M Gerald Ford

Gerald Ford (1913–2006) became the 38th President (1974–1977) following Nixon’s resignation. The only person to serve as both Vice President and President without being elected to either office, Ford aimed to restore trust in government after Watergate. He presided over a difficult economy with inflation (“stagflation”) and made the controversial decision to pardon Nixon. Despite these challenges, he helped steady the country in a time of cynicism.

Interesting anecdote: Ford was a standout athlete in his youth. He played center on the University of Michigan’s football team, helping them to national championships in 1932 and 1933. Ford was even offered contracts by the NFL’s Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, but he turned them down to attend Yale Law School. His athletic grace didn’t always carry over to politics, however – humorous portrayals (like on Saturday Night Live) exaggerated a couple of his public stumbles, contributing to his image as a bit clumsy.