Senator Dirksen -- Representative Ford
February 28-29, 1968

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 Sixty-first Meeting of the Joint Republican Congressional Leaders Called for Wednesday, February 28, 1968, at 1:30 p.m. in the Capitol Office (S-124) of the Consultant to the Leadership, John B. Fisher

Statement by GRF

CONTENT: GRF on administration's failure to control riots. GRF doubts ability of administration to handle variety of problems, listing them specifically.

Statement by EMD

CONTENT: EMD on "problems and perils" beyond our borders. Lists more "doubts" that administration can handle a variety of foreign policy matters. "Today Doubt, Tomorrow Disaster?"

Question and Answer Segment

• Comments on Romney's withdrawal from Republican presidential nomination.
  
  
• GRF on EMD's civil rights compromise's reception in House. Open housing legislation.
  
  
• What is EMD's alternative for Vietnam? He won't say. Wait for National Republican Coordinating Committee meeting.
  
  
• GRF on Rockefeller's presidential aspirations. Role of governors selection candidate. Governor versus congressional leadership on selection. Romney's withdrawal.
  
  
• GRF under no circumstances would be candidate for another office.
  
  
• EMD speculates that Romney may have run a lot of money, although refuses to say that's what happened.
  
  
• EMD asked abut own rate Illinois since he switched to open housing. Says he hasn't thought about it.
  
  
• More speculation about possible candidates and the campaign.
  
  
• EMD on his opposition in Illinois. EMD campaign fund.
  
  
• EMD on surcharge to excise tax bill.
  
  
• Post-conference clatter. Off-record, says he heard Romney ran out of money. EMD on T. Morton's decision not to run again.

Senator Dirksen * Representative Ford
June 12-13, 1968

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 Sixty-seventh Meeting of the Joint Republican Congressional Leaders Called for Wednesday, June 12, 1968, at 1:30 p.m. in the Capitol Office (S-230) of the Senate Minority Leader, the Honorable Everett McKinley Dirksen

Statement by EMD

CONTENT: EMD on 1976 bicentennial of United States. Constitutional provisions for domestic tranquility and history of its observance. But now authority has been challenged. Private property rights ignored. United States has suffered a terrible price. Remedy clear: law must be obeyed and enforced. Flag desecration. Time to reemphasize our history in our schools. Dedication, discipline, and duty.

Statement by GRF

CONTENT: GRF on law enforcement assistance -- act sent to president for signature last week. People must feel safe. But LBJ hasn't signed it because of gun control provisions. Details provisions of crime bill.

Question and Answer Segment

• GRF on LBJ's proposal regarding gun control.
  
  
• EMD on gun control legislation prospects. Discussion of Robert Kennedy assassination and what gun control might have done.
  
  
• GRF asked why LBJ hasn't signed his gun control proposal. GRF wants action one way or the other immediately.
  
  
• EMD speculates about whether congressional leaders have a duty to urge president to sign the proposal.
  
  
• EMD asked to clarify whether or not stricter gun control is called for. His position is unclear and he avoids clarifying it.
  
  
• GRF thinks more action might be taken on gun control.
  
  
• EMD on problem of resuming campaigning amidst crowds. Candidates must mix with people. Can't campaign with just radio and television -- can't eliminate risk. Disagrees with Mike Mansfield.
  
  
• EMD on Republican Platform Committee. GRF believes tone has been constructive.
  
  
• GRF on LBJ veto impact on future gun control legislation.

Senator Dirksen -- Representative Ford
July 17-18, 1968

Audio Index

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 Sixty-eight Meeting of the Joint Republican Congressional Leaders Called for Wednesday, July 17, 1968, at 1:30 p.m. in the Capitol Office (H-202) of the House Minority Leader, the Honorable Gerald R. Ford

Statement by GRF

CONTENT: GRF on LBJ-HHH defense policy inadequacies. Need for nuclear superiority. One Hundred and seventy-eighth day since Pueblo seizure.

Statement by EMD

CONTENT: EMD on need for realistic and unflinching foreign policy. Cites problems.

Question and Answer Segment

• EMD and GRF respond to a question about airline hijacking.
  
  
• EMD on gun control legislation.
  
  
• EMD on Senate Maority Leader Mike Mansfield's proposal for Congress meeting in relation to political conventions. GRF on House's business and schedule.
  
  
• EMD on Chief Justice Earl Warren's "strained relationship" with RMN.
  
  
• EMD responds to question regarding Abe Fortas statement on immunity. Hearings on his nomination to be Chief Justice.
  
  
• GRF on RMN's breakfast with House Republicans that morning.
  
  
• GRF on Lee Polteras, Director of Congressional Campaign Committee.
  
  
• EMD responds to question regarding sale of jets to Israel.
  
  
• EMD responds to question regarding Fortas case.
  
  
• GRF responds to question regarding House Republicans on foreign aid bill.
  
  
• GRF on RMN or Nelson Rockefeller's appeal to black voters.
  
  
• GRF on Pueblo seizure.
  
  
• GRF on unspecified House Judiciary Committee. Consideration may relate to gun control legislation.