3:30 P.M. New York City New York, October 21, 1980
“Walter, good to see you again.” Somewhere in the towering spire that held CityGroup’s corporate headquarters Ford was shaking hands with Walter Wriston, the CEO grinning widely.
“It’s been too long Jerry,” Wriston said, putting a fatherly hand on Ford’s shoulder, “how have you been?”
Ford smiled, not nearly as broadly as he thought he would.
“Just trying to ride all of this out. It’s been a rough last few weeks.” At this Wriston’s smile vanished, and suddenly he looked very old.
“I know what you mean. It’s hard to believe that Ron’s really gone. I keep expecting to see him on TV or something…but it never happens.”
“I spoke to him on the phone about an hour before he had his stroke…he sounded fine. Then…” Ford snapped his fingers listlessly, “then I’m getting calls from everyone telling me what’s happened. That Ron is hurt, that he might be dying…” He trailed off, sighed and then looked down to the floor.
“This shit just happens sometimes Jerry,” Wriston said, “doesn’t make it any easier to stomach…but its good to know that.”
Ford stared down at the floor.
“When I was in the Navy, back during the war, my ship was once caught in a tropical storm. During that I was swept off of the deck by a wave. For a long moment I stared down into a big mess of storm and spray and lightning reflecting off of the water. I knew that if I fell down there I was going to be swept away. And somehow I managed to grab onto the railing of the next deck down and pull myself back onboard. If I had hesitated for a split second…or fallen just a little further out. If the ship had swayed just a little bit more…I would have ended my life right there in the South Pacific. I know that sometimes things are left up to chance Walter…I just hate that Ron had to die like that.”
For a moment the two men stood in silence, then Wriston frowned and moved away.
“At very least,” he said, “Nancy is keeping busy.”
That was true. Not too long before she had brought Jesse Helms up on libel charges. To which Helms had responded by implicating Lee Atwater and a handful of others. Larry McDonald had fled back to Georgia and was huddling there, having resigned from Helms’ doomed campaign.
“Hopefully it’ll help her through the grieving process. I’ve tried talking to her, but she was serious about not wanting to ever speak to me again after Ron’s funeral.” Wriston looked somewhat deflated by that news.
“Don’t worry Jerry,” he assured Ford, “give her some time. Speak to her after the election. Once all of this shit is over then everyone will be a whole lot more relaxed.” Hopefully that was correct.
“I’m glad that this thing is almost over,” Ford sighed, “just fifteen more days.”
Wriston nodded.
“Then there’s the presidency.”
“Hopefully.” Wriston wagged his finger reproachfully at Ford.
“Definitely.” He corrected. That made Ford smile.
4:00 P.M. Washington D.C., October 22, 1980
“Alright, Fritz, you’ll play Gerald Ford. Jimmy, you ready?” Standing on opposite sides of the Oval Office, the President and Vice President of the United States nodded. Satisfied, Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan clapped his hands together and stepped back. This was the third day of debate prep and he thought that Carter was doing quite well.
“President Carter,” Jordan began, “President Ford, in recent months the Soviet Union has engaged in an intensive buildup in Afghanistan, nearly doubling the number of troops that it has stationed there. Some have criticized both of you for being too slow to act in the face of foreign crisis. How would you describe your respective plans to ensure the safety of the United States and its assets abroad both in Afghanistan and the rest of the world?”
And so it went.
“Six more days until the debate.” Mondale noted as they wrapped up some time later.
Carter nodded. He needed to win this thing outright. Otherwise the election would be a pure tossup. He didn’t like that. At all.
1:00 P.M. Toledo Ohio, October 24, 1980
“It’s a bad time to be a pollster Jerry,” Bush said, his voice crackling slightly as interference buzzed through the phone lines, “I’ve been looking at the averages, and of the eleven states that could be described as tossups, only Wisconsin isn’t completely submerged in a bunch of statistical noise. Helms’ polling is going nuts, Carter appears to be rising, but so do you…I really cant tell what’s going on.”
On the other end of the line, feet propped up on his desk, Ford nodded along.
“And Wisconsin seems to be going for us?” He asked, somewhat rhetorically.
“That’s right,” Bush said cheerfully, “your numbers in the Midwest are marginally improved over what they were at this time in ’76.”
Strangely enough that only made Ford more nervous, the possibility that the numbers were completely wrong (all too plausible) gnawing away at the back of his mind.
The old fallback that he wouldn’t lose by too much presented itself as a comfort, but…
But, he reminded himself, he hadn’t lost by too much last time either, and that had still hurt. Badly.
And it would vindicate Helms’ people too. That was even worse than any personal trauma an electoral defeat would inflict.
“So we’ve got eleven states up for grabs on Election Day…” Ford said, trying to distract himself from those nerve-wracking musings.
“And we need to win at least eight of them if we want to win the election,” Bush said, then paused for a moment, perhaps realizing how discouraging that sounded, “which is easier than it sounds. We’re definitely going to win Oregon, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Maine. That just leaves Ohio, Virginia, Mississippi and New Jersey. We take two of those four and we win.” Even that sounded a little daunting.
“There are the debates first,” Ford said, “in only a few days now.”
Bush didn’t sound too concerned.
“You’ll do fine.” He said breezily.
Ford hoped that the Texan was right.
8:11 P.M. Cleveland Ohio, October 28, 1980
The 1980 presidential debate, hosted by the League of Women Voters (who had hosted the 1976 debate as well and were inviting plenty of jokes concerning deja vu as a result) was scheduled to begin at 8:30 Eastern Standard Time. In the final minutes before the beginning of the event, Ford and Carter elected to meet and speak one last time.
The atmosphere behind the debate stage was tense, but members of both campaigns mingled freely and jokes were cracked aplenty. The general consensus was that even though the election was tight and victory could go to anyone, at very least Helms had been effectively knocked out of the contest.
“For a while there I was worried that we’d have right wing ideologues demanding that he be up here too,” Howard Smith (the debate moderator) said privately to Ford and Carter backstage, “but he’s gone. Thank God.”
“Thank God.” Ford agreed. Carter didn’t seem quite as enthused as Ford but still nodded along. Helms was definitely a detriment to the state of democratic discourse in America…even if he’d also been sucking votes from Ford.
“Seems like just yesterday I was at the convention.” Ford said, sitting down opposite the President.
Carter smiled wanly. He looked tired but still formidable. In his hands he held a fan of note cards, all dark with writing. Policy specifics, details, wisecracks…all carefully jotted down for future use.
“I’m glad we’ve remained friendly through all of this,” Carter said, “it’s been a rough election.”
“That’s an understatement,” Ford ran a hand through thinning hair, “I feel like I might spend the time between Election Day and the Inauguration just sleeping.”
“Careful,” Carter warned lightly, “you’ll need to pick me out a nice reelection gift.”
Ford laughed.
“I’d appreciate a nice coffee mug for when I win,” he said, “perhaps one with Grover Cleveland’s face on it.”
“In all seriousness,” Carter said, smile fading gently from his face, “it’s been a pleasure to face off against you Jerry.” The President extended a hand. Ford shook.
At that moment Howard Smith reappeared, a half dollar held loosely between two fingers.
“Gentlemen,” he said, “it’s time for the coin flip.”
“Heads.” Carter said without hesitation.
“Tails then.” Ford said with a shrug.
Smith sent the half dollar spinning skyward before catching it neatly and slapping it down on the back of one hand.
“Tails. Congratulations Jerry.” Smith said with a smile and Carter winced.
“I’m losing my touch.” He said.
“Don’t worry,” Ford said, patting his opponent on the shoulder, “I’ll save you a nice place in the front row when I get inaugurated.”
“You wish.” Carter smiled fiercely and soon afterwards the two men headed off to their respective backrooms for final preparations.
Ford spent his time sitting quietly with Betty, hands entwined with hers. He had never been the best debater and the thought of going first, even if it gave him a minor advantage over Carter, scared him badly.
