As a faculty member at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, I take pride in the legacy of President Ford—the only Michigander to serve in the White House. Ford was a leader deeply committed to integrity and country, a man who famously stated, “I believe that truth is the glue that holds government together, not only our government but civilization itself.”
Former President Gerald Ford shares the spotlight with Republican presidential and vice presidential candidates Ronald Reagan and George Bush after their acceptance speeches to the Republican National Convention on July 17, 1980.Ford showed this commitment when he chose to pardon former President Nixon, despite the risk it posed to his own re-election prospects. He prioritized the nation’s stability over politics, believing the pardon would help the United States move beyond the Watergate scandal. In recognition of his courage, Ford received the Profile in Courage Award.The contrast with former President Donald Trump is stark. According to The Washington Post, Trump made over 30,000 false or misleading claims during his term and continues to spread misinformation.Trump is no Gerald Ford.Not Reagan, Bush, or McCain EitherIn his first year in office, President Ronald Reagan emphasized America’s immigrant heritage, saying, “Our nation is a nation of immigrants. More than any other country, our strength comes from our own immigrant heritage and our capacity to welcome those from other lands.” Reagan’s policies facilitated the creation of 20 million jobs, showing that economic growth and immigration often go hand-in-hand.Trump’s views sharply differ. He has described immigrants as a threat to American society, saying they’re “poisoning the blood” of the country and are akin to “animals.”Trump is no Ronald Reagan.The late President George H.W. Bush earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery as a WWII pilot. In office, Bush made the difficult decision to defend Kuwait from Iraq’s invasion, displaying his commitment to international law and weaker allies.In contrast, Trump openly suggested that Russia could “do whatever the hell they want” to NATO countries not meeting specific defense spending quotas. Trump even described communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “smart” move.Trump is no George H.W. Bush.President George W. Bush, in 2003, initiated one of the world’s largest health campaigns by committing substantial resources to fight HIV/AIDS globally. The program is credited with saving over 25 million lives across 50 countries, especially benefiting those in poorer African nations.Trump, however, has used disparaging language about many African nations, calling them “s--- hole countries.”Trump is no George W. Bush.The late Senator John McCain was known for his respectful approach to politics, evident during his 2008 presidential campaign. When a supporter dismissed then-Senator Obama as an “Arab,” McCain replied, “No ma’am, he’s a decent family man, citizen, that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues.”Conversely, Trump repeatedly promoted the “birther” conspiracy, questioning President Obama’s citizenship, and has made numerous disparaging remarks about him.Trump is no John McCain.Senator Mitt Romney demonstrated courage as an impartial juror in Trump’s impeachment trial, condemning the Capitol insurrection and Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Romney declared, “President Trump attempted to corrupt the election by pressuring the Secretary of State of Georgia to falsify the election results in his state… Each and every one of these conclusions compels me to support conviction.”By contrast, Trump has promised to pardon Capitol rioters.Trump is no Mitt Romney.A Stark Choice for RepublicansFor Michigan Republicans who have admired the legacies of Ford, Reagan, Bush, McCain, and Romney, the question is clear: why cast a vote for someone who embodies the opposite of these values? They shouldn’t.
Former President Gerald Ford shares the spotlight with Republican presidential and vice presidential candidates Ronald Reagan and George Bush after their acceptance speeches to the Republican National Convention on July 17, 1980.Ford showed this commitment when he chose to pardon former President Nixon, despite the risk it posed to his own re-election prospects. He prioritized the nation’s stability over politics, believing the pardon would help the United States move beyond the Watergate scandal. In recognition of his courage, Ford received the Profile in Courage Award.The contrast with former President Donald Trump is stark. According to The Washington Post, Trump made over 30,000 false or misleading claims during his term and continues to spread misinformation.Trump is no Gerald Ford.Not Reagan, Bush, or McCain EitherIn his first year in office, President Ronald Reagan emphasized America’s immigrant heritage, saying, “Our nation is a nation of immigrants. More than any other country, our strength comes from our own immigrant heritage and our capacity to welcome those from other lands.” Reagan’s policies facilitated the creation of 20 million jobs, showing that economic growth and immigration often go hand-in-hand.Trump’s views sharply differ. He has described immigrants as a threat to American society, saying they’re “poisoning the blood” of the country and are akin to “animals.”Trump is no Ronald Reagan.The late President George H.W. Bush earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery as a WWII pilot. In office, Bush made the difficult decision to defend Kuwait from Iraq’s invasion, displaying his commitment to international law and weaker allies.In contrast, Trump openly suggested that Russia could “do whatever the hell they want” to NATO countries not meeting specific defense spending quotas. Trump even described communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “smart” move.Trump is no George H.W. Bush.President George W. Bush, in 2003, initiated one of the world’s largest health campaigns by committing substantial resources to fight HIV/AIDS globally. The program is credited with saving over 25 million lives across 50 countries, especially benefiting those in poorer African nations.Trump, however, has used disparaging language about many African nations, calling them “s--- hole countries.”Trump is no George W. Bush.The late Senator John McCain was known for his respectful approach to politics, evident during his 2008 presidential campaign. When a supporter dismissed then-Senator Obama as an “Arab,” McCain replied, “No ma’am, he’s a decent family man, citizen, that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues.”Conversely, Trump repeatedly promoted the “birther” conspiracy, questioning President Obama’s citizenship, and has made numerous disparaging remarks about him.Trump is no John McCain.Senator Mitt Romney demonstrated courage as an impartial juror in Trump’s impeachment trial, condemning the Capitol insurrection and Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Romney declared, “President Trump attempted to corrupt the election by pressuring the Secretary of State of Georgia to falsify the election results in his state… Each and every one of these conclusions compels me to support conviction.”By contrast, Trump has promised to pardon Capitol rioters.Trump is no Mitt Romney.A Stark Choice for RepublicansFor Michigan Republicans who have admired the legacies of Ford, Reagan, Bush, McCain, and Romney, the question is clear: why cast a vote for someone who embodies the opposite of these values? They shouldn’t.
