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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ford jokes or remarks that the democratic system allows anyone to reach the presidency.
In plain terms
America is so open that anyone can become president.
What can you take from it?
Democracy allows broad access to leadership.

Where it applies

  • political aspiration
  • civic reflection

Putting it to work

  • encouraging participation
  • democratic engagement

Questions to consider

  • What does this say about opportunity?
  • Is anyone really qualified?

Another view

Not everyone has equal ability to run effectively.

More from Gerald Ford

  1. I watch a lot of baseball on the radio.

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  2. It would be tragic for this country if we went down the same path and ended up with the same problem that Great Britain has.

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  3. I was America's first instant Vice President, and now America's first instant President. The Marine Corps band is so confused, they don't know whether to play …

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