From the archives: Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, from rivals to friends

[@riff2072]

"So nasty is the tone these days, we are seeing it already in Campaign 2000." In campaign 2000. If you only knew what was to come.

[@tylerthespian2103]

I know! If they only knew just how much worse and divisive politics would get in the upcoming years.

[@Progressive2024]

Things were fine in 2000

[@Progressive2024]

Blame newt Gingrich and rush Limbaugh

[@rad4924]

2000 was pretty bad. People are either blinded by nostalgia or just don't remember.

[@j.c.ca.o.l7035]

Agreed!!!

[@GlamorousTitanic21]

Gerald Ford had written eulogies for every president during his lifetime after leaving office, in case they passed before he did. Now, 18 years after his passing, Gerald Ford’s son will be delivering his father’s posthumous eulogy to Jimmy at his funeral.

[@jaymothman]

did he eulogise Nixon? I can't find it

[@FittedSheet2000]

I'm pretty sure Carter requested that Biden give his eulogy in the event of his death

[@itsblitz4437]

​@@jaymothmanor Ronald Reagan?

[@CassandrasBox]

This is really beautiful! :)

[@TheDrewThornton]

That's creepy

[@chriswilliams1024]

R.I.P to both of Gerald R Ford and Jimmy Carter

[@Magdalenkaization]

Now they are together in heaven!

[@JonFromRhodeIsland]

And Charles Osgood.

[@dvferyance]

And they both died the week between Christmas and New Years.

[@jasonwilliamtjandra]

And it's 18 years apart

[@zackk4969]

Two men addressed eulogy to each other. Well, Ford’s son read it yesterday 18 years After Ford’s funeral. That was gold.

[@rhrh2025]

I didn't realize they had become such good friends.

[@monarchist1838]

Ford went to the WH for dinner whenever he was in DC. The Presidency is an exclusive club that has few members, many perks and problems. It brings its members together.

[@weirdmatter]

You really don't have a choice they were both former presidents they would have had to communicate at some point.

[@monarchist1838]

@ the next Trump and Biden duo.

[@josmacch]

There’s a really good dual interview hosted by Tim russert you can find on KZbin as well.

[@itsblitz4437]

​@@weirdmatternot sure if it's really a "choice". More like they have a lot in common.

[@christopherthorkon3997]

This is precious footage. So good this is preserved for posterity.

[@RobertGSwan]

Jerry Ford and Jimmy Carter - two very decent and honorable men. Ford & Carter - both are very underrated presidents. Both were class acts.

[@JackReedGaming]

I don't know, getting the White House for a Pardon wasn't very... classy.

[@Scarface4TX]

The way I see it, both men had the thankless task of steering America out of the post-Watergate/Vietnam era. They did a decent job of it but greatness was never in the cards for it somehow.

[@CBright7831]

@@JackReedGaming - Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward as well as other noted historians also believe Ford pardoning Nixon was the correct move as a pragmatic choice that helped the country focus on recovery and unity.

[@JackReedGaming]

@CBright7831 That's fair. I think that the pardon was needed to get him out of the White House, but still. I would want there to be a president of no person, including presidents, being above the law.

[@MadiBendy]

I miss when politicians actually had class enough to discuss their issues and agree to disagree instead of blackmailing them all over social media like they do now and days…

[@melliemel32]

Me too! Biden, Trump and Harris needed all to watch this.

[@fortynights1513]

If we look back we can certainly find bad or unflattering things that politicians have said about one another personally that have become forgotten over time, but social media seems to amplify those impulses and perhaps encourages people to shout things like that to the rooftops more than before.

[@MadiBendy]

@@melliemel32i grew up in the bush jr. Era and it was nothing like it is now

[@WORLD8NSH5KNIGHT1]

Neither Ford or Carter will go down as exceptional presidents. But they will be remembered as two of the most decent men to ever occupy the White House. You would be hard pushed to really dislike either. They made mistakes but compared to 47 you never questioned their motivations or basic integrity. Gerald Rudolph Ford (1913-2006) James Earl Carter (1924-2024) Respect from the UK.

[@hotrod5622]

If we're comparing them to 47, then let's also include 46.

[@CBright7831]

@@hotrod5622 - And 44 and let's not forget 43. The fact that people mention Carter is the worst President of all time when we lived through 8 years of George W. Bush is flabbergasting to me. The War in Iraq, the response to Hurricane Katrina, and the Great Recession in 2008 pretty much outdo anything that happened under Carter IMO.

