American History Hit Gerald Ford: The Unelected President
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May 22, 2025 Join Professor Kathryn Brownell, a political history expert and author, as she sheds light on Gerald Ford, the only unelected U.S. president. Discover how Ford tackled immense challenges post-Nixon, striving to restore trust in government while facing a fragmented media landscape. Brownell elaborates on his controversial pardon of Nixon and how this shaped public perception. With insights into Ford's unique governance and humor, listeners gain a fresh perspective on his presidency during a tumultuous period in American history.
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Ford's Early Name Change
- Gerald Ford was born Leslie Lynchkin Jr. but was renamed after his mother remarried Gerald R. Ford.
- This early life disruption shaped his lifelong ability to accommodate change and disruption.
Republican Party Divisions Post-WWII
- The Republican Party post-WWII was ideologically divided between isolationists and global leaders.
- Ford was a moderate supporting U.S. international leadership, as championed later by Eisenhower.
First Use of 25th Amendment
- The 25th Amendment clarified vice-presidential succession after the Kennedy assassination.
- Ford's appointment as vice president was the first instance of its constitutional procedure being used.