Monday, September 4, 1972, Reception for the Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 4, 1972 OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY (San Clemente, California) THE WESTERN WHITE HOUSE REMARKS OF THE PRESIDENT AT A RECEPTION FOR THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS CORPS LA CASA PACIFICA 5:30 P.M. PDT I am not going to take too much time from the party, but I wanted to at least, now that we have had the chance to meet all of you individually, or meet you again, to welcome you collectively on this occasion. It is hard to realize that it was almost four years ago that we were first here, when the members of the press were here, and there were other girls on that occasion, as I recall -- a few other girls -- but some of the wives were here. How many wives were here on that other occasion? Not too many. But in any event, I recall the members of the press had all gone together and Jack Horner presented an ashtray, an antique. In fact, it is so valuable we don't use it. We were most grateful for that, and it rather helped to get this house properly christened. On this occasion, it was interesting to note that we had two pairs of newlyweds; well, relatively new:: one two weeks and one two days. But the Horners are celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary, so everybody have an extra drink for them on this occasion. Now, with regard to this particular party, we are particularly glad that the wives could come, because usually when we have been out here, we aren't here long enough for the wives to come out, or at least that is the excuse that is used, but I was asked whether we would be coming here again between now, on the campaign, and the election. I don't think I can make any promise that we will be here for any length of time. We will be in California perhaps for a visit or two, more or less, three, who knows, but as far as staying over- night here in San Clemente, the possibilities are not too good. Just so that you can make your plans, however, we do hope to be here for election day, so if you want to be in California on a weekend in November, that might be a pretty good time. As a matter of fact, we can announce the election day plans now, because that is the only part of it that we are really sure of. We will be in California the day before the election and will go back to Washington the following day, after voting in the morning, so that we can be in Washington to hear the returns that night. So any of you who want to spend Monday night in California, you will all be welcome on that occasion. MORE