One of the telling stories of President Ford is a conversation he had with speechwriter Bob Hartmann before delivering his inaugural address on August 9, 1974. In an interview with CBS News that was not to be broadcast until after Ford's death, recounted in this Reuters article, the president said he resisted inclusion of the line, "our long national nightmare is over." Hartmann, Ford said, "really put his foot down" to keep the line in the speech. After seeing the headlines the next day, Ford realized the power of those words and afterward gratefully acknowledged Hartmann's advice.
Throughout his presidency, Ford demonstrated a willingness and ability to balance his convictions with the advice of sound counsel. It's a trait we all should possess.
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