He was one of the few political leaders I have ever met whose public speeches revealed more than his private conversations. [On Ronald Reagan] Gerald R. Ford More Quotes by Gerald R. Ford More Quotes From Gerald R. Ford I once told you that I am not a saint, and I hope never to see the day that I cannot admit having made a mistake. So I will close with another confession. Frequently, along the tortuous road of recent months from this chamber to the Presidents House, I protested that I was my own man. Now I realize that I was wrong. I am your man, for it was your carefully weighed confirmation that changed my occupation. The truth is I am the peoples man, for you acted in their name, and I accepted and began my new and solemn trust with a promise to serve all the people and do the best that I can for America. Gerald R. Ford names mistake men I just don't think we should go hellfire damnation around the globe freeing people, unless it is directly related to our own national security. Gerald R. Ford damnation people thinking I had a lot of experience with people smarter than I am. Gerald R. Ford smarter patriotic people I had pro offers from the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, who were pretty hard up for linemen in those days. If I had gone into professional football the name Jerry Ford might have been a household word today. Gerald R. Ford names football sports Truth is the glue that holds government together. Gerald R. Ford patriotic honesty truth I would hope that understanding and reconciliation are not limited to the 19th hole alone. Gerald R. Ford reconciliation holes understanding If it is a clichй to say athletics build character as well as muscle, then I subscribe to the clich. Gerald R. Ford muscles wells character I know I will go to hell, because I pardoned Richard Nixon. Gerald R. Ford go-to-hell hell knows I do believe that the buck stops here, that I cannot rely upon public opinion polls to tell me what is right. I do believe that right makes might and that if I am wrong, 10 angels swearing I was right would make no difference. I do believe, with all my heart and mind and spirit, that I, not as President but as a humble servant of God, will receive justice without mercy if I fail to show mercy. Gerald R. Ford humble heart believe There is an American tragedy in which we all have played a part. Gerald R. Ford patriotic tragedy My golf must be improving, I'm not hitting as many spectators. Gerald R. Ford spectators hitting golf Government exists to create and preserve conditions in which people can translate their ideas into practical reality. In the best of times, much is lost in translation. But we try. Gerald R. Ford government reality ideas The old question still remains: Can a free people restrain crime without sacrificing fundamental liberties and a heritage of compassion? Gerald R. Ford sacrifice compassion people Theirs is an American tragedy in which we all have played a part. It could go on and on, or someone must write "The End" to it. I have concluded that only I can do that. And if I can, I must. Gerald R. Ford tragedy goes-on writing I can assure you the National Federation is an organization of Republican women whose power, prestige, perception, and purpose will never be underestimated by anyone. Gerald R. Ford perception organization purpose I watch a lot of baseball on the radio. Gerald R. Ford radio baseball watches I think that sports, particularly football, gave me an opportunity to be out front, to be a leader, which helped me later on, when I got into politics. Gerald R. Ford opportunity football sports Ronald Reagan was an excellent leader of our nation during challenging times at home and abroad. Gerald R. Ford leader challenges home If Lincoln were alive today, he'd be turning over in his grave. Gerald R. Ford political humor stupid There are no adequate substitutes for father, mother, and children bound together in a loving commitment to nurture and protect. No government, no matter how well-intentioned, can take the place of the family in the scheme of things. Gerald R. Ford dad mother children
