On August 9th, 1974 President Nixon reigned from office following the Watergate Scandal. Nixon announced that morning that he was stepping down as president of the Untied States. He became the first and only to date to do so. He announced his departure in the face of impeachment trials that could've lead to his removal from office. Gerald Ford was later sworn in as president.

Ford Pardons Nixon

Gerald Ford became the 38th president of the United States on August 9th, 1974 following Nixon's resignation as president caused by the Watergate Scandal. Ford became the first unelected president in the history of the U.S. Ford remained president for the last 3 years of Nixon's second term and later ran for re-election. 

 I assume the Presidency under                      extraordinary circumstances.... This is an hour of history that troubles our minds and hurts our hearts." -Gerald Ford 

Jimmy Carter 

39th President 

Unless both sides win, no agreement can be permanent." 

                                                         - Jimmy Carter

After taking over for Richard Nixon in his second term amid the Watergate Scandal Gerald Ford ran for re-election against Democrat Jimmy Carter in which he lost.