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Third Debate, 10/22/76: Input - Doug Bailey
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Third Debate, 10/22/76: Input - Doug Bailey
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Michael Raoul-Duval Papers
Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter Debates Files
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The original documents are located in Box 28, folder "Third Debate, 10/22/76: Input -
Doug Bailey" of the Michael Raoul-Duval Papers 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. Michael Raoul-Duval 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United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives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.
Experience (foreign policy)
I just wonder what the American people think -- what America's
allies think -- and what America's enemies think - - when they
hear a Presidential candidate with no foreign policy experience
-- propose slashing the defense budget;
- - call for removing U.S. forces from Europe;
-- call for removing U.S. forces from Korea;
- - waffle on the B-1 bomber, an essential weapon
in the strategic balance of power with the Russians;
-- and, extend a friendly hand to the Communist
Parties of Western Europe.
My reaction is to ask you to reassure the people by telling
them who your Secretary of State would be. I agree it wouldn't
be traditional to do so; but neither has it been an American
tradition to run for President without any experience whatsoever
in foreign or defense policy.
FORD LIBRARY & GERALD
DB/10-20-76
I just wonder what the American people think -- what America's
allies think -- and what America's enemies think - - when they
hear a Presidential candidate with no foreign policy experience
- - propose slashing the defense budget;
-- call for removing U.S. forces from Europe;
-- call for removing U.S. forces from Korea;
- - waffle on the B-1 bomber, an essential weapon
in the strategic balance of power with the Russians; ;
- - and, extend a friendly hand to the Communist
Parties of Western Europe.
My reaction is to ask you to reassure the people by telling
them who your Secretary of State would be. I agree it wouldn't
be traditional to do so; but neither has it been an American
tradition to run for President without any experience whatsoever
in foreign or defense policy.
FORD LIBRARY is GERALD
DB/10-20-76
I just wonder what the American people think -- what America's
allies think -- and what America's enemies think - - when they
hear a Presidential candidate with no foreign policy experience
- - propose slashing the defense budget;
-- call for removing U.S. forces from Europe;
-- call for removing U.S. forces from Korea;
-- waffle on the B-1 bomber, an essential weapon
in the strategic balance of power with the Russians;
-- and, extend a friendly hand to the Communist
Parties of Western Europe.
My reaction is to ask you to reassure the people by telling
them who your Secretary of State would be. I agree it wouldn't
be traditional to do so; but neither has it been an American
tradition to run for President without any experience whatsoever
in foreign or defense policy.
DB/10-20-76
I just wonder what the American people think -- what America's
allies think -- and what America's enemies think - - when they
hear a Presidential candidate with no foreign policy experience
- - propose slashing the defense budget;
- - call for removing U.S. forces from Europe;
-- call for removing U.S. forces from Korea;
-- waffle on the B-1 bomber, an essential weapon
in the strategic balance of power with the Russians;
- - and, extend a friendly hand to the Communist
Parties of Western Europe.
My reaction is to ask you to reassure the people by telling
them who your Secretary of State would be. I agree it wouldn't
be traditional to do so; but neither has it been an American
tradition to run for President without any experience whatsoever
in foreign or defense policy.
FORD LIBRARY is GERALD
DB/10-20-76
I just wonder what the American people think -- what America's
allies think -- and what America's enemies think -- when they
hear a Presidential candidate with no foreign policy experience
- - propose slashing the defense budget;
-- call for removing U.S. forces from Europe;
-- call for removing U.S. forces from Korea;
-- waffle on the B-1 bomber, an essential weapon
in the strategic balance of power with the Russians;
- - and, extend a friendly hand to the Communist
Parties of Western Europe.
My reaction is to ask you to reassure the people by telling
them who your Secretary of State would be. I agree it wouldn't
be traditional to do so; but neither has it been an American
tradition to run for President without any experience whatsoever
in foreign or defense policy.
GERALD R. LIBRARY FORD
DB/10-20-76
EMPLOYMENT
This Administration will never be satisfied if there is one
American who wants a job but can't find one.
LIBRARY GERALD ? FORD
And I think the record of the past two years proves that.
In 17 months we have created 4 million new jobs - - that's
a record. That's more new jobs than in any peacetime period
in American history:
- - We've done it without a single combat job.
-- We've done it without drafting a single person.
- - We've done it while cutting inflation in half
for the 88 million Americans who are working.
During the same time the people entering the work force
looking for jobs has also expanded at a record rate. We'll
providing a good tob for anyone who wants to work,
meet our goal of 2 1/2 million new jobs a year for them. We
know it can be done because we've done it.
Mr. Carter's drastic answer is the Humphrey-Hawkins Bill which
will rapidly increase spending which can only result in higher
inflation or higher taxes, or both.
Sure, every economic recovery has its pauses. But I think
most Americans know the economy has been getting much, much
better. I think most Americans are feeling good about America.