[@douglassauvageau7262]

THANK YOU ! Your younger cousins DO aspire to decency.

[@cepamor]

Nothing so far tops the DOCUMENTED lying, cheating, con artist, and convicted criminal that is Donald Trump and the 76 million scruples-devoid baseless Americans who chose selfish interests and personal wants over the preservation of democracy and country.

[@hotrod5622]

@@CBright7831 I agree with you about Bush. But under Carter, it was pretty bad too. High inflation and interest rates, oil gas crisis, Russian invasion in Afganistan, to name a few..........

[@easternestal4181]

They were both a class act.

[@ron7beck23]

This makes me cry. Ever since I was young I was glued to politics. I feel like the respect for the office has diminished so much. It makes me sad.

[@victirynom]

I grew up a political girl. Sad what it has become😢

[@laurahoward5426]

It made me cry

[@RobertGSwan]

In 1976 I voted for Jerry Ford -- it really could have been a coin toss -- between Ford or Carter. Both candidates were essentially equal. Both Ford and Carter -- very honorable men.

[@fortynights1513]

The 1976 election is the third of the six presidential elections in what I call the sixth generation of American politics (1966-1991) In that time, the GOP won 21 states six times in a row, and there were a further eight I believe that backed the GOP five times out of six. In a demonstration of how wide their coalition was, Ford lost to Carter in 1976, but won 27 states, and while he lost in the Deep South, he came close to winning Mississippi, and was within six or seven of winning Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. That’s better in the South than most Republicans who lost before him against a Southern Democrat.

[@fredrikbjornsson3397]

Beautiful! This is exactly what decent and honest politics should look like. Nothing but respect to both these gentlemen!

[@tony84.]

4:58, Two very classy, decent, honorable Americans to be proud of, Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. Great post. 💯

[@albardo08]

These were gentlemen with intelligence and class, unlike today when such characteristics are rare.

[@cdjhyoung]

Both Ford and Carter were excellent politicians but didn't practice that trade in the same way. Ford was the true insider when that wasn't a smear for a politician. He knew everyone and made friends with virtually everyone in Congress. He really did work across the aisle to accomplish the work of our nation. That is why he was so uncontroversial when nominated for Vice President. Carter was a good heart, but was rough on his staff. He was one of those men with a sharp, quick mind and was intolerant when others couldn't keep up. The Iran Hostage situation is one of those times he showed his humanity. He could of waged war on Iran and killed many people. But in his heart he knew this was a political situation that could be resolved peacefully. But he also went back channel to the dissidents to make sure they understand that patience was not weakness and if they harmed any of the hostages retribution would be immediate and harsh.

[@The_Dance_Club_of_Gene_Kelly]

plus Ford was the U.S. Minority Leader....

[@Black_Caucus]

Also Reagan was literally committing treason and talking to Iran at the time (as a candidate and non-federal government official) to try and get them to keep the hostages LONGER and delay the release that was upcoming imminently... in order to help him in the election against Carter. And unfortunately for us all, it worked and was heavily responsible for Reagan winning because it painted a false narrative and picture of Carter being weak and ineffective, despite that very thing being caused by Reagan and his campaign's actions directly. Truly treasonous stuff Reagan did back in the day. Don't even get me started on Iran Contra.

[@richprokop5155]

Back then when work was done to make the country better... Last 20- 30 years... GARBAGE...

[@timothythompson8755]

Both of them are good man

[@willm678]

I also think Carter, as opposed to Ford, was a total outsider in Washington DC. He underestimated how slimy those DC politicians could be. His honesty and straight forward approach towards the presidency was not very popular

[@RaspberryLemonade101]

There is a great movie in this friendship, and as we bid a fond farewell to President Carter, their era has closed and their story needs to be told to a new generation.

[@elizabethlarson9655]

What a marvelous interview!

[@Progressive2024]

The divisiveness of 2000 is nothing compared to today

[@YokozunaNumber1]

This segment was from 25 years ago. 25 years earlier was 1975, which looked so different from 2000, yet this video looks like no time has passed in the last quarter-century.

[@CitizenJWord]

I have to disagree, the resolution we have in the 2020s is much sharper than 2000.

