Changes

Ford, after overcoming a strong challenge for the Republican nomination from conservative [[Ronald Reagan]], replaced liberal Rockefeller with conservative Senator [[Robert Dole]] of Kansas, as his running mate. He campaigned on his record of having blocked expensive social programs and thereby slowed inflation.  

Ford, after overcoming a strong challenge for the Republican nomination from conservative [[Ronald Reagan]], replaced liberal Rockefeller with conservative Senator [[Robert Dole]] of Kansas, as his running mate. He campaigned on his record of having blocked expensive social programs and thereby slowed inflation.  

Ford-the-insider was challenged by a complete outsider, [[Jimmy Carter]], a former Georgia governor who promised to restore trust in government, reduce unemployment, and shrink the federal bureaucracy. Ford accused Carter of being fuzzy on issues and of lacking experience in foreign affairs. However he agreed to nationally televised debates - the first between presidential candidates since 1960 and in one debate Ford blundered badly by insisting falsely that "there is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe."  

Ford-the-insider was challenged by a complete outsider, [[Jimmy Carter]], a former Georgia governor who promised to restore trust in government, reduce unemployment, and shrink the federal bureaucracy. Ford accused Carter of being fuzzy on issues and of lacking experience in foreign affairs. However he agreed to nationally televised debates - the first between presidential candidates since 1960 and in one debate Ford blundered badly by insisting falsely that "there is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe."  

Although Carter was expected to win easily, Ford almost wiped out his lead by the end of the campaign. Carter won on November 2, narrowly defeating Ford 50%-48%. Ford is the only president who never won a national election.  Carter payed tribute to his Ford in his inaugural address. "For myself and for our Nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land."

Although Carter was expected to win easily, Ford almost wiped out his lead by the end of the campaign. Carter won on November 2, narrowly defeating Ford 50%-48%. Ford is the only president who never won a national election.  Carter paid tribute to Ford in his inaugural address. "For myself and for our Nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land."

Historians generally agree with the verdict: the Ford presidency showed indecisive leadership, repeated political miscalculation, poor judgment, and lack of vision.

Historians generally agree with the verdict: the Ford presidency showed indecisive leadership, repeated political miscalculation, poor judgment, and lack of vision.