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9/4/74 - Mrs. Ford's Press Conference
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1489318
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9/4/74 - Mrs. Ford's Press Conference
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Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files (Ford Administration)
Sheila Weidenfeld's Daily Events Files
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Equal Rights Amendment Project
President (1974-1977 : Ford). Office of the First Lady. 1974-1977
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1974
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1974
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The original documents are located in Box 1, folder "9/4/74 - Mrs. Ford's Press
Conference" of the Sheila Weidenfeld Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
Digitized from Box 1 of the Sheila Weidenfeld Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
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FIRST LADY'S PRESS CONFERENCE
14
SEPTEMBER 4, 1974
15
16
17
Location: State Dining Room
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
STATE
25
1
FIRST LADY: It's nice to see so many good friends
2
here. I am sure you all know that this is my first experience
3
at giving a press conference, but I feel I know you all so well
4
that I thought it would be a very comfortable way to do it,
5
and a way that we could all get together at one time and not
6
take up individual's time.
7
May I have the first question?
8
Helen?
9
QUESTION: Your son Jack says that you were very
10
disturbed when you heard that your husband would probably run
11
for the Presidency. Are you disturbed? How are you liking it?
12
FIRST LADY: No, I was very surprised at my son's
13
statement.
14
QUESTION: You want him to run again or how do you
15
feel about that?
16
FIRST LADY: Well, I feel at this point two years
17
is quite a long ways away and I wouldn't want to commit myself
18
one way or the other.
19
QUESTION: You sound doubtful.
20
FIRST LADY: No.
21
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, could I ask you how much
22
influence do you and family have on the President when he is
23
speaking about matters, for instance, the amnesty? Do the
24
boys tell him what they think he should do?
25
FIRST LADY: Oh, the whole family has a discussion
GERALD FORD LIBERTY
2
1
on many of these questions. Not only amnesty, but questions
2
such as the policy in Vietnam, and so forth. Perhaps, if you
3
recall, our son Michael had an entirely different feeling
4
about the Vietnam situation. So, we always enjoy a family
5
conference, always have, over the dinner table.
6
QUESTION: What was the division of the family when
7
the President discussed amnesty with the family this last time
8
before he made his speech?
9
FIRST LADY: Well, it was rather a deep discussion,
10
I would say. And points were made on all sides, and I think
11
that the President was open to consideration, and I think
12
perhaps he was leaning in that direction.
13
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, in that connection I am
14
wondering if you have not considered what women's role would
15
be in trying to stop future wars?
16
FIRST LADY: Well, they can always, I could say,
17
enlist and make sure.
(Laughter.)
18
(Laughter.)
19
But I think that by becoming very active in politics,
20
which I deeply encourage, that they will play a great role in
21
the future of our country. My husband occasionally makes the
22
remark when I discuss equal rights, equal opportunity -- not
23
that he is for it -- and has made his position quite clear.
24
We kid about it and I often say, "Well, I can remember well
25
there was a time when we couldn't even vote,
H
07VN30
3
1
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, in that connection, with Lady
2
Bird Johnson it was beautification, Mrs. Nixon chose volunteerism.
3
Have you decided on a specific area to direct your attention?
4
FIRST LADY: I think I more or less decided quite
5
specifically when Mr. Ford was Vice President, that my interests
6
lay in the field of arts and working perhaps with Nancy Hanks
7
in the Endowment of the Arts, because that is my background.
8
And also I am very interested in children, the underprivileged,
9
and retarded children.
10
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, since Time quotes you as saying
11
you expect to be a very active and public person, I have a
12
two-part question:
13
The first one is -- Senator Buckley has proposed
14
a Constitutional Amendment that will prohibit abortion for any
15
reason while Governor Rockefeller has strongly supported
16
abortion law liberalization. Are your own convictions on this
17
subject closer to Governor Rockefeller's or Senator Buckley?
18
FIRST LADY: Definitely closer to Governor Rockefeller.
19
QUESTION: Thank you.
20
The second question -- Will you accept National
21
Newspaper's Syndicate's offer to be the first First Lady
22
columnist since Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt?
23
FIRST LADY: Thank you very much, but, no.
24
(Laughter.)
25
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, in the light of a woman's role.
4
1
certainly in your role as a housewife in the past in dealing
2
with the price of children's shoes, and everything else has
3
become so expensive, since your children have discussed the
4
issues that concern them with your husband, will you discuss
5
inflation with him at all, and do you have any positive ideas
6
on how he can cope with it?
7
FIRST LADY: Well, I have positive ideas by having
8
to cut back on the budget, just as anyone else has with the
9
income smaller and because of the increased rate in prices. I
10
think we all have to tighten our belts a bit, and do without
11
a few things that we were used to doing with.
12
QUESTION: What do you mean by "tighten our belts?"
13
FIRST LADY: By that I mean cut down on our spending.
14
You have to have a certain balance of budget if you are a
15
housewife, and keep a checkbook. At least my checkbook has to
16
balance.
17
(Laughter.)
18
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, you have indicated that you
19
encourage women to be active in politics. Will you be active
20
politically beyond what you do for the arts. Do you see your-
21
self, perhaps, in going out and helping campaign for various
22
people running for Congress?
23
FIRST LADY: I will not take a political, active
24
part in politics, as far as issues are concerned. I have
25
campaigned before, and I have campaigned for my husband,
GERALD
5
1
I have campaigned for the Governor, I have campaigned for the
2
President, so this is nothing new for me. I imagine I will
3
also be doing it again.
