DeFrank was a young reporter for Newsweek weekly in 1974 when he received an assignment to cover the newly appointed Vice President Gerald Ford. Not long into the assignment Ford let slip a comment that revealed he expected to become the President. Realizing his error Ford demanded that DeFrank promise not to print the comment, making him promise to withhold till after he died. The promise must have established a bond between the two because for the next thirty years the pair continued their professional relationship.
A relationship that was close enough for Ford to reveal his opinions on other politicians....
- Richard Nixon, a man controlled by his mistrust of outsiders and in the end felled by the actions of those he trusted most. No kind words for John Dean here.
- Ronald Reagan, resented for his lack of support during the 1976 Presidential run.
- Jimmy Carter, felt that he ran a dishonest campaign but over the years developed a friendship through spouses and common public appearances. Wonkish engineer.
- George H. Bush, was considered by Ford as a candidate for the Vice Presidential slot that went to Nelson Rockefeller. Ford did appoint 41 to head the CIA, considered him to be a good man who should have replaced Quayle for the 92 election.
- Bill Clinton, considered to be a talented politician with a sexual addiction. The two communicated and negotiated Ford's support during the impeachment proceedings. Ford demanded that Clinton acknowledge his actions as a precondition and he refused.
- George W. Bush, felt that he was poorly advise during the congressional review during the ramp up to the Iraq War. Did suggest that Cheney might should have been replaced for the 2004 presidential election.
- Donald Rumsfeld, former Chief of Staff for Ford, great respect and love.
- Dick Cheney, another former Chief of Staff for Ford, great respect and love.
This book is worth reading, give it a try.
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