Question

In August of 1974, President Nixon resigned and his Vice President, Gerald Ford, took over as president. In 1976, Ford would have to compete in an election to keep his job as President. Based on what you’ve read about Ford’s actions, why would Ford have a hard time winning in the election of 1976?

Answer 1

Gerald Ford assumed as President of the United States after the resign of Richard Nixon. During his presidency, he took some controversial decisions that impacted negatively in his image and costed him the election. One of his most self-damaging actions was the pardon of all the offenses that Nixon had committed against the U.S., which he later alleged as the result of blackmail. He also had to deal with a severe recession that led to a 9% unemployment rate, and angered his own party with the naming of Nelson Rockefeller as his vice president.

Answer 2

Ford had a hard time winning in the election of 1976 because:

• Ford lacked the strong hold on voter's emotions that most incumbents had
• Watergate scandal may have some bearing on defeat of Ford as well