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Remarks of the Vice President at the Jim Thompson-For-Governor Dinner, International Ballroom, Conrad Hilton Hotel, Chicago, Illinois [Speeches by Others]
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Remarks of the Vice President at the Jim Thompson-For-Governor Dinner, International Ballroom, Conrad Hilton Hotel, Chicago, Illinois [Speeches by Others]
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1976
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Digitized from Box 31 of the White House Press Releases at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 1976
SEP
Office of the Vice President
RECEIVED
2
(Chicago, Illinois)
REMARKS OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
44 PM ?6
44
AT THE
JIM THOMPSON-FOR-GOVERNOR DINNER
INTERNATIONAL BALLROOM, CONRAD HILTON HOTEL
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AT 8:25 P.M. CDT
Thank you very much, Father Banahan.
Fred, thanks very much indeed for giving me the
great thrill and the pleasure and excitement of being here
at this gathering this evening. I appreciate the opportunity
more than I can say.
For those who talk about the demise of the
Republican Party, the lack of enthusiasm in politics in this
country, ladies and gentlemen, I just wish they were here in
Chicago, Illinois, tonight to see this gathering here.
They would know what the future of America is.
(Applause)
Two rooms filled with wonderful people who care
about this country, who love this country, who want to see
the opportunities for their children, their children's
children, which we all have enjoyed that have given us the
chance to, as free citizens, each find our own expression
in life. And this is revitalized and rekindled by the fact
that two young people, two wonderful young men and women
who have a future in any field they want ahead of them,
have decided that they want to give of their services to
the people of this country.
And I think the inspiration of what Jim and Jayne
are doing, not only here in Chicago but throughout the State
-- and it is already radiating outside the State -- is giving
us a new sense of confidence in this country that the best
people haven't deserted public life.
And as I said in the other room, one of the
things that first rocked me when I first ran for governor,
somebody came up and said, "Why do you want to get into
politics? You've got it good now. Politics is a dirty
business." I was indignant. I said, "If you think politics
is a dirty business, why don't you get in politics and clean
it up?"
That is what Jim has done. That is why he is here,
ladies and gentlemen.
(Applause)
That is why we can have faith and pride in
America.
Now, in the other room Jim was talking about
sacrifices that people made to politics and public life and
MORE
Page 2
how deeply grateful he was. I thought he was building up to
Jayne, but he made it a little broader and included all
those who are supporting him. So I would just like to say,
as one who has been in this a long time, I especially thank
Jayne, because she has come in this right in the middle.
She has got a lot of courage and is going to be the greatest
strength for this country.
(Applause)
I have got to say it is a thrill for me to be here
with Dick Ogilvie, because I don't think there is a finer
governor in this country than Dick Ogilvie.
(Applause)
The fact that he wasn't reelected shows we can
all make mistakes. But we learn by our mistakes, and you
are not going to make it this time, because you have got a
guy who is going to be just as good and do just as good a
job. Chicago and Illinois were always on top, along with
New York,
Some of you may not know it, but Bill
and I started out together as governors. He didn't start
out; he was there, and I came and I learned from him. That
is why I got started as a governor. And there is another
great guy.
This is a State for the Republican Party. Why
not?
(Applause)
Now, I just want to tell you I am delighted to
be here. I am here for four reasons. The first one was to
bring greetings from the President to Jim and Jayne,
personal greetings and his respect and admiration for them
for what they are doing for our country.
Second was to bring very best wishes in regards
to all of you. I would like to thank you, because the
only way that those of us who have been fortunate enough
to get the nominations of our respective State parties or
on the national basis for the President -- the only reason
we are able to go before the people and reach the people
and to have the support that is necessary is because men
and women like yourselves are willing to contribute
generously, as you have and as you are doing by your
presence here this evening. This is what gives the muscle
to the party, and I want to thank you. We are grateful to
you.
And we are grateful to all the party leaders.
Those are the men and women who are the unsung heroes --
the county chairmen and State chairmen and all the workers
in the party.
This thing just doesn't happen. Those are the
ones who care about this party sufficiently to devote
themselves to the party of their choice.
MORE
Page 3
Here we are this evening, and I am thrilled to be
with you. And I am thrilled secondly because Jim Thompson
and his lovely wife, Jayne, are wonderful people for whom
I have a tremendous respect. And this is the essence of
quality in life, respect, and I think that more and more
that feeling is just radiating throughout the State in
respect to this man who has done such a tremendous job up
to now in another capacity and will do it as one of the
great governors.
And, let's face it, the third reason is because
Jim Thompson is going to be governor of Illinois, if every-
one present and all Jim's many admirers continue to go all
out for him.
