Even some of Gerald Ford's sharpest critics at the time now concede
that the pardon of Nixon was an act of tough-minded courage that
allowed the nation to move on. One of them, on NPR today, said that
after watching the OJ Simpson and Monica Lewinski media circuses,
Ford's foresight was impressive.

Can you imagine if it hadn't been Ford--- if Spiro Agnew had
succeeded Nixon?

They blame him for losing the election due to the pardon, but as
Bob Dole pointed out, the economy was in a mess during the '76
election in which he ran with Ford, as well.

And let's face it, Watergate was still in the forefront of people's
minds.

What I find interesting is the lavish praise being heaped upon Ford.

I can't help wondering if the disillusionment with Dubya doesn't
make people sentimental for a nice guy, a clear thinker, and a
proponent of a more genteel form politics in which he could be
close friends with, for example, Tip O'Neil and get work done
in Congress.

It seems to me that people who blame Ford for their disillusionment
seem to forget who started the situation--- Nixon and his CREEP
henchmen. It also seems to me that, 30-odd years later, those who
are unable to revise their disillusionment aren't a bit 'stuck' and
perhaps are looking for an excuse to remain so--- after all, if you
remain firmly opposed to everything, then you can avoid claiming
any real responsibility.