Nixon PaMori Defeated Ford, Betty Says in magazine Story

NEW YORK. Oct. 16 (AP)—Gerald promote her husband, and I think that Ford's pardon of former President was wonderful." Richard Nixon was largely responsible In the White House, Mrs. Ford said, for Ford's loss in the 1976 presidential Mrs. Carter is less outspoken than election, says former First Lady Betty Mrs, Ford was, and, "She probably Ford. But she doesn't think the par- keeps her husband out of a lot of trou- don pas a mistake. ble, which I didn't." "Many people who definitely were for Jerry could not bring themsleves Mrs. Ford currently is working on to vote for him because he pardoned an autobiography and is preparing for Nixon." Mrs. Ford is quoted as saying several NBC-TV network appearances. in the November issue of McCall's She said her daughter, Susan, has quit magazine. school for a career in free-lance pho- •=I don't don't think they realized tography. what a sick man Nixon was . physi- Son Jack works for Outside maga- cally sick. which tendedto affect . • . zine and, although he has denied in- decisions." terest in a political career, Mrs. Ford Mrs, Ford said the media was more said she believes he'll run for Con- critical of her. husband than it is of gress eventually. President Carter, but she said she is The Fords' only married son, Mike, not resentful of that. and his wife, Gayle, are living In Pitts- "Jerry was a Republican, and he burgh following his graduation from a was associated with Nixon—and any- Massachusetts seminary. one associated with Nixon was auto- Son Steve planned a movie career matically,a 'had guy.' " until It was suggested he get some ex- She said Rosalynn Carter, the cur- perience in a Broadway show-a 1950s- rent first lady, "is doing a very good spoof musical "Grease." job," especially in view of the fact "That ended his career in the MOV. that "she's had her hands full to a ies," Mrs. Ford said. "He is now work- great extent with all that family." ing for a veterinarian and teaching Mrs. Ford, 59. noted one striking riding in Newport, Calif." difference between herself and Mrs. Ford has not ruled out running for Carter when the women first met sev- the presidency in 1990, but Mrs. Ford eral years ago: "She signed her name has made no secret of the fact that 'Mrs. Jimmy Carter,' whereas I always she'd rather her husband remain re- signed, 'Betty Ford' .. . Of course, that tired from active political life when was such a well-planned campaign— the Fords move into their $600,000 four years in the making—and I'm "dream house" in Palm Springs, sure she used 'Mrs. Jimmy Carter' to Calif., next spring.