Leslie Lynch King, Jr.
Leslie Lynch King, Jr., also known as Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., served as the US's 38th president. Leslie Lynch King, Sr. and Dorothy Ayer welcomed him into the world in Nebraska in 1913. His early life and professional activities are described in the paper. Ford attended public institutions before moving with his mother to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he later graduated from the University of Michigan in 1935. After joining Yale University, he eventually earned his degree in 1946. Between April 1942 and December 1945 Ford was recruited into the US Navy. In 1948, he married Betty Warren, with whom they bore four children.
Ford's Political Career
In the same year, under the Republican Party, Ford ran for the Michigan's 5th Congressional District seat against Bartel Jonkman and won. Ford won the elections and served as the congressman from January 3, 1949. Ford was re-elected to the Congress for the twelve succeeding elections until his resignation in 1973. Ford was included in the list of likely replacements of the then vice president, Spiro Agnew after he stepped down. Ford received the support of the full House and the Senate and was sworn in as the 40th Vice President of the US.
Presidential Office
In 1974, President Richard M. Nixon tendered his resignation following allegations of his involvement in the infamous Watergate Scandal. Gerald Ford then assumed the presidential office per the provisions of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution. He was sworn in as the 38th president on August 9, 1994. In a controversial move, Ford granted pardon to Richard Nixon.
Economic Challenges and Policies
Ford assumed office in a tumultuous time when the US was facing an economic downturn. The rate of unemployment, as well as the inflation rates, were quite high. Furthermore, there was a decrease in the GDP. Ford enacted wage and price controls in an attempt to handle the economic problem. He also implemented the 'Whip Inflation Now' (WIN) campaign in 1974, a program targeted towards encouraging the public to moderate their spending and consumption.
Post-Presidential Life
In 1976, Ford conceded defeat to the Democrat Jimmy Carter. He resigned on January 20, 1977, making history, having served the shortest term among all US presidents who had not died while in office. He remained relatively active in politics afterward. On December 26, 2006, Ford died at the age of 93.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Ford Gerald Jr. was the longest-lived US president, and the first individual to be nominated for both the Presidency and Vice-presidency position and assumed both offices without being elected in.
Bibliography
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