[@John-ct9zs]

@@CitizenJWord I'm not sure if he means camera resolution as much as much as the media presentation. Sure there have been plenty of changes in the last 25 years, but in 1975 you would have a monotone Walter Cronkite figure doing this kind of interview behind a news desk, not like a more informal chat this,...which is still done today. Many of the pop stars from 2000 like Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, and J Lo are still relevant today as well, just older. Heck even The Rock, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey and Leonardo DiCaprio are still a big deal today. Who was a pop star in 1975 that was truly still relevant in 2000? Maybe a washed up Michael Jackson? Burt Reynolds and Robert Redford where 1970s movie stars that made comebacks but still kinda B or C list stars in 2000.

[@markfroman738]

@@CitizenJWordit looks brand new

[@fuosdi64]

​@@CitizenJWord Quality aside it looks modern.

[@karatemaster1144]

90’s onwards is pretty modern to me, though the news reporter’s fashion is pretty oldschool now. Very Princess Di inspired

[@happything100]

Two gentlemen in every sense of the word.

[@formerlyfromthefuton8171]

Yeah; Carter's support for s_d0my and Jim Jones just screamed _gentleman._ 🙄

[@JiafeiProducts6969]

@@formerlyfromthefuton8171bot

[@slimtend4010]

Ladies and gentlemen.... this is Class.

[@nancyhilliard1634]

Two Gentlemen they are missed❤️💙

[@raphaelgerarddelacruz6774]

Thank you Pres. Carter and Pres. Ford for setting-aside politics and their 1976 Presidential Election experience in order to forge a friendship. RIP, Pres. Ford and Pres. Carter. This friendship reminds me of friendship of Pres. Bush 41 and Pres. Clinton. RIP, Pres. Bush 41.

[@brandyecheverria3559]

We need representatives with characteristics like Carter and Ford again. Decent people . Not this crap we have now. Im only 45, and I am tired of national embarrassment.

[@AndrewWarrenPatriotsfan]

Who said Republicans and Democrats don't get along? They need to watch this and learn to work together for both parties.

[@mattglumactheautisticgolfe1608]

Now these two friends have reunited after nearly 20 years.

[@platinumuschannel]

As an historian, it's nice to see those last frames where a northern gentleman and a southern gentleman, both former Presidents in a country once divided, sitting and being good friends. I like this.

[@jakenavatka9431]

This is the best example of two opposing political rivals burying the hatchet and becoming friends ever. History has been kind to Ford and Carter and rightfully so in my opinion.

[@leahartlee29]

Ford was the only republican President that I ever liked, because he was the only one who didn't want to make the rich richer at the expense of the middle class and poor.

[@timmartin7664]

Wow, now fast forward to 2024. 1976 campaigns seems very tame and mild compared today.

[@Hanid-ij1kp]

I cried at the eulogy of Gerard Ford read by his son to Jimmy Carter funeral.

[@melaubach]

Two truly great American gentlemen! How I wish we had more men and women in politics today with their high degree of character and integrity!

[@Rob-vk3ss]

Ford healed us. And Carter led US forward. Two wonderful Men. GOD bless them both.

[@davidoney3459]

Classic! Let's go back to this!

[@Ariesmount]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful video. I never felt so nostalgic for the past. In fact, it scares the hell out of me what we have coming.

[@louienapalan9242]

Both Presidents graduated from the US Naval Academy and have ships named after them. USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) and the newest nuclear carrier class USS Gerald Ford (CVN-78).

[@simba6477]

Ford graduated from Michigan and served as an officer in the Navy, he never went to the Academy. Carter is the only President to have graduated from USNA.

[@louienapalan9242]

@ Thanks for sharing the facts.

[@quintoncompton145]

What a inspirational friendship they had and it grew and grew. From the Carter and Ford families understood it.

[@Theresa7353]

RIP Carter and Ford. also RIP Charles Osgood

[@mikegregory7844]

What a great commentary of the events as they occurred. As I remember living through them. Without a doubt, both men honest and good hearted.

[@RealJackHQ]

Dare I say it as the kids say, there is an aura to both Jimmy and Jerry that is very comforting. Perhaps that’s what the bicentennial was supposed to represent. Two decent independent minded men had the potential to become President.

[@williamwatson4625]

It's been conventional wisdom that Jerry Ford's pardon of Nixon is what determined his fate when he ran in '76. Ford just didn't want the country to go through another 2-3 years of Watergate as Americans were already tired of it. So, he did what he thought was best for the country - he pardoned his immediate predecessor. That made millions of Americans furious. Even then, Ford didn't lose bigly. He won more states than Carter did, and lost the popular vote by only a small margin.