(Applause)
But let's not think because things look good in
the polls that things are in the bag and you can relax.
That is dangerous. Now can be a dangerous period, so now
is the time to turn it on, stay with it.
(Applause)
And the fourth reason I am here is because I
wanted to be. I like Chicago and I am delighted to be
here. I would like to stay.
(Applause)
Let's face it, ladies and gentlemen, this is a
tough election, no matter how the polls look.
First I would like to talk about the President.
I tell you, President Ford can win, President Ford should
win, and President Ford will win.
(Applause)
We need him. But he is only going to win if the
American people really comprehend the ability Jerry Ford
has shown in his two difficult years in the White House.
Believe me, this has been something.
I have had the privilege of watching him. If
the Americans appreciate the character of Jerry Ford in
dealing with some of the most controversial matters ever
to face the White House, if they respect the courage of
Jerry Ford in facing the tough issues, both foreign and
domestic, not compromising for the sake of special
interest votes but putting the good of the nation as a
whole first, if they understand these things, then he will
be elected.
If the American people fail to understand Jerry
Ford's great contribution to the country in this time of
crisis and his capabilities to lead in the future, it would
be tragic indeed.
Therefore, let us look at the facts. Three grim
crises faced America when Jerry Ford was catapulted into
the Presidency. He didn't seek this office, let's not
forget. It was just a quirk of fate. But it sort of gives
MORE
Page 4
you a sense of confidence in the democratic process, that
there is something special about it, that a man of his
quality should at this moment of constitutional crisis be
elevated to the highest position.
First it was Watergate and the serious constitu-
tional crises that entailed. Second was the Vietnam War,
which divided the Nation as no conflict has since our own
Civil War. And third was inflation threatening to run
away and already hurting our retired people, our senior
citizens and others trying to meet personal and family
necessities on the shrinking dollars.
What did Jerry Ford do? Did he do the easy
things? Did he allow Watergate and the constitutional
crises to pre-empt all of our national energies and
attention? Did he permit the withdrawal from Vietnam and
the final debacle to alienate all our friends and allies
abroad and our self-confidence at home?
Did he court favor with this special interest
and that self-seeking group by allowing or encouraging
greater inflation through more Federal Government spending
for this apparently worthy cause or that apparently
important political project?
The answer is resoundingly no. Let me tell you,
it takes intelligence, it takes understanding, and it takes
sheer courage to do what Jerry Ford did in these last two
years.
(Applause)
And he has got all three of these qualities, and
they all stem from a deep personal conviction on his part,
love of people and a true compassion for his fellow
Americans, and particularly the less fortunate who suffer
most from turmoil, from war and from inflation.
You know, when one looks back to the dark days
of some two years ago, the Nation adrift in a governmental
morass unprecedented in history, in a bitter, costly,
divisive war, and inflation threatening to run away and
destroy our economy, we can be thankful, to paraphrase that
commercial, that we had a Ford in our future.
(Laughter, applause)
And when I said all this to a friend not long ago,
he replied, "But if this is so, then why is Ford behind at
the polls?"
I will tell you my reply. I said, "First, it is
because he has been more concerned with getting the proper
jobs done than public relations gimmickry. He would rather
do the right thing for the country than worry about the
political repercussions.
"Second," I said, "numbers of things had to be done
that didn't make some of the special interests very happy.
MORE
Page 5
"And third," I pointed out, "the fault really isn't
his. It is ours, yours and mine, for not putting the
problems of war and the accomplishments in perspective."
My friends, as Al Smith used to say, "Let's look
at the record."
We have survived the cataclysm of Watergate, and
the resignations of a Vice President and President for the
first time in our history.
We are out of Vietnam, and the President has
gained respect from allies, uncommitted nations and poten-
tial foes.
He has held down inflation. And at the same time,
under his leadership, we have gone through a major recession
and are coming out of it with more Americans employed than
at any time in our history.
(Applause)
Just look at that record of accomplishment,
brothers and sisters -- it just ain't peanuts.
(Laughter, applause)
Jerry Ford is a gutsy, straightforward American
who tells it like it is. He acts the way his knowledge and
his conscience dictate. He doesn't have to shade the
meanings of his phrases so that you are in the dark as to
what he means. He tells you like it is and what he thinks
should be done about it.
He speaks from a record of accomplishment, from
experience. He has shown you and all Americans that you
can have trust and confidence in him, and he need not
belabor the point.
And now let me tell you of another proven,
outstanding leader, and that is Jim Thompson, your next
governor.
(Applause)
I know quite a bit about what it takes to be a
governor, having been one for nearly 16 years. And let
me tell you, Jim has got what it takes.
