Remarks by the Vice President at the Gerald R.

Ford
Journalism Prize Luncheon
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
National Press Club
1:16 P.M. EDT
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank anyone very much. Thank you, Sylvia. Congratulations in order to
Rick Atkinson and also Peter Baker for the awards. It's usually a new pleasure to become back again
in the Press Club, and a opportunity to commit some time, as well, using the Ford loved ones --
together with Susan, Mike, Jack, and also Steve -- and their families, as well. President Ford's
brother, Dick, will be along with us today. As Well As we're glad he might be here. seeing most of
them returns many great memories associated with President Ford along with also, obviously,
thoughts associated with Betty Ford, which from age 90 remains among the most admired ladies in
America. (Applause.)
Let me furthermore acknowledge every 1 of the distinguished friends in the head table -- specifically
Marty Allen, my fellow trustee in the Foundation, and close friend Henry Kissinger.
I'm pleased to become here even as reflect around the legacy of Gerald Ford, along with when again
existing awards inside the identify associated with journalism related for the presidency along with
national security. And I Am delighted to see Bob Schieffer of CBS news here, that covered Jerry Ford
when I has been working for him.
The late Hugh Sidey, who's been pointed out here frequently today, was an excellent journalist who
was a buddy for most folks over the particular years, and a new few in a prolonged time past he set
forth the particular best criteria I've experienced with regard to reporting along with commentary
on the presidency. "The size of your presidential burden," he wrote, "awe anyone whom watches
closely. Virtually Any remark about the man that has got the courage to seek and furthermore the
skill to serve within the presidency can be in a approach presumptuous. As Well As but the actual
office wants and demands continuous examination along with dialogue ... the challenge will be to be
diligent inside the pursuit in the facts after which being calm in their thought and, finally, to become
fair inside their application." Finish quote.
It could be also said that those that record around the presidency will will have an eager audience.
Americans have an inherent interest within the office very first held by the man we call the Father of
the Country, that won the task twice using the vote of each single person in the electoral college.
Members certainly are a -- Americans really are generally a patriotic people, so we appear to every
President as a guardian involving great institutions as well as high ideals. The Particular workplace
itself may become the center involving motion as well as duty within the federal government, and
since its powers are vested inside a single individual, the particular man in the task inevitably gets
to be a physical object associated with fascination.
I don't forget the very first moment I observed the Oval Office, now practically 40 many years ago. I
had arrived at Washington as a Congressional Fellow, using promises to commit twelve months
operating on Capitol Hill, and then finish my Ph.D. dissertation, along with return for the School
involving Wisconsin as well as an academic career.
As section of the orientation for that Fellowship i was offered a particular tour of the West Wing,
which includes the actual Cabinet and the Oval Office. We stopped in the threshold for the Oval, as
well as I can nonetheless picture the green rug, the actual hefty gold-braid flags, and the tall leather
chair involving Lyndon Baines Johnson. Off for the side ended up being a large cabinet with
terminals for that Related Press as well as United Press International, therefore the President could
read this news as it came off the actual wires. In Addition there is the long wooden console using 3
TV sets to ensure that he could watch all with the networks simultaneously. things are different now,
of course -- (laughter) -- with all the Web and also all of the cable outlets. These days within the West
Wing you can watch greater than 60 different channels. I wonder where President Johnson would
find space regarding that lots of TVs. (Laughter.)
I'm sure I had many thoughts although I ended up being standing there because doorway back again
inside 1968. However I had been not capable of imagining that period and also likelihood would
carry me back again in to the West Wing so often over your decades, regardless associated with
whether like a bottom-rung staff aide, Chief involving Staff, Cabinet member, Congressman, as well
as Vice President. Taken together, experiences like these give a deep appreciation for the duties and
additionally the pressures with the presidency, a new taste associated with both victory and defeat,
a valuable feeling of perspective if the street will get rough, plus an knowing that personal character
is actually a decisive element in any kind of presidency.
With the exception associated with my present office, the task which brought me closest to the
President was, associated with course, as Chief associated with Staff. It's within the nature of this
place for you to devote innumerable hrs using the President -- making certain he will get every one
regarding the info he wants to create decisions; managing his time; wanting to reduce the
frustrations of his job. The Particular Chief associated with Staff can there be for all the high-profile
activities -- coming from flights about Air Force One, for you to summit meetings, to state dinners.
Nevertheless he's additionally there whatsoever hours regarding the afternoon for your less pleasant
function -- creating your fires, resolving turf battles, managing crises, delivering bad news. It's a
occupation which takes each ounce of one's mental and physical energy. Inside my case, I labored as
well hard, slept also little, smoked too many cigarettes. (Laughter.) However it's also any task I
loved, due mainly for the tremendous respect and affection I had for that President I served, Gerald
R. Ford.
Tonight Lynne along with I is planning to be going to a new dinner gathering with the Ford
Foundation, as much of you will; a yearly event that's been taking place for most years. Up until just
several a prolonged time ago, each President Ford and Betty came to these dinners, together making
use regarding their children. I'm not necessarily mindful of every other administration by which the
initial family, Cabinet officers, and White Residence staff have got maintained such close individual
ties, or even have got fulfilled pertaining to occasions regarding this kind regarding so many years.