4
QUESTION: Did you take any part in pushing for for
5
the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment in States that
6
haven't passed it yet since your husband is so strongly in
7
favor of it?
8
FIRST LADY: Yes, I would definitely be happy to
9
take aspart in that.
10
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, will you campaign in 1976
11
and for whom?
12
FIRST LADY: That's a very leading question and I
13
will be happy to campaign in '76, and guess who?
14
(Laughter.)
15
QUESTION: Could I ask you since you did sign --
16
as the President called it, he signed his pledge in blood --
17
this has something to do with Helen Thomas' question and you
18
said you relieved him of that promise when he became the
19
"instant "President but what changed to make you relieve him of
20
that promise as far as '76 is concerned? Will you run
21
happily with him in '76?
22
FIRST LADY: It depends on the state of the country.
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford?
23
FIRST LADY: Yes?
24
25
QUESTION: In light of your comments about tightening
6
1
your belt, can you send any specific recommendation down to
2
the White House kitchen about ways to cut back?
3
FIRST LADY: You mean to my husband?
4
(Laughter.)
5
QUESTION: On ways to cut back in official enter-
6
taining or family meals?
7
FIRST LADY: Well, I think we all have gone through
8
that and I think that at least in our family we have certainly
9
had to make that adjustment, as everyone else has realized
10
with the situation a lack of funds as far as the rise in
11
prices and there is only one solution.
12
QUESTION: On the ways the food budget can be cut
13
back or have you had ---
14
FIRST LADY: Yes, we don't eat as much steak as
15
they would like to have or roast beef or some of those things
16
that the boys like.
17
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, this is probably early-on
18
to saybut have you found life as the First Lady more or less
19
frustrating than the Second.
20
FIRST LADY: Well, I found it a very busy life but
21
I expected it to be very busy. And I really looked forward
22
to the challenge. I am very happy. Everyone has been so
23
generous and warm and tried to help me in all manner of ways
24
whether it was trying to get settled here in the House or
25
trying to get settled as far as correspondence is concerned.
GERALD
LIBRARY
7
1
The whole thing has run very smoothly.
2
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, you said that you would like
3
to be active in the field of the arts and also helpin under-
4
privileged and retarded children. Would you a bit more
5
specific about the kinds of things you plan to do in these
6
three areas?
7
FIRST LADY: Well I have always been active in the
8
field of the arts since that is more or less my profession
9
as I started at the age of eight and that was in dancing
10
schools and continued on until long after I was married.
11
And I was always exposed, of course, to the symphonies at
12
home. And I feel that this is something that -- I would
13
like to see the arts brought back into the schools. I feel
14
that this part of our cultural education and if we are to
15
remain a great nation we need this.
16
QUESTION: On children?
17
FIRST LADY: The retarded children question? Yes.
18
Well I am very interested in children, of course, all children.
19
But I am specifically interested in those that are under-
20
privileged and retarded.
21
QUESTION: Is it possible from the statement last
22
week where you said you were upset about the statemenththatoyou
were different from other public figures in Washington; what
23
24
do you think he meant by that?
25
FIRST LADY: I'm afraid you'd have to ask him.
CERALO
8
1
I always thought I was quite normal.
2
(Laughter.)
3
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, as to the Bicentennial
4
coming during your tenure in the White House, do you have any
5
special thoughts about special things you would like to do
6
in that very special period?
7
FIRST LADY: I am working on that now and I have
8
now come to the conclusion -- I haven't had the time. We
9
really have been here a very short time. In fact, we are not
like
10
completely moved and I really would not to specifically say
11
what particular project.
12
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, because the President was in
13
the Navy and he will be invited to visit the Navy, Marines or
14
Coast Guard, the widows of officers or those at home would
15
you plan to go and visit -- they are here in the Washington
16
area ---
17
FIRST LADY: Yes, I know they are. I am very familiar
18
with this. And I think it is a very fine, fine tradition.
19
I would hope that my schedule would allow me to go.
20
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, last Wednesday the President
21
said that you had given him your time for a press conference
and that now he would not only have to get breakfast but lunch
22
and dinner.
23
(Laughter.)
24
Has he been getting breakfast, lunch and dinner?
25
GERALD
9
1
(Laughter.)
2
FIRST LADY: I am afraid he has become accustomed
3
to the very good service we have in the upstairs family dining
4
room and he finds it quite convenient. so, I can't promise
5
you that he is getting his own breakfast.
6
QUESTION: Do you have any plans to go around the
7
country and become acquainted or to know better the people
8
than perhaps the opportunity of their coming here? In
9
other words -- I put that very badly.
10
FIRST LADY: Oh, I would certainly hope to. I
11
hope to travel as much as I can with my husband.
12
QUESTION: DO you have any specific trips in mind?
13
FIRST LADY: None at the moment, no, but I
14
definitely hope to get around as much as possible.
15
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, could I ask what would be
16
your preference for a winter White House or a summer White
17
House? Would you want to go back to Vail or is that too
18
far away or ---
19
FIRST LADY: Vail, of course, naturally is our
20
home in the Christmas, New Year's period.
21
QUESTION: Is it possible to get back and forth
22
easily?
23
FIRST LADY: Yes, I think it is quite easy. My
24
husband has made trips back and forth during our trips out
25
there.
10
1
QUESTION: Turn it into a summer White House and
2
then stay for the winter? It will be a winter White House?
3
FIRST LADY: Winter and summer.
