U.S. Presidents Ranked by Approval Rating

Ford’s short presidency was focused on healing a divided nation. He worked to rebuild confidence in the presidency and control inflation, which was hurting the economy. His straight-talking approach earned him respect, even among opponents, though his policies had mixed results.

Foreign policy challenges, including the fall of South Vietnam, further tested his leadership. Despite these setbacks, Ford was admired for his decency and lack of political gamesmanship. Still, the Nixon pardon remained a lasting shadow, keeping his approval from ever rebounding fully.