And I don't think they want the kind of drastic change Mr. Carter
seems to want.
DB/10-20-76
EMPLOYMENT
This Administration will never be satisfied if there is one
American who wants a job but can't find one.
And I think the record of the past two years proves that.
In 17 months we have created 4 million new jobs -- that's
a record. That's more new jobs than in any peacetime period
in American history:
-- We've done it without a single combat job.
-- We've done it without drafting a single person.
-- We've done it while cutting inflation in half
for the 88 million Americans who are working.
During the same time the people entering the work force
looking for jobs has also expanded at a record rate. We'll
meet our goal of 2 1/2 million new jobs a year for them. We
know it can be done because we've done it.
Mr. Carter's drastic answer is the Humphrey-Hawkins Bill which
will rapidly increase spending which can only result in higher
inflation or higher taxes, or both.
Sure, every economic recovery has its pauses. But I think
most Americans know the economy has been getting much, much
better. I think most Americans are feeling good about America.
And I don't think they want the kind of drastic change Mr. Carter
seems to want.
DB/10-20-76
EMPLOYMENT
This Administration will never be satisfied if there is one
American who wants a job but can't find one.
And I think the record of the past two years proves that.
In 17 months we have created 4 million new jobs -- that's
a record. That's more new jobs than in any peacetime period
in American history:
-- We've done it without a single combat job.
- - We've done it without drafting a single person.
-- We've done it while cutting inflation in half
FORD LIBRARY
for the 88 million Americans who are working.
During the same time the people entering the work force
looking for jobs has also expanded at a record rate. We'll
meet our goal of 2 1/2 million new jobs a year for them. We
know it can be done because we've done it.
Mr. Carter's drastic answer is the Humphrey-Hawkins Bill which
will rapidly increase spending which can only result in higher
inflation or higher taxes, or both.
Sure, every economic recovery has its pauses. But I think
most Americans know the economy has been getting much, much
better. I think most Americans are feeling good about America.
And I don't think they want the kind of drastic change Mr. Carter
seems to want.
DB/10-20-76
EMPLOYMENT
This Administration will never be satisfied if there is one
American who wants a job but can't find one.
And I think the record of the past two years proves that.
In 17 months we have created 4 million new jobs -- that's
a record. That's more new jobs than in any peacetime period
in American history:
-- We've done it without a single combat job.
-- We've done it without drafting a single person.
-- We've done it while cutting inflation in half
for the 88 million Americans who are working.
During the same time the people entering the work force
looking for jobs has also expanded at a record rate. We'll
meet our goal of 2 1/2 million new jobs a year for them. We
know it can be done because we've done it.
Mr. Carter's drastic answer is the Humphrey-Hawkins Bill which
will rapidly increase spending which can only result in higher
inflation or higher taxes, or both.
Sure, every economic recovery has its pauses. But I think
most Americans know the economy has been getting much, much
better. I think most Americans are feeling good about America.
And I don't think they want the kind of drastic change Mr. Carter
seems to want.
DB/10-20-76
EMPLOYMENT
This Administration will never be satisfied if there is one
American who wants a job but can't find one.
And I think the record of the past two years proves that.
In 17 months we have created 4 million new jobs -- that's
a record. That's more new jobs than in any peacetime period
in American history:
-- We've done it without a single combat job.
-- We've done it without drafting a single person.
-- We've done it while cutting inflation in half
FORDO & LIBRARY 033470
for the 88 million Americans who are working.
During the same time the people entering the work force
looking for jobs has also expanded at a record rate. We'll
meet our goal of 2 1/2 million new jobs a year for them. We
know it can be done because we've done it.
Mr. Carter's drastic answer is the Humphrey-Hawkins Bill which
will rapidly increase spending which can only result in higher
inflation or higher $ taxes, or both.
Sure, every economic recovery has its pauses. But I think
most Americans know the economy has been getting much, much
better. I think most Americans are feeling good about America.
And I don't think they want the kind of drastic change Mr. Carter
seems to want.
DB/10-20-76
PEACE
As a young man entering public serivce, my inspiration was
Senator Arthur Vandenburg who used to say: "It's easier to
be critical than correct." Mr. Carter might think about that.
There is one overpowering truth about America today: We are at
peace.
-- And I will maintain our strength so we can stay
at peace.
-- We are at peace -- and no Americans are fighting
and dying anywhere on this earth.
every american family knows what it
-- We are at peace -- and no Americans are being drafted.
means that there is no diaft.
-- We are at peace -- and we are using our diplomatic
skills and initiative to keep the peace.
Mr. Carter, with no foreign policy experience of any kind, can
criticize. But I believe that most Americans are feeling
good about this country. And one reason is that we are at peace
and we're strong enough to stay at peace.