4
(Laughter.)
5
QUESTION: What part will Susan play?
6
FIRST LADY: Susan will be going to school and I
7
am sure she will be helping me a lot with the children because
8
she already has had the experience of working with those
9
underprivileged and retarded children.
10
QUESTION: (In Spanish.)
11
FIRST LADY: Would you repeat that, please?
12
QUESTION: What de your opinion, what doi chink of
13
the job of Mrs. Maria de la Peron, first woman president in
14
America?
FIRST
LADY:
having
been
or
15
VOICES: Argentina.
16
FIRST LADY: Well, not having been or having the
17
privilege of visiting down there, I would not have the
18
possibility --- I couldn't possibly comment on that.
19
QUESTION: Have you had much chance to travel abroad
20
and do you look forward to visiting other countries?
21
FIRST LADY: I have traveled abroad quite a bit.
22
We have been in many countries. We have been in Europe. We
23
have been in Russia. We have been in China and many of the
Far Eastern countries.
24
25
QUESTION: Will you be going to Japan with your
husband?
11
1
FIRST LADY: I would certainly hope so.
2
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, your husband has talked with
3
former President Nixon since the Nixons left the White House.
4
Have you talked with Mrs. Nixon?
5
FIRST LADY: Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance
6
to talk with Pat. We have corresponded. And Julie -- I
7
just received a nice note from Julie just today.
8
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, what about the rooms in the
9
White House, or certain spots in the White House; what are
10
your favorites?
11
FIRST LADY: I think the White House is a really,
12
truly beautiful spot and it is very hard to pick out a favorite
13
room. Iwould say that perhaps the Blue Room is one of the
14
prettiest and that is one of the reasons we have used it for
15
entertaining.
16
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, whether you are here for two
17
years or six, what sort of a "footprint" would you like to
18
leave at the White House? How would you like to be remembered
19
or what?
20
FIRST LADY: Well, I would like to be remembered
21
in a very kind way; also as a constructive wife of a President.
I do not expect to come anywhere near living up to those First
22
Ladies who have gone before me. They have all done a great
23
job, and I admire them a great deal and it is only my ambition
24
to come close to them.
25
12
1
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, people look to you as an
2
extremely normal woman, the country looks at the family and looks
3
at the reports on how you say your husband is starting to enjoy
4
the service upstairs -- you are not in a normal situation here
5
with cameras, et cetera.
6
Do you have any strategy for maintaining that
7
normality over the next few years?
8
FIRST LADY: I see no reason why we cannot maintain
9
that normal family relationship just as we have. In fact, I
10
was completely dumbfounded. the way the children adjusted. I
11
was afraid it would be more of an adjustment to them. than it
12
would be for Mr. Ford and for me. They were just perfectly
13
happy. We have had servants at home so it isn't as if we
14
were not used to having help.
15
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, regarding the performing
16
arts, you came our in the press yesterday saying you are greatly
17
in favor of expanding the performing arts in the schools
18
throughout the country. Can you elaborate on press that was
19
in the Post yesterday?
20
FIRST LADY: This is something that I think would
21
probably have to be a program that -- I don't know if it can
22
be funded federally or not. I will have to look into that
23
situation. It maybe a program that those children that are
24
interested in art -- it will be available to them. This is
25
something, a technicality that has to be.
LIGHT
13
1
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, can you tell us what Julie
2
was writing about to you today? You said you had just gotten
3
a note from her.
4
FIRST LADY: Well, we correspond regularly, my
5
husband, Julie, and we are all good friends.
6
QUESTION: Anything specific?
7
FIRST LADY: No, she was just thanking me for a
8
phone call that she missed, and I talked to David.
9
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, how frequently do you have
10
on having meetings like this with the press?
11
FIRST LADY: As often as I think that the press
12
has anything to ask of interest.
13
(Laughter.)
14
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, will you look into the question
15
of cancer research as soon as you cán with the President to
16
see if we can't expedite that program?
17
FIRST LADY: I'll be glad to. Only too happy.
18
QUESTION: Are you keeping a diary or some sort of
19
record that might ---
20
FIRST LADY: Bonnie, I hoped you were keeping it
21
for me.
22
(Laughter.)
23
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, with your interest in the
24
dance, and you met the other day for several hours with Nancy
25
Hanks ---
14
1
FIRST LADY: That is true.
2
QUESTION: The National Ballet, is there any chance
3
of that coming back or is that down the drain?
4
FIRST LADY: Well, I would hope that the National
5
Ballet certainly would be able to come back. I think this is
6
a financial situation and I think that in order to have good
7
artists here, to have good ballet, we have to have the
8
finances and somehow that has to be arranged. We have to do
9
it without taking all the cream off the top, mixing up or
10
homogenizing the thing.
11
QUESTION: But do you see any future for it coming
12
back right now?
13
FIRST LADY: Yes, I do.
14
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, are you a swimmer and how
15
soon do you think there will be a swimming pool in the White
16
House?
17
FIRST LADY: Well, if it takes as long as it took
18
to build our swimming pool, it will be at least a year. I
19
hope there will be one sometime. And, yes, I am a swimmer.
20
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, who are your favorite
21
Presidents, former, late Presidents and First Ladies?
FIRST LADY: I am sorry, I decline to answer that
22
because I have no favorites and for many reasons. I think
23
each had their own individualistic characteristics, and I
24
really would not want to specify.
25
15
1
QUESTION: Why keep President
2
(inaudible) there when President Roosevelt's used to be there?
