Gerald Ford and the Presidency: A Legal Succession or a Fictitious Maneuver?

Questions and speculations often arise when discussing historical figures and their methods of assuming leadership. While characters like Frank Underwood in the political drama, House of Cards, navigate their way to power through deception and underhanded tactics, Gerald Ford's ascension to the presidency in 1974 came through a legal and constitutional process under unusual circumstances. This article explores how Gerald Ford became president and contrasts his methods with the fictional leadership of Frank Underwood.

Background of Gerald Ford's Presidency

Nixon's Resignation: Ford took the presidency on August 9, 1974, after Richard Nixon resigned due to the Watergate scandal. This event marked the end of a tumultuous period in American politics and a significant moment in U.S. history. Ford's ascent to the presidency was unlike that of Frank Underwood in House of Cards, who rose to power through manipulation and betrayal.

Nixon's Resignation and Ford's Inauguration

Richard Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974, resulted from the Watergate scandal, a series of events that shook the nation and led to the United States' most significant peacetime political crisis. Ford was appointed vice president by Nixon in December 1973, following Spiro Agnew's resignation. This appointment was facilitated by the 25th Amendment, which allows for the vice presidency to be filled if the position becomes vacant.

No Election for Ford

Ford never ran for president in a general election. He served out the remainder of Nixon's term and then ran for a full term in 1976 but lost to Jimmy Carter. This highlights that Ford's route to the presidency was not through a democratic process like those portrayed in House of Cards, but through the constitutional procedures of presidential succession.

Comparison to Frank Underwood

Frank Underwood: A Fictional Political Figure

Frank Underwood, the protagonist in House of Cards, is a skilled and ruthless politician who engages in various political maneuvers to achieve his goals. Underwood's actions are characterized by ambition, manipulation, and even betrayal. He navigates the complex political landscape with a single-minded focus on power and control, often at the expense of others.

Differences with Ford

Ford's journey to the presidency was marked by a commitment to legal and constitutional procedures. As the House Minority Leader in 1973, Ford was well-liked and respected. He was nominated and approved as vice president by a 387 to 35 vote on December 6, 1973. His rise to the presidency was a result of constitutional succession, not by any deceit or manipulation as seen in the fictional narrative of House of Cards.

Conclusion

While both Gerald Ford and Frank Underwood navigate complex political landscapes, the methods and outcomes are fundamentally different. Ford's presidency was established through lawful means and constitutional procedures, whereas Frank Underwood's character embodies a fictional narrative of political corruption and manipulation. Ford's legacy is one of constitutional integrity and adherence to the rule of law, in stark contrast to the morally ambiguous actions of his fictional counterpart.

In summary, the comparison between Gerald Ford and Frank Underwood highlights the stark differences between real and fictional political leadership. Ford's path to the presidency was lawful and constitutional, while Underwood's methods were imaginary and morally questionable.