The end of Nixon’s term definitely set a precedent
History also shows that there are exceptions to the rule, which could be seen in the early 1970s when the term of Richard M. Nixon wrapped up. Lots of people might remember that Gerald R. Ford succeeded Nixon, right after resigning in August 1974.
However, few people might remember that Ford wasn’t elected as Nixon’s vice president and that his original position was a House minority leader. Ford was nothing but a compromise candidate, who got chosen because he was expected to pass a Senate confirmation process with little to no problems, and both the speaker and the Senate pro tempore were Democrats.
History shows that Ford is the first president who became commander in chief by appointment, as Nixon picked Ford, who was a Republican like Nixon, to replace then-Vice President Spiro Agnew in November 1973. Agnew was forced to resign over charges of tax evasion and corruption.
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