Tweet
Another book recommendation, albeit an old release from 2007. This one comes from Thomas DeFrank (of Newsweek) entitled "Write It When I'm Gone". From 1974 through shortly before Gerald Ford's death in 2006, DeFrank conducted a series of interviews under the requirement that nothing would be published or even spoken about until after his death. It's a great insight into GRF's mind when our nation was being torn apart by Viet Nam and Watergate. Plus it provides a glimpse into the affairs of former Presidents both economically and as a source of advice. One very revealing insight was Ford's sense of humor (that was buried from public view by the events of the times). For example during Ford's presidency, the author was subjected to a rather boorish prank that involved a hotel room and sheep by other members of the White House pool reporters when the President was giving a major address outside of Washington. Although not a participant in the prank, it required Presidential authorization to get barnyard animals past the Secret Service and federal and local authorities. Ford was clearly not the dullard his detractors portrayed him as.
Nothing earth shattering in the book, but it offers Ford's POV, his emotional and intellectual reactions to the events and people of the day, and how crushing it was for Ford to stand tall and do the right things while America endured one of its darkest hours.
If you were around and aware during these troubling times, the book is probably more meaningful than if you weren't. Its a quick read - I polished it off round tripping from Detroit to LA and back. I have more respect for Jerry Ford today than I did before I read this book.
Nothing earth shattering in the book, but it offers Ford's POV, his emotional and intellectual reactions to the events and people of the day, and how crushing it was for Ford to stand tall and do the right things while America endured one of its darkest hours.
If you were around and aware during these troubling times, the book is probably more meaningful than if you weren't. Its a quick read - I polished it off round tripping from Detroit to LA and back. I have more respect for Jerry Ford today than I did before I read this book.
Comment