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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009
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Ford: Clinton Was a Sex Addict, Cheney a Liability

New book offers a look at ex-president's unvarnished opinions

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(Newser) – Gerald Ford respected Bill Clinton’s prodigious political skills but thought he needed therapy for sex addiction, according to a new book of interviews the ex-president gave for posthumous publication. Ford also said Dick Cheney was a GOP liability in 2004 and recommended replacing him with Rudy Giuliani, though he refused to help oust his onetime protégé.

The author of Write It When I'm Gone—who acknowledges Ford may have been spinning history—said he thinks the comments about Clinton were heartfelt. Ford “didn't have a vengeful bone in his body,” says Thomas DeFrank. Ford called Hillary Clinton “tougher and stronger” than her husband and said Giuliani was the Republicans’ best bet to beat her in 2008.

Former 38th U.S. President, Gerald Ford stresses a point in this 2005 file photo.
Former 38th U.S. President, Gerald Ford stresses a point in this 2005 file photo.   (Getty Images)
Former US President Gerald Ford (L) listens to Former US President Bill Clinton in this December 27, 2006 file photo.
Former US President Gerald Ford (L) listens to Former US President Bill Clinton in this December 27, 2006 file photo.   (Getty Images)
Former US presidents Clinton (R) and Ford meet in this file photo.
Former US presidents Clinton (R) and Ford meet in this file photo.   (Getty Images)
Vice President Dick Cheney walks off the lectern after his speech at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Friday, Sept. 14, 2007. Cheney reiterated the Bush administration's case that progress is being made in Iraq while acknowledging that tough work lies ahead. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Vice President Dick Cheney walks off the lectern after his speech at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Friday, Sept. 14, 2007. Cheney reiterated the Bush administration's case that progress...   (Associated Press)
Vice President Dick Cheney, left, and Susan Ford Bales smile after unveiling a President Gerald R. Ford Commemorative Stamp Image Monday, June 11, 2007, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
Vice President Dick Cheney, left, and Susan Ford Bales smile after unveiling a President Gerald R. Ford Commemorative Stamp Image Monday, June 11, 2007, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)   (Associated Press)
Mourners attend the funeral of President Ford in this file photo.
Mourners attend the funeral of President Ford in this file photo.   (Getty Images)
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