(Applause)
He has had that essential experience in govern-
ment. This is no novice. He has had experience at the
Federal, the State and the local levels. He understands
community and neighborhood and local feelings. Don't
forget, journalists voted him the Chicagoan of the Year.
He understands the importance of community and the
people, and listening to their views.
Don't forget, the broadcasters named Jim Thompson
the Illinois Man of the Year. He understands humanity, the
deep roots that bind all of us together.
MORE
Page 6
He believes in our moral commitments and has deep
abiding faith in our Judeo-Christian heritage. Is it any
wonder that the Friends of Israel named Jim Thompson the
Israel Bonds Man of the Year?
He understands the elements that make for
responsible citizenry and a better life for all Americans.
He also knows that we cannot have one without the other.
He wants more service for the taxpayers' dollar
-- rooting out waste and mismanagement.
He wants better educational opportunities for our
children.
He wants to really meet the needs of the less
fortunate but to cut the inordinate costs of welfare.
He is all for the needy but not for the greedy.
(Applause)
Jim is dedicated to honesty in government. He has
proven it as a prosecutor of crooks and grafters.
Jim is determined to carry on the fight against
crime that already has won him national acclaim as the best
Federal prosecutor in the United States.
(Applause)
He is a man owned by no one. He is beholden to no
special interest. His only boss is his own conscience. His
only accountability is to people.
Jim Thompson not only should be your next governor
here in Illinois. He should become a major personality and
force in the Republican Party and the Nation as a whole.
(Applause)
I also want to say how I am impressed by the
quality of Jim's running mates -- Dave O'Neill for Lieutenant
Governor -- and a handsome guy, too. It doesn't hurt in
politics.
(Laughter)
George Lindberg, running for reelection as
State Comptroller; Bill Scott, that great vote-getter, running
for reelection as Attorney General.
(Applause)
I don't know how you do it, ladies and gentlemen;
they are all handsome. I think it is great.
(Laughter)
And Bill Harris, running for Secretary of State
of Illinois.
(Applause)
MORE
Page 7
And all the other fine candidates. Ladies and
gentlemen, I just want to urge you to work hard and long
for Jim Thompson and all his associates. And I urge you
to work with equal dedication for Jerry Ford and Bob Dole.
(Applause)
And let me tell you, Bob Dole is a first-rate, able
and dynamic candidate. He knows what makes America tick,
and his whole adult life has been in the service of this
Nation.
When a candidate for Vice President is chosen by a
political party, it should always be with the knowledge that
he may succeed to the Presidency. I can tell you from
personal knowledge that Bob Dole has the strength, the
intelligence, the character and the ability necessary.
And now, in conclusion, let me say that this
campaign is unusual for me. I am not running for anything.
(Laughter)
But I am campaigning here because I am deeply
concerned -- concerned about the future of America in a
world where our way of life and our very national security
is being challenged as never before; concerned about
America's continued growth and the ability to provide jobs
and meet the needs of her people; concerned about America's
government and its capacity to govern in the best interests
of individual Americans and their freedom of choice of where
and how they live and what they work at, and how they may
enjoy the fruits of their labor; concerned for the American
enterprise system that has given more people more freedom
and more opportunity for self-realization than any system
in history; --
(Applause)
-- and, my friends, concerned that the American
people have the fullest information before them when they
vote this November.
I am concerned that we have a strong two-party
system in these United States. It is crucial for our kind
of representative government and for the preservation of our
liberites and the continued dynamism of our national
political life.
I am concerned that we continue to have a
President who will stand up to a Congress when it falls prey
to special interests.
I want a President who will continue to veto
bills -- if necessary, by the hundreds -- if they sacrifice
the good of all the people to the selfish purposes of a few.
(Applause)
I want, in other words, a President whose compas-
sion is shown in actions for all our people -- and not just
saccharin words.
MORE
Page 8
I want a President in power who does not seek to
pit one economic group against another, one section against
another section, but who unifies the Nation in the best
interests of all Americans.
And I want a President who sees not just the
faults, but the true greatness of America; a President who
not only can encourage the dynamic growth of our free
society here at home but command respect and friendship
for us abroad.
In but six weeks the American people will make
their crucial decision at the polls. Let us -- you and I --
leave no stones unturned in getting before them the record,
the capabilities, the promise in leadership under President
Ford and Bob Dole; and before the voters of Illinois the
crucial importance of Jim Thompson's going to your State
House next January.
These things can be done. They will be done --
if each of us does his part.
Thank you very much.
(Applause)
END
(AT 8:50 P.M. CDT)