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Third Debate: Briefing Cards - Miscellaneous Topics
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Third Debate: Briefing Cards - Miscellaneous Topics
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The original documents are located in Box 3, folder "Third Debate: Briefing Cards,
Miscellaneous Topics" of the White House Special Files Unit 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 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Digitized from Box 3 of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
DEBATES - READING MATERIALS
RETURN TO MIKE DUVAL
GOVERNMENT VS, PRIVATE ENTERPRISE
THE PRESI
SEEN
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE MUST REALIZE THAT GOVERNMENT CAN ONLY
GROW STRONGER BY MAKING PRIVATE ENTERPRISE WEAKER. EVERY DOLLAR
SPENT BY THE GOVERNMENT COMES FROM THE POCKET OF A WORKING AMERICAN.
IF THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO SPEND MORE, THEN YOU AND I WILL SPEND
LESS. IF THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO EMPLOY MORE PEOPLE, THEN PRIVATE
ENTERPRISE MUST EMPLOY FEWER PEOPLE. AND SUCH AN EMPHASIS ON BUREAU-
CRATIC GROWTH INEVITABLY LEADS TO A DECLINE IN THE PRODUCTION OF
GOODS AND SERVICES, A DECLINE IN THE VALUE OF PEOPLE'S INCOME, AND
AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF INFLATION, WHICH IN TURN PAVES THE WAY FOR
A NEW RECESSION AND EVEN HIGHER UNEMPLOYMENT.
GOP PLATFORM - COST
The
(ANSWER TO ANY CHARGE THAT THE REPUBLICAN PLATFORM WILL RESULT
IN DEFICITS OR INCREASED TAXES.)
UNLIKE MR. CARTER'S PLATFORM, MY PLATFORM CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL
TAX CUTS FOR ALL AMERICANS.
IN ADDITION, THE REPUBLICAN PLATFORM STATES EXPLICITLY UNDER
A SPECIAL "FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY" SECTION THAT ANY NET
REDUCTION OF REVENUES (BECAUSE OF THE REPUBLICAN PROGRAMS)
MUST BE OFFSET BY REDUCED GOVERNMENT SPENDING."
FINALLY, THE PLATFORM DEMANDS A "BALANCED FEDERAL BUDGET".
GOP TAX CUT FOR POOR
(RESPONSE TO CHARGE THAT REPUBLICANS PROTECT THE RICH -- NOT THE
POOR, )
IN THE PERIOD SINCE 1969 -- WHILE REPUBLICANS WERE IN THE
WHITE HOUSE -- 10 MILLION LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
HAVE BEEN DROPPED FROM THE TAX ROLLS ALTOGETHER. THIS IS A
15% REDUCTION.
THIS HELP FOR THE PEOPLE WITH LOW INCOMES WAS ACCOMPLISHED
BY INCREASING EXEMPTIONS AND DEDUCTIONS.
GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION
POINTS:
DEALING WITH PROBLEMS - NOT ORGANIZATIONAL BLOCKS.
RESHUFFLING AGENCIES DOESN'T SOLVE PROBLEMS, WE NEED
NEW LAWS,
RECORD:
THE PRESIDENT HAS:
Community Development 31 months 25 to pages /promm
REVENUE SHARING
1 gahl
PROPOSED CONSOLIDATION OF SEPARATE PROGRAMS IN SUCH
AREAS AS HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES,
PROPOSED THE MOST COMPLETE AND HARD-HITTING GOVERNMENT
REFORM IN HISTORY -
-- RAILROADS, AIRLINES, TRUCKS
-- AGENDA FOR GOVERNMENT REFORM AcT -- ALL AGENCIES IN
4 YEARS
(OVER)
AGENCY-BY-AGENCY "ZERO BASED" BUDGET REVIEW EACH YEAR,
REBUTTAL: CARTER'S "1900 AGENCIES" MADE UP OF:
1200 PART-TIME ADVISORY COMMISSIONS (PRESIDENT REDUCES LIST
BUT CONGRESS ADDS MORE. DOES CARTER WANT TO ELIMINATE
SUCH CITIZENS' GROUPS AS: NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AGING
AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE HANDICAPPED?)
11 CABINET DEPARTMENTS
60 MAJOR AGENCIES
41 GOVERNMENT CORPORATIONS (SUCH AS AMTRAK)
MANAGEMENT
THE KEYS TO A WELL MANAGED FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ARE:
1) STOPPING THE ENDLESS CREATION OF NEW OVERLAPPING PROGRAMS
AND AGENCIES so THAT ATTENTION CAN BE FOCUSED ON WHAT IS
ALREADY THERE.
