Ron Nessen, Former White House Press Secretary, Dies at 90

Ron Nessen, Former White House Press Secretary for Gerald Ford, Dies at 90

Ron Nessen, who served as the press secretary for President Gerald R. Ford from 1974 to 1977, died on Wednesday in Bethesda, Maryland. He was 90 years old, and his passing was confirmed by his son Edward Nessen.

Nessen, a former correspondent for wire services and NBC News, entered the White House during a tumultuous period in American politics following the Watergate scandal. His tenure began during a time of significant upheaval, as President Richard M. Nixon resigned amidst mounting pressure to face impeachment. Vice President Ford succeeded Nixon and granted him a presidential pardon, an action met with skepticism from a public and press weary of political deception.

Ford’s first choice for press secretary, J.F. terHorst, resigned just a month into his role over Ford’s controversial pardon of Nixon, citing a moral inability to support the decision. As a new face in the press office, Nessen aimed to restore trust between the government and the media, pledging to prioritize transparency and openness. He publicly declared that his commitment was to the public interest and vowed to get as much news disseminated as possible. Nessen encouraged the press corps to hold him accountable, stating, “If I lie or mislead you, I think you are justified in questioning my continued usefulness in this job.”

Nessen distinguished himself from his predecessor, Ronald L. Ziegler, who had served under Nixon and faced widespread criticism for his handling of the press during the Watergate crisis. Nessen famously said, “I’m a Ron, but not a Ziegler,” signaling a commitment to a more honest and forthcoming relationship with media representatives.

During his time in the role, Nessen worked to foster greater interaction with the media. He increased the frequency of news conferences and photo opportunities for Ford, advocated for one-on-one interviews between the President and journalists, and offered regular on-the-record briefings about presidential policy. However, despite these efforts, the press corps eventually grew critical of him. While he wasn’t accused of outright dishonesty, reporters accused him of selectively omitting facts and being evasive. For example, during Ford’s meeting with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev in 1974, Nessen sparked frustration among journalists by suggesting they had been "dazzled" by the subsequent arms limitation agreement.

In an article for The New York Times, journalist James M. Naughton noted the growing discontent among reporters towards Nessen, stating, “Mr. Nessen has become the object of growing dislike or disfavor among the correspondents.” He recognized the difficult balancing act Nessen faced while attempting to serve the interests of the President amid a media landscape still skeptical due to previous administrations’ actions.

Nessen found himself navigating the tricky waters of public perception and media relations, particularly during a time when Ford’s own image was marred by accident-prone moments, giving rise to an unflattering portrayal. He later recalled the challenge of countering the media’s depiction of Ford as clumsy, commenting that despite Ford being an accomplished athlete, he became known for his mishaps, such as falling down stairs or getting caught in humorous situations.

In April 1976, Nessen appeared as a guest host on "Saturday Night Live," becoming part of a sketch that showcased Chevy Chase humorously portraying President Ford. This appearance highlighted Ford’s attempts to humanize himself during a challenging presidency. Ford famously recorded a cameo for the show, delivering the line, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” – a testament to the kind of self-deprecating humor that can resonate with the public.

Born on May 25, 1934, in Rockville, Maryland, Ronald Harold Nessen was raised in an affluent area called Shepherd Park. After graduating from Calvin Coolidge High School, he earned a history degree from American University in 1956. Throughout his career, he reported on significant events, including the Vietnam War, where he served as a war correspondent for NBC News and was wounded in action.

Following his government service, Nessen held several roles, including freelance writer, executive in public relations, and vice president for news at Mutual Broadcasting. His accomplishments also included writing several books, including chronicles of his experiences in the Ford administration.

Nessen’s legacy as press secretary was one of attempted transparency and openness during a tumultuous period of American politics. He is survived by his son, daughter, sister, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His contributions to both journalism and political communication continue to be recognized as emblematic of a broader effort to ensure that the American public remains informed by their leaders.