An Ordinary Man Summary

"Work hard, tell the truth, and come to dinner on time." This family motto embodied the life and values of President Gerald Ford, America's only unelected leader.

1. A President Born from Crisis

Gerald Ford became president in 1974, an event no one – not even Ford himself – ever expected. He stepped into the role not through ambition but necessity.

Ford's rise occurred due to the chaos of the Watergate scandal. Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned amidst corruption charges, and Nixon appointed Ford to fill the role, assuming he was a safe pick unlikely to rock the boat. Events quickly spiraled when Nixon’s crimes were revealed on tape, forcing his resignation and thrusting Ford into the presidency. Nixon's gamble that Ford, a relatively unassuming figure, would shield him from impeachment backfired dramatically, leaving Ford in charge during one of the nation's darkest moments.

Ford's astonishing first moments as president showcase his humility and readiness for service. The evening before Nixon's resignation, Ford confided in friends at a dinner he couldn’t cancel, evasively citing illness when asked why he seemed so solemn. His quiet acceptance of fate exemplified his character: steady, dutiful, and unshaken by politics as usual.

Examples

• Ford was appointed vice president in 1973, following Spiro Agnew's resignation.
• Nixon resigned on August 8, 1974, after tapes proved his involvement in Watergate cover-up efforts.
• Four minutes after Nixon officially stepped down, Gerald Ford was sworn in as president.

2. Grounded in Family Values

Ford’s integrity and work ethic stemmed from his upbringing in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a place brimming with community spirit and personal responsibility.

Raised by his mother Dorothy Gardner and his stepfather Gerald Ford Sr., Ford was taught the value of honesty and hard work. His biological father abandoned him and refused to fulfill child support obligations, but Dorothy created a supportive home where Ford thrived. Growing up in a town that emphasized education and self-improvement, Ford took these principles to heart, later crediting them with shaping his character.

These early lessons carried into his presidency. When one of his first House votes championed federalizing child support payments, Ford directly addressed an issue that had affected his childhood. Many years later, as president, he signed a similar bill into law without fanfare or self-promotion. Ford’s humility, even in moments of personal importance, demonstrated his prioritization of service over glory.

Examples

• Dorothy Gardner left her abusive first husband to secure a safer environment for young Ford.
• Ford voted for legislation supporting federalized child support shortly after being elected to Congress in 1948.
• As president, Ford vetoed a bill naming a Grand Rapids federal building after himself, saying presidents should be remembered for their actions, not monuments.

3. Preserving Institutions through Sacrifice

Ford prioritized the survival and strength of America's democratic institutions, even when it cost him public approval.

The economic and political turmoil of the 1970s required careful navigation. Inflation and high unemployment compounded with waning global influence during the Cold War, adding to public distrust after Watergate. Ford famously pardoned Nixon to allow the country to move forward—a gesture so unpopular it likely cost him the 1976 election. Yet Ford believed dragging out the scandal would cause more harm than good, tarnishing the presidency itself and prolonging public disillusionment.

Ford’s commitment to putting the country's needs ahead of his own earned him respect over time. His actions demonstrated his vision for leadership: safeguarding democracy by setting aside political gains. Ford’s pardon wasn’t about excusing wrongdoing but about letting the country heal.

Examples

• The Watergate scandal left America deeply distrustful of government figures.
• Ford explained the Nixon pardon as an effort to end “our long national nightmare.”
• Ford’s approval rating plummeted, highlighting the personal cost of his decision.

4. Tackling Humiliation with Grace

Ford’s steady hand guided America through economic and foreign policy defeats, averting larger disasters where possible.

The fall of Saigon in 1975 epitomized America’s struggles in Vietnam, with iconic images of helicopter evacuations from rooftops shocking the nation. While Ford couldn’t stop Vietnam's loss, he convinced Congress to fund resettlement for thousands of Vietnamese allies, preventing moral failure after a military debacle. Globally, Ford strengthened diplomatic ties through the Helsinki Accords, while domestically, he employed fiscal restraint to contain inflation, eventually stabilizing the economy.

Ford’s approach reflected his pragmatism. He couldn't unravel the crises he inherited, but he mitigated their damage with measured, compassionate responses, a strategy that demanded patience and perspective uncommon in the political realm.

Examples

• Congress initially resisted Ford’s plea for Vietnamese refugee funding until he shamed them into action.
• The Helsinki Accords improved cooperation and security among European nations.
• Ford’s economic policies curbed inflation, though they triggered a brief recession.

5. A Vision of Bipartisanship

Ford’s political legacy includes a relentless commitment to bipartisan collaboration, which he believed was essential for governing effectively.

Unlike many politicians, Ford exhibited a willingness to cross party lines. As a Republican congressman, he voted against his party nearly as often as he voted with it. His ability to work with Democrats, no matter the division, reflected his belief that national interest trumped partisanship. This spirit of cooperation extended into his presidency, as he repeatedly sought common ground amidst the turbulent post-Watergate era.

Ford’s bipartisanship offers a sharp contrast to modern-day political gridlock. His willingness to defy partisan expectations to protect the foundation of the republic remains a hallmark of his tenure.

Examples

• Ford maintained partnerships with Democratic leaders throughout his Congressional career.
• He resisted pressures to deeply polarize issues during his presidency.
• His calls for unity acknowledged differing perspectives yet pushed for cooperative solutions.

6. A Quiet Fighter for Equality

Ford’s lifelong support for equal opportunity shaped policies and cemented his dedication to civil rights, even when it invited controversy.

In 1999, Ford defended affirmative action in an op-ed, citing his friendship with Willis Ward, an African-American athlete marginalized by racism during their college years. This relationship deeply affected Ford, who stood by Ward when others gave way to discrimination. Decades later, Ford's words remained rooted in his belief that diversity enriches everyone’s experiences.

Ford’s advocacy evolved out of personal experiences rather than political posturing. His support for creating opportunities—even when it went against his party’s stance—underscored his steadfast moral compass.

Examples

• Ford argued that universities should foster openness to diversity in race and thought.
• He publicly supported affirmative action policy while Republicans opposed it.
• Willis Ward's exclusion from a football game in Ford’s college days spurred his stance.

7. Leading by Example in Humility

Despite achieving the presidency, Ford resisted the trappings of power, offering an example of humility rare in high office.

Ford repeatedly avoided grand gestures that drew attention to himself. When asked to approve naming a federal building after him, he declined, arguing that meaningful leadership was about accomplishments, not recognition. His grounded personality manifested even in personal moments in the White House, where he'd clean up after his dog instead of passing the task to staff.

This ethos of humility carried throughout his life, reminding Americans of what leadership could be: grounded in character, not pageantry.

Examples

• Ford vetoed proposed tributes to himself, such as the Grand Rapids federal building.
• He famously cleaned up after his dog rather than leaving the task to staff.
• His reputation for humility resonated with everyday Americans who valued relatable leadership.

Takeaways

1. Seek roles out of service rather than ambition; focus on the collective good over personal gain.
2. Commit to broad collaboration, valuing diverse perspectives even when it defies party lines.
3. Lead with humility and integrity, celebrating results rather than seeking recognition or monuments.