2) REFORMING THE PROGRAMS THAT ARE ON THE BOOKS so THAT THEY
HAVE A CLEAR MANDATE TO ACCOMPLISH A CLEARLY STATED GOAL --
MOVING AS FAR AS WE CAN TO PUT THE DECISION-MAKING POWER
IN LOCAL OFFICIALS -- NOT IN THE HANDS OF FEDERAL OFFICIALS.
3) KEEPING THE PRESSURE ON, DAY IN AND DAY OUT, ON ACCOMPLISHMENT.
(OVER )
THIS HAS BEEN MY POLICY, AND IT HAS PRODUCED RESULTS.
-
FEWER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ON THE PAYROLL AT THE END OF THE
LAST FISCAL YEAR THAN AT ANYTIME SINCE 1973.
-
HAVE REDUCED THE FEDERALLY IMPOSED PAPERWORK BURDEN ON THE
PUBLIC BY 12% OVER THE LAST YEAR AND HAVE ORDERED FURTHER
REDUCTIONS.
-
TODAY, AN APPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS TAKES
8 MONTHS TO PROCESS, NOT 31 MONTHS AS IT DID WHEN I TOOK OFFICE,
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FORM HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM 1,400
PAGES TO 25,
MAKING GOVERNMENT MORE EFFICIENT IS NOT CHANGING THE NAME ON THE
STATIONERY OR RESHUFFLING BUREAUCRATS FROM AGENCY TO AGENCY. GOOD
MANAGEMENT IS NOT A RAZZLE-DAZZLE, FLOURISH BUSINESS, IT IS HARD
WORK THAT TAKES PERSISTENCE AND STAYING POWER,
BIG GOVERNMENT
WE ARE MAKING GOVERNMENT MORE EFFICIENT AND MORE RESPONSIVE,
MORE EFFICIENT:
CUT FEDERAL FORMS 10%
REDUCED BUREAUCRACY BY 11,000 PEOPLE AND
WHITE HOUSE STAFF TOO
CUT RATE OF GROWTH OF SPENDING BY 50%
CUT TAXES AND WILL DO IT AGAIN
CONSOLIDATED 24 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS INTO
BLOC GRANTS
MORE RESPONSIVE:
TURNING OVER RESOURCES TO LOCAL PEOPLE TO
SOLVE PROBLEMS WHERE THE ACTION IS: IN THE
LOCAL COMMUNITY
CRIME
GOAL - LOCAL CONTROL; MANDATORY SENTENCES FOR CRIMINALS USING
A GUN; PROTECT THE INNOCENT; COMPASSION FOR VICTIMS.
FORD POLICY
1) I HAVE PROPOSED A MODEL SYSTEM OF FEDERAL LAWS:
COMPREHENSIVE FEDERAL CODE
STIFF ANTI-DRUG LAW
MANDATORY SENTENCING FOR KIDNAPPERS AND HIJACKERS AND
THOSE USING GUNS,
COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS
2) STEPPED UP FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT
MORE JUDGES
MORE MARSHALS
MORE PRISONS
(OVER)
3) ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND COMMUNITY LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES:
$7 BILLION OVER FIVE YEARS
"CAREER CRIMINAL" PROGRAM
RESULTS
1974 - CRIME INCREASING 18% A YEAR
1975 - GROWTH RATE CUT TO 10% A YEAR
HOUSING
My GOAL IS TO SEE THAT EVERY AMERICAN CAN OWN A HOME IN A
DECENT NEIGHBORHOOD WHICH IS SAFE AND HAS GOOD SCHOOLS,
To DO THIS, WE ARE COMMITTED TO SECURE JOBS FOR ALL WILLING TO
WORK AND FREEDOM FROM INFLATION -- NEED STEADY ECONOMIC IMPROVEMENTS.
WE ARE: 1) STARTING A PROGRAM WHICH WILL MAKE THE MORTGAGE PAYMENTS
LOWER IN THE EARLY YEARS WHEN FAMILIES ARE GETTING STARTED.
2) STARTING A NEW PROGRAM THAT WILL LOWER DOWN PAYMENTS
BY UP TO 50%.
THIS YEAR ALONE WE WILL:
1) HELP 400,000 LOW INCOME PEOPLE PAY RENTS.
