Of Pardons and Presidents

Highlighted by his experiences in San Clemente, California in September 1974 negotiating the pardon of President Nixon, Benton L. Becker is remembered in this thorough and heartwarming biography by his son. Following historical records and personal accounts, Of Pardons and Presidents examines the life of Benton Becker, against the backdrop of the social and political history of Washinton, DC. The youngest of four Becker boys, Benton grew up in a working class neighborhood of Washington. A popular young man; Becker displayed athletic prowess as a swimmer, diver, and football player. Mired in a tedious position with a department store for several years after college, Benton finally began law school with the support of his fiancé, Joanne Silberberg. As a young attorney in the late 1960s, Benton worked with Gerald Ford on investigations of Congressman Adam Clayton Powell and Supreme Court Justice William Douglas. Becker was later tapped to serve as lead counsel for Gerald Ford's Vice Presidential confirmation hearings before Congress. While counseling President Ford on the disposition of Nixon's records, papers, and tapes; Benton flew out to California to negotiate the pardon of Richard Nixon. Undaunted by harsh criticism from friends, neighbors, and the public; Becker capped his legal career by serving as a law professor for more than 30 years. A warm-hearted man with a keen wit who is fondly remembered by friends and family, Benton has earned a well-deserved page in the annals of American history.