3
FIRST LADY: I suppose that is true.
4
(Laughter.)
5
QUESTION: Since you are the hostess, the location
6
of the swimming pool -- there is some speculation that the
7
swimming pool may go into the kennel, or maybe the press
8
will go into the kennel.
9
(Laughter.)
10
Where do you think the pool should go?
11
FIRST LADY: Well, I wouldn't want the press to
12
go into the kennel. That would be last thing in the world.
13
(Laughter.)
14
And I wouldn't want the kennel, either, to go. I
15
think perhaps if there is such a thing as a swimming pool,
16
and I say "if", they can find a spot that won't disturb the
17
press or the dogs.
18
(Laughter.)
19
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, when President Ford told
20
Nelson Rockefeller that he wanted him for Vice President --
21
does this mean that you are often brought in on major decisions
22
and were you consulted and were there any other such decisions
23
where you played a part?
24
FIRST LADY: I wasn't consulted the moment of the
25
telephone call, and certainly knew nothing about the fact of
16
the Vice Presidency. That came as a ---
1
QUESTION: Mrs. Ford, many First Ladies in the
2
past have restricted themselves to American designers. I know
3
that you have an extensive wardrobe. Will you include the
4
European designers or will you stick strictly to the American
5
designers?
6
quite
FIRST LADY: I am/sure I will be with American
7
designers.
8
QUESTION: American designers.
9
Mrs. Ford, may I ask if you will get another Sugar?
10
FIRST LADY: The Golden Retriever?
11
QUESTION: You have had two Golden Retrievers.
12
FIRST LADY: Yes, we have had two Golden Retrievers.
13
QUESTION: Do you think you might get another one?
14
FIRST LADY: I would doubt it at the moment. I
15
16
have my hands full right now without ---
Thank you.
17
FIRST LADY: Thank you, so much.
18
- - -
19
20
21
22
SEAL FORD 1
23
24
25
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
This is the list of the press people covering Mrs. Ford's press conference
tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. They will be coming through the N. W. Gate.
Bonnie Angelo- Time
Ymelda Dixon- Star
Donnie Radcliffe-Post (?)
Garnett Stackelberg- - West Palm Beach
Vera Glaser- Knight Newspapers
Marlene Cimons- - LA. Times
Pat Gates- V. O. A.
Ginny Sherwood- - ABC News (she's bringing Beverly Rogers with her)also with ABC)
Kandy Stroud. - W. W.D.
Cliff Evans
The above are press who cover here frequently and most of them all have W.H.
Press passes. The list below may not have W.H. Press passes and will need to
be cleared at N. W. Gate. Thank you so much.
Jane Perlez- New York Post
Jacques Tiziou- Sygma News Agency
Mary Lawrence- - Globe Publications-Montreal
Col. Elizabeth Darden- Enterprise Newspapers in Baltimore
Sandra McElwain- - Vogue
Janet Green- Antique Monthly
Meryl Comer- - Metromedia Channel 5
Stephanie Mansfield-
Linda Krivikas
London Daily Mail
Marguerite Sullivan- Copley Newspapers
Ross Mark- London Daily
Mary Hoyt- Free lance
Express
Lillian Levy- Family Health (Nat'l. Jewish Press)
Henry Lowrie - London Daily
Mirror
Owen Franken- - Gamma Agency
Ennio Caretto - "La Stampa" (USIA request)
Elizabeth Cowles-Christian Beacon
Press
Miss Ruiko Yoshida - a photographer from USIA
Annie Groer- The Orlando Sentinel
Clara Watkins-Globe Newspapers
Margot Tupper Pryor- - Parade
(photographer)
Paul Riupor- Latin News Agency
Kay Elliott Wash. Star
Sam Braun- German TV-Z. D. F.
Forrest Boyd- Mutual Broadcasting
Susan Stanburg- - Nat'l. Public Radio
(passport # C7135070)
Dick Howill-
11
"
11
Frank Kane - Toledo Blade
Carol Kadushia - Capital News Service and Canadian Broadcasting Co.
Winifred McCarthy- - The Irish Advocate
Hudson Marquez
Michael Couzens. - WNET TV w/ A**** Rucker, Michael Shamberg and Elon Soltas
Diane White - Boston Globe
Tom Brazaitis- Cleveland Plain Dealer
Ann Dear- - Readers Digest
NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SYNDICATE
1517 BEULAH ROAD
VIENNA, VIRGINIA 22180
(703) 281-2808
REV. LESTER KINSOLVING
RELIGION COLUMNIST
AND
WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT
MRS, JOHN PRISLEY
ASSOCIATE
September 5, 1974
Dear Helen:
My deepest appre ciation for your signal kindness in arranging for me to
present Mrs. Ford with that gift subscription.
Thix The enclosed was broadcast this morning over WAVA Radio. I thought
the First Lady might like to have it -- and to know that I think she has
magnificent assistants!
Again, my deep appreciation to you and Terry
Mrs. Helen Smith
Les es Kinsolving
Press Secretary To Mrs. Ford
The White House
Washington
Good morning -- Les Kinsolving -- WAVA Commentary
Headline: MRS. FORD'S FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE -- BEAUTIFUL.
The State Dining Room of the White House glistened in the gaàre of TV
lights. The press -- some 150 of us -- were led in as if it were the lion
runway into the Colisseum.
Under the giant portrait of Abraham Lincoln was a small desk with a bouquet
of flowers.
