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localId
1554439
label
Third Debate: Closing Statements
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
1554439
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Third Debate: Closing Statements
citationUrl
collections
White House Special Files Unit Files
Ford - Carter Debates Files
subjects
Campaign debates
Presidential campaign, 1976
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1554439
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1976-10-31
month
10
year
1976
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logicalDate
1976-10-01
month
10
year
1976
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fileUnit
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description
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nara-archive
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1
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0
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document
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8cc8c19672d020af
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The original documents are located in Box 3, folder "Third Debate: Closing Statements" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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
During my 25 years in the Congress, five Presidents
led this country. I worked with all of them. I watched them
make decisions. I disagreed with them when I thought they had
made the wrong decisions.
When I became President two years ago, I found there
was quite a difference between making the critical decisions
and second-guessing them.
Since taking office under very difficult circumstances,
I have done my best to put this Nation back on even keel, to
chart a steady course for the future.
Now I stand for election to a full term as your
President. An American campaign must have its share of bumper
stickers and television commercials and slogans. But these
are not the means for deciding who should lead this country
for the next four years.
These are the things that matter: America is
celebrating its Bicentennial year in freedom. America is
-2-
steadily recovering from the worst recession and the worst
inflation in forty years. America has had its faith restored
in the White House. America is at peace.
We have come a long way. We have a long way still to
go. Whatever the outcome of this election, I have been proud
to serve as your President. I love this country, as you do.
It would be the highest honor of my life for you to say,
"Jerry, you've done a good job for America. Keep right on
doing it."
Thank you, and good night.
# # #
25 years (Congress)
5 Presidents led
Worked with them
Disagreed with them
Wrong decisions
GERALD R. FURD
Became Pres.
Difference - making 2nd guessing
ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION
Taking office - difficult circ.
Even keel - steady course - Future
Election - Full term
Campaign - bumper stickers, TV, slogans
Not means - lead country
Come long way
Long way to go.
n hatwer outcome /proad 25
to have been Palo.
Love country no you do
Highert honest - for you
to say - I done you
10th IN american. keep
myth
ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION
Things that matter
Celebrating bi-centennial
Recession - inflation
Faith restored
Peace
Come long way - long way to go
Outcome - election
Proud to serve
Love country - as you do
Highest honor
Jerry - good job - do it
During my 25
Last 2 yrs - found to
Sence taking office /
even beel
standy comme
No stand for itiction for
full term
Bumpr strohn, T.V. commerced
Then am stopm things that matter
Bi unterned
Recording faith from suffalm memorin r