PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD - BOOK SIGNED 1980 - HFSID 9308

GERALD R. FORD
The text of his speech to the 1980 Republican National Convention.
Book signed: "Gerald R. Ford" on special author's limited edition page. A Vision for America by Gerald R. Ford, 30p, 6½x10, hardcover, Lord John Press: 1980. The first limited edition of this speech is "limited to five hundred numbered copies all of which have been signed by the author...this is number 393". On printed flyleaf: "Address by Gerald R. Ford to the Republican National Convention, Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, July 14, 1980". In part: "Some call me an elder statesman. I'm not sure of that. I don't mind telling you all that I am not ready to quit yet. I've got news for this convention and Jimmy Carter--this Republican is going to do everything in his power to elect our nominee to the Presidency of the United States. We've got a lot of work to do...Elder Statesmen are supposed to sit quietly and smile wisely from the sidelines. I've never been much for sitting...This country means too much to me to be comfortable parked on the bench. So, when you field the team for Governor Reagan, count me in. Four years ago all of us were given a new way to measure Presidential effectiveness. It was called the "misery index." In 1976, candidate Carter said if you added the unemployment rate and the inflation rate you had a true measure of the misery in America...I am an optimist. So is Governor Reagan. So are most Republicans. So are most Democrats. The choice before us is as clear as it is critical. When Mr. Carter looks to the future, he sees problems--he asks how much misery and humiliation will America accept? When we, the American optimists, look to the future, we see opportunities--and ask how much excellence will America achieve?...Last November fourth, more than fifty among us were taken hostage in Iran. This November fourth, with their tragedy burning in our conscience, we will vote to elect a new American President. And when we do, we're not going to give up on America's future. We're going to live up to America's greatness. America must lead again, and with your help it will...." Blue linen covers show marginal wear. Ink blot on blank inside front cover. Fine condition.