One hundred days into his term, with Rumsfeld and Cheney blocking and tackling, Ford, the ex–college football player, was gaining confidence and running room. “He was just absorbing information and becoming better as president every day,” says Terry O’Donnell. “We got it down to a schedule and we got time for him to think, and do some of the things that Haldeman found so very important. Papers were organized, scheduling issues were carefully thought out before they were put on his plate. Rumsfeld and Cheney strengthened that framework, making sure that the president was well served by the
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