ALS signed “Jerry Ford,” one page, 6.5 x 8.5, personal letterhead, November 28, [2000]. Letter to Ron [Nessen], Ford’s Presidential Press Secretary. In full: “I am deeply grateful for the very thoughtful and generous op-ed piece in the Washington Post which has also appeared nationally in a number of papers including the Houston Chronicle. Thanks so much. As you well know 1974 was a very tragic period in American history. I was fortunate to have a fine White House staff including you as my Press Secretary. We worked together and made many correct and courageous decisions. I thank you for your many kindnesses and support. I treasure your friendship.” In very fine condition.
The former chief executive here refers to a November 19, 2000, article entitled “It Shouldn't Have To Be This Way; Remember the President Who Helped Us Rise Above Rancor,” a piece submitted by Nessen that appeared in newspapers nationwide, including The Washington Post. The article was in response to the turmoil surrounding the 2000 presidential election—one that pitted Texas governor George W. Bush against vice president Al Gore and was not decided until December 13, 2000, when the Supreme Court ruled that there would be no further counting of Florida’s disputed ballots. Of course, Ford knew about political turmoil, as the “very tragic period” he references regards the August 9, 1974, resignation of president Richard Nixon and Ford’s ascension to the White House. At the time, Nessen was a correspondent for NBC, but just a month later would be selected by the nation’s new leader as his press secretary. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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