Twenty minutes later, right on time, everyone stood up as she walked in --
the heart of OF
with a smile that could melt case-hardened steel (or, for that matter future
Minority Leaders from Michigan.)
Betty Ford was Lacing what her husband's predesessor considered the "Bear
Pit" -- those ladies and gentlemen whom Messers Nixon and Zeigler considered
to be a corps of pseudo-literary assassins: The White House Press Corps.
Well, beauty certainly soothed -- in fact won the hwarts of -- the assembled
and alleged beasts of the Fourth Estate.
Mrs. Ford did it by being thoroughly honest, absolutely courteous,
completely gracious -- and frequently ingenious.
She opened by explaining that this was her first press conference. But
this was done naturally, without the indignity of advance apologies. So we
were with her right from the outset.
The questions, like the primary composition of the assembled reporters
were for the most part feminine. But the First Lady was neither overwhelmed
nor in any way evasive when the tough questions came.
How did she react to her son's statement that she was "disturbed" by The
indication that he will
Preident's
run in 1976?
"I was surprised at my son's statement," she laughed.
Do xhmx she and the boys often tell the President what they think he
should do?
"The whole family enjoys discussing issues," she purred.
LIBRARY
MORE
MRS. FORD'S FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE / 1st add
Women
How can weemn help bring an end to war? -- this question from The Holy
Terror of The White House, Sarah McClendon, who has enraged at least six
Presidents, in addition to reforming the Veterans Administration, among other
things.
"Well, they aan always enlist," she laughed, and then added, seriously;
"They can also become active in politics."
This led to the next question: Will she be active?
Not on particular issues, she replied. And when asked if she will
campaign in 1976 -- and for who, she arched her eyebrows and smiled:
"I'll be happy to campaign in 1976 -- and for guess who!"
Are her own convictions closer to Sen. Bickley (Cons.-N.Y.) who wants to
prohibit abortions -- or to Governor Rockefeller, who has strongly supported
abortion law liberalization?
"Definitely towards Governor Rockefeller," she replied.
No evasion. No resentment. No lies. Just truth and conviction -- on one
of the most controveriial of all current issues.
Behind her, under the Lincoln portrait, was a marble tablet, with the
wording of a letter written to President John Adams, the first Chief
Executive to live here:
"I pray that heaven will bestow its best blessings on this house."
blessings
And one of the best along this line, appears to be Mrs. Gerald R. Ford.
INS This is Los Kinsolving -- WAVA Commentary -- on The White House
latpe
4-A -THE DETROIT NEWS-Thursday, September 5, 1974
In first press conference
Mrs. Ford reaffirms
her stand for abortion
Washington Post
under certain circumstances -
She recently told an inter-
WASHINGTON - In her first
for unwed teen-agers - Mrs.
viewer that despite reaction to
full-scale press conference
Ford said she was "definitely
her proabortion statement in
since her husband became
closer" to Rockefeller, who as
1973, "I couldn't lie. That's the
President, Betty Ford yester-
New York's governor in 1972
way I feel."
day followed his lead in a
vetoed a bill that would have
candid briefing that included a
repealed that state's liberal
YESTERDAY Mrs. Ford
heon
stand
abortion lew
took
with
e
recent
remark
BY WAUHILLAU LA HAY
9-5-74
SCRIPPS -HOWARD STAFF WRITER
WASHINGTON, SEPT. 5--FIRST LADY BETTY FORD LEANS TOWARD
LEGALIZED ABORTION, SUPPORTS THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT FOR WOMEN
AND IS HAPPILY RECONCILED TO HER HUSBAND'S HUS PROBABLE PRES IDENTIAL
CANDIDACY IN 1976.
IN HER FIRST WHITE HOUSE PRESS CONFERENCE, MRS. FORD ALSO TOLD
120 NEWSMEN AND PHOTOGRAPHERS CROWDED INTO THE STATE DINING
ROOM YESTERDAY THAT SHE HAS NO INTENTION OF NS IDERING OFFERS
TO BE A NATIONALLY SYNDICATED NEWSPAPER COLUMNIST.
ASKED TO REMARK ON HER SON JACK'S STATEMENT THAT S HE HAD BEEN
"DISTURBED" WHEN SHE FOUND HER HUSBAND MIGHT RUN FOR PRESIDENT
IN 1976, THE FIRST LADY LAUGHED AND SAID SHE WAS SURPRISED
BY THE 22-YEAR-OLD'S COMMENT.
"I FEEL AT THIS POINT THAT TWO YEARS IS A LONG TIME AWAY AND I
WOULDN'T WANT TO COMMENT, SHE EXPLAINED.
BUT WHEN ASKED IF SHE WOULD CAMPAIGN AND FOR WHOM, SHE
QUICKLY REPLIED: I WOULD BE HAPPY TO CAMPAIGN IN 1976 AND FOR
GUESS WHO?"
ON THE ABORTION ISSUE, THE FIRST LADY SAID S HE WAS CLOSER TO THE
VIEW OF VICE PRES IDENT-DES IGNATE NELSON A. ROCKEFELLER, WHO
FAVORS LEGALIZED ABORTIONS, THAN SHE WAS TO NEW YORK SEN. JAMES
L. BUCKLEY, THE CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN WHO IS SPONSORING
MAJOR ANTIABORTION LEGISLATION.
SHE SAID THE WHOLE FORD FAMILY DISCUSSES MAJOR ISSUES WITH THE
PRESIDENT. BEFORE HE MADE HIS AMNESTY SPEECH" TO THE VETERANS
OF FOREIGN WARS IN CHICAGO, THE ISSUE HAD BEEN BROUGHT UP IN A
FAMILY GATHERING.
