WGVU Presents
The Legacy of Betty Ford: Part 1 - What Brought the Fords to the White House?
Special | 2m 20sVideo has Closed Captions
Learn about the characteristics that made the Ford Family the right family to follow Watergate.
In the social and political upheaval of the 1960's and 70's, the Ford Family's commitment to truth and honor helped bring stability. Learn about the personal characteristics that made both Gerald and Betty Ford the right family to follow Watergate.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
WGVU Presents is a local public television program presented by WGVU
WGVU Presents
The Legacy of Betty Ford: Part 1 - What Brought the Fords to the White House?
Special | 2m 20sVideo has Closed Captions
In the social and political upheaval of the 1960's and 70's, the Ford Family's commitment to truth and honor helped bring stability. Learn about the personal characteristics that made both Gerald and Betty Ford the right family to follow Watergate.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch WGVU Presents
WGVU Presents is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
(graphics chiming) - [Narrator] Do you know who this is?
Meet Betty Ford.
One of the most influential First Ladies in history.
Whether you're her biggest fan or you've never heard of her before, join us for a trip to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
We'll explore what made her so impactful, and get the inside scoop from Gerald and Betty's daughter, Susan Ford Bales.
(soft upbeat music) While we're focusing on Betty Ford, we can more fully appreciate her significance if we take a minute to brush up on how she became First Lady.
As a quick refresher, Betty Ford came to the White House under unique circumstances.
The year was 1974, and the nation was reeling from a major scandal known as Watergate.
This is what forced Richard Nixon out of the presidency and led to Gerald Ford becoming President.
So, why Gerald Ford?
Gerald Ford's background is an Eagle Scout, an accomplished University of Michigan football player, and a World War II war hero positioned society to see him as a respectable leader even before he began his political career.
Once elected as a Republican member of the US House, Gerald Ford stood out for not only working with Democrats, but also maintaining genuine friendships across the political aisle.
When it came time to decide who could bring society back together and restore a sense of stability and honor to the presidency, Ford was the right guy at the right time.
What the nation would soon see is that he also came with the right partner.
- Integrity is such a special word to me because it really speaks to both my parents.
They both had incredible integrity.
Lying was just not accepted in our household growing up.
We were always told, tell the truth.
When I think about the commitment that my parents made to the American people when they took office, was to be open and honest, and there would be nothing hidden.
(soft upbeat music)
Support for PBS provided by:
WGVU Presents is a local public television program presented by WGVU