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B,   D The thoughts in this sentence contrast with one another as evidenced by the detour road sign “Despite.” Think about the connotation of the phrase “the accidental president.” It’s negative, so the sentence will shift to a positive tone; what was said about Ford after his death must have contrasted with how he was popularly regarded while in office. Look for adjectives that express praise for Ford’s accomplishments. Choice (B) extolled means “praised” and is a correct answer. The root comes from the Latin for “lift up” or “raise.” It’s shared by the word tolerate, meaning “to bear or sustain.” You may be familiar with the word (D) lauded from book or music reviews (and from the word “applause”); it also means “praised.” Lauded   also matches your prediction and is correct. Choice (A) emancipated or “liberated” is often used to describe freedom from slavery. It wouldn’t make sense to say that Ford was “emancipated” after his death; moreover, this word does not connote praise. Eliminate. Choice (C) indemnified means “gave security against future loss,” which doesn’t fit and can be eliminated. Choices (E) denigrated and (F) belittled are synonyms meaning “to attack one’s reputation.” This is the opposite of the meaning you need, so you can rule out this pair.