On the Radar: Deficit talks, Betty Ford funeral, Clemens trial, South Sudan, golf
Congressional leaders meet with President Barack Obama earlier this week to discuss a deal on the federal budget.
July 14th, 2011
08:25 AM ET

On the Radar: Deficit talks, Betty Ford funeral, Clemens trial, South Sudan, golf

Deficit talks - A fourth straight day of talks intended to head off a possible government default ended on a tense note Wednesday, with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor saying President Barack Obama cut him off by saying, "I'll see you tomorrow," before walking out. The exchange concluded almost two hours of talks that failed to achieve a breakthrough. Another session - the fifth in five days - was set for Thursday, participants said.

Betty Ford funeral - After a public viewing at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, a procession will travel to Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where a national tribute service will be held for former first lady Betty Ford. Lynne Cheney is expected to give the eulogy. In attendance will be former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Dick Cheney and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld (who also served in the Ford administration). After the church service, the family will return to the grounds of the museum, also in Grand Rapids, where the private interment will take place.

FULL POST

Post by: ,
Filed under: Barack Obama • Baseball • Betty Ford • Golf • On the Radar • Politics • Roger Clemens
Services for Betty Ford to be held in California, Michigan
July 9th, 2011
06:43 PM ET

Services for Betty Ford to be held in California, Michigan

There will be two services for former first lady Betty Ford, a family representative said Saturday.

The first will be held on Tuesday in Palm Desert, California, while the second is scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he said. Among the eulogists scheduled to speak are Lynne Cheney and Rosalynn Carter, he said.

Ford, the widow of late President Gerald Ford and a co-founder of an eponymous addiction center in California, died Friday evening with family at her bedside. She was 93.

FULL STORY
Post by:
Filed under: Betty Ford • Politics
World leaders and friends of the former first lady react to Betty Ford's death
July 8th, 2011
09:53 PM ET

World leaders and friends of the former first lady react to Betty Ford's death

Condolences began pouring in soon after news broke about the death of Betty Ford, the widow of late President Gerald Ford and a co-founder of an eponymous addiction center in California. Here are some of those comments:

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

Throughout her long and active life, Elizabeth Anne Ford distinguished herself through her courage and compassion. As our nation’s First Lady, she was a powerful advocate for women’s health and women’s rights.  After leaving the White House, Mrs. Ford helped reduce the social stigma surrounding addiction and inspired thousands to seek much-needed treatment. While her death is a cause for sadness, we know that organizations such as the Betty Ford Center will honor her legacy by giving countless Americans a new lease on life.

Today, we take comfort in the knowledge that Betty and her husband, former President Gerald Ford, are together once more. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to their children, Michael, John, Steven, and Susan.

FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Betty Ford.  We admired her as a First Lady and valued her as a friend.  She made countless contributions to our country, and we especially appreciate her courage in calling attention to breast cancer and substance abuse.  Because of her leadership, many lives were saved.  Tonight our prayers go out to Mrs. Ford's entire family.

NANCY REAGAN

I was deeply saddened this afternoon when I heard of Betty Ford’s death.  She has been an inspiration to so many through her efforts to educate women about breast cancer and her wonderful work at the Betty Ford Center. She was Jerry Ford’s strength through some very difficult days in our country’s history, and I admired her courage in facing and sharing her personal struggles with all of us.

My love and deepest sympathy go out to the entire Ford family at this very sad time.

FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH

Barbara and I loved Betty Ford very much. She was a wonderful wife and mother; a great friend; and a courageous First Lady.   No one confronted life’s struggles with more fortitude or honesty, and as a result, we all learned from the challenges she faced.  The Betty Ford Center, which already has helped change the lives of thousands of people, will be her lasting legacy of care and concern.  We were proud to know her.  We were proud to call her a friend.  We will miss her very much.

FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER AND HIS WIFE, ROSALYNN

Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of Betty Ford, a close personal friend and our frequent partner in bipartisan efforts to improve mental health and substance abuse care in our nation. She was a remarkable political spouse, whose courageous candor helped forge a new era of openness after the divisiveness of the Vietnam War and Watergate. Also, as a tireless advocate for women’s rights and social justice, she helped to improve the lives and opportunities of countless women and children.  We extend our deepest sympathy to her family at this difficult time.

Post by:
Filed under: Betty Ford • Politics
Betty Ford dead at 93
July 8th, 2011
08:34 PM ET

Betty Ford dead at 93

Betty Ford, the widow of late President Gerald Ford and a co-founder of an eponymous addiction center in California, has died at the age of 93, according to the director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.

Ford died Friday evening with family at her bedside, according to a family member.

No other details were immediately available.

FULL STORY
Post by:
Filed under: Betty Ford • Politics