What Did Jerry Ford Mean When He Claimed "There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe"?

I remember that debate. I was floored when he said that. I think he must have just had a brain-fart moment or something. He couldn't have meant it. I also remember Carter answering his remark by saying something about ask the Cheqs and Pols if they think they're being dominated. Carter numbers skyrocketed the very next day.

I would cut Ford some slack and just say that it was just a case of nervousness, quite understandable.

m.

I think, in a way more botched than a John Kerry joke on Bush, he was trying to present a hopeful attitude, that in the minds and hearts of the nations behind the Iron Curtain, they remain free, notwithstanding the de facto Soviet domination. This domination would not last forever, and we would not let it get worse.

What he meant was that the will of the peoples of those states would eventually make sure that totalitarianism, no matter what form of governance it tried to hide behind, would fall before their own rule. President Ford was quite inciteful, when it came to the common man. He knew that people, if justifiable in their cause, would prevail over the will of a small power elite.

Ah! Good ole President Ford, Wow!!! what a President......I was beginning to wonder if he could be toppled from being the dumbest President, and now ,finally, he's be over-taken at last.....

well, he didn't know what he was talking about i guess.