"WE DISCUSSED THAT AND OTHER MATTERS SUCH AS OUR POLICY IN
VIETNAM, SHE SAID. AS YOU KNOW, OUR SON MIKE HAD DIFFERENT
FEELINGS ABOUT THE WAR IN VIETNAM THAN HIS FATHER. WE HAVE DEEP
DISCUSSIONS AND POINTS ARE MADE ON ALL SIDES. ON THE AMNESTY
SITUATION, WE ALL LEAN IN THE SAME DIRECTION."
(MORE)
LA HAY--PAGE TWO
ASKED HOW WOMEN COULD STOP FUTURE WARS, THE FIRST LADY JOKED:
"THE BEST WAY IS TO ENLIST.
THEN, SHE EARNESTLY CALLED ON WOMEN TO BECOME VERY ACTIVE IN
POLITICS.
"I DEEPLY ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO PLAY A GREATER ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF
OUR COUNTRY. AS YOU KNOW, MY HUSBAND IS FOR EQUAL RIGHTS AND
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY."
THE LAST THREE FIRST LADIES HAVE EACH HAD THEIR OWN PROJECTS,
AND MRS. FORD WAS ASKED WHAT SHE WOULD STRESS.
"I THINK MY AREA, MY SPECIFIC AREA, WAS MORE OR LESS DECIDED
WHEN MY HUSBAND BECAME VICE PRESIDENT SHE SAID.
I WILL INTEREST
MYSELF IN THE ARTS, IN THE ENDOWMENT OF THE ARTS AND IN UNDER-
PRIVILEGED AND RETARDED CHILDREN.
ON THE INFLATED PRICE OF FOOD, SHE SAID SHE HAS POSITIVE IDEAS ON
BUDGET CUTTING AND BELT TIGHTENING. "WE CAN ALL DO WITHOUT A FEW
THINGS SHE SAID. OUR FAMILY HAS MADE THE ADJUSTMENT. WE DON'T
HAVE AS MUCH STEAK AND ROAST BEEF AS THE BOYS WOULD LIKE.'
THE FIRST LADY, WHILE ADMITTING S HE HASN'T QUITE FINISHED
UNPACKING HER PERSONAL POSSESSIONS, SAYS SHE IS AT HOME IN THE
WHITE HOUSE--"A TRULY BEAUTIFUL SPOT"--HAS SPOT FOUND HERSELF VERY BUSY,
AND EVERYBODY HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL IN GETTING THE FAMILY SETTLED.
"I WAS DUMBFOUNDED AT HOW QUICKLY OUR CHILDREN TOOK TO LIVING
HERE,' SHE TOLD REPORTERS. THEY SETTLED RIGHT IN.
THEIR CONDOMINIUM IN THE SKI RES ORT OF VAIL, COLO., WILL BE
BOTH THE SUMMER AND WINTER VACATION WHITE HOUSE, SHE SAID.
THAT'S OUR HOME AND WE LOVE IT.
AT HIS PRESS CONFERENCE LAST WEEK, PRESIDENT IDENT FORD JOKED THAT
HIS WIFE HAD STOPPED COOKING FOR HIM BECAUSE HE HAD FORCED HER TO
CANCEL A MEETING WITH THE PRESS SCHEDULED FOR THE SAME AFTERNOON
AS HIS.
"HE'S BECOME ACCUSTOMED TOMED TO THAT GOOD SERVICE WE GET IN OUR
UPSTAIRS FAMILY DINING ROOM, S HE SAID. 'DON'T WORRY. HE'S
NOT DOING HIS OWN COOKING.
MRS. FORD SAID SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A WHITE HOUSE SWIMMING
POOL, BUT ADDED: IF AND ONLY IF, THEY CAN FIND A SPOT FOR IT
THAT WON'T DISTURB THE PRESS OR--THE DOGS.
THE WHITE HOUSE SWIMMING POOL INSTALLED DURING THE ROOSEVELT
ADMINIS TRATION WAS TURNED INTO A PRESS ROOM BY PRESIDENT NIXON.
RECENT PLANS FOR A NEW POOL INCLUDE US ING THE SITE OF THE WHITE
HOUSE DOG KENNELS.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED AS FIRST LADY?" A REPORTER
ASKED.
'I'D LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED IN A KINDLY WAY SHE SAID AFTER
A SMILE AND A PAUSE FOR REFLECTION. AND ALSO AS A CONS ONSTRUCTIVE
WIFE OF A PRESIDENT. THE FIRST LADY BEFORE ME DID A GREAT JOB.
MY AMBITION IS TO COME CLOSE TO HER RECORD.
D759P
Chro
The Weather
Today-Mostly sunny, high in the
mid 70s, low in the 50s. The chance
of rain is near zero today and to-
night. Friday-Partly cloudy, high
The W
in the 70s. Yesterday's temperature
range, 75-61. Details are on Page D2.
97th Year
No. 274
© 1974. The Washington Post Co.
