PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD - BROADSIDE SIGNED CIRCA 1973 - HFSID 45981

GERALD R. FORD
"I am a Ford, not a Lincoln".
Broadside signed: "Gerald R. Ford", 1p, 21¾x13. Printed by Lord John Press, number 127 of 150. "address delivered before a joint session of congress on December 6, 1973, immediately after taking the oath of office as the 40th vice president of the United States". Signed beneath his 6x5¼ color photograph. Limited Edition, numbered "127" of 150. The address begins: "Together we have made history here today. For the first time we have carried out the command of the 25th amendment. In exactly 8 weeks, we have demonstrated to the world that our great Republic stands solid, stands strong upon the bedrock of the Constitution. I am a Ford, not a Lincoln. My addresses will never be as eloquent as Mr. Lincoln's. But I will do my very best to equal his brevity and plain speaking...." Article 2 of the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: "Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both houses of Congress." Before this amendment, which went into effect in 1967, the vacancy would continue until the next scheduled election and inauguration. On October 10, 1973, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew resigned, pleading no contest to charges of income tax evasion. Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006) had represented Michigan in the House of Representatives since 1949, serving as Minority Leader since 1965. On October 12, 1973, President Nixon nominated Congressman Ford as Vice President. On December 6, 1973, Ford was confirmed by Congress and was sworn in as Vice President. Fine condition.