EQRD is LIBRARY GERALD
DB/10-20-76
PEACE
As a young man entering public serivce, my inspiration was
Senator Arthur Vandenburg who used to say: "It's easier to
be critical than correct." Mr. Carter might think about that.
There is one overpowering truth about America today: We are at
peace.
- - And I will maintain our strength so we can stay
at peace.
-- We are at peace -- and no Americans are fighting
and dying anywhere on this earth.
-- We are at peace -- and no Americans are being drafted.
-- We are at peace -- and we are using our diplomatic
skills and initiative to keep the peace.
Mr. Carter, with no foreign policy experience of any kind, can
criticize. But I believe that most Americans are feeling
good about this country. And one reason is that we are at peace
and we're strong enough to stay at peace.
GERALD R. LIBRARY FORD
DB/10-20-76
PEACE
As a young man entering public serivce, my inspiration was
Senator Arthur Vandenburg who used to say: "It's easier to
be critical than correct. " Mr. Carter might think about that.
There is one overpowering truth about America today: We are at
peace.
-- And I will maintain our strength so we can stay
at peace.
- - We are at peace -- and no Americans are fighting
and dying anywhere on this earth.
- - We are at peace -- and no Americans are being drafted.
-- We are at peace -- and we are using our diplomatic
skills and initiative to keep the peace.
Mr. Carter, with no foreign policy experience of any kind, can
criticize. But I believe that most Americans are feeling
good about this country. And one reason is that we are at peace
and we're strong enough to stay at peace.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
DB/10-20-76
PEACE
As a young man entering public serivce, my inspiration was
Senator Arthur Vandenburg who used to say: "It's easier to
be critical than correct." Mr. Carter might think about that.
There is one overpowering truth about America today: We are at
peace.
- - And I will maintain our strength so we can stay
at peace.
-- We are at peace -- and no Americans are fighting
and dying anywhere on this earth.
- - We are at peace -- and no Americans are being drafted.
-- We are at peace -- and we are using our diplomatic
skills and initiative to keep the peace.
Mr. Carter, with no foreign policy experience of any kind, can
criticize. But I believe that most Americans are feeling
good about this country. And one reason is that we are at peace
and we're strong enough to stay at peace.
DB/10-20-76
PEACE
As a young man entering public serivce, my inspiration was
Senator Arthur Vandenburg who used to say: "It's easier to
be critical than correct." Mr. Carter might think about that.
There is one overpowering truth about America today: We are at
peace.
-- And I will maintain our strength so we can stay
at peace.
-- We are at peace - - and no Americans are fighting
and dying anywhere on this earth.
- - We are at peace -- and no Americans are being drafted.
-- We are at peace -- and we are using our diplomatic
skills and initiative to keep the peace.
Mr. Carter, with no foreign policy experience of any kind, can
criticize. But I believe that most Americans are feeling
good about this country. And one reason is that we are at peace
and we're strong enough to stay at peace.
DB/10-20-76
FIRST ANSWER
[We suggest you directly and specifically answer the first
question after repeating the essence of the question asked.
You should try to do this in one minute.]
Mr.
.
That was a good question and I hope that
I have given you a direct and responsive answer, and I hope
that you will ask a follow-up question if you do not feel
my answer has been directly responsive. However, (with a smile),
before I give you another chance to fire away, let me make
an additional point. There are 10 days left before the
people must make the crucial choice of who their President
will be for the next four years.
I challenged my opponent to these debates because I felt that
we both had an obligation to present our differences on the
issues openly and directly to the American people.
My performance is a matter of public record based on 27 years
of service.
When the people make their choice on November 2 I expect
particularly
to be judged on my record,
/
on my performance as President
over the past two years and my vision for the next four.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Pg 2
But Governor Carter has no record of national experience. He
has only the rhetoric of a two year campaign for the
Presidency.
In this last debate may be our last opportunity to find out
what Mr. Carter stands for and what he would do if
elected President.
I hope each member of the panel will probe deeply into
my record and my vision and into Mr. Carter's positions
on specific issues.
I have kept the peace. How will he maintain peace while
weakening our defense capability?
My proposals have resulted in an average of $
tax cuts for the average family. Who will pay increased
taxes to finance Mr. Carter's performance?
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
TAXES
/
My proposals would cut the taxes for every middle-income family
in America -- by raising the personal exemption from $750 to
the result would be a substantial tax cut for
$1000. The result for a family of 4 would be a tax cut of
all families
$1,000
FORD is GERALD LIBRARY
Mr. Carter is all over the lot.
-- He has said he would raise taxes on everybody making over
$13,000. Now he says he's changed his mind.
-- He has said he wants to eliminate the mortgage interest
deduction, which would raise the taxes on nearly every
American homeowner.
-- He has said he wants to close the tax loopholes on the
very rich. But these are the very loopholes he has used
on his own tax forms.