“You’ll do fine darling.” Betty said firmly.
Ford took a deep breath.
Made up his mind to believe her.
8:31 P.M. Cleveland Ohio, October 28, 1980
Introductions sped by almost without comprehension. The League of Women Voters had sent their chairwoman out onto the stage to introduce Ford and Carter, then Howard Smith had done much the same thing.
Ford forced himself to relax. Thought of Betty and Michael, John, Steven and Susan. Thought of the friendship he’d cultivated with Baker and the devastating loss he’d suffered when Reagan had passed so suddenly. Allowed all of this to flow together into one calm, clear pool of determination.
He’d braved so much to get here. Overcome so many obstacles just to be sitting behind this podium, within a hair’s breadth of reclaiming the presidency. He couldn’t let it slip away.
Just a few feet away Ford could see Carter staring into middle space as well, reflecting upon similar sources of strength. Faith and family perhaps. A determination to continue in the good he was doing for the country.
It really was shocking just how similar they were. Perhaps that was why they got along so well.
“…Now, based upon the results of the coin toss conducted backstage, President Ford will respond to the first question from panelist Marvin Stone of the US News and World Report.” Howard Smith was saying.
Ford smiled broadly and made sure he was standing straight. Stone leaned in towards his microphone.
“Mr. President,” he said with a little respectful nod that Ford liked very much, “as you're well aware, the question of war and peace has emerged as a central issue in this campaign in the give and take of recent weeks. President Carter has been criticized for responding late to aggressive Soviet impulses, for insufficient build-up of our armed forces. and a paralysis in dealing with Afghanistan and Iran. You have been criticized for being all too quick to advocate the use of lots of muscle - military action - to deal with foreign crises. Specifically, what are the differences between the two of you on the uses of American military power?”
Ford mulled over the question for a quick moment, all too aware that his timer had begun to tick down.
“I cant help but think back to the last time I shared a debate stage with Mr. Carter,” Ford said, giving Carter a glance, “four years ago. When we spoke of military power in 1976 President Carter spoke in broad strokes of our nation being weak, of the United States not being respected anymore. He spoke in broad generalizations then, and continues to speak in them now, even after a full term as commander in chief of our military. I do not know what President Carter’s strategy in terms of American military power is because he has elected not to provide one. Rather than a unified strategy to keep the country safe, what we see from this administration has been a continual stumble from one crisis to another. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan…the Islamic revolution in Iran…and so on.
“What I believe is that this sort of directionless policy cannot continue. We have always been a nation of strivers and doers, and I aim to make use of that by focusing on a concrete policy that aims towards such lofty goals as repairing our national morale and achieving world peace. The use of force in the pursuit of these goals is and always will be a last resort, but it is important to say aloud that it is an option all the same.
“We are the most powerful nation in the world and as such have shouldered the great and unenviable burden of safeguarding the freedom of our allies and policing the intents of our enemies. We must not let ourselves slip in those duties, we cannot let our strength falter upon the pain of another war like the one we so recently suffered through in Vietnam.
“America has never become embroiled in a conflict by being too strong. We have only ever gone to war by letting events abroad spiral out of control. If we are to maintain peace in this world then we cannot do that. We must remain vigilant and strong even as we cast a judicious eye to the past and recognize that we are not a nation of warmongers hungering for the next bloodletting.
“I myself am a combat veteran. I have fought and bled in the service of this country and wish dearly for there never to have to be another generation of young men who come of age under the shriek of artillery and the drone of warplanes.”
“Time President Ford,” Smith said, cutting neatly into Ford’s answer, “Mr. Stone, do you have any follow-up questions for President Ford?”
Stone shook his head, deciding perhaps that he wanted to hear Carter’s take on the question.
“No.” He said.
Smith turned to Carter.
“The same question to you now Mr. President. Would you like to hear it repeated?”
“No thank you Mr. Smith,” Carter said graciously, “and as for my answer…I have served now as commander in chief for four years and in that time have made thousands of decisions, all that have affected the future of this nation in myriad ways. As a result of this decision making I would have to say that I am a much wiser and more experienced man now than I was when I first debated President Ford in 1976.
“Amongst the things that I have learned is the fact that there are often no simple answers to what are usually very complicated questions. There are only clear trends that emerge from the fog of uncertainty after the fact…and looking upon these trends I can say with utter certainty that the directionless lack of policy that President Ford accuses me of simply does not exist.
“You see, in the eight years before I took office, this nation was having its military strength drained. Seven out of those eight years, including those years that President Ford spent in office, we cut our military budget…37% in all. That is a massive amount of money entirely gone, and entirely sanctioned by President Ford.
“During my time in office we have engaged in a very careful and measured buildup of military forces in order to restore American strength and confront Soviet aggression abroad. And that buildup has not just been limited to our armed forces but our diplomatic corps as well. Recently we were able to facilitate a historic agreement between the nations of Egypt and Israel at Camp David. This has placed both Egypt and Israel together with us in a cooperative defense capacity that is a very good development for world peace.
“There will always be troubled nations in the world that we will need to deal with…and we must do so while keeping in mind that how we interact with these foreign peoples has direct consequences all that way here at home. I understand this and have kept it firmly in mind while conducting diplomacy with the nations of the world. And I will continue to reflect upon it while keeping our nation at peace.” This attracted quite a bit of applause from the audience and Carter smiled, looking more at ease now. Ford, despite himself, felt a little thrill of nervousness pass through him. Carter’s answer had been…good. The President had definitely improved since their first encounter in 1976.
“Do you have any followup questions for the President Mr. Stone?” Smith asked.
“Yes,” Stone said, “I would like to be a little more specific on the use of military power and let's talk about one area for a moment. Under what circumstances would you use military forces to deal with, for example, a shut-off of the Persian Gulf’s oil if that should occur, or to counter Russian expansion beyond Afghanistan into either Iran or Pakistan? I ask this question in view of charges that we are woefully unprepared to project sustained - and I emphasize the word sustained - power in that part of the world.”
Carter smiled, a little testily, slightly displeased to be dealing with more implications of foreign policy weakness on his part.
“Mr. Stone,” he began, “in my State of the Union address earlier this year I spent quite a bit of time speaking on the subject of the Persian Gulf and its continued importance to American policy in the Middle East. I recognize this region as a lynchpin for continued peace in the world…as a very important region to be focusing our attentions on. In recent years we did not have adequate military assets based there, that much was true. But no longer. Currently we have two carrier task forces within easy range of five major facilities in that region. And we also have renewed and strengthened relations with allies both old and new throughout the area.
“Working with these allies, we have made it entirely clear that in the event of a hostile action in the Persian Gulf that threatens commerce we would not hesitate to act sharply and accordingly to end the crisis as soon as possible.
“Now, a major part of this question doubtlessly concerns the involvement of American troops. I would hope that we could end any potential crisis quickly and preferably through diplomacy and peace rather than the injection of American forces into combat. I feel that making the power of our nation felt in a positive, beneficial way would be far more effective than, as President Ford said, letting a new generation experience their coming of age under gunfire.”
“President Ford,” Smith said, turning to face Ford, “you have a minute to comment or rebut.”
Ford nodded graciously, his mind humming along. Carter was doing well. That was slightly concerning, but not at all unexpected. The man had been President for four years now, he was no longer just some nobody peanut farming Georgian…he had real achievements under his belt.
But, Ford felt a smile cross his face, so did he.
“Thank you Mr. Smith,” he began, “firstly I’d like to call into question President Carter’s figure regarding the decline of military spending in the eight years preceding his administration. I would call to your attention that we were in a war that was wound down over the course of those eight years, which necessitated an adjustment from a wartime military to a peacetime one. I would also like to point out that Republican Presidents in that time period, myself included,” this got a titter from the audience, “were faced with a House dominated by Democrats, who were all too eager to snip away at any defense bills that we offered them. I should know, I was there.
