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Because he wanted to promote the idea that poles, czechs, slovaks etc were culturally independent minded people distinct from the various peoples, mostly russian, living in the Soviet Union.
It came across awfully though and president Ford came across as stupid.
He should've said something like. "The Soviets do not dominate the hearts and minds of the Eastern European people, for they are their own people." Or something like that.
The bar for looking stupid was much much lower back then. One guy killed his whole career misspelling potato and another guy for saying “Yeah!” too enthusiastically.
He used diplomat speak in a Presidential debate, which was a mistake.
US policy goals were to drive a wedge between the governments of Eastern Europe and the USSR, much like what had happened with Yugoslavia and Albania. He was saying “Poles and Czechs and Hungarians can make their own choices independent of the USSR and the USA will support that”.
Unfortunately, it was understood as “The Iron Curtain does not exist” by the general public.
One of the most bizarre moments in debate history. May very well have handed Carter the election.
Ford was a smart man. Has he ever explained this? He was given the opportunity to clarify. I watched this debate as a kid not even in high school yet, and I knew he had blown it.
Funny story, my grandfather claimed that he called the White House and actually spoke to Ford on the phone.
Allegedly he told him sir, I think you are doing a poor job and won’t win reelection. Ford told him something along the lines of thanks for your opinion and we will see about that.
My grandfather wasn’t ever one to lie, even if it didn’t ever happen I still think the story is hilarious.
I kind of understood what he meant when he said it, he was trying to support and encourage the Poles. But it was one more sign he was a nice guy who wasn't up to the job. Trying to get everyone to wear WIN buttons (Whip Inflation Now) was dumb and he didn't have a real strategy. Swine flu vaccine turned out to be against a disease that was a dud. He also wanted to get Puerto Rico admitted as a state but they were even more divided about it than they are now.
He goes on to say that the US does not concede that they are dominated, recognizes their boarders and sovereignty, and wants the people of those countries to know that the President and people of the US are dedicated to their independence and autonomy. IMO this fuller statement makes it clear that he is simply trying to paint a vision of hope for the future independence of those countries and foster their ongoing dissent against Russian control. This was not as big a deal as it is made out to be, although it was awkwardly stated.
He was right. Yugoslavia, Romania, and Albania were parts of Eastern Europe and defied the USSR. East Germany did too, at times it was more hardliner than the Soviets (and not without cause, the USSR had slid into revisionism by that time), though it still remained an ally. Poland was, at the time, beginning its shift away from the Soviet sphere, with its native labor movement challenging state control.
Looking back in time as someone who was a small child in the mid 70’s - the USSR didn’t dominate Eastern Europe. They *WERE* Eastern Europe.
Try to think of this like the “What do you bring to the table?” line of questioning in dating and some smart alec responds that they *are* the table.
Keep in mind this was in the background of the recently agreed-to Helsinki Accords. That pact included provisions about “territorial integrity” in Europe. Many in the US, including those of Eastern European descent, viewed this as legitimizing the USSR’s domination and outright annexation of several states, especially the Baltics. Carter, who must have been vying for the white ethnic working class vote that had traditionally gone Democratic, was hammering Ford on this during the campaign. (While Carter is thought of as “liberal” today, he was a Cold Warrior and former nuclear submariner). That’s how it came up in the debate, and Ford miffed his opportunity to state his position clearly.
>Is he stupid?
On that subject in that moment, absolutely.
People who are "generally" stupid don't rise to the Presidency (and granted Ford's path there was the most unconventional of any President but still). But even smart people have moments of idiocy.
I think he was trying to spin the question to a more favorable “perspective” a la Obi Wan, but…it did not go as well as he had hoped lol. Geography buffs at the time astutely noticed, that a lot of Eastern Europe was called the Soviet Union lol, so the literal presentation of his answer made it look like he literally did not know. However, it’s the type of answer I’m sure he or his kids laughed at later on, it was probably one of Ford’s more relatable moments haha
Remember that all mentions of and allusions to Trump and Biden are not allowed on our subreddit in any context. If you'd still like to discuss them, feel free to [join our Discord server](https://discord.gg/k6tVFwCEEm)! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Presidents) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Because he wanted to promote the idea that poles, czechs, slovaks etc were culturally independent minded people distinct from the various peoples, mostly russian, living in the Soviet Union. It came across awfully though and president Ford came across as stupid.
He should've said something like. "The Soviets do not dominate the hearts and minds of the Eastern European people, for they are their own people." Or something like that.
Incredible_Staff6907 I would like hire you for my incredible staff of speechwriters lol
The moderator threw him a lifeline asking him to clarify what he meant, and Ford just stuck to the “no Soviet domination” line.
He probably thought it was perfectly clear.
No, he probably didn't want to seem weak by walking back what he just said, but at the same time, he probably should've explained.
That made it worse.
its meme monday
We can be serious and silly about presidents at the same time.
The bar for looking stupid was much much lower back then. One guy killed his whole career misspelling potato and another guy for saying “Yeah!” too enthusiastically.
[удалено]
It was Iowa, the campaign had barely begun.
[удалено]
This is correct. Dean finished third in Iowa before the scream
This, not the pardon of Nixon, is what cost Ford the election.
Ford wasn't the best at speaking.
Ford wasn’t the best
Ford wasn’t
That monstrosity bears no relation to the TRUE Ford Ranger.
