Tags
Link to Miller Center’s Video and Transcript
Summary of speech:
Ford gives this speech less than a month after taking office – living up to his promise in his inaugural address to end the nation’s nightmare. Fearing that Nixon would not be able to receive a fair trial anywhere in the US and recognizing the split that would occur within the nation should the ex-President go on trial, Ford issues a presidential pardon for any crimes that may have been committed. In doing so, he strikes a balance between mercy as well as the suffering that he believes Nixon will continue to endure even with such a pardon.
I do believe, with all my heart and mind and spirit, that I, not as President but as a humble servant of God, will receive justice without mercy if I fail to show mercy.
Thoughts on Transcript:
- Heavy is the head that wears the crown – the decisions to be made in the office of the Presidency outweigh those ever made prior to taking office
- Ford declares that he must answer to God, who governs our conscience
- Concern about Nixon being able to receive a fair trial
- The trial would split America
- Must do what is right and it must be merciful
- Issues pardon