The Untold Story of Carter and Ford’s Personal Friendship

United States: Even though they were actually from very much different political parties and competed against each other for president, Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford became really very close friends. Ford, a Republican, became president in 1974 after Richard Nixon resigned. Less than two years later, he ran against Carter, a Democrat, in the 1976 presidential election.

Despite their rivalry, they developed a strong friendship that lasted for many years.

Finally, Carter overshadowed Ford in the election but, the former governor of Georgia remained Ford’s close friend regardless the differences.

As reported by the People.com, Steve Hochman who joined Carter Center researcher in 1980, said that Carter and Ford were “competitive” in the 1976 primary campaign, but both were polite to each other.

Inside Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford's 'Intense Personal Friendship' That Defied Politics (Exclusive) – People https://t.co/8pthpe7qOh

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On Jan. 20, 1977, swearing in, Carter mentioned Ford doing a right thing in his inaugural speech by stating, “For myself and for also to our Nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land.”

According to Hochman’s interview with PEOPLE, President Carter frequently consulted Ford during his four years in office, and periodically turned to him for advice and information on some matters of executive business.

It would be an important aspect in some of decisions that had to do with their foreign policy such as the Panama Canal treaties, the search for arms control with the Soviet Union and the relations between United States of America and China.

History books will remember Jimmy Carter for the triumphs and failures of his presidency during his one term in office. One chapter of his success involves the friendship he developed with Gerald Ford, the man he beat in 1976.https://t.co/sJr8a6jQLh

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In 1980 campaign, the growing alliance of the two came a crossroad when Ford openly criticized Carter’s re-election bid. Yet, as for the move, Hochman states that privately, he explained to Carter that it was not a personal issue, and all the recent actions are caused by partisan rhetoric. “

The men would meet again in 1981 after the assassination of the Egyptian president Anwar El-Sadat. All three former presidents alive at the time-Carter, Ford, and Nixon — were invited to give the nation a reunion alongside sitting President Reagan; a reunion, Carter noted in his diary, made the four of them feel, “somewhat ill at ease” during the first friendly handshake at the Andrews Air Force Base.

On the flight to Egypt and on the way back Carter and Ford could restore the friendly relationship they once had.

As pointed out by Hochman, “This would evolve to a friendship level —the closest that any two post-modern presidents have developed.”