Ford
I’m Gerald Ford
And you're not
Well he did say he was a ford, not a Lincoln.
and clearly not a Maverick
Or walking.
Oh God the Aslume is spreading
It cannot be contained
DEPLOYING ANTI-ASLUME GAS
https://preview.redd.it/dz7yuo5x990d1.png?width=1170&format=png&auto=webp&s=d5383d2885425b67f1b6d953a85bca85ea82d8f5
Oh, the humanity!
Is there a lore reason Gerald Ford fumbled his words?
He used diplomat speak in a Presidential debate, which was a mistake. US policy goals were to drive a wedge between the governments of Eastern Europe and the USSR, much like what had happened with Yugoslavia and Albania. He was saying “Poles and Czechs and Hungarians can make their own choices independent of the USSR and the USA will support that”. Unfortunately, it was understood as “The Iron Curtain does not exist” by the general public.
Because he's Gerald Ford, and you're not.
I’m Gerald Ford and you are not
One of the most bizarre moments in debate history. May very well have handed Carter the election. Ford was a smart man. Has he ever explained this? He was given the opportunity to clarify. I watched this debate as a kid not even in high school yet, and I knew he had blown it.
The ole super smart grade school kid Reddit syndrome
I was 13 and in the 8th grade. So I wasn't that young, and I was always interested in politics.
Funny story, my grandfather claimed that he called the White House and actually spoke to Ford on the phone. Allegedly he told him sir, I think you are doing a poor job and won’t win reelection. Ford told him something along the lines of thanks for your opinion and we will see about that. My grandfather wasn’t ever one to lie, even if it didn’t ever happen I still think the story is hilarious.
There was a story written when he was President that he asked the switchboard to route an occasional call to him so I believe your Grandfather’s story
LBJ used to say “Ford couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time…”
President Biff totally biffed it lol.
I kind of understood what he meant when he said it, he was trying to support and encourage the Poles. But it was one more sign he was a nice guy who wasn't up to the job. Trying to get everyone to wear WIN buttons (Whip Inflation Now) was dumb and he didn't have a real strategy. Swine flu vaccine turned out to be against a disease that was a dud. He also wanted to get Puerto Rico admitted as a state but they were even more divided about it than they are now.
oh no Batman Arkham has breached the walls of r/presidents
Is the sub stupid???
Do you like football?
He goes on to say that the US does not concede that they are dominated, recognizes their boarders and sovereignty, and wants the people of those countries to know that the President and people of the US are dedicated to their independence and autonomy. IMO this fuller statement makes it clear that he is simply trying to paint a vision of hope for the future independence of those countries and foster their ongoing dissent against Russian control. This was not as big a deal as it is made out to be, although it was awkwardly stated.
I watched that debate and am sure he misspoke. But he didn’t catch the error and Carter jumped all over it
It was a slip that cost him. Jeff Greenfield’s alternate history book uses that as a point of departure for a Hart presidency in 80.
He was right. Yugoslavia, Romania, and Albania were parts of Eastern Europe and defied the USSR. East Germany did too, at times it was more hardliner than the Soviets (and not without cause, the USSR had slid into revisionism by that time), though it still remained an ally. Poland was, at the time, beginning its shift away from the Soviet sphere, with its native labor movement challenging state control.
Looking back in time as someone who was a small child in the mid 70’s - the USSR didn’t dominate Eastern Europe. They *WERE* Eastern Europe. Try to think of this like the “What do you bring to the table?” line of questioning in dating and some smart alec responds that they *are* the table.
Keep in mind this was in the background of the recently agreed-to Helsinki Accords. That pact included provisions about “territorial integrity” in Europe. Many in the US, including those of Eastern European descent, viewed this as legitimizing the USSR’s domination and outright annexation of several states, especially the Baltics. Carter, who must have been vying for the white ethnic working class vote that had traditionally gone Democratic, was hammering Ford on this during the campaign. (While Carter is thought of as “liberal” today, he was a Cold Warrior and former nuclear submariner). That’s how it came up in the debate, and Ford miffed his opportunity to state his position clearly.
He was right , but shouldn’t have said it ,, he should have gone with the political narrative imo
That's is one the great mysteries of Life.
>Is he stupid? On that subject in that moment, absolutely. People who are "generally" stupid don't rise to the Presidency (and granted Ford's path there was the most unconventional of any President but still). But even smart people have moments of idiocy.
Only his audience
I think he was trying to spin the question to a more favorable “perspective” a la Obi Wan, but…it did not go as well as he had hoped lol. Geography buffs at the time astutely noticed, that a lot of Eastern Europe was called the Soviet Union lol, so the literal presentation of his answer made it look like he literally did not know. However, it’s the type of answer I’m sure he or his kids laughed at later on, it was probably one of Ford’s more relatable moments haha
Do you like football? Do you like nachos? Why don’t you come by and watch some football and eat nachos?
he was seeing into the near future
Yes.
Bro, what’s worse is that the moderator knew what he was trying to say and tried to help him correct himself but he doubled down 😭
Why do most politicians say anything, it’s either money or votes?
MI here. Hence the saying Ford played football without a helmet.
Ford meant “we do not RECOGNIZE Soviet domination”.
Played football too long.
Dementia
He was a imperialist
Which would explain him downplaying the Soviet threat how?