“And when I first left office four years ago I left behind a very detailed five year buildup of our military. President Carter, upon taking office, slashed that buildup by 38%, removed sixty ships from the Navy building program that I recommended, halted development of the B-1 supersonic stealth bomber and stopped production of the Minuteman and Trident missiles and submarines.
“To replace this President Carter hopes to build a lighter, more mobile military that can be delivered to various spots throughout the world. This sounds very fine on paper until you begin realizing that this new reliance on techniques eerily similar to what we attempted in Vietnam may not work as well in the real world as it does on the planning board.”
“President Carter, you have the last word on this question.” Smith said.
“Well, there are various elements of defense…chief amongst them is the control of nuclear weapons, which I hope we’ll get to later, seeing as how it’s easily the most important issue in this election right now. Another is how to deal with troubled nations in the world. I believe that Mr. Ford and I are largely on the same page when it comes to the broad strokes of what is necessary to keep American power steady and influentially positive abroad. We must maintain our strength and our vigilance while also exercising restraint.
“The buildup of our military forces is very important, because possessing a strong military and a willingness to use it in a fair, positive way is very important for our future. But at the same time I must stress that peace is something that we must cherish and hold onto with all of our hearts. I will forever maintain that the best weapon one can possess is one that is never fired in combat, and the best soldier is one who has never had to go through the terrors of war. Strength and peace go hand in hand, and are imperative for the future of this nation.”
“Thank you gentlemen,” Smith said, “this next question to President Carter comes from Mr. Harry Ellis of the Christian Science Monitor.”
Ellis leaned in towards his microphone, reading from a sheet of paper.
“Mr. President, when you were elected in 1976, the Consumer Price Index stood at 4.8%. It now stands at more than 12%. Perhaps more significantly, the nation's broader, underlying inflation rate has gone up from 7% to 9%. Now, a part of that was due to external factors beyond U.S. control, notably the more than doubling of oil prices by OPEC last year. Because the United States remains vulnerable to such external shocks, can inflation in fact be controlled? If so, what measures would you pursue in a second term?”
“I believe, Mr. Ellis, that it is very important to maintain perspective in cases like this. In 1974 we had an oil shock caused by the manipulation of OPEC oil prices…and another shock just last year that was even worse. The 1974 shock resulted in the worst and longest lasting recession that this nation has seen since World War Two. The 1979 oil shock also resulted in a recession, but that recession was the briefest that we’ve seen since World War Two.
“In addition we’ve brought down inflation. At the beginning of this year we had an inflation rate of 18% for the first quarter of this year. By the second quarter it had dropped to 13%, then to 7% by the third quarter. This is still far too high, but it, along with the more than nine million jobs that have been created during my administration, demonstrate that the economic recovery is real and continuing.
“That being said, the inflationary threat is still very real and present. We cannot ignore it, but neither can we allow misguided conservative policies to exacerbate it as they did back in 1974.
“In comparison to what Mr. Ford and his people want to do…under my administration we have created nine million jobs, drastically lowered inflation and set in place policies that will stimulate job growth and create tools for American workers well into the future. This is the foundation of my plans for a second term and I believe in their soundness wholeheartedly.”
“Mr. Ellis, do you have any followup questions for President Carter?”
“Yes, thank you Howard…Mr. President, you have mentioned the creation of nine million new jobs. At the same time, the unemployment rate still hangs high, as does the inflation rate. Now, I wonder, can you tell us what additional policies you would pursue in a second administration in order to try to bring down that inflation rate? And would it be an act of leadership to tell the American people they are going to have to sacrifice to adopt a leaner lifestyle for some time to come?”
Carter considered. Smiled. Looked over the crowd, gauging their mood. For the most part they seemed undecided, intrigued by both Ford and Carter’s answers.
“Yes. We’ve demanded that the American people sacrifice some things for the greater good of the nation and we have done well in that regard. As a matter of fact, today we are importing 25% less oil from abroad than we were when I first took office. At the same time, as I said earlier, we’ve added nine million jobs and had great success in lowering inflation. The engine of this economic growth has been the tremendous strides that we’ve made in the energy industry. This year we’ve already produced more coal than ever before in American history, more oil and more gas wells.
“The new economic revitalization plan that we have scheduled for next year would result in special tax credits that would let businesses invest in tools and new industries that would create millions more jobs. We’ve also planned a youth employment program that would provide more than six hundred thousand jobs for young people in this country. As of right now it has already passed the House and has excellent prospects for passing the Senate.”
“Thank you Mr. President,” Smith said, “now the same question goes to President Ford. Mr. Ford, would you like to have the question repeated?”
Ford shook his head once more.
“No thank you Mr. Smith. Now, Mr. Ellis…I believe that this idea that President Carter has subscribed to, that inflation comes upon us like a plague from on high and cannot be remedied but through intensive government action is dangerous and completely incorrect. When Mr. Carter first took office inflation was at 4.8%, as you said. I had cut it in half during my time in office, only to see it now sitting at 12.7% right now.
“President Carter has also spoken of the new jobs created during his administration. But I would have to counter with the immutable fact that when the country grows and enjoys an increase in population, then new jobs will always be created as a result. This has nothing to do with governmental policy, it simply happens as a result of market forces.
“Mr. Carter has pointed to these several million jobs as evidence of an economic revitalization while ignoring completely the eight million Americans who are currently out of work. He ignores that two million of them lost their jobs just in the last year…the period where he claimed that the nation was recovering from the 1979 oil shock.
“These jobs have been lost because President Carter, acting against promises he has made publicly, is using unemployment as a tool to attack inflation with. In January inflation was over 18%. Since then President Carter has blamed myriad enemies for that dangerous inflation rate. He’s blamed OPEC, he’s blamed the Federal Reserve system…and most of all he’s blamed the American people.
“If you were to listen to President Carter then you would know that he believes that there is a lack of productivity in the American people and a tendency to live too well. This, according to him, is why inflation is so high…and therefore, according to the current administration, we must all share in scarcity if we wish to defeat it.
“I disagree with this. We do not have inflation because the people are living too well, but rather because we have shoveled too much of our money into the government. Our budgets are unbalanced, our taxes have skyrocketed, our entire economic system is entirely unstable…and yet President Carter insists that the blame lies at the feet of the laypeople trying to make their way through this mess.
“Now, it would be irresponsible of me to insinuate that the President wants an unbalanced budget…that is simply not the case. President Carter wishes to balance the budget just as strongly as I do. But where we differ is in how we wish to accomplish that feat. Under a Ford administration you would see carefully considered cuts to government spending, coupled with tax cuts and breaks designed to lift the American people out of our current economic rut.
“President Carter wishes to raise taxes even further, so that government is finally making just as much as it’s spending. Only then, I presume, will he stop blaming the people he is taxing so harshly for causing him so much trouble.”
Applause. Carter gave Ford a little look, as if saying: well played. Ford felt just a little better about his chances in the debate.
“A followup for President Ford?” Smith asked.
“Yes,” Ellis leaned in to the microphone again, “Mr. Ford. You have centered on cutting government spending in what you have just said about your own policies. You have also said that you would increase defense spending. Specifically, where would you cut government spending if you were to increase defense spending and also cut taxes, so that, presumably, Federal revenues would shrink?”
“Well…most people, when they think of cutting government funding, they envision some broad effort to slash basic services and completely eliminate entire departments. I’m not interested in that. I’m not Jesse Helms after all.” There was some laughter from the audience at that.
“When I say that I want to cut government spending,” Ford continued, “I am referring to the waste and fraud and extravagance that such a large and bureaucratic entity attracts. For instance, just this year one of President Carter’s HEW secretaries testified that he believed there to be nearly seven billion dollars of waste in his own department.
“We’ve had Central Accounting say that there are tens of billions of dollars lost through fraud every year. And those two examples are hardly alone, waste in government exists…I was President of the United States once, I know that, and I stand firmly in opposition to it.
“When each of us pays our taxes we like to envision those dollars going to roads and hospitals and libraries and defense…institutions that keep our country great. But all too often where our tax dollars end up is in the pocket of some unscrupulous official or useless department.