All of Mr. Carter's talk about tax reform is a shell game. His
support of Humphrey-Hawkins, comprehensive national health
insurance and the Democratic Platform, which he wrote, would
vastly increase spending. That means higher taxes, not
lower.
The difference is simple. Mr. Carter wants higher spending which
will mean higher taxes. I want to control spending and give
middle-income Americans a tax cut.
DB/10-20-76
TAXES
My proposals would cut the taxes for every middle-income family
in America - - by raising the personal exemption from $750 to
$1000. The result for a family of 4 would be a tax cut of
$1,000.
Mr. Carter is all over the lot.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- - He has said he would raise taxes on everybody making over
$13,000. Now he says he's changed his mind.
- - He has said he wants to eliminate the mortgage interest
deduction, which would raise the taxes on nearly every
American homeowner.
-- He has said he wants to close the tax loopholes on the
very rich. But these are the very loopholes he has used
on his own tax forms.
All of Mr. Carter's talk about tax reform is a shell game. His
support of Humphrey-Hawkins, comprehensive national health
insurance and the Democratic Platform, which he wrote, would
vastly increase spending. That means higher taxes, not
lower.
The difference is simple. Mr. Carter wants higher spending which
will mean higher taxes. I want to control spending and give
middle-income Americans a tax cut.
DB/10-20-76
TAXES
My proposals would cut the taxes for every middle-income family
in America -- by raising the personal exemption from $750 to
$1000. The result for a family of 4 would be a tax cut of
$1,000.
Mr. Carter is all over the lot.
-- He has said he would raise taxes on everybody making over
$13,000. Now he says he's changed his mind.
-- He has said he wants to eliminate the mortgage interest
deduction, which would raise the taxes on nearly every
American homeowner.
He has said he wants to close the tax loopholes on the
very rich. But these are the very loopholes he has used
on his own tax forms.
All of Mr. Carter's talk about tax reform is a shell game. His
support of Humphrey-Hawkins, comprehensive national health
insurance and the Democratic Platform, which he wrote, would
vastly increase spending. That means higher taxes, not
lower.
The difference is simple. Mr. Carter wants higher spending which
will mean higher taxes. I want to control spending and give
middle-income Americans a tax cut.
DB/10-20-76
TAXES
My proposals would cut the taxes for every middle-income family
in America -- by raising the personal exemption from $750 to
$1000. The result for a family of 4 would be a tax cut of
$1,000.
Mr. Carter is all over the lot.
-- He has said he would raise taxes on everybody making over
$13,000. Now he says he's changed his mind.
-- He has said he wants to eliminate the mortgage interest
deduction, which would raise the taxes on nearly every
American homeowner.
He has said he wants to close the tax loopholes on the
very rich. But these are the very loopholes he has used
on his own tax forms.
All of Mr. Carter's talk about tax reform is a shell game. His
support of Humphrey-Hawkins, comprehensive national health
insurance and the Democratic Platform, which he wrote, would
vastly increase spending. That means higher taxes, not
lower.
The difference is simple. Mr. Carter wants higher spending which
will mean higher taxes. I want to control spending and give
middle-income Americans a tax cut.
DB/10-20-76
TAXES
My proposals would cut the taxes for every middle-income family
in America -- by raising the personal exemption from $750 to
$1000. The result for a family of 4 would be a tax cut of
$1,000.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Mr. Carter is all over the lot.
- - He has said he would raise taxes on everybody making over
$13,000. Now he says he's changed his mind.
- - He has said he wants to eliminate the mortgage interest
deduction, which would raise the taxes on nearly every
American homeowner.
-- He has said he wants to close the tax loopholes on the
very rich. But these are the very loopholes he has used
on his own tax forms.
All of Mr. Carter's talk about tax reform is a shell game. His
support of Humphrey-Hawkins, comprehensive national health
insurance and the Democratic Platform, which he wrote, would
vastly increase spending. That means higher taxes, not
lower.
The difference is simple. Mr. Carter wants higher spending which
will mean higher taxes. I want to control spending and give
middle-income Americans a tax cut.
DB/10-20-76
Mr.
, I hope you'll ask a follow-up question,
if you want to.
At at the outset of this last debate, let me say this.
I asked for these debates because I felt Mr. Carter and I
owed the people a full presentation of our different
positions. But with 10 days to go in this election, that
hasn't happened. Mr. Carter has been running for President
as long as I have been serving as President, but the people
still don't know what he would do as President.
We know of little he did as Governor of Georgia. We know he
has no foreign or defense policy experience at all. In his
campaign and in these debates he has talked only in general
terms. The moment of truth has come.
I hope he, and you on the panel, will both help make these
debates successful by assuring the American people that specific
questions get specific answers.
Mr. Carter wants to reorganize government -- but he won't say
how. He wants to cut the defense budget, but he won't say how.