2) HELP 500,000 HOME BUYERS PAY LOWER INTEREST RATES.
URBAN POLICY
THE PRIORITIES FOR OUR CITIES ARE:
JOBS
PERSONAL SAFETY - CRIMINALS OFF THE STREET
STOP DRUG TRAFFIC
NEIGHBORHOODS WITH GOOD HOUSING AND GOOD SCHOOLS
(OVER)
My POLICY IS TO PUT THE MONEY WHERE THE PROBLEMS ARE: IN THE
LOCAL, URBAN AND RURAL AREAS.
1. ELIMINATE FEDERAL MIDDLEMEN,
2. GIVE RESOURCES TO LOCAL PEOPLE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS,
3. I CONSOLIDATED SEVEN URBAN PROGRAMS INTO ONE, GIVING LOCAL
PEOPLE MAXIMUM PARTICIPATION IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.
4. REPLACED 10,000 FEDERAL GRANTS WITH A CETA SYSTEM THAT SENDS
MONEY WHERE IT'S NEEDED.
5. I HAVE PROPOSED THE SAME REFORMS FOR EFFICIENCY AND RESPONSIVENESS
IN HEALTH (16 PROGRAMS INTO ONE)
EDUCATION (24 PROGRAMS INTO ONE)
CHILD NUTRITION (15 PROGRAMS INTO ONE)
CONSUMERISM
- SOME HAVE URGED CREATION OF YET ANOTHER FEDERAL AGENCY TO LOOK
OUT FOR THE INTERESTS OF CONSUMERS. THEY ARGUE THAT THE EXISTING
AGENCIES HAVE BECOME TOOLS OF SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS AND THERE-
FORE WE NEED A COUNTERFORCE AGENCY,
-
IN MY BOOK THAT'S DEFEATISM OF THE WORST KIND. WHAT IT SAYS, IN
EFFECT, IS THAT THE PEOPLE HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE AGENCIES THEY
CREATED TO HELP THEM AND THE ANSWER IS YET ANOTHER NEW AGENCY.
-
I SAY, LET'S MAKE THE AGENCIES WE ALREADY HAVE DO WHAT THEY
ARE SUPPOSED TO DO -- LOOK OUT FOR THE INTERESTS OF ALL OF THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE, LET'S HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE FOR PROTECTING
THE CONSUMER'S INTERESTS. LET'S THROW THE SPECIAL INTEREST
GROUPS OUT.
(OVER)
- WE'VE MADE SOME PROGRESS:
-- REPEALED TRADE LAWS THAT MADE CONSUMERS PAY HIGH PRICES,
-- REDUCED RAILROAD REGULATIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 90 YEARS.
-- - STRENGTHENED ANTI-TRUST LAWS,
-- REDUCED THE AMOUNT OF PAPERWORK IMPOSED BY THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT ON THE PUBLIC BY 12% AND HAVE ORDERED FURTHER
REDUCTIONS.
-
HAVE MAJOR REGULATORY REFORMS PENDING IN CONGRESS THAT WILL
BENEFIT CONSUMERS -
-- AIRLINE INDUSTRY
-- BANKING INDUSTRY
-- SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
WELFARE
TORD
AMERICANS ARE GENEROUS AND COMPASSIONATE PEOPLE.
1. WE HELP THOSE WHO ARE HELPLESS -- SICK, NEEDY, THE CHILDREN,
2. BUT WE WORK HARD -- SHOULDN'T WASTE HELP ON THOSE WHO WON'T
HELP THEMSELVES.
THAT'S WHY WE WANT TO:
1. RAISE FOOD STAMP BENEFITS FOR OUR ELDERLY WHILE CUTTING
THEM FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS FROM WEALTHY FAMILIES.
2. CONSOLIDATE 15 CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS WHICH DO NOT REACH
700,000 NEEDY CHILDREN, BUT DO SUBSIDIZE THE MEALS OF
MANY CHILDREN FROM WEALTHY FAMILIES.
3. REFORM WELFARE TO PROVIDE INCENTIVES FOR PEOPLE TO LEARN
A TRADE AND GET A GOOD JOB.
EDUCATION
I BELIEVE DEEPLY, FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCE, THAT EDUCATION IS
THE KEY TO A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL AMERICANS,
My POLICY HAS BEEN:
FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
-- TO PUT THE $ WHERE THE DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN ARE;
-- TO RETURN DECISION-MAKING TO PARENTS AND TEACHERS AND
TAKE IT AWAY FROM FEDERAL OFFICIALS;
BY COMBINING 24 NARROW PROGRAMS INTO ONE.