“When I was in office I made great strides in reducing government waste and returning money that would have otherwise vanished without a trace to the American people. And I can assure all of you, both in this hall and at home watching, that I will continue to fight for you once I am elected.”
“President Carter, your response?”
“I would call to attention the fact that Mr. Ford provided no clear examples of this focus on combating waste and fraud in government that he seems intent on championing now. This is because, despite his attempts to burnish his conservative credentials, Mr. Ford never made much of an effort to combat corruption or fight this so called plague of government spending. During his presidency Mr. Ford signed into law a tax increase and succeeded in running successively larger deficits each year he was in office.
“Government spending under the Ford administration increased markedly-“
Ford decided to interrupt.
“The Education for All Handicapped Children Act.” He said firmly.
Carter sputtered to a halt, taken by surprise at Ford’s interjection.
“President Ford…” Smith warned, but Ford ignored him.
“In 1975 I signed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. I knew that it would negatively impact the national budget but agreed to allocate funds for it regardless because it was the right thing to do. And I know that you agree Mr. Carter, because not only did you praise the Act, but you also expanded it upon getting into office.
“And the tax increase you mentioned…that was a one year thing only. Unlike your tax increases, which remain on the books to this day.”
Ford’s words, which had been traced with applause, were nearly drowned out in the end as the audience clapped and even whistled and whooped in a few places. Ford’s deliberate flaunting of the debate rules seemed to remind them of Reagan…which was definitely a good thing.
“Try to stay within your own time Mr. Ford.” Smith said, raising an eyebrow at Ford.
“I shall.” Ford said, and the debate went on.
The questions were all well worded and well thought out, the moderators professional and courteous. The audience buzzed with excitement, entranced by the debate. This was far more exciting than anyone had expected. Both Carter and Ford seemed evenly matched, trading blows and discussing policy with an incandescent candor that made the whole election seem accessible and open.
For nearly an hour they went on, then Smith looked up at the two candidates, a little smile on his face.
“This is the last question gentlemen, before we get into final statements. Ms. Walters?”
Barbara Walters of ABC News stood to ask her question.
“Thank you. You have addressed some of the major issues tonight, but the biggest issue in the mind of American voters is yourselves - your ability to lead this country. When many voters go into that booth just a week from today, they will be voting their gut instinct about you men. You have already given us your reasons why people should vote for you, now would you please tell us for this your final question, why they should not vote for your opponent, why his Presidency could be harmful to the nation and, having examined both your opponent's record and the man himself, tell us his greatest weakness.”
The question went first to Carter, who nodded slightly.
“Gerald Ford and I have become good friends since I first defeated him in 1976. This makes me extremely reluctant to say anything critical about him, but seeing as how he did not get the message the first time…” The audience rippled with laughter, Carter’s tone dropped, became more serious.
“This is an election year and, just like 1976 fate has brought Mr. Ford and myself together. But while we may be the same people that debated on a stage just like this one four long years ago, the circumstances could hardly be more different.
“We stand today in tough times that have nonetheless begun to get better. The inflation rate is dropping, unemployment is decreasing, the economy is improving and when I say that America’s best days are ahead of her, I mean it.
“My opponent and I agree on many things, I am relieved to find that our views on foreign affairs are roughly comparable, that we both believe wholeheartedly in compassion over cruelty and peace over war.
“That being said, my opponent has also, unlike me, had the chance to prove himself via the rigors of the presidency. And looking back on that time in our nation’s history, can anyone say with certainty that Gerald Ford was a success? Does America need another four years of pain and danger and trouble?”
“President Ford?”
Ford spoke.
“When Mr. Carter and I first ran against each other in 1976 he conjured up something that he called ‘the misery index’. The index functioned by adding together the rate of unemployment and the rate of inflation. At that time the index was at 12.5%. Now, four years of a Carter administration later, that very same index is well above 20% and shows no signs of leaving that lofty perch.
“I believe that this suggests something.
“It is true that President Carter and I are good friends, that our fondness of each other has survived the rigors of the campaign trail and will hopefully last a good long while, but as a friend I am obligated to tell Mr. Carter that he is not the man that the nation needs right now.
“Fortunately, if non-consecutive terms catch on, perhaps he can have another chance at the White House in 1984. But right here, right now, I have only one thing to say: this nation is not better off now than it was four years ago…and I aim to fix that.”
The audience applauded. Carter smiled, rolled his eyes slightly at Ford…but looked slightly worried all the same.
“Thank you gentlemen,” Smith said, “now you will each have three minutes for a final statement. President Carter, you’re first.”
“I’d like to thank Mr. Howard Smith for moderating, the League of Women Voters for making this debate possible, and my opponent for being a good sport throughout the whole thing. This has been an extremely constructive debate and I would also like to thank Cleveland Ohio for being a wonderful host these past few hours.
“I have been President of the United States for four years now. I have made thousands of decisions in that time, and each one of them has taught me something new and important about the job. I have seen the strength of my nation, and the crises that it has faced. I have stared down some tough times and difficult decisions during my time behind the Resolute Desk, that much is undeniable.
“And amongst all of those little things that I have learned over the years one immutable truth shines through: that the United States of America must be a strong nation, a secure nation, and a just nation if we wish to succeed in the world. We must place our resources not only into security but also into peace as well, for all the defense in the world serves no purpose if we have nothing to guard in the first place.
“I believe that since I have been in office there have been six or eight areas of strife that have touched upon the United States in one way or another. And in each case I have had to carefully, rationally consider what the appropriate course of action should be…how it would impact my nation and the countless people that live there.
“Ive done that with moderation, with care and with thoughtfulness. And in each case I have made use of my cabinet and my experts. But, and this is another thing I’ve learned, those experts cannot tell you exactly what must be done. That end decision is entirely up to the man whose job it is to be President of the United States.
“The presidency is a lonely job at times, a tough job and one that will have its occupant face stresses unparalleled by any other occupation in the world. But I bear these rigors gladly, for providence and the American people have seen fit to elect me into this job and I in turn have knelt down into the soil of effort and toil to build my nation up and ensure that it remains a great place forevermore. Thank you, and God bless you all.”
“President Ford?”
“I would like to add my words of thanks to the ladies of the Women’s Voter League, the men and women making up the distinguished panel of experts, Mr. Howard Smith, a most excellent moderator, and the city of Cleveland for hosting this wonderful event.
“Next Tuesday is Election Day. Next Tuesday millions of Americans from across all fifty states will flock to the polls to make their voices heard. When all of you make it to your local polling place, when you stand in the privacy of your ballot booth, you will make an important decision, one that will be shared with every single other person in this nation. And I believe that it would suit you well if you were to ask yourself a question before you pulled that lever.
“Are you better off today than you were four years ago? It’s a question that applies to each election in this country, to each incumbent and each challenger…but applies even more definitely to this election that we are racing towards right now.
“Are you better off now than you were four years ago? Is it easier for you to afford your groceries, your car, your apartment or house? Is America more respected than we were four years ago? Is our country safe?
“All those questions and more should be asked before you cast your vote. And if you agree with them, if you do believe that America is better off now than it was before President Carter took office, then it is very apparent who you should vote for. But for the rest of you, that silent majority left behind by the Carter administration…I would ask you to consider those questions very closely.
“And I would also like to say that this country does not have to be the way it is right now. We do not have to lower ourselves into purposeful scarcity in order to beat inflation. We don’t have to raise taxes to whip the budget deficit. And we do not have to look to the unemployment lines and simply accept that they are now a fact of life.
“We’re better than that! As Americans we do not bow our heads when problems face us. We didn’t grovel before the Great Depression any more than we bent the knee for the rise of fascism in Europe, or the expansion of communism throughout the Third World.
“America is a nation of strivers, of doers and thinkers and achievers. When faced with problems we race to fix them with whatever we have available because that is what has kept our nation great across the gulf of two centuries. And what will keep our nation great well into the future. Thank you all.”
