Senator Dirksen * Representative Ford
March 22-23, 1967

The audio tape of this Republican Congressional Leadership press conference came to The Dirksen Center from the National Archives (Accession 228) in 1985. This index was added to the Republican Congressional Leadership file of the Dirksen Papers in 1996.

One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Meeting of the Joint Republican Congressional Leaders Called for Wednesday, March 22, 1967, at 2:00 p.m. in the Capitol Office (H-202) of the House Minority Leader, the Honorable Gerald R. Ford

Statement by GRF

CONTENT: GRF on agricultural distress and anger. Inflation has shot production costs sky high while parity ratio declines to 74. Republicans have introduced bills to remedy.

Statement by EMD

CONTENT: EMD on farmer victim of LBJ-HHH double-edged sword of high prices but low income with no real benefit to consumers.

Question and Answer Segment

CONTENT:

• EMD responds to question about agricultural imports. No excuse for destroying food surpluses as long as there are hungry people in the world.
  
  
• EMD on "intensification" of military effort in Vietnam as opposed to "escalation." Must win by superior force or if enemy agrees to negotiation. Believes war running in our favor. It if takes more troops or weapons to bring them to the table, then okay. Tries to distinguish between "intensification" and "escalation."
  
  
• EMD doesn't believe that administration lacks resolve in seeking a solution. Problem that there are a lot of advisers. Believes LBJ would follow their recommendation.
  
  
• EMD doesn't believe that a commander-in-chief would do anything short or what's necessary to conclude war. Questioner says some evidence that LBJ is not following advice.
  
  
• GRF responds that President does have sufficient resolution. His biggest problem comes from other members of his party which gives appearance of lack of resolution. (Letters from HoChi Minh released yesterday said he had friends in the US).
  
  
• EMD may disagree but doesn't intend to undermine.
  
  
• Some question about exchange of letters and six days gap between LBJ and HoChi Minh. Speculation.
  
  
• Question about treatment of Dodd versus Adam Clayton Powell. GRF talks about Powell cases. EMD won't comment on Dodd.
  
  
• EMD on Kuchels' election challenge. EMD holds no opinion of Raggerty.
  
  
• EMD on conversation with Percy.
  
  
• EMD has never seen Senate calendar so bare. GRF says not much going on in Congress. Near zero performance.
  
  
• EMD on constitutional convention regarding apportionment.
  
  
• EMD on solution to farm problem. He says take a look at Republican proposed legislation. Aim is to return to the free market.
  
  
• GRF says something must be done regarding tariffs on agricultural imports.
  
  
• EMD on blame for Congress's performance. EMD doesn't answer question -- speaks about agricultural policy. Question repeated. EMD infers its Democratic leaders in Congress. GRF points out lack of White House leadership. "Congress wallowing in action."
  
  
• Does EMD have any advice for HHH? First, EMD speaks about a pending bill regarding agriculture. His advice is to keep his feet dry on his diplomatic mission.

Senator Dirksen * Representative Ford
October 25-26, 1967

The audio tape of this Republican Congressional Leadership press conference came to The Dirksen Center from the National Archives (Accession 228) in 1985. This index was added to the Republican Congressional Leadership file of the Dirksen Papers in 1996.

One Hundred and Fifty-first Meeting of the Joint Republican Congressional Leaders Called for Wednesday, October 25, 1967, at 1:30 p.m. in the Capitol Office (H-202) of the House Minority Leader, the Honorable Gerald R. Ford

EMD Introducing GRF/Statement by GRF

CONTENT: EMD introducing GRF to read joint statement regarding public demonstration showing a lack of confidence in nation's leadership. It's time to deal firmly with the violent few. Lawbreaking and violence cannot be condoned. STRONG STATEMENT. There is no right to act against the public safety.

Question and Answer Segment

CONTENT:

• GRF says some instances we have too much tolerance of violence.
  
  
• Questions and answers on specific demonstrations at such places as Pentagon.
  
  
• Question regarding Governor Reagan's suggestions that demonstrators be tried for treason.
  
  
• EMD elaborates on October 21 March on Washington. Comments about preventative action that could be taken.
  
  
• Question on Martin Luther King's march plans. EMD insists on punishment for law breaking.
  
  
• GRF elaborates on EMD statement. Pentagon demonstration.
  
  
• EMD says new legislation regarding demonstrations will come. Comments on antiriot policy.
  
  
• Question regarding unquoted senator saying EMD will kill Republican Party because so close to LBJ.
  
  
• GRF defends EMD. Question about Vietnam support organization.
  
  
• GRF on votes in Senate on a piece of House legislation regarding reduction in federal spending.
  
  
• EMD comments on "arm twisting" that occurred.

Senator Dirksen * Representative Ford
December 6-7, 1967

The audio tape of this Republican Congressional Leadership press conference came to The Dirksen Center from the National Archives (Accession 228) in 1985. This index was added to the Republican Congressional Leadership file of the Dirksen Papers in 1996.

One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Meeting of the Joint Republican Congressional Leaders Called for Wednesday, December 6, 1967, at 1:30 p.m. in the Capitol Office (H-202) of the House Minority Leader, the Honorable Gerald R. Ford

Statement by EMD

CONTENT: EMD statement to a radio or television audience with GRF. This is the Republican response to LBJ speech earlier in the week in Miami. EMD summarizes LBJ's statement. Wants to respond to LBJ's castigation of Republicans. EMD on politics of Vietnam in the United States.

Statement by GRF

CONTENT: GRF on 90th Congress in 1967 -- it has been a good Congress. Successes: spending limitations for budget control, Social Security bill, partnership in Health Act, clean meat law, clean air act, flammable fabrics bill. GRF on House action: criminal law enforcement act, juvenile delinquency act, antiriot legislation, adult education legislation, American flag bill, equal benefits for Vietnam vets, Maritime Administration curbs on non-defense spending.

Statement by EMD

CONTENT: EMD on LBJ's speech leaving out farmers and their predicament. Omitted much about foreign aid, but Congress really looked it over again this year and got to a manageable level. EMD on deficit and debt.

Statement by GRF

CONTENT: GRF on problems of fiscal management by LBJ. Problem of the deficit. Lack of credibility in administration's figures. Republican alternatives.

Statement by EMD

CONTENT: EMD on danger of big deficit and rising debt. Legacy to grandchildren.

Statement by GRF

CONTENT: GRF responds to EMD's statement.

Statement by EMD

CONTENT: EMD responds to GRF. LBJ "wooden soldiers for the status quo." EMD on signs of economic problems.

Statement by GRF

CONTENT: GRF on crime problem and crime legislation.

Statement by EMD

CONTENT: EMD on likely action on Senate side on House-passed legislation. EMD wants to strengthen it. EMD returns to LBJ's charge that Republicans are wooden soldiers.

Statement by GRF

CONTENT: GRF on job of Congress not completed. Talks about what further action Congress should take. EMD on election reform.

Statement by EMD

CONTENT: EMD on new Republicans resenting "wooden soldier" morner. Forty-seven new Republicans in the House.

Statement by GRF

CONTENT: GRF responds talking about the role of the new Republicans in the House.

Statement by EMD

CONTENT: EMD on intangibles in U.S. Congress -- Dodd and Powell. Congress has been assertive, not rubber stamp. Reasserted constitutional position.

Statement by GRF

CONTENT: GRF talks about his pride in Congress and its record. Pride in America. Wishes Merry Christmas.

Statement by EMD

CONTENT: EMD on Lincoln.