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7344046
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Remarks of the President from the Presidential Express, Durand (Michigan) Amtrak Passenger Station [Ford Speech or Statement]
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7344046
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document
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Remarks of the President from the Presidential Express, Durand (Michigan) Amtrak Passenger Station [Ford Speech or Statement]
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White House Press Releases (Ford Administration)
Press Releases
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1976-05-15
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1976
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Digitized from Box 26 of the White House Press Releases at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 15, 1976
OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY
(Durand, Michigan)
THE WHITE HOUSE
REMARKS OF THE PRESIDENT
FROM THE
PRESIDENTIAL EXPRESS
DURAND AMTRAK PASSENGER STATION
10:17 A.M. EDT
Betty and I are deeply grateful for this
wonderful welcome back home, and we thank you very,
very much.
This is a wonderful train trip through the
heart of Michigan. It is just for one day but it is the
beginning of a great trip from now to November 2 when
we are going to win the election.
I want to thank particularly the people who
have helped here in Durand and all of the surrounding
area.
But, let me say very emphatically, I need your
help on Tuesday, and if you give us the help that I know
you will, it will be a tremendous impact throughout the
country. I won't let Michigan down. Don't you let me
down on November 2 or next Tuesday.
Now, let me take just a minute to tell you why
I want you to support me. First, when I became President
in August of 1974, this country was in deep trouble. There
was a lack of confidence in the White House. There had
been scandals. There had been a tremendous disaffection
by the American people.
Secondly, we were suffering inflation of 12
percent and we were on the brink of the worst economic
conditions for the last 40 years. Unemployment was about
to go up; employment was about to go down. And our allies
abroad were uncertain and our adversaries were concerned
as to what we might do under the circumstances.
What are the results of 21 months of Jerry Ford
as President of the United States? We have restored trust
in the White House. We have been open. We have been
candid. We have been forthright. We have talked straight
to the American people, and the net result is there is a
restoration of trust by the American people in their
Presidency. I think that deserves the support of the
American people.
MORE
Page 2
But let's take a look at the economic circumstances
that have taken place in the last 21 months. We have
reduced the rate of inflation from 12 percent to under
3 percent. That is a 75 percent cutback. That is a good
record, and it ought to be supported by the American people.
Twelve months ago we were in the worst economic
conditions this country had had for 40 years, but what has
happened in the last 12 months? We have added 3,300,000
jobs. We have now in America 87,400,000 people working,
an all-time high. It is not good enough but it is a
record and we are going to do better in the next four
years with your help.
Let me say this country is at peace. We
achieved it, we have got it and we are going to keep it
with a Ford Administration for the next four years.
Let me just make this final comment. Those
who have known me in Michigan in the 27 years that I
have been honored to serve the people of this State,
this country, I have always had the philosophy that you
should not promise more than you can produce and that you
ought to produce everything that you promise. That has
been the key word of my public life straight talk, a feeling
that I represented you and that I did the very best job
that I possibly could.
We have had tough times the last 21 months.
I have talked straight to the American people, they believe
me, and I think they want the kind of trust and peace
and prosperity that the Ford Administration can give in
the next four years.
I ask for your help. I think I have earned it.
And I will continue to be the kind of good President that
you want for the next 48 months.
Thank you very, very much.
END (AT 10:22 A.M. EDT)