be a professional tennis player with

It's very expensive to be a professional tennis player with all the travel and the flights and the hotels and everything.

Caroline Wozniacki

Women

A government big enough to give you everything you want is a

A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have.

Government

All my children have spoken for themselves since they first

All my children have spoken for themselves since they first learned to speak, and not always with my advance approval, and I expect that to continue in the future.

Future

I know I am getting better at golf because I am hitting fewe

I know I am getting better at golf because I am hitting fewer spectators.

Sports

America now is stumbling through the darkness of hatred and

America now is stumbling through the darkness of hatred and divisiveness. Our values, our principles, and our determination to succeed as a free and democratic people will give us a torch to light the way. And we will survive and become the strongernot only because of a patriotism that stands for love of country, but a patriotism that stands for love of people.

I once told you that I am not a saint, and I hope never to s

I once told you that I am not a saint, and I hope never to see the day that I cannot admit having made a mistake. So I will close with another confession. Frequently, along the tortuous road of recent months from this chamber to the Presidents House, I protested that I was my own man. Now I realize that I was wrong. I am your man, for it was your carefully weighed confirmation that changed my occupation. The truth is I am the peoples man, for you acted in their name, and I accepted and began my new and solemn trust with a promise to serve all the people and do the best that I can for America.

I do believe that the buck stops here, that I cannot rely up

I do believe that the buck stops here, that I cannot rely upon public opinion polls to tell me what is right. I do believe that right makes might and that if I am wrong, 10 angels swearing I was right would make no difference. I do believe, with all my heart and mind and spirit, that I, not as President but as a humble servant of God, will receive justice without mercy if I fail to show mercy.

I believe that truth is the glue that holds government toget

I believe that truth is the glue that holds government together, not only our Government but civilization itself. That bond, though strained, is unbroken at home and abroad.

If you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I g

If you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I gained office by any secret promises. I have not campaigned either for the Presidency or the Vice Presidency. I have not subscribed to any partisan platform. I am indebted to no man, and only to one womanmy dear wifeas I begin this very difficult job.

A strong defense is the surest way to peace. Strength makes

A strong defense is the surest way to peace. Strength makes detente attainable. Weakness invites war, as my generationmy generationknows from four very bitter experiences. Just as Americas will for peace is second to none, so will Americas strength be second to none. We cannot rely on the forbearance of others to protect this Nation. The power and diversity of the Armed Forces, active Guard and Reserve, the resolve of our fellow citizens, the flexibility in our command to navigate international waters that remain troubled are all essential to our security.

All of us who served in one war or another know very well th

All of us who served in one war or another know very well that all wars are the glory and the agony of the young.

We must proceed with our own energy development. Exploitatio

We must proceed with our own energy development. Exploitation of domestic petroleum and natural gas potentialities, along with nuclear, solar, geothermal, and non-fossil fuels is vital. We will never again permit any foreign nation to have Uncle Sam over a barrel of oil.

I believe in friendly compromise. I said over in the Senate

I believe in friendly compromise. I said over in the Senate hearings that truth is the glue that holds government together. Compromise is the oil that makes governments go.

The Communist leaders in Moscow, Peking and Hanoi must fully

The Communist leaders in Moscow, Peking and Hanoi must fully understand that the United States considers the freedom of South Viet Nam vital to our interests. And they must know that we are not bluffing in our determination to defend those interests.