[@JahiButler]

Two of America’s greatest presidents. They developed a unique friendship after they faced off against each other in the 1976 presidential election. MY both of them Rest In Peace.

[@patriciafeeley7997]

Both good men

[@GkfkfkCdckxckcdk]

He was a peaceful leader Did his best to keep peace and stability in the world Rest in peace mr president ( 1924 - 2024 )

[@pamelamays4186]

Jimmy is so gracious, not telling tales out of school.

[@TimothyPaul-v6m]

Both very gentle and honourable men!

[@amiblueful]

Two words I have never heard before or since in conjunction with Jimmy Carter are "meanness" and "vindictiveness."

[@user-di2on5gl2d]

I was a year too young to vote but i remember Carter invited my dance troupe to perform during Christmas 1977. I still have fond memories. ❤

[@kaamkmca]

What a lovely video of two very professional men who became President. Their professionalism extended beyond their time in office. They were not out for personal gain but for the good of the people of the United States and for humanity.

[@Parasuraman-ey4wo]

Two classy people 🙏

[@carolyncoley754]

I always defended president Carter during his presidency against greedy detractors. It's worth noting Roslyn and Betty were close and worked on mental health programs together . Roslyn gave a eulogy at Betty's funeral as requested by her kids. Both great, progressive women who changed lives for better.

[@debbiecooper1677]

wow I wish we could go back to those days

[@nategilbert2]

Back when politicians when civil and decent

[@neostaraptorflock1910]

more civil maybe but certainly not more decent

[@donhartman201]

President Carter was a real human being. I found that out via a phone conversation with Rear Admiral D. Jones and myself in Okinawa back in the late 70s.

[@Rikard_A]

One liners should be banned from political campaignes.

[@tony84.]

7:47, President Carter was always candid!💯

[@yankeeladee02]

Oh, my heart... Mr. Osgood, then two of the most decent and well respected of our modern day Presidents. Thank you both for all you that you did serving our nation and internationally, for us all.🫡🫡🫡😇😇😇🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@James-g2c1f]

The best is behind us.

[@delrayshaffer6376]

I hope not. But I am afraid you're correct.

[@herecomesforego1787]

Shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves in three generations

[@joemixon1704]

Jimmy lived almost another 25 years after this

[@TT_1221]

The audacity of the Reagan's to ask Jimmy and Roslyn Carter to move out of the Whitehouse early so it could be redecorated.

[@carolyncoley754]

Does this surprise anyone, Queen Nancy reagan had to put on a show. Everything with those 2 was money and appearances. I trace this country 's unbridled love of $ to them. So different from the Carter's.

[@TT_1221]

@@carolyncoley754 No surprise. Reagan oversaw the largest transfer of wealth in history to the top 1% while gutting social and welfare programs. Poured money into the military while cutting food stamps. Then retired to Beverly Hills. Carter was one of my heroes. A genuine public servant.

[@pablobanados6552]

Nancy Reagan a very ambitious woman. She was not to serve but to be served.

[@Youttubi]

@@carolyncoley754 , the unbridled love of money had nothing to do with the Reagans. That was going on way before the Reagans. What do you think slavery was about?

[@Youttubi]

So what? The audacity of JImmy Carter to pardon a child molester?

[@pamelamays4186]

It's beautiful when political foes become buddies.

[@Primalia2112]

The fact that Gerald Ford started working so closely with the Carter Center is very impressive. "That's what I heard." I am going to use that to confirm a negative action that I know personally to be true from experience. Very polite without being guileless.

[@The_Dance_Club_of_Gene_Kelly]

Kissinger should have been arrested, put on trial and if/when convicted imprisoned...

[@gabeh7923]

Well, Dr. Kissinger is dead now...but, if you insist.

[@The_Dance_Club_of_Gene_Kelly]

@gabeh7923 "should have" indicates past tense. Education is a valuable thing. And of course Nixon should have been impeached and if convicted imprisoned. As well as Reagan, GHW Bush and William Casey for their "Iranian deal."

[@LukeHartman-ro7hl]

​@@The_Dance_Club_of_Gene_Kelly what about Bill, Obama, or Joe?

[@danarzechula3769]

​We do!@gabeh7923

[@danarzechula3769]

​@@LukeHartman-ro7hlhaha what are you gonna lock Obama up for? Providing healthcare😂

[@Stogdad1]

That's because at heart both were decent men.

