BIPARTISAN TRIBUTES HONOR GERALD AND BETTY FORD

Ford served out the final two-plus years of Nixon's second term. His swift pardon of Nixon earned him harsh criticism then and undoubtedly contributed to his narrow defeat in 1976. However, most now credit that action and Ford's quiet resumption of the nation's business with helping the shocked country move forward.

Mrs. Ford was recognized for her candor about her personal frailties, which has been a source of comfort and enlightenment to many Americans. "If President Ford helped heal America's soul, Mrs. Ford helped heal our bodies," said Senate minority leader Tom Daschle.

The Capitol Hill ceremony was something of a homecoming for the Fords. The former president served in the House from Michigan starting in 1949 and was minority leader for nine years. During most of that time, it was far commoner than today for leaders of both parties to reach across the aisle and work together for what is good for America. We long for a return of that spirit today.