Presented by the White House Historical Association
An Ordinary Man: President Gerald R. Ford
- Host
- Stewart McLaurin
- Guest
- Richard Norton Smith, historian and author of "An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford"
- Date
- 8/9/23
- Duration
- 49 minutes
Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, welcomed respected author and historian Richard Norton Smith to a special town hall gathering to discuss his latest book An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford. Ford was born in Nebraska and raised in Michigan, surviving a tumultuous start in life while being raised by a strong, single mother. He was a star player for University of Michigan football, and went to Yale Law School while coaching their football and boxing teams. Ford served in the navy during World War II, and returned to Grand Rapids, Michigan to practice law where he decided to enter politics. He married Elizabeth Bloomer and won a congressional seat in 1948. Ford served 25 years in Congress, rising to the position of House Minority Leader, before being tapped by President Richard Nixon to become his VP. When Ford became the nation’s first “unelected” president after Nixon resigned, he acknowledged that he was taking the oath “under extraordinary circumstances.” Richard shares many insights he discovered while writing his biography of Gerald R. Ford, including how the former president believed his wife’s historical contributions would outweigh his.
The Association’s Official 2023 White House Christmas Ornament features decorations inspired by the handcrafted decorations used in the White House during the Ford administration. You can purchase an ornament at this link.
Episodes
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U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies
Featuring Anita McBride, founding member of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education and co-author of U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies
-
An Ordinary Man: President Gerald R. Ford
Featuring Richard Norton Smith, historian and author of "An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford"
-
Bunny Mellon and the White House Rose Garden
Featuring Thomas Lloyd, co-author of “Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon” and member of the White House Historical Association’s National Council
-
The Ten Habits of Good Citizens
Featuring Richard Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations
-
At the Helm with John H. Dalton
Featuring John H. Dalton, Former Secretary of the Navy and emeritus member of the White House Historical Association's Board of Directors
-
A Coronation Preview with the British Ambassador to the U.S.
Featuring Dame Karen Pierce, the British Ambassador to the United States
-
250 Years of American Political Leadership
Featuring Iain Dale, award-winning British author and radio and podcast host
President of the White House Historical Association
As President of the White House Historical Association Stewart McLaurin leads the nonpartisan, nonprofit in its mission to preserve, protect, and provide access to White House history. As a lifelong student of history, Stewart is an avid reader and storyteller. His first book, White House Miscellany was published this past year and he authors a quarterly column in the White House History Journal. Drawing on his own experiences, relationships, and knowledge he provides listeners with a front row seat to history at the White House.