[@DavidBayliff]

those 2 though time became best friends and it was great RIP both

[@misterakt]

...and now they're together again catching up on what they've been up to in the nineteen years since they last met

[@Heather-ru7pq]

I thought they were Statler and Waldorf from The Muppet Show🤣🤣🤣

[@kandikane923]

Awwwwe I love this, they are like 2 old brothers.

[@SirCashopin]

Both of these men should have had a 2nd term

[@keithss67]

Two great gentlemen

[@jaimej40]

I’d pay to watch a movie based on this.

[@GilbertWaworuntu]

Rest In Peace President Ford, President Carter And President Reagan too.

[@christianmohr2993]

Just a bunch of fellas with their hearts in the right place all having to compete against each other for the head spot on the SAME team . Das ist politica for yuh

[@brandonsipple9497]

Absolutely fascinating story to randomly come across.

[@pewterpirate4560]

When the word "gentlemen" had meaning

[@monm4605]

Class act!

[@SirCashopin]

RIP THE 2 OF THESE MEN!

[@Footlight_1]

Now they can both talk in heaven ❤

[@chainsawdodge834]

Politicians nowadays could learn a lot watching this.

[@gennarojg3]

The fact that these two honest of men and presidents became friends shows how much Republicans and Democrats can be true friends!!

[@docp92]

It is quite nice to see these friendships. Like George HW Bush and Bill Clinton and George Bush and Barack Obama.

[@lasandralucas7314]

Definitely 😊

[@aagamshah2005]

Now, obama and trump

[@concretejunglewetdreamtomato]

4:23 "Well, you can't believe the press" -Former President Gerald R. Ford February 2000

[@phillywizkidz]

Honestly is the best policies RIP President Ford/Carter

[@silencenogood8051]

I would love to see a book written about the both of them and their friendship. Maybe someday, I might undertake it, if someone else doesn't.

[@StevenSmith-br5tb]

Today’s politicians couldn’t shine the shoes of these men.

[@udhoop]

My grandfather went to high school (south high in grand rapids) with president Ford. My grandfather didn't always agree with Ford's policies but he often said there wasn't a better human to walk the earth. I feel the same way about carter.

[@andrewjones2222]

They both lost to Reagan and hated him. They probably bonded over that.

[@Youttubi]

So they were both sore losers.

[@herecomesforego1787]

Winning in murica is losing in the world

[@frankcheers7529]

The American public allowed itself to be smarter and demanded more of its political class.

[@rizzo3170]

This was back when politics were just that and once it was over it was over - transitions were peaceful and presidents worked with each other regardless of party. Unlike today - Trump has been a blight on the office of the President.

[@gareththomas6714]

i don't agree i think carter was good on tv

[@bradypatrick5405]

Love this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@clarewelter2207]

Two Wonderful Men. Two Wonderful Presidents.

[@greenboyvlogs]

just watched Steve Fords eulogy of President Carter. So they indeed were friends, nice

[@Zsejue-Skis]

This is super interesting

[@comeconcon569]

Jimmy Carter outlived Gerald Ford and so many other presidents in the history books.

[@sfgnyy]

Two honorable men reunited together in the Lords Gallery. Their memories be eternal.

[@JayjayElon]

Now they both enjoy having each other accompanied up there

[@b1646717]

0:10 Mr. Osgood you have no idea…

[@WhoDoctor-u2e]

Yes they were once enemies but now President Ford and President Carter are now friends in Heaven. Rest in peace to these two good presidents. Thank you gentlemen!

[@sfgnyy]

Their antipathy towards Ronald Reagan is another thing that brought together. Ford resented Reagan. Carter stated it was not a pleasant transition with Reagan.

[@giselestrauch5146]

as a child this i remember this brutual campaign

[@beattyJ68]

2 Statesmen! Biden has carried on this tradition.

[@The_Dance_Club_of_Gene_Kelly]

Unfortunately the Republicans haven't carried on this tradition.

[@riff2072]

Sarcasm?

[@beattyJ68]

@@riff2072 No not at all. President Biden is a decent man who returned dignity, humanity and intellect to the office of President after Trump took it to the gutter.

[@paulbunch5657]

LOL

[@Magdalenkaization]

@@beattyJ68 And he was a good friend of Senator John McCain ; he cried while starin eulogy at McCain's funeral,