“Walter, good to see you again.” Somewhere in the towering spire that held CityGroup’s corporate headquarters Ford was shaking hands with Walter Wriston, the CEO grinning widely.
“It’s been too long Jerry,” Wriston said, putting a fatherly hand on Ford’s shoulder, “how have you been?”
Ford smiled, not nearly as broadly as he thought he would.
“Just trying to ride all of this out. It’s been a rough last few weeks.” At this Wriston’s smile vanished, and suddenly he looked very old.
“I know what you mean. It’s hard to believe that Ron’s really gone. I keep expecting to see him on TV or something…but it never happens.”
“I spoke to him on the phone about an hour before he had his stroke…he sounded fine. Then…” Ford snapped his fingers listlessly, “then I’m getting calls from everyone telling me what’s happened. That Ron is hurt, that he might be dying…” He trailed off, sighed and then looked down to the floor.
“This shit just happens sometimes Jerry,” Wriston said, “doesn’t make it any easier to stomach…but its good to know that.”
Ford stared down at the floor.
“When I was in the Navy, back during the war, my ship was once caught in a tropical storm. During that I was swept off of the deck by a wave. For a long moment I stared down into a big mess of storm and spray and lightning reflecting off of the water. I knew that if I fell down there I was going to be swept away. And somehow I managed to grab onto the railing of the next deck down and pull myself back onboard. If I had hesitated for a split second…or fallen just a little further out. If the ship had swayed just a little bit more…I would have ended my life right there in the South Pacific. I know that sometimes things are left up to chance Walter…I just hate that Ron had to die like that.”
For a moment the two men stood in silence, then Wriston frowned and moved away.
“At very least,” he said, “Nancy is keeping busy.”
That was true. Not too long before she had brought Jesse Helms up on libel charges. To which Helms had responded by implicating Lee Atwater and a handful of others. Larry McDonald had fled back to Georgia and was huddling there, having resigned from Helms’ doomed campaign.
“Hopefully it’ll help her through the grieving process. I’ve tried talking to her, but she was serious about not wanting to ever speak to me again after Ron’s funeral.” Wriston looked somewhat deflated by that news.
“Don’t worry Jerry,” he assured Ford, “give her some time. Speak to her after the election. Once all of this shit is over then everyone will be a whole lot more relaxed.” Hopefully that was correct.
“I’m glad that this thing is almost over,” Ford sighed, “just fifteen more days.”
Wriston nodded.
“Then there’s the presidency.”
“Hopefully.” Wriston wagged his finger reproachfully at Ford.
“Definitely.” He corrected. That made Ford smile.
4:00 P.M. Washington D.C., October 22, 1980
“Alright, Fritz, you’ll play Gerald Ford. Jimmy, you ready?” Standing on opposite sides of the Oval Office, the President and Vice President of the United States nodded. Satisfied, Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan clapped his hands together and stepped back. This was the third day of debate prep and he thought that Carter was doing quite well.
“President Carter,” Jordan began, “President Ford, in recent months the Soviet Union has engaged in an intensive buildup in Afghanistan, nearly doubling the number of troops that it has stationed there. Some have criticized both of you for being too slow to act in the face of foreign crisis. How would you describe your respective plans to ensure the safety of the United States and its assets abroad both in Afghanistan and the rest of the world?”
And so it went.
“Six more days until the debate.” Mondale noted as they wrapped up some time later.
Carter nodded. He needed to win this thing outright. Otherwise the election would be a pure tossup. He didn’t like that. At all.
1:00 P.M. Toledo Ohio, October 24, 1980
“It’s a bad time to be a pollster Jerry,” Bush said, his voice crackling slightly as interference buzzed through the phone lines, “I’ve been looking at the averages, and of the eleven states that could be described as tossups, only Wisconsin isn’t completely submerged in a bunch of statistical noise. Helms’ polling is going nuts, Carter appears to be rising, but so do you…I really cant tell what’s going on.”
On the other end of the line, feet propped up on his desk, Ford nodded along.
“And Wisconsin seems to be going for us?” He asked, somewhat rhetorically.
“That’s right,” Bush said cheerfully, “your numbers in the Midwest are marginally improved over what they were at this time in ’76.”
Strangely enough that only made Ford more nervous, the possibility that the numbers were completely wrong (all too plausible) gnawing away at the back of his mind.
The old fallback that he wouldn’t lose by too much presented itself as a comfort, but…
But, he reminded himself, he hadn’t lost by too much last time either, and that had still hurt. Badly.
And it would vindicate Helms’ people too. That was even worse than any personal trauma an electoral defeat would inflict.
“So we’ve got eleven states up for grabs on Election Day…” Ford said, trying to distract himself from those nerve-wracking musings.
“And we need to win at least eight of them if we want to win the election,” Bush said, then paused for a moment, perhaps realizing how discouraging that sounded, “which is easier than it sounds. We’re definitely going to win Oregon, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Maine. That just leaves Ohio, Virginia, Mississippi and New Jersey. We take two of those four and we win.” Even that sounded a little daunting.
“There are the debates first,” Ford said, “in only a few days now.”
Bush didn’t sound too concerned.
“You’ll do fine.” He said breezily.
Ford hoped that the Texan was right.
8:11 P.M. Cleveland Ohio, October 28, 1980
The 1980 presidential debate, hosted by the League of Women Voters (who had hosted the 1976 debate as well and were inviting plenty of jokes concerning deja vu as a result) was scheduled to begin at 8:30 Eastern Standard Time. In the final minutes before the beginning of the event, Ford and Carter elected to meet and speak one last time.
The atmosphere behind the debate stage was tense, but members of both campaigns mingled freely and jokes were cracked aplenty. The general consensus was that even though the election was tight and victory could go to anyone, at very least Helms had been effectively knocked out of the contest.
“For a while there I was worried that we’d have right wing ideologues demanding that he be up here too,” Howard Smith (the debate moderator) said privately to Ford and Carter backstage, “but he’s gone. Thank God.”
“Thank God.” Ford agreed. Carter didn’t seem quite as enthused as Ford but still nodded along. Helms was definitely a detriment to the state of democratic discourse in America…even if he’d also been sucking votes from Ford.
“Seems like just yesterday I was at the convention.” Ford said, sitting down opposite the President.
Carter smiled wanly. He looked tired but still formidable. In his hands he held a fan of note cards, all dark with writing. Policy specifics, details, wisecracks…all carefully jotted down for future use.
“I’m glad we’ve remained friendly through all of this,” Carter said, “it’s been a rough election.”
“That’s an understatement,” Ford ran a hand through thinning hair, “I feel like I might spend the time between Election Day and the Inauguration just sleeping.”
“Careful,” Carter warned lightly, “you’ll need to pick me out a nice reelection gift.”
Ford laughed.
“I’d appreciate a nice coffee mug for when I win,” he said, “perhaps one with Grover Cleveland’s face on it.”
“In all seriousness,” Carter said, smile fading gently from his face, “it’s been a pleasure to face off against you Jerry.” The President extended a hand. Ford shook.
At that moment Howard Smith reappeared, a half dollar held loosely between two fingers.
“Gentlemen,” he said, “it’s time for the coin flip.”
“Heads.” Carter said without hesitation.
“Tails then.” Ford said with a shrug.
Smith sent the half dollar spinning skyward before catching it neatly and slapping it down on the back of one hand.
“Tails. Congratulations Jerry.” Smith said with a smile and Carter winced.
“I’m losing my touch.” He said.
“Don’t worry,” Ford said, patting his opponent on the shoulder, “I’ll save you a nice place in the front row when I get inaugurated.”
“You wish.” Carter smiled fiercely and soon afterwards the two men headed off to their respective backrooms for final preparations.
Ford spent his time sitting quietly with Betty, hands entwined with hers. He had never been the best debater and the thought of going first, even if it gave him a minor advantage over Carter, scared him badly.
“You’ll do fine darling.” Betty said firmly.
