| Ford's Acceptance Speech at the Republican National Convention | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tape Master: | 1187 | |
| Catalog #: | 494248 | |
| Clip Number: | 494248-5 | |
| Orginal Film: | ||
| Timecode: | 01:12:13 - 01:15:55 | |
| Location: | Kansas City, Missouri | |
| Year Shot: | 1976 (Actual Year) | |
| Audio: | Yes | |
| Color: | Yes | |
| Headings: | ELECTIONS: Conventions LOCATIONS/NORTH AMERICA: USA, Missouri PERSONALITIES: Ford, Gerald POLITICS: Political Party, USA, Republican POLITICS: Public Address (Speech) | |
| Description: | President Gerald Ford: "I have been called an unelected President, an accidental President. We may even hear that again from the other party, despite the fact that I was welcomed and endorsed by an overwhelming majority of their elected representatives in the Congress who certified my fitness to our highest office. (C/A's of delegates standing, applauding, waving signs.) Having become Vice President and President without expecting or seeking either, I have a special feeling toward these high offices. To me, the Presidency and the Vice-Presidency were not prizes to be won, but a duty to be done. (applause) So, tonight it is not the power and the glamour of the Presidency that leads me to ask for another 4 years; it is something every hard-working American will understand-the challenge of a job well begun, but far from finished. (applause) (C/A's of delegates standing, applauding, waving signs.) Two years ago, on August 9,1974, 1 placed my hand on the Bible, which Betty held, and took the same constitutional oath that was administered to George Washington. I had faith in our people, in our institutions, and in myself. ‘My fellow Americans,’ I said, ‘our long national nightmare is over.’ It was an hour in our history that troubled our minds and tore at our hearts. Anger and hatred had risen to dangerous levels, dividing friends and families. The polarization of our political order had aroused unworthy passions of reprisal and revenge. Our governmental system was closer to stalemate than at any time since Abraham Lincoln took the same oath of office. Our economy was in the throes of runaway inflation, taking us headlong into the worst recession since Franklin D. Roosevelt took the same oath. On that dark day I told my fellow countrymen, ‘I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, so I ask you to confirm me as your President with your prayers.’ (applause) On a marble fireplace in the White House is carved a prayer which John Adams wrote. It concludes, ‘May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.’ Since I have resided in that historic house, I have tried to live by that prayer." (applause) | |
WPA FILM LIBRARY
