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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
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An Ordinary Man summary
The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford
18 mins
Brief summary
An Ordinary Man by Richard Norton Smith is a compelling memoir that offers an intimate and inspiring account of the life of an extraordinary leader, motivating readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values.
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An Ordinary Man
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The unexpected president
Richard Nixon was a shrewd politician: he kept his ear to the ground and usually knew which way the wind was blowing. But he misjudged Gerald Ford.
Our story begins in 1973. Nixon’s administration was in meltdown. His vice president, Spiro Agnew, was mired in allegations of corruption, and on October 10, 1973, he resigned. Nixon himself was in trouble, too. Having dispatched his vice president, the House of Representatives moved to impeach Nixon.
The basic facts of the Watergate scandal were known. Members of Nixon’s reelection campaign committee had hired former CIA agents to burglarize the Democratic party’s headquarters and steal compromising documents. When the story broke, there was a cover-up. The question then was how far up the chain of command the corruption went. When the Supreme Court forced Nixon to release subpoenaed White House tape recordings the following summer, the answer became clear: all the way to the top.
Nixon had one last hope: he appointed Ford as vice president. Ford had been on the Hill since he was first elected in 1948. Although he’d steadily risen through the Republican party’s ranks, he wasn’t the kind of cutthroat political operator Nixon feared – he was “good old Gerry,” part of the Washington furniture. Making Ford his vice president was an insurance policy. No one, he thought, was going to impeach him if it meant making an unassuming nobody like Ford commander-in-chief of the free world.
But the House smelled blood – and it preferred a “nobody” like Ford to a crook like Nixon.
On August 1, 1974, Ford learned that, barring a miracle, Nixon was going to resign. He had a dinner date with friends that evening that he couldn’t cancel. Ford, who’d been sworn to secrecy and was slowly becoming aware of the momentous thing that was about to happen to him, was unusually withdrawn. “You’re awfully quiet tonight, Mr. Vice President,” his friend remarked. Ford apologized and said he thought he had a cold coming on.
On August 8, Nixon announced his resignation. At 12:01 p.m. on August 9, he officially resigned from the presidency; Gerald Ford was sworn in four minutes later.
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What is An Ordinary Man about?
An Ordinary Man (2023) is the complete biography of Gerald R. Ford, the thirty-eighth president of the United States. Under his leadership, America navigated its gravest constitutional crisis since the Civil War and confronted its most profound economic slump since the Great Depression. While Ford can be seen as an “accidental president,” historian Richard Norton Smith argues that his accomplishments were numerous and significant.
An Ordinary Man Review
An Ordinary Man (2010) by Richard Norton Smith is a captivating memoir that delves into the extraordinary life of a seemingly ordinary individual. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Its authenticity and candid portrayal of a remarkable life story offers a unique perspective that resonates with readers.
- Through vivid personal anecdotes and historical context, it provides a fascinating insight into significant events and the human experience.
- The author's integrity shines through, making every page thought-provoking, evoking empathy, and highlighting the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Who should read An Ordinary Man?
- History buffs
- Politicos interested post-Watergate America
- Fans of in-depth biographical works
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An Ordinary Man FAQs
What is the main message of An Ordinary Man?
The main message of An Ordinary Man revolves around the courage and responsibility of individuals in the face of genocide.
How long does it take to read An Ordinary Man?
The reading time for An Ordinary Man varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is An Ordinary Man a good book? Is it worth reading?
An Ordinary Man is a compelling and thought-provoking read that highlights the importance of humanity and individual actions. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of An Ordinary Man?
The author of An Ordinary Man is Richard Norton Smith.
What to read after An Ordinary Man?
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