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Politics

Bush: Greatly saddened by Ford's death

The president called Ford a "man of integrity" who devoted the best years of his life to the nation. 

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published December 27, 2006

CRAWFORD, Texas -- President Bush on Wednesday remembered former President Gerald Ford as a "man of complete integrity who led our country with common sense and kind instincts" and helped restore faith in the presidency after the Watergate scandal.

"On Aug. 9, 1974, he stepped into the presidency without ever having sought the office," Bush said. "He assumed power in a period of great division and turmoil. For a nation that needed healing and for an office that needed a calm and steady hand, Gerald Ford came along when we needed him most."

The president, who personally expressed his condolences in a phone call late Tuesday night with former first lady Betty Ford, called the former president a "man of integrity" who devoted the best years of his life to the nation. Bush said Ford commanded the Oval Office for 2 1/2 years with commonsense and kindness.

Ford "reflected the best in America's character," Bush said.

Ford helped restore Americans' confidence in the White House after President Richard Nixon's downfall in 1974 through the "honorable conduct" of his administration, Bush said.

Bush, who is spending the week at his Texas ranch, made his statement before sunrise inside a hangar at a helipad outlined in blue-green landing lights. Dawn was breaking over the ranch after he finished expressing his sadness over Ford's death.

"Our 38th president will always have a special place in our nation's history," he said.

[Last modified December 27, 2006, 12:23:48]