He wants to raise spending and balance the budget, but he
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Page 2
won't say how. He wants to reform the tax laws, but changes
his specifics every day.
The American people deserve to know more than Mr. Carter has
given them. That surely is what these debates are for.
I think my record is clear. It is a record of honor restored
to the White House. It is a record of peace. Inflation cut in
half. More new jobs than any peacetime period in American
history. And tax cuts proposed for every middle income family.
After the comeback of the last two years, I think most Americans
are feeling good about America. Mr. Carter promises to
change things drastically. I think it's time for him to tell
us precisely what he would do differently and how he would do
it.
GERALD R. FORD LIBRARY
Page 2
When you remember the despair and recrimination of two years
ago, it is an incredible comeback. The question now is
whether we keep on this steady course to greater prosperity
for all Americans - - or pursue an uncertain future through
drastic change
.
If we really are feeling good about America, then this
election is vital. To stay on our steady course, I need your help.
avoid drastic chang
I need your vote.
In the ten days remaining before Election Day I ask you to think
about this country we love, to think about the importance of
experienced leadership, to think about the kind of government
best designed to assure the stable prosperity of each American
family.
I am confident that your decision will be right for America.
Thank you.
LIBRARY GERALD R. FORD
unemployment ANTECTODE
When the economic history of
this period is written one of
the highgoints will the a
fact that has been little
noted. dr Nonember and
initiative the Administri
December of 1974, at my
and the Congress waked
together in anticipation of
the NSES recession. Together
we fashioned a mondened
to proper of
insurance that prouded
a safety-net for 12 millin
Americans that pressurisly
had no coverage - -
This action was taken sefore
unergloyment rates shot up.
And as a result we avoided
what othenise would have
seen a disasterous so cial
problem. In my judget,
this was government Action
at its Best anticipating
a proken, ad desling
tyken when
with it. heleondine As I
history of their this period
is written, this will he
noted as one of our
finest hours.
FORD LIBRARY & GERALD
CARTER'S Attempt
TO Repeal the Laws of Arithmatic
Carter wants to straddle the issue of support of the programs
in the Democratic platform and his goal of a balanced budget
without tax increases by 1980.
There will be no new spending
On September 3, Carter said "if we are falling short of our
programs imp lemated under my Administration unlers
goa to balance the budget, I will delay initiation of major
we can be sure the COST 1 those programs 10 comparable
new spending programs". (fill in exact quote)
compatate budget by the with end my goal my Term. 1 having a balanced
On October 19 in Miami Beach he again supported "comprehensive
national health insurance" with a start on the program as if
he took office on January 20. But he again waffled on his
commitment by inserting the loophole "as revenues permit".
Carter cannot have it both ways. No responsible estimate of
the cost of comprehensive national health insurance
is remotely consistent with a balanced budget by 1980 with no
tax increase. Carter either supports or doesn't support the
Democratic platform on major spending proposals. Carterh either
supports or doesn't support the achievement of a balanced budget
by 1980 without a tax increase. Which is it?
insert A
RALD GERALD R. FORD
X
insert A
The American people undertant
that when a politector promises
every thing to every andy he
10 really promising nithing at all
to The America people
know
inderten that promise 4
free then A is nonsence
to promise not to raise takes
one day, a balanced budget the next
and free health care the day after.
FORD LIBRARY &
& we hold +
Roum Jonem
Donowns, more
DEBATE TOPICS - HOUSING
have somes will
My policy
be available fn
home walgages
President Ford aims to bring homeownership within the reach at
of every American family that wants to own a home and is
low
willing to work for and save for it.
Homeownership will be increased through continuation of the my
Adminis tration anti-inflationary economic policies, and
enactment of the President's request for a reduction in the
choo
personal income tax Holding down inflation will cut mortgage
interest rates, and slow the rise in construction costs.
Reducing the income tax -- as recommended by the President, but
rejected by Congress this year -- would put an additional
$200 annually in the pocket of the average American taxpayer
which he could use to help make a down payment on a home
or pay mortgage interest.
with these monthly martage interest payments,
while Sound economic policies are the basic answer to a growth in home
ownership, But the President hase taken further steps to aid
families setting out to own their own homes. In 1974, the
My Ford Administration extended Government National Mortgage
Insurance to cover conventional mortgages.
H
I also
Last month, the President ordered implementation of a new
Federal guarantee program to lower monthly interest payments
in the early years of homeownership and gradually increase
them as family income rises. The President has called
for changes in the FHA loan program to reduce down payments
on lower-priced and middle-priced homes by as much as
50 percent.
For low income families, my the Administration has sponsored a
rent subsidy program, signed into law by President Ford in 1974.
This program gives low income families freedom of choice in
selecting their own housing, instead of arbitrarily assigning
them to vast public housing developments. This year, 400,000
families are authorized to receive rent subsidies. In
fiscal year 1977, this figure will rise to 800,000 families.