Ford took a deep breath.
Made up his mind to believe her.
8:31 P.M. Cleveland Ohio, October 28, 1980
Introductions sped by almost without comprehension. The League of Women Voters had sent their chairwoman out onto the stage to introduce Ford and Carter, then Howard Smith had done much the same thing.
Ford forced himself to relax. Thought of Betty and Michael, John, Steven and Susan. Thought of the friendship he’d cultivated with Baker and the devastating loss he’d suffered when Reagan had passed so suddenly. Allowed all of this to flow together into one calm, clear pool of determination.
He’d braved so much to get here. Overcome so many obstacles just to be sitting behind this podium, within a hair’s breadth of reclaiming the presidency. He couldn’t let it slip away.
Just a few feet away Ford could see Carter staring into middle space as well, reflecting upon similar sources of strength. Faith and family perhaps. A determination to continue in the good he was doing for the country.
It really was shocking just how similar they were. Perhaps that was why they got along so well.
“…Now, based upon the results of the coin toss conducted backstage, President Ford will respond to the first question from panelist Marvin Stone of the US News and World Report.” Howard Smith was saying.
Ford smiled broadly and made sure he was standing straight. Stone leaned in towards his microphone.
“Mr. President,” he said with a little respectful nod that Ford liked very much, “as you're well aware, the question of war and peace has emerged as a central issue in this campaign in the give and take of recent weeks. President Carter has been criticized for responding late to aggressive Soviet impulses, for insufficient build-up of our armed forces. and a paralysis in dealing with Afghanistan and Iran. You have been criticized for being all too quick to advocate the use of lots of muscle - military action - to deal with foreign crises. Specifically, what are the differences between the two of you on the uses of American military power?”
Ford mulled over the question for a quick moment, all too aware that his timer had begun to tick down.
“I cant help but think back to the last time I shared a debate stage with Mr. Carter,” Ford said, giving Carter a glance, “four years ago. When we spoke of military power in 1976 President Carter spoke in broad strokes of our nation being weak, of the United States not being respected anymore. He spoke in broad generalizations then, and continues to speak in them now, even after a full term as commander in chief of our military. I do not know what President Carter’s strategy in terms of American military power is because he has elected not to provide one. Rather than a unified strategy to keep the country safe, what we see from this administration has been a continual stumble from one crisis to another. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan…the Islamic revolution in Iran…and so on.
“What I believe is that this sort of directionless policy cannot continue. We have always been a nation of strivers and doers, and I aim to make use of that by focusing on a concrete policy that aims towards such lofty goals as repairing our national morale and achieving world peace. The use of force in the pursuit of these goals is and always will be a last resort, but it is important to say aloud that it is an option all the same.
“We are the most powerful nation in the world and as such have shouldered the great and unenviable burden of safeguarding the freedom of our allies and policing the intents of our enemies. We must not let ourselves slip in those duties, we cannot let our strength falter upon the pain of another war like the one we so recently suffered through in Vietnam.
“America has never become embroiled in a conflict by being too strong. We have only ever gone to war by letting events abroad spiral out of control. If we are to maintain peace in this world then we cannot do that. We must remain vigilant and strong even as we cast a judicious eye to the past and recognize that we are not a nation of warmongers hungering for the next bloodletting.
“I myself am a combat veteran. I have fought and bled in the service of this country and wish dearly for there never to have to be another generation of young men who come of age under the shriek of artillery and the drone of warplanes.”
“Time President Ford,” Smith said, cutting neatly into Ford’s answer, “Mr. Stone, do you have any follow-up questions for President Ford?”
Stone shook his head, deciding perhaps that he wanted to hear Carter’s take on the question.
“No.” He said.
Smith turned to Carter.
“The same question to you now Mr. President. Would you like to hear it repeated?”
“No thank you Mr. Smith,” Carter said graciously, “and as for my answer…I have served now as commander in chief for four years and in that time have made thousands of decisions, all that have affected the future of this nation in myriad ways. As a result of this decision making I would have to say that I am a much wiser and more experienced man now than I was when I first debated President Ford in 1976.
“Amongst the things that I have learned is the fact that there are often no simple answers to what are usually very complicated questions. There are only clear trends that emerge from the fog of uncertainty after the fact…and looking upon these trends I can say with utter certainty that the directionless lack of policy that President Ford accuses me of simply does not exist.
“You see, in the eight years before I took office, this nation was having its military strength drained. Seven out of those eight years, including those years that President Ford spent in office, we cut our military budget…37% in all. That is a massive amount of money entirely gone, and entirely sanctioned by President Ford.
“During my time in office we have engaged in a very careful and measured buildup of military forces in order to restore American strength and confront Soviet aggression abroad. And that buildup has not just been limited to our armed forces but our diplomatic corps as well. Recently we were able to facilitate a historic agreement between the nations of Egypt and Israel at Camp David. This has placed both Egypt and Israel together with us in a cooperative defense capacity that is a very good development for world peace.
“There will always be troubled nations in the world that we will need to deal with…and we must do so while keeping in mind that how we interact with these foreign peoples has direct consequences all that way here at home. I understand this and have kept it firmly in mind while conducting diplomacy with the nations of the world. And I will continue to reflect upon it while keeping our nation at peace.” This attracted quite a bit of applause from the audience and Carter smiled, looking more at ease now. Ford, despite himself, felt a little thrill of nervousness pass through him. Carter’s answer had been…good. The President had definitely improved since their first encounter in 1976.
“Do you have any followup questions for the President Mr. Stone?” Smith asked.
“Yes,” Stone said, “I would like to be a little more specific on the use of military power and let's talk about one area for a moment. Under what circumstances would you use military forces to deal with, for example, a shut-off of the Persian Gulf’s oil if that should occur, or to counter Russian expansion beyond Afghanistan into either Iran or Pakistan? I ask this question in view of charges that we are woefully unprepared to project sustained - and I emphasize the word sustained - power in that part of the world.”
Carter smiled, a little testily, slightly displeased to be dealing with more implications of foreign policy weakness on his part.
“Mr. Stone,” he began, “in my State of the Union address earlier this year I spent quite a bit of time speaking on the subject of the Persian Gulf and its continued importance to American policy in the Middle East. I recognize this region as a lynchpin for continued peace in the world…as a very important region to be focusing our attentions on. In recent years we did not have adequate military assets based there, that much was true. But no longer. Currently we have two carrier task forces within easy range of five major facilities in that region. And we also have renewed and strengthened relations with allies both old and new throughout the area.
“Working with these allies, we have made it entirely clear that in the event of a hostile action in the Persian Gulf that threatens commerce we would not hesitate to act sharply and accordingly to end the crisis as soon as possible.
“Now, a major part of this question doubtlessly concerns the involvement of American troops. I would hope that we could end any potential crisis quickly and preferably through diplomacy and peace rather than the injection of American forces into combat. I feel that making the power of our nation felt in a positive, beneficial way would be far more effective than, as President Ford said, letting a new generation experience their coming of age under gunfire.”
“President Ford,” Smith said, turning to face Ford, “you have a minute to comment or rebut.”
Ford nodded graciously, his mind humming along. Carter was doing well. That was slightly concerning, but not at all unexpected. The man had been President for four years now, he was no longer just some nobody peanut farming Georgian…he had real achievements under his belt.
But, Ford felt a smile cross his face, so did he.
“Thank you Mr. Smith,” he began, “firstly I’d like to call into question President Carter’s figure regarding the decline of military spending in the eight years preceding his administration. I would call to your attention that we were in a war that was wound down over the course of those eight years, which necessitated an adjustment from a wartime military to a peacetime one. I would also like to point out that Republican Presidents in that time period, myself included,” this got a titter from the audience, “were faced with a House dominated by Democrats, who were all too eager to snip away at any defense bills that we offered them. I should know, I was there.