(OVER)
FOR HIGHER EDUCATION:
-- TO SEE THAT EVERY CHILD HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET A
COLLEGE EDUCATION:
-- TO BEGIN NEW WAYS THROUGH THE TAX SYSTEM TO HELP MIDDLE
INCOME FAMILIES COPE WITH COLLEGE EXPENSES; AND,
-- HELP THOSE FAMILIES WHO SEND CHILDREN TO NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS,
Q: Mr. President, the Commerce Department announced last week that our trade
deficit for this year had reached $2.6 billion and that the deficit
could reach $4 billion by the end of the year. Do you view the current
trade deficit as a threat to our domestic economy?
A: Our 1976 trade deficit reflects in large measure the strength of the US
economic recovery which has increased demand in the United States more
than demand in many of our trading partners who have not recovered as
rapidly as we have. But we do expect that as economic recovery proceeds
abroad, the demand for our exports will further strengthen.
We must also recognize that the major part of our deficit is oil,
which now accounts for approximately 25% of our total imports, with a
current value of $32-35 billion. This compares with around $7 billion in
1973. Adoption of my comprehensive energy program would help in reducing
this cost by increasing domestic oil production and by encouraging
energy conservation in our homes, on the highways, and in the factories.
GOVERNOR CARTER'S ANSWER BRINGS TO MIND A FAMILIAR
QUOTE BY TEDDY ROOSEVELT WHO SAID: SPEAK SOFTLY AND
CARRY A BIG STICK." GOVERNOR CARTER SEEMS TO BE SAYING,
SPEAK LOUDLY AND CARRY A SMALL STICK -- - IT WON'T WORK
NOTES FOR THE PRESIDENT
1.
MR. CARTER DOESN'T KNOW THE FACTS.
2.
MR. CARTER DOESN'T HAVE THE FULL PICTURE.
3.
MR. CARTER DOESN'T HAVE ALL THE FACTS.
4.
(DETENTE) I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU CALL IT -- LET ME
TELL YOU WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT.
5.
(HARRIS SURVEY) WHAT I WANT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
TO REALIZE IS
6.
ALWAYS MAKE YOUR STRONGEST STATEMENT FIRST.
? - 7.
IN MY POSITION, THERE IS NO ROOM FOR APOLOGIES.
8.
LET ME GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE OR LET ME TELL YOU A STORY.
REBUTTAL ON SECRECY CHARGE
CARTER CHARGE: FOREIGN POLICY UNDER HAK HAS BEEN CONDUCTED UNDER
A CLOAK OF SECRECY, LEADING TO MISTAKES IN VIETNAM,
CAMBODIA, ANGOLA, CIA, ETC.
(1) MY RECORD ON FOREIGN POLICY IS THERE FOR ALL TO SEE:
-- THERE ARE NO SECRET DEALS.
-- WE HAVE HELD AN UNPRECEDENTED NUMBER OF MEETINGS WITH
THE CONGRESS TO KEEP THEM INFORMED.
-- FOR EXAMPLE, AFTER THE SINAI AGREEMENT WAS REACHED, WE
TURNED OVER THE FULLEST DOCUMENTATION IN CONGRESSIONAL
HISTORY ON AN ARRANGEMENT THAT WASN'T EVEN A TREATY.
(OVER)
(2) DIPLOMACY CAN'T BE CONDUCTED WITHOUT CONFIDENTIALITY AND MR.
CARTER KNOWS IT. WE WOULD THINK THAT DELICATE QUESTIONS OF ARMS
CONTROLS OR THE MIDDLE EAST COULD BE NEGOTIATED IN THE GLARE OF
TV LIGHTS. I MIGHT NOTE THAT OUR OWN CONSTITUTION WAS NEGOTIATED
IN SECRET AND THE PROCEEDINGS WERE NOT PUBLISHED FOR 30 YEARS.
BUT WHILE NEGOTIATIONS MUST SOMETIMES BE CONFIDENTIAL, THE
RESULTS DO NOT AND ARE NOT. WE HAVE PROVIDED EXHAUSTIVE TESTIMONY
AND WRITTEN RECORD FOR EVERY TREATY CONCLUDED IN THE PAST TWO
YEARS.
