Write It When I'm Gone
Remarkable Off-the-Record Conversations with Gerald R. Ford
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4.3 • 19 Ratings
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- $4.99
Publisher Description
The New York Times bestseller?and the candid voice of an American president
In 1974, Newsweek correspondent Thomas M. DeFrank was interviewing Gerald Ford when the Vice President blurted out something astonishingly indiscreet. He then extracted a promise not to publish it. ?Write it when I?m dead,? Ford said? and thus began a thirty-two-year relationship.
During the last fifteen years of their conversations, Ford opened up to DeFrank, speaking in a way few presidents ever have. Here the award-winning journalist reveals these private talks, as Ford discusses his experiences with his fellow presidents, the Warren Commission, and his exchanges with Bill Clinton during the latter?s impeachment process. In addition, he shares his thoughts about both Bush administrations, the Iraq war, his beloved wife Betty, and the frustrations of aging. Write It When I?m Gone is not only a historical document but an unprecedented portrait of a president.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Longtime Newsweek correspondent DeFrank was an untested reporter when he was placed on what seemed like a hard-luck beat: covering Vice President Gerald Ford. After all, what could be less thrilling than reporting on the doings of the congressman from Michigan who had been appointed to replace Spiro Agnew as Richard Nixon's veep? DeFrank was given an unprecedented scoop early in his job, when Ford let spill that he believed Nixon's presidency was doomed, but the reporter agreed to put a lid on it: "Write it when I'm gone," Ford told him. Brick reads dramatically, with fitful stops and starts, giving the patina of history to some of the less fondly remembered elements of 1970s politics. His reading conveys some of DeFrank's sincere fondness for Ford and the friendly relationship they struck up while Ford was vice president and in the White House. Simultaneous release with the Putnam hardcover.
Customer Reviews
Longing for a return to the sensibilities he brought to politics.
In 1969 Gerald R Ford was the commencement speaker at my graduation from St. Michael’s College. While standing in line as a Trustee of my local Community College’s graduation earlier this month a colleague when she heard that I still remembered my commencement speaker suggested I get and read this book. Boy am I glad she did!
As May of 2025 is coming to a close, with wars in Europe, the Middle East, tariffs and TACOs, deficits by legislative design this was a wonderful reminder that my nation has come through darkness; I pray to God we will do it again. Where will our Gerald R Ford come from?
Write It When I'm Gone
A page turner that shines a bright light on one of America's most powerful but underrated super stars of the past century.. The closing statement says it all "Thank You Mr. President"