19. Gerald Ford invested in the oil business and consulted with the Carter Administration
When Gerald Ford, still smarting under the criticism he received for pardoning Richard Nixon, left office his successor notably paused his Inauguration Address to thank him “for all he has done to heal our land.” Carter’s magnanimous act opened the rehabilitation of Ford’s reputation. The former president moved to Denver, became active in the oil industry, and remained active in politics. In 1980 he was considered by Ronald Reagan to be his running mate on the Republican ticket, but when Reagan was informed that Ford would consider the position to be a form of a co-presidency, George H. W. Bush was selected as the running mate instead.
Ford remained physically active, skiing and playing golf, traveled extensively, and made numerous public appearances, giving speeches and acting as a consultant and senior statesman. During the Carter Administration, he was given briefings on domestic and foreign affairs by senior officials monthly. Ford and Carter developed a close friendship after Carter’s presidency ended. Ford established his Gerald R. Ford Library in Ann Arbor, at the University of Michigan. He also established the Gerald R. Ford Institute of Public Policy at Albion College in Michigan. Ford began slowing down around the turn of the 21st century as health problems beset him. He died in 2006 on the day after Christmas.