By Frank Johnston-The Washington Post
Betty Ford speaking during her press conference in the White House:
Pro-Abortion
Stand Taken
By Mrs. Ford
By Donnie Radcliffe
Washington Post Staff Writer
In her first full
scale
FORD
DERALT
Miami Herald 9/6/74 pll-A
chrono
Their Beef
In Cases of Rape, Incest or Illness
--Betty Made
A Misteak
Ford, Wife Agree That Abortion
Chicago Tribune Service
A remark by Mrs. Betty
Ford that the President's
family is eating less beef
these days brought expres-
Must Be Available as Therapy
MRS. FORD
sions of disappointment and
displeasure from the cattle
WASHINGTON (UPI) - President and Mrs. Ford
ruling that a state cannot regulate abortions during the
industry Thursday.
were on record Thursday that abortion must be available
first six months of pregnancy.
Mrs. Ford said Wednes-
as a therapeutic remedy in cases where pregnancy results
days.
from rape or incest. or where the mother is seriously ill.
MRS. FORD'S answer caused some stir in anti-abor-
bf- chrono- 1stpc
Photo by Guy de Lort
Betty Ford, attending her husband's address to
Congress.
BETTY MEETS THE PRESS: "Couldn't you
see me shaking?" asked Betty Ford at the
conclusion of her first press conference as
First Lady in Washington Wednesday. If she
was shaking, it wasn't evident. Ms. Ford han-
dled the press like a pro, answering most
questions with good humor and leaving a
highly favorable impression. "She reminds
me so much of Lady Bird, I could faint," said
one reporter. "She has exactly the same
smile. It must be patented."
Ms. Ford who changed one part of her act
by arriving on time, wore a gold off-the-rack
short dress and claimed she and her family
"have had to make an adjustment" in the
food budget: "At least in our family, we don't
eat as much steak or roast beef - - as much as
the boys would like."
She also agreed with vice-president-desig-
nate Nelson Rockefeller's stand on liber-
8
OLYMPIAN: Topping-out festivities for the
Olympic Tower complex, a $95,000,000, 52-sto-
ry structure on New York's Fifth Ave., are
WOMEN'S WEAR DAILY, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1974
slated for today. There will be two floors of
retail space, 19 floors of office space and 230
luxury condominiums There will also be a
block-long enclosed park, Olympic Place,
with its own three-level waterfall, a patio res-
taurant, galleries and specialty shops, one of
which will reportedly be Roberta di Cam-
erino, the Venice merchant noted for leather
goods and, most recently, ready-to-wear. Di
Camerino also has outlets in Saks Fifth Ave-
nue and Neiman-Marcus. A spokesman for
Arlen Realty & Development Corp., a cospon-
sor of the complex, declined to comment on
the report.
HANDS ACROSS THE PLAZA! The New
York City Ballet's George Balanchine is re-
turning to the Metropolitan Opera to choreo-
graph the Polonaise for the company's new
production of "Boris Godunov." It's his first
assignment with the Met since he staged the
American premiere of Stravinsky's "The
suiwis j@19d MA photos
Rake's Progress" in 1953.
RUFFIN, THERE: Clovis Ruffin has con-
tracted for four collections a year for Bou-
tique Loungewear, Inc. in New York. He's
The chemise; big-jacketed the red and ening
committed for two 40-piece collections for fall
1
elasticized shirtdress; the ombre-striped
and spring, plus two 20-piece collections for
bright BLASS RESORT: The
early spring and holiday. Ruffin's first effort
will be shown in d-November, expected to
They're the suits
red ribbed wool
retail from $20 to $50. "We do not want to go
dine sweater
suit; the <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Wednesday.The Wednesday.The ecru of the
over $45 on long robes," said Kenneth Polsky,
collection skirt. The
president of the new Ruffin division. Polsky is
also president of Eye-Ful, another Boutique
The rest of Blass'
THE as striped: Blass
division. Ruffin's contract with Keyloun, an-
other loungewear firm, expires Nov. 1, the
same date his pact with Boutique begins. Stan
Filonovich, who managed the Ruffin collec-
newsier stripes - THE
tion at Keyloun, will be sales manager for
one, in and
a
Ruffin at Boutique.
although, after the show,
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< from THE - long or short effect long or short effect anombre atripes. world prettlest when shirtdress bad he didn't - - and dated Blass do more,
it and was the
he Weather
Mostly sunny, high in the
d 70s, low in the 50s. The chance
of rain is near zero today and to-
night. Friday-Partly cloudy, high
The n
in the 70s. Yesterday's temperature
range, 75-61. Details are on Page D2.
97th Year
No. 274
© 1974. The Washington Post Co.
By Frank Johnston- The Washington Post
Betty Ford speaking during her press conference in the White House.
SEP 0 5 1974
Pro-Abortion
Stand Taken
By Mrs. Ford
By Donnie Radeliffe
Washington Post Staff Writer
In her first full-scale press
conference since her husband
16
Thursday, September 5, 1974 THE EVANSVILLE PRESS
UPI Telephoto
First Lady pushes ERA
as she meets the press
By Wauhillau la Hay
who is sponsoring major antia-
will interest myself in the arts,
Scripps-Howard Staff Reporter
bortion legislation.
in the endowment of the arts
WASHINGTON - First Lady
Mrs. Ford's chief spokes-
and in under-privileged and re-
Betty Ford leans toward legal-
man said today Betty Ford
tarded children."
ized abortion, supports the
believes in theraputic abor-
The First Lady, while admit-
Equal Rights Amendment for
tion in cases of rape and in-
ting she hasn't quite finished
and in hoppily
Women in Washington
Betty Ford supports ERA
and legalized abortions
Cru
BY WAUHILLAU LA HAY
husband is for equal rights
Scripps-Howard Staff Writer
and equal opportunity."
was asked what she would
MRS. FORD said the
stress.
