Franklin Co. Republicans remember President Ford

By Staff
Jason Cannon, FCT Publisher
Democrats and Republicans alike spent Wednesday and Thursday remembering the late former President Gerald R. Ford as a man who led the nation out of the dark days of the Watergate scandal.
Ford died Tuesday night at the age of 93.
"I think he was a wonderful president," said Lowell Moore, a member of both the state and Franklin County Republican Executive Committee. "He came into office in a bad situation and I don't know if anyone could have handled it as well as he did."
Jerry Fancher, Chairman of the Franklin County Republican Executive Committee, said Ford came into office facing an up hill battle, but said the way he handled them was a reflection of his patriotism.
"Vietnam was winding down, President Nixon had resigned, and President Ford was the first person not elected as president or vice president by a vote of the people," he said. "President Ford performed the presidential duties with dignity and respect for the citizens of the United States. I think that Gerald Ford was the right man for the presidency at this time."
Ford replaced President Richard Nixon who resigned in 1974 during a scandal surrounding the burglary of Democratic party offices at the Watergate Hotel.
"He picked right up and kept things moving," Moore said. "It didn't seem like he left (Watergate) effect getting things done."
During his famous address to the nation after assuming office in 1974, Ford tried to set a tone of reconciliation, telling citizens that "our long national nightmare is over."
As a part of ending the nightmare, Ford officially pardoned Nixon, an act that is widely blamed for costing him the 1976 presidential race.
"I think that that did cost him winning that election," Moore said. "I think it was the right thing to do, and he still almost won."
While Ford's tenure in office will be but a small chapter in the nations' book of presidents, Moore said Ford earned a place near the top.
"I'll always say that Reagan was tops, but I think Ford is right there with him," he said. "He was a wonderful president and a great Congressman."
Fancher said President Ford's presidency could best be described by an answer that he gave at a news conference:
"We have restored public confidence in the White House and in the executive branch of government." As to his failings, he responded, "I will leave that to my opponents. I don't think there have been many."
In remembrance of President Gerald Ford, Governor Bob Riley on Wednesday ordered flags at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff. President George W. Bush has also ordered flags at all national buildings to be lowered.