On October 21st, it was announced that the daughter of former Republican President Gerald Ford, has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, despite their policy disagreements.
Susan Ford Bales, a registered Republican, made her decision based on the striking similarities between the divisiveness that plagued the United States in 1974, when her father assumed the presidency, and the current state of affairs.
Back then, the nation was grappling with issues such as war, the oil crisis, and inflation. These parallels influenced her stance.
“We are encountering a similar situation at present,” Ford Bales expressed in a press release from the Harris campaign on Monday. He further highlighted that back in 1974, the United States was in dire need of a dedicated, empathetic, and principled leader who possessed the bravery to uphold what is just and unwaveringly defend our Constitution.”
In a statement, Ford Bales expressed admiration for his dedication to those values, which played a crucial role in guiding our nation through challenging times and restoring the trust of the American people in our democracy.
“Although Vice President Harris and I may have differing views on certain policy matters, I have come to admire her integrity and unwavering dedication to the principles that my father held dear.
It is for these reasons that I firmly believe Kamala Harris should be elected as the 47th president of the United States,” expressed Ford Bales. He further added, “I am confident that she will uphold the rule of law and protect our Constitution.”
Gerald Ford assumed the presidency after serving as vice president to Richard Nixon, who resigned from office during his second term due to the Watergate scandal. Upon taking office, Ford controversially pardoned Nixon, stating his intention to “heal the nation.”
“I was deeply committed to healing our nation; that was my utmost priority. And at that time, as well as now, I firmly believe that the steps I took will accomplish just that,” expressed Ford.
He further emphasized his desperate desire to mend the divisions within the country and address the long-standing wounds that had been festering for far too long.”
Ford Bales, a Republican, recently joined the ranks of those supporting Harris. In a moderated discussion held in Michigan, the swing state where President Ford was raised, Harris engaged in a conversation with former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney. Notably, Republican Rep. Joe Schwarz and former Rep. Dave Trott have also endorsed the vice president.
