August 9, 1974 — Gerald Ford is sworn in without an election
Ford became the only president never elected as either president or vice president, taking office hours after Nixon's resignation. "Our long national nightmare is over," he told the country — and the constitutional line of succession worked exactly as written.
Common Questions About August 9
What happened on August 9 in American history?
In 1974: Gerald Ford is sworn in without an election. Ford became the only president never elected as either president or vice president, taking office hours after Nixon's resignation.
Why is August 9 significant?
Ford became the only president never elected as either president or vice president, taking office hours after Nixon's resignation. "Our long national nightmare is over," he told the country — and the constitutional line of succession worked exactly as written.
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