Why did Reagan seriously consider making President Ford his vice president? Ronald Reagan, seeking reelection in 1980, entertained the idea of selecting Gerald Ford as his running mate for several reasons. Firstly, Reagan wanted to unify the Republican Party, which was experiencing internal divisions between the more moderate and conservative factions. By choosing Ford, a respected figure within the party, Reagan aimed to bridge this gap and present a united front against the Democratic Party.

Secondly, Ford brought experience and credibility to the ticket. As a former president and vice president, Ford was well-versed in the workings of government and foreign policy, which could complement Reagan’s strengths in other areas.

Lastly, Reagan may have seen Ford as a strategic choice to help him win in certain battleground states, particularly those in the Midwest where Ford was popular.

Ultimately, negotiations between the two camps fell through, and Reagan selected George H.W. Bush as his running mate, a decision that proved successful as Reagan won the election and served two terms as president.