Ford Dies. Steve Makes Fun of Dead Presidents (Not Ford)

Gerald Ford died yesterday. I always like Ford, mainly because I was born during the Ford presidency and there's not a whole lot of us who can say that. But have you ever heard anyone say anything bad about Gerald Ford? He may not have been the greatest president, but he was one of the greatest people to be president. Hell, the biggest satire of his presidency was him falling down the stairs of Air Force One.

I'll leave it to his friend, fellow President Jimmy Carter to eulogize him:

Rosalynn and I join the nation in mourning the loss of President Gerald Ford. President Ford is one of the most admirable public servants and human beings I have ever known. A man of highest integrity, his life-long dedication to helping others touched the lives of countless people. An outstanding statesman, he wisely chose the path of healing during a deeply divisive time in our nation's history. He frequently rose above politics by emphasizing the need for bipartisanship and seeking common ground on issues critical to our nation. I will always cherish the personal friendship we shared. Rosalynn and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to Betty and the entire Ford family during this time of grief.

I also am sort of fascinated by the Accidental Presidents who never would win a presidential election. Just a quick run through history because I think it's kind of fun:

John Tyler became president when William Henry Harrison (the Tippecanoe of "Tippecanoe and Tyler too" fame) became perhaps the first person to ever die from being a pompous windbag. Seriously, he got pneumonia for talking too long during his inauguration. Tyler annexed Texas, no small feat. Just ask any Texan, they'll be happy to tell you.

Millard Fillmore became president when Zachary Taylor died from heat exhaustion laying the cornerstone for the Washington Monument. Which is a pretty monument, so thanks, Zach. Fillmore didn't too much and now he has a comic strip written by a drunk named after him.

Andrew Johnson succeeded Lincoln after his assassination. The Republicans promptly impeached him. He accomplished almost nothing and died a pretty angry and bitter man.

Chet Arthur became president after a disgruntled office seeker shot James Garfield. In order to not meet the same fate, Arthur invented the Civil Service, dismantling the patronage system.

And of course, Gerald Ford. Nixon resigned because of a second rate burglary and that whole subverting the Constitution thing. Ford would take the first step in healing the nation by pardoning Nixon, a move which may have cost him re-election. I've always respected that decision, and he won a Profile in Courage Award for it.

Rest In Peace, President Ford.