(3) WHILE MR. CARTER COMPLAINS ABOUT SECRET DIPLOMACY, HE AT THE
SAME TIME PROPOSES "UNPUBLICIZED" NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE SOVIETS ON
THE MIDDLE EAST. HE CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS.
CARTER ON KISSINGER
"HE'S (KISSINGER) A REMARKABLE MAN AND A VERY GOOD FRIEND OF MINE.
HE'S THE KIND OF PERSON WHO HAS A TREMENDOUS SENSE OF HUMOR AND
WHO, I THINK, IS PRESERVING THE CHARACTER OF HIS NATION IN A SUPER-
LATIVE WAY DURING THE TIMES THAT ARE so TRYING TO US ALL. "
SPEECH, B'NAI B'RITH
APRIL 20, 1974
WHO RUNS FOREIGN POLICY: KISSINGER OR FORD
THIS IS A SUBJECT THAT HAS ATTRACTED FAR MORE HEAT THAN LIGHT.
LET ME TRY TO SHED SOME LIGHT ON IT.
DR. KISSINGER HAPPENS TO BE A SUPERB SECRETARY OF STATE.
THE CONSTITUTION GIVES THE PRESIDENT AWESOME RESPONSIBILITIES
IN THE FIELD OF FOREIGN POLICY. THE UNITED STATES IS THE KEYSTONE OF
THE SECURITY OF THE FREE WORLD. JUST AS TRUMAN CHOSE ACHESON, I
WANT A STRONG, ACTIVE SECRETARY OF STATE. HENRY KISSINGER IS JUST THAT.
BUT I DON'T NEED TO TELL YOU WHERE THE FINAL RESPONSIBILITY RESTS
FOR DECISIONS SHAPING THE OVERALL DIRECTION AND THRUST OF AMERICAN
FOREIGN POLICY. THAT RESPONSIBILITY RESTS IN THE OVAL OFFICE: IT HAS
(OVER)
BEEN THERE IN THE PAST AND IT REMAINS THERE TODAY. IT IS THE PRESIDENT
-- AND ONLY THE PRESIDENT -- WHO CAN DECIDE WHERE TO SEND OUR TROOPS,
WHO CAN DECIDE HOW MANY MISSILES AND BOMBERS AND SHIPS WE NEED TO
PROTECT OUR SECURITY, AND WHO CAN DECIDE WHETHER THE MOMENT OF
TRUTH HAS ARRIVED IN THE NUCLEAR AGE. THE RESPONSIBILITY IS MINE
AND I AND NO ONE ELSE DISCHARGES THAT RESPONSIBILITY.
HELSINKI SUCCESS
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE HELSINKI SUMMIT OUR ALLY THE
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE
GOVERNMENT OF POLAND UNDER WHICH POLAND AGREED TO PERMIT AT
LEAST 125,000 ETHNIC GERMANS RESIDING IN POLAND TO EMIGRATE TO THE
FRG OVER A FOUR-YEAR PERIOD. UNDER THE AGREEMENT MONTHLY
EMIGRATION FROM POLAND TO THE FRG INCREASED FROM ABOUT 300 IN
AUGUST 1975 TO OVER 2,500 IN MAY 1976. THE FRG HAS ALSO ANNOUNCED
THAT MONTHLY EMIGRATION OF ETHNIC GERMANS FROM THE SOVIET UNION
TO THE FRG INCREASED FROM 364 IN AUGUST OF 1975 TO 1, 129 IN AUGUST
1976.
CARTER'S ENERGY PROPOSAL
1) SHUFFLES BOXES ON ORGANIZATIONAL CHART RATHER THAN SOLVING
SUBSTANTIVE PROBLEMS. CREATES AN ORGANIZATIONAL TINKER TOY,
2) MIXES REGULATORY AND ENERGY PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES, THEREBY
POSSIBLY SUBJECTING INDEPENDENT REGULATORY COMMISSIONS TO
UNDUE
INDUCE POLITICAL INFLUENCE.
3) CARTER'S PLAN CONTAINS NOTHING NOT COVERED IN MY COMPREHENSIVE
ENERGY POLICY CONTAINED IN THE 1975 STATE OF THE UNION
MESSAGE. PROGRAM EITHER BLOCKED BY CONGRESS OR BEING
IMPLEMENTED.
CARTER'S ENERGY PROPOSAL
MR. CARTER'S FOUR-PAGE PRESS RELEASE ON ENERGY ORGANIZA-
TION REVEALS HIS UNFAMILIARITY WITH BOTH ENERGY POLICY AND
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION.
