James Baker - Reflections: The Ford Administration - 10/30/11

[@chaddelk3605]

A nice assessment of President Ford in my opinion.

[@petertotaro4283]

I always felt in my heart that Gerald Ford was a decent and humble citizen that America ever produced. Jim Baker has also always in my option, was a man of the times!

[@MrAitraining]

Jim Baker always great! God bless this great american.

[@victorsauvage1890]

Beautiful opening remarks by Miss Didier -- Beautiful woman -- And beautiful daughter Gerry Ford

[@edwardjnarrojr3135]

The Power Organizer Genius behind the Scene. Incredible Work!

[@jeffmo1018]

My favorite president

[@brianclough]

Many people may forget what great statesman Baker was. I was mainly a Democrat supporter for many years but switched after Clinton to Bush, although I thought Obama was cool. Unfortunately I've had to go back to the Democrats since 2016 for obvious reasons. But as a Democrat then, James Baker was truly exceptional man. The stabilising impact he had in the early Reagan years, getting policies through as CoS and as Treasury Sec in a spirit of by partisanship. In The Bush years, his diplomacy was the stuff of legend in garnering worldwide support for the USA in the Gulf War but equally after the fall of Communism. There was no gloating, there was lots of work to be done. He did all of that, ensuring the newly independent republics gave up their nuclear arsenal, technically it did not all belong to Russia but the States they were in. Many major events happened during his gig, Fall of Communism, Berlin Wall, Tianamen, Gulf War 1991, break up of the USSR and the nuclear issues. He was just the man Bush truly needed at the time to do all this hugely significant and long lasting diplomacy. And such was his abilities that Bush took him out of foreign policy and made him CoS again and to try and win re-election with him as the campaign manager. But as he said the 3 things worked against, chief of which was Perot. It nearly worked but the odds were just too great - fatigue (for the GOP) and Perot, not to mention the belated attempt to focus on the economy. If the latter was done first, there would be no Clinton Presidency. Baker's greatest ability was to be able to work behind the scenes as a manager. You had a problem, you had an issue, you needed someone to handle your case and run your office discreetly and effectively, Baker was your man. I think Ford once summed it up how he chose people, they had to be smart, they had to be capable and they had to have integrity. And that's why he brought Baker in and gave him the chance to demonstrate his abilities. And that's why Reagan tapped him to be his first CoS - a position that lasted the full first term as Reagan's gatekeeper and advisor. A truly great Statesman in all the positions he served. 1 of the finest, if not the best Secretary of State. At the very least since 1960, if not him, then second only to Kissinger. But I'd rate him as No 1 for effectiveness. Kissinger was more a chaos/crisis manager. In tough times, with so many crisis, you'd need a Kissinger, but once things cooled down, you'd need a Baker. My ranking of best 5 Sec of States since 1960 would be as follows 1. Baker 2. Kissinger 3. Christopher 4 Schultz 5 Albright

[@paulsonj72]

It also showed what self confidence Reagan had(not arrogance) in choosing Baker as his first CoS. How many presidents(of EITHER party) would choose a man who had run two campaigns against them for the most important staff position in the White House. And the Chief of Staff position is probably the most demanding job in the White House. Generally speaking it’s why presidents(of either party) have multiple people in that position over their time in office(Not just Trump)

[@j1337ke]

This was a really interesting read, thank you! You know your history really well.

[@JPStarFilms]

It’s now known that Henry Kissinger was corrupt as hell. Again those damn republicans

[@brianclough]

@@paulsonj72 Agree. Reagan's finest abilities were 1 - he could inspire and 2 he had no qualms in picking the best guys to do the job. Ok he had a few mis-steps. But even Al Haig was an inspired choice in 1981 - a proven manager. Until he got big headed. Weinberger was ok but then came Iran Contra. But look at the others, Baker, Schultz, even Regan (who fell out with) He was still a good and efficient manager. Bush was an inspired choice as VP. But he even considered Ford. Reagan had no airs. You had abilities, he would offer you a post. Ford was also similar to him. Great choices. Rumsfeld and Cheney at the time, brilliant choices for the new administration. Bush at CIA. A new FBI director all making a clean break from the past.

[@alfonsovargas7287]

Jerry Ford was a good Felow presidente Ford the american people good bles You me presidente.from bogotá.alfonso Vargas.thanks.

[@peterdurkin1499]

Ford and Baker class

[@rollinmc5427]

what happened to peaceful and consensual means?

[@nurlatifahmohdnor8939]

Page 107-1 CB TALK Citizens Band users often talk in a way that sounds like a secret code. Here are few of the phrases they use, and their meanings. Bear - a police officer Mama Bear - a policewoman Good numbers - best wishes Haircut palace - a low overpass Have your ears on - listen to CB Loose board walk - a bumpy road Thermos bottle - a tank truck Twister - a highway interchange Roller skate - a small car Green stamp road - a turnpike Double nickel - 55 miles per hour Cuttinh loose - signing off Citizens Band

[@zacfootball]

hi James baker

[@zacfootball]

I'm impeached for what...

[@zacfootball]

26 min to 30 min

[@JPStarFilms]

He pardoned a criminal! Sad that it’s always the GOP who does this.

[@joecole7122]

I think you'll find that Obama and Clinton pardoned a number of criminals.

[@richardsecord6592]

POW raid south of My Gia .