Gerald Ford

September 17, 1974. Ford knew that the pardon he had granted former President Nixon the previous week would be extremely contentious, yet as he consistently proved over the course of his administration, he was not afraid to make controversial decisions. "My conscience tells me that only I, as President, have the constitutional power to firmly shut and seal this book. My conscience tells me it is my duty, not merely to proclaim domestic tranquillity but to use every means that I have to insure it."

The President needed every bit of the trust, goodwill and support he had earned in over a quarter of a century in the House of Representatives where he had been a popular, respected Republican congressman and House Minority Leader from Grand Rapids, Michigan since he was first elected in 1948. He started spending some of that goodwill capital right away, hosting this dinner for Senate leaders and trying to rally support for his plans.

November 12, 1974. Dinner with Austrian Premier Dr. Bruno Kreisky served a dual purpose for President Ford: it offered reassurance to the world community and helped lighten the sour mood of a nation tired of the Watergate controversy.

December 4, 1974. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau of Canada, one of our country's closest and most important allies, was honored at another of President Ford's grand State dinners.