RATHER THAN DEALING WITH THE SUBSTANTIVE PROBLEMS, HE
SHUFFLES BOXES ON AN ORGANIZATION CHART, CREATING THE ILLUSION
OF PROGRESS, BUT AVOIDING THE NECESSITY FOR CHOICES. FOR THE
MOST PART, THE CARTER PROPOSAL IS LITTLE MORE THAN A CUT AND
PASTE JOB FROM THE GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONAL MANUAL AND A
COLLECTION OF PREVIOUS PROPOSALS WHICH THE CONGRESS HAS SHOWN
ITSELF UNWILLING TO ACT ON,
IN SHARP CONTRAST TO THIS ORGANIZATIONAL TINKER TOY, I
HAVE MADE THE HARD DECISIONS AND ANNOUNCED A TOUGH, COMPRE-
HENSIVE ENERGY POLICY IN MY 1975 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS,
CONGRESS AND MR. CARTER HAVE YET TO MAKE THESE DIFFICULT
CHOICES,
IN THOSE CASES WHERE MR. CARTER HAS ADDED SOMETHING NEW,
HE RAISES MORE QUESTIONS THAN HE ANSWERS, FOR EXAMPLE, HE
ELIMINATES SOME INDEPENDENT REGULATORY FUNCTIONS, PLACING
THE ACTIVITIES IN A CABINET AGENCY, AND THEN SAYS THAT IT
WILL BE NECESSARY "To ESTABLISH BUFFERS TO ENSURE THAT
FUNCTIONS ARE INSULATED FROM UNDUE POLITICAL INFLUENCE."
BUT THIS, OF COURSE, IS PRECISELY WHY INDEPENDENT REGULATORY
COMMISSIONS HAVE BEEN CREATED SEPARATE FROM AGENCIES THAT
PROMOTE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT. THE INDEPENDENT REGULATORY
2
COMMISSIONS ARE NOT UNDER THE CONTROL OF A POLITICAL
APPOINTEE.
MR. CARTER'S PROPOSAL APPEARS TO REMOVE THIS IMPORTANT
"BUFFER" AGAINST IMPROPER POLITICAL INTERFERENCE WITH THE
REGULATORY COMMISSIONS.
As TO MR. CARTER'S OTHER ENERGY PROPOSALS TO PRODUCE
MORE ENERGY DOMESTICALLY, THE PLAIN FACT IS THAT THEY HAVE
EITHER BEEN PROPOSED BY ME IN MY 1975 STATE OF THE UNION
MESSAGE -- AND BLOCKED BY CONGRESS -- OR THEY ARE NOW BEING
IMPLEMENTED BY MY ADMINISTRATION.
FIRST REBUTTAL
THE HAS SEEN
I EXPECT TO HAVE AMPLE TIME THIS EVENING TO PRESENT MY
VIEWS -- WHICH DIFFER SHARPLY FROM THOSE EXPRESSED BY MR.
CARTER -- ON (INSERT SUBJECT OF CARTER'S FIRST ANSWER).
BUT OUR RESPECTIVE POSITIONS ON ALL THESE SPECIFIC ISSUES
MUST BE JUDGED BY THE PEOPLE AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THE
CENTRAL ISSUE OF THIS CAMPAIGN: WHICH MAN BY VIRTUE OF
EXPERIENCE, LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY AND WISDOM WARRANTS THE
TRUST OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE?
THE PEOPLE CAN MAKE THIS JUDGMENT BY COMPARING MY SPECIFIC
POLICIES AND RECORD WITH MR. CARTER'S CAMPAIGN PROMISES -
I AM FOR LOWER TAXES FOR ALL AMERICANS. MR. CARTER
SAID HE WILL RAISE TAXES FOR ALL THOSE OVER THE
"MEDIAN" INCOME LEVEL -- THAT'S THREE OUT OF EVERY
FIVE TAXPAYERS,
I AM FOR LESS GOVERNMENT AND LESS FEDERAL SPENDING.
MR. CARTER HAS A PLATFORM WHICH DEMANDS MORE GOVERN-
MENT AND MORE SPENDING.
My VISION FOR OUR THIRD CENTURY IS ONE OF GREATER
FREEDOM FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL AND FOR EVERY FAMILY.
