Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr., 1913-2006.  38th President of the United States, 1974-1977.  Limited, first edition copy of The Tenth Convention boldly signed Gerald R. Ford.

This miniature book is # 126 of a limited edition of 200 signed and numbered copies.  It reprints Ford's speech of the same title to the Republican National Convention in New Orleans on August 16, 1988.  The book is numbered on the last page before the flyleaf in the back.  Ford has signed it in blue in a special space provided on the back of the half title page.

Ford begins by noting that the 1988 convention was his "tenth Republican National Convention.  And, God willing—not my last!"  He then took issue with the Democrats before expressing his strong support for the nomination of George H. W. Bush, who was then Ronald Reagan's Vice President. 

Ford dismissed the Democrats' claim "that they have somehow become the party of the American Dream." He argued:  “We are one Nation, Under God, and we have only one American dream that unites and belongs to all of us.  No party, no politician has a patent on our dream.  /  It doesn't matter what State you come from or w here your ancestors came from or which party you prefer, the American Dream belongs to you."   He argued that the Republicans "stand for individual freedom, for equal justice and opportunity, and for safety at home and peace in the world.  We believe that government exists to serve not only the worthy goals of all minorities, but also to safeguard the rights and legitimate interests of the majority.  /  We believe that a government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have."

Answering the rhetorical question "Where was George?" from a speaker at the Democratic convention, which had nominated Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, Ford traced Bush's public career from his time as a Navy pilot in World War II forward—his service as a Congressman from Texas, as the American ambassador to the United Nations, as chairman of the Republican National Committee, as the United States ambassador to China, as head of the Central Intelligence Agency, and as Vice President.  He concluded, pointedly:  “For 45 years, George Bush has been at the center of the action in the service of this great Republic.  /  I'll be damned if I will stand by and let anyone with a smirk and a sneer discredit the honor, service, accountability and competence of George Bush."

This hardbound book, which measures 2⅛" x 2⅞", is in absolutely mint condition.  It is bound in red, white, and blue cloth. Ford has signed in blue felt-tip pen.