Former President Gerald Ford dead at 93

He passed away yesterday.

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. - Former President Gerald R. Ford, who declared "Our long national nightmare is over" as he replaced Richard Nixon but may have doomed his own chances of election by pardoning his disgraced predecessor, has died. He was 93.

The nation's 38th president, and the only one not elected to the office or the vice presidency, died at his desert home at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday.

"His life was filled with love of God, his family and his country," his wife, Betty, said in a statement.

Ford was the longest living former president, surpassing Ronald Reagan, who died in June 2004, by more than a month.

Ford's office did not release the cause of death, which followed a year of medical problems. He was treated for pneumonia in January and had an angioplasty and pacemaker implant in August.

Alex at SOTP reminds us this excellent Ford quote.

"I ask that we stop refighting the battles and the recriminations of the past. I ask that we look now at what is right with America, at our possibilities and our potentialities for change and growth and achievement and sharing. I ask that we accept the responsibilities of leadership as a good neighbor to all peoples and the enemy of none. I ask that we strive to become, in the finest American tradition, something more tomorrow than we are today."

Words both the American public and our politicians would be wise to remember and adhere to. Gerald Ford took over the Presidency at a time of turmoil in American politics. Ford helped to restore respect to the Presidency after the Watergate scandal, and for that he will always be remembered. RIP.

Many bloggers are commenting on the passing of President Ford. They include- Jo's Cafe, Chris Lawrence at OTB, The Moderate Voice, Gay Patriot, Kevin at Wizbang, Blue Star, Flopping Aces, Captain's Quarters, Michelle Malkin, Blue Star, Amboy Times, Stuck on Stupid, Don Surber,