I ever
Under no circumstances would President Ford approve
elimination of the income tax credit for mortgage interest
payments, as was proposed by Jimmy Carter before a national
television audience on February 23, 1976 during a primary
or reduction
debate Sparman
in Boston.
FORD is LIBRARY
of
CRIME
Q. Mr. President, in a recent speech in Detroit on crime,
Mr. Carter accused your Administration of failure to
take effective action against the rising crime rate
and outlined his own plans in this regard. What has
your Administration done about crime? And what could
we look forward to under the new Ford Administration?
A. Well, first of all, let me talk just a little about
Mr. Carter's speech. Mr. Carter has said, in fact,
that if he is elected President he will solve the crime
problem. Anyone who knows anything about America's
Constitution or her history and tradition would know
better than to talk like this.
Under our Constitution, and for the 200 years of our
existence, the fundamental responsibility for law
enforcement rests with State and local governments.
We have no national police force in this country -- and
I don't think the American people want one.
The proper role for the Federal government in the area
of crime prevention is one of leadership and support,
and this is what I have tried to provide during my
tenure in office. Let me be more specific.
In my crime message to the Congress, I called for the
enactment of a comprehensive criminal code to serve as a
model for State and local governments to follow.
I called for mandatory minimum sentences for violent
offenders, particularly those using guns, and for drug
pushers.
I called for legislation increasing the number of Federal
judges, and I increased the number of Federal prosecutors.
And I called for legislation to provide compensation for
the victims of Federal crimes.
It troubles me to have to tell you that the Congress has
done nothing on these recommendations. In fact, Congress
has done virtually nothing at all to address the serious
crime problem facing this country. Fortunately, we have
been able to do some things without the help of the
Congress.
FORD i 938870 LIBRARY
2
For example, two years ago -- shortly after I became
President -- I directed the Law Enforcement Assistance
Administration to develop a new Career Criminal Program
designed to focus the attention of the criminal justice
system on the professional criminal -- the repeat
offender who makes his living through crime. This
program is now operating in almost 20 States across
the nation and it has had dramatic results. Over
95 per cent of those identified as career criminals
have been convicted and sentenced to more than
20 years in jail.
Another area where we are making considerable progress
is in combating drug abuse. I have personally met with the
leaders of Mexico and other countries to let them know of
my concern about the shipment of drugs, particularly heroin,
from their countries to ours. I think these meetings have
stimulated greater cooperation and we are now beginning to
see reductions in the amount of "brown heroin" coming into
this country from Mexico.
These are just two of the areas where we are making progress.
There are more. And I think these efforts are beginning to
have an impact throughout the country.
In the year in which I became President, crime increased
18 per cent over the previous year. After my first full
year in office, the rate of increase had been cut to
9 per cent. For the first six months of this year, the
rate of increase was only 3 per cent, and serious crimes --
rapes, murders, robberies and the like -- had actually
declined for the first time in years. So we are beginning
to see positive results. But I fully realize that we have
a long way to go.
If the American people are going to beat this problem, and
I' believe we are, punishment for those who break our laws
must be swift and certain. This is what I have been
advocating. But I can't do the job alone, without the
help of Congress. That is why I have stated that one of my
top priorities next January will be the rallying of America
behind Federal anticrime legislation. I realize that this
legislation will not answer the crime problem, but it will
be a good beginning
when returns congress
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
completely
10-19-76
leighley
10
DEBATE
BLACK
AMERICANS
My policies
President Ford essentially offers black Americans what
they he offers all other Americans: More jobs, equal opportunity,
stable prices, better education, better health care,
protection against crime, equal enforcement of the law.
I
The President recognizes that blacks in the United States
are still to some extent the victims of discrimination. He I am
is determined, first of all, to stamp out vestiges of
discrimination wherever they exist; and, second, to
provide blacks with the means to get the fullest possible
use out of their abilities and talents.
In carrying on the continuing struggle against discrimination, I
the President sponsored and signed extension of the Voting
Rights Act in 1975. The extended act was broadened to include
protection for Spanish-Americans, Indians, and Asian-
Americans -- who will now benefit from the same safeguards
that were first successfully demanded by blacks.
The federal budget for civil rights activities next year
will be $3.9 billion -- up from $2.9 billion when I
President Ford first came into office. Funding for the
activities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
has risen by more than 20 percent under President Ford.
Admunistion
Blacks, such as Secretary of Transportation William Coleman,
hold many top posts in the Ford Administration -- not because
they are blacks but because they are the individuals best
qualified for their jobs.
My
The Administration's major domestic objective has been to
foster the development of economic conditions under which
blacks, along with all other Americans, can make full use
of their personal resources.
