Instead, Ford was a long time member of Congress.

When the vice president resigned in 1973 President Richard Nixon nominated Ford to serve the rest of the term.

The following year, Nixon resigned and Ford became president.

He faced a weak economy loss of South Vietnam to Communist forces and Americans who were increasingly distrustful of their government.

Ford was able to make people feel better about their elected officials, but many did not forgive him for pardoning Nixon.

When Ford competed for the presidency in 1976 voters did not elect him then, either.