September 8 Birthday
On September 8, 1974, President Ford granted Richard Nixon a full pardon for any crimes he "committed or may have committed" as president. The pardon preempted any prosecution. Ford said he issued it to heal the nation, but many believed it was part of a deal — Ford had been appointed vice president by Nixon. The pardon destroyed Ford's approval rating, which dropped from 71% to 50% overnight. It likely cost him the 1976 election. Ford said it was the right thing to do and never regretted it. Star Trek premiered on NBC on September 8, 1966. The pilot, "The Man Trap," featured a creature that drained the salt from its victims. The show was cancelled after three seasons and seventy-nine episodes. It found new life in syndication, becoming one of the most successful franchises in television history. The original series predicted flip phones, tablet computers, and voice-activated computers. Gene Roddenberry pitched it as "Wagon Train to the stars.". People born on September 8 fall under the zodiac sign of Virgo. The birthstone is Sapphire and the birth flower is Aster. Historical events on September 8 include 1966: Star Trek premieres on NBC television, 1974: President Ford grants full pardon to Richard Nixon, 1504: Michelangelo's David unveiled in Florence. Famous people born on September 8 include Peter Sellers (1925), Patsy Cline (1932), Bernie Sanders (1941).