We are not going to achieve full equality in this country
until we have defeated the problem of unemployment. There
is simply no way for government, by reaching into economic
transactions all over the country, to eliminate completely the
effects of past discrimination and current prejudice.
Blacks will gain full equality when the economy needs full
utilization of their energies and talents in order to function
at top efficiency. Achievement of full employment depends
on bringing inflation under control.
-2-
Inflation causes unemployment. Unemployment feeds
discrimination. To conquer discrimination, we must wipe
out inflation.
I
Have
This does not mean that government must stand still in
dealing with social problems until the war against inflation
is won. President Ford has recommended programs for
catastrophic health insurance, job incentives in areas of
chronic unemployment, and low cost housing, which, when
enacted, will give special help to those whose incomes
have not kept pace with overall economic growth.
In addition, the Ford Administration in two years has
more than doubled loan and loan guarantee funding available
through the Small Business Administration for minority
enterprises.
I have
With the return of health to the economy, President Ford has
promised in the next four years to assign top priority to
six "quality of life" issues: Jobs, housing, education,
health care, law enforcement, and improved recreation
opportunities -- all among the major interests of black
Americans.
mn. carter
The opposition candidate for President has attempted to
achieve rapport with black Americans by telling black
audiences again and again that he "understands" -- while
offering very little in the way of concrete programs to
improve the conditions under which black Americans live.
me Vote
The time is past when blacks can be won by vague professions
of "understanding," and emotional tokenism.
Black Americans -- like all Americans -- now demand firm
commitments to definite social and economic policies.
Some may prefer policies different from those roposed by
3
my
the Ford Administration. But they know that President Ford
has not tried to deceive them. He has offered a program
that he firmly believes will bring economic and social
I
progress for all. He is confident that many black Americans
will agree with his conclusions, and will give him their
support on election day.
me
my
I have
which
I
an
AG DRAFT 10/19
ON BALANCING THE BUDGET
lat
My opponent says that the simpliest way to balance
the budget is to restore full employment, thereby
increasing tax revenues and reducing unemployment
insurance payments. Unfortunately, his view of how
to increase employment and reduce deficits is through
more government spending. You can't cure deficits
by creating more deficits.
It's like giving liquor
to a drunk to make him sober.
You can't balance
the budget through more deficit spending.
The only
way to restore full employment and higher tax revenues
is to stimulate the private sector by improving the
confidence and incentive of Americans, both consumers
and business, to invest in their future.
Perhaps he should heed the advice of Prime Minister
Callaghan who at a Labour Party Conference (9/28/76) said:
"We used to think that you could just spend your
way out of a recession and increase employment
by cutting taxes and boosting government spending.
I tell you in all candor that that option no longer
exists, and that insofar as it ever did exist, it
worked by injecting inflation into the economy.
And each time that happened the average level of
unemployment has risen. Higher inflation, followed
by higher unemployment. That is the history of the
last twenty years.
"And each time we did this the twin evils of un-
employment and inflation have hit hardest those
least able to stand them -- our own people, the poor,
the old and the sick.' "
TAX THE RICH
ASIDE FROM MY PROPOSAL OF A SIGNIFICANT MINIMUM TAX FOR
ALL INCOME BRACKETS, I DO NOT SUPPORT ANY PUNITIVE OR UNFAIR
TAX PROPOSAL ON ANY GROUP OF AMERICANS.
1) I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT WHATEVER THE LEVEL A MAN HAS
REACHED ON THE ECONOMIC LADDER HE MUST HAVE AN INCENTIVE
TO MOVE UP. I WAS PARTICULARLY TOUCHED BY SENATOR
PASTORE'S FAREWELL REMARKS TO THE SENATE LAST MONTH.
HE SAID, "KEEP THE TORCH OF OPPORTUNITY LIGHTED WHEREVER
YOU GO. 11
WE MUST NEVER STRIP AWAY THE INCENTIVE FOR FAMILIES TO
MOVE UP THE ECONOMIC LADDER.
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
2) A 100% TAX ON ALL INCOMES OVER $50,000 WILL PRODUCE LESS
THAN $9 BILLION IN ADDITIONAL REVENUES. IT WOULD ONLY PAY
FOR 4% OF MR. CARTER'S PLATFORM. EACH TAXPAYER SHOULD
ASK HIMSELF- WHERE WILL THE OTHER 96% COME FROM?
IF THE GOVERNOR IN SEEKING ADDITIONAL INCOME TO TAX
DECIDES TO REACH DOWN INTO, SAY,THE $25, 000 FAMILY INCOMES AS
SOME OF HIS ADVISORS HAVE IMPLIED, REMEMBER THAT MORE
THAN SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE FAMILIES REPORTING
INCOME OVER $25,000 HAVE TWO OR MORE WAGE EARNERS IN THE
Policemen
FAMILY. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT COPS WHOSE WIVES TEACH
SCHOOL, TRUCK DRIVERS WHOSE WIVES WORK AS SECRETARIES,
- 2 -
AND so ON. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE HARDEST WORKING
FAMILIES IN AMERICA. PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE REWARDED,
NOT PENALIZED FOR THEIR LABOR.