“And when I first left office four years ago I left behind a very detailed five year buildup of our military. President Carter, upon taking office, slashed that buildup by 38%, removed sixty ships from the Navy building program that I recommended, halted development of the B-1 supersonic stealth bomber and stopped production of the Minuteman and Trident missiles and submarines.
“To replace this President Carter hopes to build a lighter, more mobile military that can be delivered to various spots throughout the world. This sounds very fine on paper until you begin realizing that this new reliance on techniques eerily similar to what we attempted in Vietnam may not work as well in the real world as it does on the planning board.”
“President Carter, you have the last word on this question.” Smith said.
“Well, there are various elements of defense…chief amongst them is the control of nuclear weapons, which I hope we’ll get to later, seeing as how it’s easily the most important issue in this election right now. Another is how to deal with troubled nations in the world. I believe that Mr. Ford and I are largely on the same page when it comes to the broad strokes of what is necessary to keep American power steady and influentially positive abroad. We must maintain our strength and our vigilance while also exercising restraint.
“The buildup of our military forces is very important, because possessing a strong military and a willingness to use it in a fair, positive way is very important for our future. But at the same time I must stress that peace is something that we must cherish and hold onto with all of our hearts. I will forever maintain that the best weapon one can possess is one that is never fired in combat, and the best soldier is one who has never had to go through the terrors of war. Strength and peace go hand in hand, and are imperative for the future of this nation.”
“Thank you gentlemen,” Smith said, “this next question to President Carter comes from Mr. Harry Ellis of the Christian Science Monitor.”
Ellis leaned in towards his microphone, reading from a sheet of paper.
“Mr. President, when you were elected in 1976, the Consumer Price Index stood at 4.8%. It now stands at more than 12%. Perhaps more significantly, the nation's broader, underlying inflation rate has gone up from 7% to 9%. Now, a part of that was due to external factors beyond U.S. control, notably the more than doubling of oil prices by OPEC last year. Because the United States remains vulnerable to such external shocks, can inflation in fact be controlled? If so, what measures would you pursue in a second term?”
“I believe, Mr. Ellis, that it is very important to maintain perspective in cases like this. In 1974 we had an oil shock caused by the manipulation of OPEC oil prices…and another shock just last year that was even worse. The 1974 shock resulted in the worst and longest lasting recession that this nation has seen since World War Two. The 1979 oil shock also resulted in a recession, but that recession was the briefest that we’ve seen since World War Two.
“In addition we’ve brought down inflation. At the beginning of this year we had an inflation rate of 18% for the first quarter of this year. By the second quarter it had dropped to 13%, then to 7% by the third quarter. This is still far too high, but it, along with the more than nine million jobs that have been created during my administration, demonstrate that the economic recovery is real and continuing.
“That being said, the inflationary threat is still very real and present. We cannot ignore it, but neither can we allow misguided conservative policies to exacerbate it as they did back in 1974.
“In comparison to what Mr. Ford and his people want to do…under my administration we have created nine million jobs, drastically lowered inflation and set in place policies that will stimulate job growth and create tools for American workers well into the future. This is the foundation of my plans for a second term and I believe in their soundness wholeheartedly.”
“Mr. Ellis, do you have any followup questions for President Carter?”
“Yes, thank you Howard…Mr. President, you have mentioned the creation of nine million new jobs. At the same time, the unemployment rate still hangs high, as does the inflation rate. Now, I wonder, can you tell us what additional policies you would pursue in a second administration in order to try to bring down that inflation rate? And would it be an act of leadership to tell the American people they are going to have to sacrifice to adopt a leaner lifestyle for some time to come?”
Carter considered. Smiled. Looked over the crowd, gauging their mood. For the most part they seemed undecided, intrigued by both Ford and Carter’s answers.
“Yes. We’ve demanded that the American people sacrifice some things for the greater good of the nation and we have done well in that regard. As a matter of fact, today we are importing 25% less oil from abroad than we were when I first took office. At the same time, as I said earlier, we’ve added nine million jobs and had great success in lowering inflation. The engine of this economic growth has been the tremendous strides that we’ve made in the energy industry. This year we’ve already produced more coal than ever before in American history, more oil and more gas wells.
“The new economic revitalization plan that we have scheduled for next year would result in special tax credits that would let businesses invest in tools and new industries that would create millions more jobs. We’ve also planned a youth employment program that would provide more than six hundred thousand jobs for young people in this country. As of right now it has already passed the House and has excellent prospects for passing the Senate.”
“Thank you Mr. President,” Smith said, “now the same question goes to President Ford. Mr. Ford, would you like to have the question repeated?”
Ford shook his head once more.
“No thank you Mr. Smith. Now, Mr. Ellis…I believe that this idea that President Carter has subscribed to, that inflation comes upon us like a plague from on high and cannot be remedied but through intensive government action is dangerous and completely incorrect. When Mr. Carter first took office inflation was at 4.8%, as you said. I had cut it in half during my time in office, only to see it now sitting at 12.7% right now.
“President Carter has also spoken of the new jobs created during his administration. But I would have to counter with the immutable fact that when the country grows and enjoys an increase in population, then new jobs will always be created as a result. This has nothing to do with governmental policy, it simply happens as a result of market forces.
“Mr. Carter has pointed to these several million jobs as evidence of an economic revitalization while ignoring completely the eight million Americans who are currently out of work. He ignores that two million of them lost their jobs just in the last year…the period where he claimed that the nation was recovering from the 1979 oil shock.
“These jobs have been lost because President Carter, acting against promises he has made publicly, is using unemployment as a tool to attack inflation with. In January inflation was over 18%. Since then President Carter has blamed myriad enemies for that dangerous inflation rate. He’s blamed OPEC, he’s blamed the Federal Reserve system…and most of all he’s blamed the American people.
“If you were to listen to President Carter then you would know that he believes that there is a lack of productivity in the American people and a tendency to live too well. This, according to him, is why inflation is so high…and therefore, according to the current administration, we must all share in scarcity if we wish to defeat it.
“I disagree with this. We do not have inflation because the people are living too well, but rather because we have shoveled too much of our money into the government. Our budgets are unbalanced, our taxes have skyrocketed, our entire economic system is entirely unstable…and yet President Carter insists that the blame lies at the feet of the laypeople trying to make their way through this mess.
“Now, it would be irresponsible of me to insinuate that the President wants an unbalanced budget…that is simply not the case. President Carter wishes to balance the budget just as strongly as I do. But where we differ is in how we wish to accomplish that feat. Under a Ford administration you would see carefully considered cuts to government spending, coupled with tax cuts and breaks designed to lift the American people out of our current economic rut.
“President Carter wishes to raise taxes even further, so that government is finally making just as much as it’s spending. Only then, I presume, will he stop blaming the people he is taxing so harshly for causing him so much trouble.”
Applause. Carter gave Ford a little look, as if saying: well played. Ford felt just a little better about his chances in the debate.
“A followup for President Ford?” Smith asked.
“Yes,” Ellis leaned in to the microphone again, “Mr. Ford. You have centered on cutting government spending in what you have just said about your own policies. You have also said that you would increase defense spending. Specifically, where would you cut government spending if you were to increase defense spending and also cut taxes, so that, presumably, Federal revenues would shrink?”
“Well…most people, when they think of cutting government funding, they envision some broad effort to slash basic services and completely eliminate entire departments. I’m not interested in that. I’m not Jesse Helms after all.” There was some laughter from the audience at that.
“When I say that I want to cut government spending,” Ford continued, “I am referring to the waste and fraud and extravagance that such a large and bureaucratic entity attracts. For instance, just this year one of President Carter’s HEW secretaries testified that he believed there to be nearly seven billion dollars of waste in his own department.
“We’ve had Central Accounting say that there are tens of billions of dollars lost through fraud every year. And those two examples are hardly alone, waste in government exists…I was President of the United States once, I know that, and I stand firmly in opposition to it.
“When each of us pays our taxes we like to envision those dollars going to roads and hospitals and libraries and defense…institutions that keep our country great. But all too often where our tax dollars end up is in the pocket of some unscrupulous official or useless department.