MR. CARTER'S RHETORIC IS FOR MORE GOVERNMENT,
U. S. UNIFORMED MILITARY
AUGUST 31, 1974
2,153,481
AUGUST 31, 1976
(preliminary)
2,084,763
68,718
NOTE: Current authorization is 2,100,000
BIG GOVERNMENT QUESTION (OSHA, FEA, EPA)
The larger issue you are raising,
is whether this Administration is serious about
wanting to reduce the burden of Big Government in
the United States. We are dead serious, and here's
what we've done in 25 months:
-- We've cut back Federal paperwork and the forms
that people fill out by over 10%.
-- We've reduced the size of the Federal bureau-
cracy by 11,000 employees and we've cut the size of
the White House staff,
-- We've asked the Congress to cut the growth rate
of Federal spending by 50%.
-- Most importantly, we've cut taxes. And if I'm
elected, we're going to cut taxes again.
The only way to hold down the cost of living in the
United States is to hold down the cost of government.
As to the specific agencies you questioned, let me
say this:
-- The Environmental Protection Agency and the
Occupational Health and Safety Administration were both
created in the last Administration. The environment must
be protected, and I intend to keep EPA in business. On
the other hand, OSHA has issued far too many burdensome
regulations in my opinion and I intend to rein it in; by
contrast, my opponent wants to expand the powers of OSHA.
- 2 -
-- As to the Federal Energy Administration, it
was created to solve a specific problem: the short-
term energy crisis. We are solving that problem,
and over the next four years, FEA is going to be phased
out.
My policy is to phase out as many useless program
and agencies as possible. Some will be replaced by
new agencies as new problems arise. But the for the
rest, let's save the money and give it back to the
American taxpayer. That's why I want a $10 billion
tax cut for the American people.
NIXON - FORD (WATERGATE/TRUST)
What I've tried to give our country is the kind of leadership they
can count on in good times and bad -- one that stands up and speaks out
for the people's rights, but a little less frantic and noisy, and a little
steadier and quieter than in recent years. I believe it has helped us
have solid and steady recovery these past two years, and I'm proud to
be part of it.
The pardon is one example of this kind of healing leadership.
When I faced that decision, our country was in one of the most
divided and rancorous periods in all our history. It was terribly important --
and urgent -- that we be brought together again.
I can remember very clearly -- better I am sure than anyone in
this theatre -- (looking into the TV camera) and probably better than
anyone watching on television -- the raw emotions of those days in
August of 1974. There was distrust and anger and a vindictive spirit --
diverting us all from great issues and poisoning the political life of our
country.
That recollection is still vivid with me, and because of it, if faced
with the same circumstances, I would make the same decision again. I am
certain in my mind that this decision contributed a great deal to the
healing and recent progress of America, and equally certain that a long delay
of that decision would have done very serious damage in many ways to the
American people.
NIXON - FORD DOMESTIC CONTINUITY
When I came into office, I must tell you that I
was less concerned with the question of what Nixon
than
policies to continue I was with the overriding
question of
how to turn the ship of state
around. It takes
minutes to turn an aircraft
carrier into the opposite direction, but it takes many,
many months -- and sometimes years -- to turn the
ship of state around. But that's what we've done in
the past 25 months.
-- Twenty five months ago, inflation was shooting
up at 12% a year and we were hurtling toward a recession.
Today inflation is less than 6% and the economy is in
the midst of a strong recovery.
-- Twenty five months ago, America was still mired
in Southeast Asia and our allies doubted our leadership.
Today America is at peace and we have restored our
leadership.
-- Twenty five months ago, Americans had lost their
faith and trust in the White House. Today, that faith
and trust has been restored.
I have never tried to total up how many of our policies
come from the last Administration and how many are new. I
am much more interested in solving the country's problems.
-2-
And I can also tell you that I am proud of the
many new initiatives we have put forward to solve those
problems:
-- Under this Administration, taxes have been cut
and I'm fighting to cut them again.
-- Under this Administration, the nation for the
first time has a national energy policy.
-- Under this Administration, the nation for the
first time in half a century is making a concerted
attack on government red tape and bureaucracy.
I am happy to go to the American people and ask
them to judge me on the basis of the last 25 months
and the goals that I am setting for the next four years.
Q: Why do you not have a balance budget?
A: The quickest, surest way to eliminate our huge
$60 billion deficit is to do it gradually -- the way I
have recommended.
If we tried to eliminate the deficit overnight, we
would have SO disrupted the economy as to make it even
more difficult to get the budget back into balance.