3)
IF WE WANT JOBS, A PRODUCTIVE AND VIABLE ECONOMY, AND
THE TYPE OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT WE NEED IN THE LONG RUN,
SUCH AN UNFAIR TAX PHILOSOPHY IS EXTREMELY SHORT- SIGHTED
AND COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE. IN THE END, IT WILL BE THE POOR
WHO WOULD SUFFER MOST.
ANTECODATES ON COMPASSION
10/19/76
DEBATE INPUT FROM STU SPENCER 10urnt
Compassion
why The President is compasionate
The President should relate his process for making budget
you might
decisions to the same steps a family goes through in allocating
their limited funds.
The President having made his your own way through life earning
etc
you
the money be needed to go to school, and running early
campaign on a shoestring, did not have enough money to do
everything for his family that they wanted.
Thus you he appreciates the desires and the needs of people
But just as your family has had to
for any number of programs. and probably would want to fund
carefully live within your pay check, so must me Nation line
most of them if the funds were available.
with is' means.
However, the fact is that just as families have to choose and
pick among the things they want to do and allocate their
resources wisely the President must do the same thing with
the federal budget.
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
The President prepares the federal budget much the same
You prepare
way as a family prepares their budget. You sits down with your
his budget director and cabinet officers and discusses the
many programs which are being advocated and then set%
priorities based on the funds available.
Page 2
Just like a family is unable to take all the vacations it
wants or buy all the clothes it wants, so the President
some of
has to say no to all the programs he wants.
Jimmy Carter on the other hand, is promising all the
programs without worrying about where the money is going
to come from. The President you knows where it comes from -
It comes from people like himself you and familie who have
you
have
had to work for every penny they/to spend and who always whendy
want more than the money they have to spend
make
pay too much in taxes.
AC 10/19
1
ON COMPASSION
why Carter s not compasionate
Some people say I am insensitive to the plight of
the unemployed and the less privileged. Certainly that's
not the way I feel. Some say I am not as adept as my
opponent at the rhetoric of compassion. Perhaps that is
because I believe that talk is no substitute for effective
action. Compassionate words are soothing, but they don't
get a job back for somebody who has been laid off. Words
are nice - but they do not help pay the doctor when the
family is confronted with a tragic illness.
I believe the American people are fed up with over-
blown promises and hollow rhetoric. They want policies
which work, not R.R. R. a politician's rhetoric.
My opponent seems to exude compassion for the world
at large but not towards individual people. He is quick
to call for this person or that person to be fired --
often without knowing the facts. He forgets that these
are people: you don't irresponsibly rush to destroy
careers and reputations. People have feelings and families.
They deserve justice and true compassion, not meanness.
Cameback-Feeling Cood -
Mr. Carter has said he can't think of a single thing I've
done as President. How about peace? How about 4,000,000 jobs?
How about inflation cut in half? How about honor restored
in the White House? I think Mr. Carter makes a mistake to belittle
America's comeback. I think the American people are feeling
good about America. And I don't think they want the kind of
drastic change Mr. Carter represents.
LIBRARY GERALD = FORD
DB/10-20-76
Mr. Carter has said he can't think of a single thing I've
done as President. How about peace? How about 4,000,000 jobs?
How about inflation cut in half? How about honor restored
in the White House? I think Mr. Carter makes a mistake to belittle
America's comeback. I think the American people are feeling
good about America. And I don't think they want the kind of
drastic change Mr. Carter represents.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
DB/10-20-76
Mr. Carter has said he can't think of a single thing I've
done as President. How about peace? How about 4,000,000 jobs?
How about inflation cut in half? How about honor restored
in the White House? I think Mr. Carter makes a mistake to belittle
America's comeback. I think the American people are feeling
good about America. And I don't think they want the kind of
drastic change Mr. Carter represents.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
DB/10-20-76
Mr. Carter has said he can't think of a single thing I've
done as President. How about peace? How about 4,000,000 jobs?
How about inflation cut in half? How about honor restored
in the White House? I think Mr. Carter makes a mistake to belittle
America's comeback. I think the American people are feeling
good about America. And I don't think they want the kind of
drastic change Mr. Carter represents.
DB/10-20-76
Mr. Carter has said he can't think of a single thing I've
done as President. How about peace? How about 4,000,000 jobs?
How about inflation cut in half? How about honor restored
in the White House? I think Mr. Carter makes a mistake to belittle
America's comeback. I think the American people are feeling
good about America. And I don't think they want the kind of
drastic change Mr. Carter represents.
DB/10-20-76