“When I was in office I made great strides in reducing government waste and returning money that would have otherwise vanished without a trace to the American people. And I can assure all of you, both in this hall and at home watching, that I will continue to fight for you once I am elected.”
“President Carter, your response?”
“I would call to attention the fact that Mr. Ford provided no clear examples of this focus on combating waste and fraud in government that he seems intent on championing now. This is because, despite his attempts to burnish his conservative credentials, Mr. Ford never made much of an effort to combat corruption or fight this so called plague of government spending. During his presidency Mr. Ford signed into law a tax increase and succeeded in running successively larger deficits each year he was in office.
“Government spending under the Ford administration increased markedly-“
Ford decided to interrupt.
“The Education for All Handicapped Children Act.” He said firmly.
Carter sputtered to a halt, taken by surprise at Ford’s interjection.
“President Ford…” Smith warned, but Ford ignored him.
“In 1975 I signed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. I knew that it would negatively impact the national budget but agreed to allocate funds for it regardless because it was the right thing to do. And I know that you agree Mr. Carter, because not only did you praise the Act, but you also expanded it upon getting into office.
“And the tax increase you mentioned…that was a one year thing only. Unlike your tax increases, which remain on the books to this day.”
Ford’s words, which had been traced with applause, were nearly drowned out in the end as the audience clapped and even whistled and whooped in a few places. Ford’s deliberate flaunting of the debate rules seemed to remind them of Reagan…which was definitely a good thing.
“Try to stay within your own time Mr. Ford.” Smith said, raising an eyebrow at Ford.
“I shall.” Ford said, and the debate went on.
The questions were all well worded and well thought out, the moderators professional and courteous. The audience buzzed with excitement, entranced by the debate. This was far more exciting than anyone had expected. Both Carter and Ford seemed evenly matched, trading blows and discussing policy with an incandescent candor that made the whole election seem accessible and open.
For nearly an hour they went on, then Smith looked up at the two candidates, a little smile on his face.
“This is the last question gentlemen, before we get into final statements. Ms. Walters?”
Barbara Walters of ABC News stood to ask her question.
“Thank you. You have addressed some of the major issues tonight, but the biggest issue in the mind of American voters is yourselves - your ability to lead this country. When many voters go into that booth just a week from today, they will be voting their gut instinct about you men. You have already given us your reasons why people should vote for you, now would you please tell us for this your final question, why they should not vote for your opponent, why his Presidency could be harmful to the nation and, having examined both your opponent's record and the man himself, tell us his greatest weakness.”
The question went first to Carter, who nodded slightly.
“Gerald Ford and I have become good friends since I first defeated him in 1976. This makes me extremely reluctant to say anything critical about him, but seeing as how he did not get the message the first time…” The audience rippled with laughter, Carter’s tone dropped, became more serious.
“This is an election year and, just like 1976 fate has brought Mr. Ford and myself together. But while we may be the same people that debated on a stage just like this one four long years ago, the circumstances could hardly be more different.
“We stand today in tough times that have nonetheless begun to get better. The inflation rate is dropping, unemployment is decreasing, the economy is improving and when I say that America’s best days are ahead of her, I mean it.
“My opponent and I agree on many things, I am relieved to find that our views on foreign affairs are roughly comparable, that we both believe wholeheartedly in compassion over cruelty and peace over war.
“That being said, my opponent has also, unlike me, had the chance to prove himself via the rigors of the presidency. And looking back on that time in our nation’s history, can anyone say with certainty that Gerald Ford was a success? Does America need another four years of pain and danger and trouble?”
“President Ford?”
Ford spoke.
“When Mr. Carter and I first ran against each other in 1976 he conjured up something that he called ‘the misery index’. The index functioned by adding together the rate of unemployment and the rate of inflation. At that time the index was at 12.5%. Now, four years of a Carter administration later, that very same index is well above 20% and shows no signs of leaving that lofty perch.
“I believe that this suggests something.
“It is true that President Carter and I are good friends, that our fondness of each other has survived the rigors of the campaign trail and will hopefully last a good long while, but as a friend I am obligated to tell Mr. Carter that he is not the man that the nation needs right now.
“Fortunately, if non-consecutive terms catch on, perhaps he can have another chance at the White House in 1984. But right here, right now, I have only one thing to say: this nation is not better off now than it was four years ago…and I aim to fix that.”
The audience applauded. Carter smiled, rolled his eyes slightly at Ford…but looked slightly worried all the same.
“Thank you gentlemen,” Smith said, “now you will each have three minutes for a final statement. President Carter, you’re first.”
“I’d like to thank Mr. Howard Smith for moderating, the League of Women Voters for making this debate possible, and my opponent for being a good sport throughout the whole thing. This has been an extremely constructive debate and I would also like to thank Cleveland Ohio for being a wonderful host these past few hours.
“I have been President of the United States for four years now. I have made thousands of decisions in that time, and each one of them has taught me something new and important about the job. I have seen the strength of my nation, and the crises that it has faced. I have stared down some tough times and difficult decisions during my time behind the Resolute Desk, that much is undeniable.
“And amongst all of those little things that I have learned over the years one immutable truth shines through: that the United States of America must be a strong nation, a secure nation, and a just nation if we wish to succeed in the world. We must place our resources not only into security but also into peace as well, for all the defense in the world serves no purpose if we have nothing to guard in the first place.
“I believe that since I have been in office there have been six or eight areas of strife that have touched upon the United States in one way or another. And in each case I have had to carefully, rationally consider what the appropriate course of action should be…how it would impact my nation and the countless people that live there.
“Ive done that with moderation, with care and with thoughtfulness. And in each case I have made use of my cabinet and my experts. But, and this is another thing I’ve learned, those experts cannot tell you exactly what must be done. That end decision is entirely up to the man whose job it is to be President of the United States.
“The presidency is a lonely job at times, a tough job and one that will have its occupant face stresses unparalleled by any other occupation in the world. But I bear these rigors gladly, for providence and the American people have seen fit to elect me into this job and I in turn have knelt down into the soil of effort and toil to build my nation up and ensure that it remains a great place forevermore. Thank you, and God bless you all.”
“President Ford?”
“I would like to add my words of thanks to the ladies of the Women’s Voter League, the men and women making up the distinguished panel of experts, Mr. Howard Smith, a most excellent moderator, and the city of Cleveland for hosting this wonderful event.
“Next Tuesday is Election Day. Next Tuesday millions of Americans from across all fifty states will flock to the polls to make their voices heard. When all of you make it to your local polling place, when you stand in the privacy of your ballot booth, you will make an important decision, one that will be shared with every single other person in this nation. And I believe that it would suit you well if you were to ask yourself a question before you pulled that lever.
“Are you better off today than you were four years ago? It’s a question that applies to each election in this country, to each incumbent and each challenger…but applies even more definitely to this election that we are racing towards right now.
“Are you better off now than you were four years ago? Is it easier for you to afford your groceries, your car, your apartment or house? Is America more respected than we were four years ago? Is our country safe?
“All those questions and more should be asked before you cast your vote. And if you agree with them, if you do believe that America is better off now than it was before President Carter took office, then it is very apparent who you should vote for. But for the rest of you, that silent majority left behind by the Carter administration…I would ask you to consider those questions very closely.
“And I would also like to say that this country does not have to be the way it is right now. We do not have to lower ourselves into purposeful scarcity in order to beat inflation. We don’t have to raise taxes to whip the budget deficit. And we do not have to look to the unemployment lines and simply accept that they are now a fact of life.
“We’re better than that! As Americans we do not bow our heads when problems face us. We didn’t grovel before the Great Depression any more than we bent the knee for the rise of fascism in Europe, or the expansion of communism throughout the Third World.
“America is a nation of strivers, of doers and thinkers and achievers. When faced with problems we race to fix them with whatever we have available because that is what has kept our nation great across the gulf of two centuries. And what will keep our nation great well into the future. Thank you all.”