Hey, history lovers. I'm Mike Rosenwald with RetroPod, a show about the past, rediscovered.

On August 9, 1974, Vice President Gerald Ford ascended a small stage at the White House and raised his right hand.

Mr. Vice President, are you prepared to take the oath of office as president of the United States?

I am, sir. If you will raise your right hand and repeat after me.

Ford was taking over the presidency from Richard Nixon,

who resigned in disgrace over the Watergate scandal and everything that followed. Even with Ford taking over

two years after the scandal began, the weight of the incident remained a burden on the White House and on a

country trying to move on. And then, just a month after taking office, controversy erupted again, when Ford employed one of the most powerful functions of presidential power, a decision that would haunt the rest of his political life.

There are no historic or legal precedence to which I can turn in this matter.

He pardoned Nixon.

My conscience tells me that only I as president have the constitutional power

to firmly shut and seal this book.

My conscience tells me it is my duty,

not merely to proclaim domestic tranquility,

but to use every means that I have to ensure it.

Ford had deliberated with his top aides in secret for days,

and the reaction to his decision was swift.

The New York Times reported the next day

that the White House switchboard was jammed with angry calls,

heavy and constant.

Ford's approval ratings took a die.

Even his own press secretary resigned in protest.

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