Gerald Ford judicial appointment controversies Herbert De Simone (nominated August 5, 1976), and James Andersen (nominated August 6, 1976). Gerald Ford judicial appointment controversies During President Gerald Ford's presidency, he nominated two people for two different federal appellate judgeships who were not processed by the Democratic-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee before Ford's presidency ended. Neither of the two nominees was renominated by Ford's successor, President Jimmy Carter. Both nominees were nominated after July 1, 1976, the traditional start date of the unofficial Thurmond Rule during a presidential election year. Both seats eventually were filled by appointees of President Jimmy Carter. The two nominees were blocked in
Michael Gerald Ford commencement when he was still in Congress. Ford retired from Wake Forest University in June 2017 after 36 years as student life administrator and campus leader. The Office of Student Development, where he served, oversees all student organizations. He is now a minister. Michael Gerald Ford Michael Gerald Ford (born March 14, 1950) is the oldest of four children of U.S. President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. Prior to his birth, Ford's mother wanted to name him after his father. However, Ford's father had always disliked being called "Junior" and he refused to "inflict the nickname on any son."