Ford also insisted that the collaborative be run by a diverse mix of people from the neighborhood.

"Try and understand his problem," insisted Ford.

"We're not obsessed by anything, you see," insisted Ford.

The speech reminds me once again of the combination of self-sacrifice and self-championing that Ford has always insisted is required by the literary life.

Ford insisted until last month that Firestone pay the bulk of the settlements because the Explorers rolled over only after tires failed.

Ford, however, insisted on a statement of contrition; Nixon felt he had not committed any crimes and should not have to issue such a document.

Ford insisted on black because it dried faster than other colors, speeding up production.

Ford insists that if he does not do that, he feels he has lied to his constituents.

But Ford has insisted that Firestone reimburse customers who buy other brands this time.

"Move back from it," insisted Ford, "look again."