WASHINGTON: First Lady
whole Ford family discusses
"I think my area, my
Betty Ford leans toward
legalized abortion, supports
major issues with the Presi-
specific area, was more or
dent. Before he made his
less decided when my hus-
the Equal Rights Amendment
"amnesty speech" to the
band became vice president,"
for and in benails
Press Conf
16
Nessen on Today w/ film report of GFs at JFK noting it
was their 1st outside social function, GF (on film) said
he's "converted individual and doesn't apologize -- converts
often known as ardent advocates." GF, when asked if he liked
it, said it "suited his mood." The pie-throwing scene,
asked a reporter? No, the dancing girls, replied GF.
Larry O'Brien gives GF "good marks for opening up govt,"
but honeymoons are of "short duration. He's going to have
to be more aggressive. Summit confs won't do it."
MRS. FORD
NY News tops p. 4 w/ photo: "BF Meets Press, Finds it
Pleasant. Ann Wood said BF had "audience happily coaching
her a bit." "Pro-Abortion Stand" was p. 1 Post. ... "Tells
Parley She's Busy and Happy" tops inside NYT page.
Post
and NYT all w/ p. 1 photos of BF at news conf.
BF believes in theraputic abortion in cases of rape
and incest, but opposes abortion on demand, said Helen
Smith. JtH said BF's reply on abortion "was not a very
definitive answer." He said views of GF and BF" aren't that
far apart.' He said GF shares BF's belief that abortion must
be available in cases where mom is seriously ill or has been
attacked. GF favors state control of abortion and efforts
to obtain amendment overturning Court's pro-abortion decision.
Now commended "Ms." BF for her strong endorsement of
equal rights. Group meets w/ GF Fri.
Helen Thomas says Nancy Howe's "so close" to BF she's
literally moved into WH for at least part of the time, w/ 3rd
floor bedroom.
GERALD FORD INSURANCE
C-8
The Albuquerque Tribune, Thursday, September 5, 1974
Mrs.
Ford leans towar
By WAUHILLAU LA HAY
SHE CALLED on women
cific area, was more or less and
Scripps-Howard Writer
to "become very active in
decided when my husband WO
politics.
became vice president," she
T
WASHINGTON - First Lady Betty Ford leans to-
said. "I will interest myself mit
ward legalized abortion, supports the equal rights amend-
"I deeply encourage wom-
in the arts, in the endow- ish
ment for women and is happily reconciled to her hus-
en to play a greater role in
ment of the arts and in al
C-8
The Albuquerque Tribune, Thursday, September 5, 1974
Mrs. Ford leans toward legalized abortion
By WAUHILLAULA HAY
SHE CALLED on women
cific area, was more or less
and roast beef as the boys
right in."
"He's become accustomed
by President Nixon. Recent
Scripps-Howard Writer
to "become very active in
decided when my husba
would like."
THEIR CONDOMINIUM
to that good service we get
plans for a new pool include
politics.
became vice president,"
The First Lady, while ad-
in the ski resort of Vail,
in our upstaris family dining
using the site of the White
WASHINGTON - First Lady Betty Ford leans to-
said. "I will interest mys
mitting she hasn't quite fin-
Colo., will be both the "sum-
room," she said. "Don't wor-
House dog kennels.
ward legalized abortion, supports the equal rights amend-
"I deeply encourage n. wom-
in the arts, in the endo
ished upnacking her person-
mer and winter vacation
ry. He's not doing his own
"How would you like to be
An articulate First Lady meets the press
Grace, answers, and a smile
By Louise Sweeney
Staff correspondent of
SEP 06 1974
The Christian Science Monitor
Washington
U.S. First Lady Betty Ford, wearing a gold gabardine
dress and an unflagging smile, held her first official news
conference at the White House this week in a style
DE - ARM 4d the main mele
SEP 05 1974
THE NEW YORK TIMES, T
Mrs. Ford Tells News Parley She's Busy and Happy
By JOHN HERBERS
the conference with a statementison A. Rockefeller, who favored
Asked to describe her fam-
Special to The New York Times
that she wanted to answer all
egaized abortion when he was
ily's dinner table conversations
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4-"I
the questions that had been
Governor of New York. "Dfi-
about granting amnesty to Viet-
have found it is a very busy
piling up about her views on
nitey Rockefeller," she replied.
nam draft evaders and desert-
life," Betty Ford said. "I'm very
life and what role she would be
Mrs. Ford was not flustered
ers-the President has come
happy. Everyone has been so
playing in her husband's Ad-
by questions that are invariably
out for conditional amnesty-
and
ministration.
asked of First T adies
she said "We mother
ASHINGTON POST
Saturday, August 24, 1974
B3
A First
Mrs. Ford
Lady's
A Plan
Plan AUG 24 1974
To Meet
To Meet
The Press
The Press
STAFF, From B1
By Donnie Radcliffe
staff will include Nancy
Howe, previously named
Betty Ford plans to hold
personal assistant; her sec
news conferences on a regu-
retary, Carolyn Porembka;
lar basis. perhaps monthly,
14
EYE
R
WOMEN'S WEAR DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1974
Betty Ford; Lorraine and Chuck Percy: David and Henry Kissinger: Julie and David Eisenhower
Photos by Guy DeLort
George Bush; David, Nancy and Elizabeth Kissinger; Susan and Steve Ford; David Eisenhower shaking hands with Jack Ford: Melvin
Laird making a time check