The coverage of President Gerald Ford's death last night serves as a nostaglic reminder of a different era - one where a moderate Republican from Michigan could rise to be Vice President and President without being elected. He was the ultimate transition figure - both from the Nixon Era, but also from a different time in politics, before the Reagan Revolution (in fact, it could be argued he was the first casualty of that Revolution, granting Reagan a 'concession' speech at the 1976 GOP Convention that overshadowed, in many observers' eyes, the President's own acceptance of his nomination.) But in death he has seemed to gain the respect that failed him (the Chevy Chase-lampooned stumbles, the Poland gaffe in the 1976 debate, and of course the pardon of Nixon) through his Presidency.
Godspeed, Mr. President.
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