An Ordinary Man

An Ordinary Man by Richard Norton Smith is a compelling and meticulously researched biography that sheds new light on the life and legacy of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States. This engaging book delves deep into Ford’s journey from a hardscrabble childhood in Michigan to his unexpected ascension to the presidency and the pivotal role he played during a crucial period in American history.

For many, Ford is remembered as the amiable leader who stepped into the Oval Office amid the turmoil of the Watergate scandal, pardoned Richard Nixon, and watched the fall of Saigon. Yet Smith's nuanced narrative reveals Ford as a leader of substantial integrity and resilience. Through hundreds of interviews and exhaustive research, Smith paints a vivid portrait of a man whose ethical compass and tough, often unpopular decisions steered the nation through a severe economic downturn and a constitutional crisis.

Smith chronicles Ford’s early life, detailing his formative years and anti-establishment leanings, as well as his enduring romance with Betty Bloomer—a woman whose cultural influence he presciently believed would rival his own political legacy. The book highlights Ford's uncelebrated victories, such as his efforts to mend a fractured nation, his role in the cessation of the Cold War through the Helsinki Accords, and his far-reaching impact on the American economy through deregulation.

Ford's administration, often seen as a transitional period, serves as a bridge between the pragmatic approaches of former presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon, and the more conservative policies of Ronald Reagan. His actions during his presidency laid the groundwork for significant future developments, including the eventual downfall of the Soviet Union and a reshaped American economic landscape.

Complemented by sixteen pages of evocative black-and-white photographs, this biography draws accolades for its ability to portray Ford's multifaceted character and leadership style. An Ordinary Man reframes Ford’s legacy, presenting him as a figure whose administrative foresight and personal decency have gained increasing appreciation over time. Smith's decade-long dedication to this work ensures a richly detailed account that will change historical perceptions of Gerald Ford.

Richard Norton Smith, an esteemed presidential scholar and award-winning biographer known for his works on figures such as George Washington, Herbert Hoover, and Nelson Rockefeller, offers readers an enlightening perspective on Ford. He underscores how Ford’s presidency arguably set the stage for contemporary America and the post-Cold War era, making this biography not only a definitive account of Ford’s life but also a crucial addition to American historical literature.

This masterful biography is a testament to Ford’s enduring relevance and a cautionary tale about presidential overreach, echoing Ford’s own poignant warning for future generations: “God help the country.”