(In the end, nothing much was accomplished)

In 1974, when Gerald Ford assumed the Presidency after the resignation of Richard Nixon, it was more or less expected Nixon would be prosecuted for Watergate and the subsequent cover up. It came as a surprise (at least outside the Beltway) that Ford quickly pardoned Nixon of any wrongdoing and sought to make everything quietly go away.

Most people felt a sense of betrayal that Nixon would slip into the shadows without any hint of justice being served.

So a Sub-committee was formed to inquire over the pardon and President Ford was requested to come before the committee to testify. A list of questions was provided and Ford was to answer them.

In retrospect, it was more of a "let's put on a show and pretend we're being in earnest about this thing" than anything substantive. Ford answered some questions, evaded others and when it was over, the Republicans patted each other on the back in satisfaction and the Democrats, headed up by Bella Abzug, walked away frustrated and somewhat played.

So here is part one of a two part complete testimony taking place on October 17, 1974.