Gerald Ford Was Never Elected Vice President Or President

Gerald Ford is not a very memorable US President when it comes to "official" rankings. He is neither the worst nor the best. He was rated 28th in a survey, or about center of the pack as is humanly conceivable. But even if nothing else, Gerald Ford should be commended for his incredible and unparalleled contributions to American politics. Having never been chosen by anyone for either role, he is the only individual to have ever held the offices of vice president and then president.

At the height of the Watergate affair in 1973, when Vice President Spiro Agnew was accused of tax fraud and accepting bribes, Ford served as House Minority Leader. Ford was then appointed by President Nixon to serve as Vice President.

A little over a year later, Ford has just received a promotion because Nixon will depart from office. He was in office from 1974 to 1976 and is best remembered for forgiving Nixon of his misdeeds while accomplishing little else.

• Born: July 14, 1913
• Died: December 26, 2006