Yet there is even now a good level of warmth and also camaraderie among individuals people who
have got been associated along with President Ford. We rightly believe i was part of something
really special. The Particular Ford presidency could have been just 895 days, yet as Dr. Kissinger
provides aptly pointed out, Jerry Ford encountered enough challenges because brief time and energy
to fill two total terms within office.
We had been proud for you to phone him our leader. He would become a kind-hearted, fair-minded,
even-keeled type of man. Although he'd invested twenty 5 years within the legislative branch, also,
he proved to be an just about all natural executive that wouldn't hesitate to create decisions. There's
going to become an aircraft carrier named following Gerald Ford, and also it's installing because he
was a Navy man and also as they were built with a large amount of experience in riding out storms.
1 of the toughest choices has been also one of your earliest -- when he announced the particular
pardon of Richard Nixon. Pertaining To which he ended up being attacked from each conceivable
angle. His judgment, his timing, his intelligence, his motives, his private integrity -- most associated
with these were known as directly into question. His public approval ranking sank dramatically. but
the President had produced his choice carefully, and which he had put the curiosity regarding the
country first. He held his head concerning him, even if this seemed that numerous other people
throughout Washington were losing theirs and also blaming it about him.
With the passing involving time, associated with course, voices were lowered, temperatures cooled.
And Also the consensus now could be which Gerald Ford did the proper thing. Indeed he lived to end
up being able to observe that consensus adjust -- and the man handled that, too, with quiet grace
along with dignity. History looks with favor on such a man. Along With it's gratifying for you to
observe that his status just has grown in the 31 years since he left office, and inside the 17 weeks
since he was laid to rest.
Gerald Ford when said, "As President, my main concern must often be the greatest great associated
with every one regarding the individuals in the Usa whose servant I am. Since a man my very first
consideration is to become true in order to my very own conscience as well as my very own
convictions." to me these words remain any superb as well as timeless standard of presidential
responsibility. I have got witnessed it often, and also at close quarters -- and I saw it 1st within
President Gerald R. Ford. I miss my friend, and also I'm particular I wouldn't be Vice President these
days been using them not necessarily been for that possibilities he gave me all those many years
ago.
As I've noted on past occasions, Jerry Ford was obviously a forgiving and a really affected person
man -- therefore naturally, he got together fine with most the information media. (Laughter.) And
Also if President Ford were here today, I understand what he'd say in order to me: Congratulate the
actual award recipients, don't talk also damn long, and also solution some questions. (Laughter.)
Thus that is what I'll do proper now. Thank a person really much. (Applause.)
Q Thank a person very much.
THE VICE PRESIDENT: You've got questions, Sylvia?
Q I do get questions, but if it's fine using you, I'll take any seat here consequently I'm not necessarily
powering you.
Scott McClellan describes a new Governor Bush that governed from the bipartisan perspective, plus
a candidate Bush that promised to be able to affect the political culture throughout Washington. He
says which that top quality and also that advertise disappeared following your 2000 election, and he
says your own house has been the hand at your rear of it. Environment aside McClellan's
speculations concerning the influence, do you believe it's feasible in this point throughout time to
get a President for you to govern, as Bush did throughout Texas, and to fundamentally affect the
partisan hostilities that will permeate discussions throughout Washington?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, I haven't read Scott McClellan's book. I don't strategy in order to
study Scott McClellan's e-book -- (laughter) -- any kind of period soon. you know, there's the lot
produced of how difficult it is to run inside Washington, how partisan it gets with times, and the
actual way intense the particular battles get.
But certainly one of the particular stuff that I believe I've taken away from my now practically -- it is
going to be 40 years inside August since Lynne along with I arrived at Washington -- is the really fact
that in the wedding you go back again as well as you'd appear -- hold the perspective of energy as
well as the advantage associated with being a student regarding history, that as difficult since it
might always be now, throughout terms from a partisan standpoint, I can easily remember fondly the
Watergate years, and all which that entailed, from the standpoint regarding both your challenges,
within relation to the way in which the particular system had to respond as for you to the was, I
think, the most tough constitutional crisis we'd encounter since your Civil War, and definitely I
would say, in regards to attempting to match the particular amount of partisan dialogue and
disputes that will we've now with this period associated with time, this doesn't appear almost as
tough.
Q Thus we're just remembering it wrong?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well -- or we have the great deal of those who remark about it which don't
hold the advantage of having been here 40 many years ago. (Laughter.) Henry remembers.
Q Are Generally we ill-served through that type of conflict, or possibly this just the expression
involving raw democracy?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: I don't know. I'd like to believe about this -- this is actually a contentious
process. These are institutions that we're uniquely blessed with, due towards the wisdom as well as
the far-sightedness of the Founding Fathers. It can always be a time, really contentious. Yet my
goodness, if you believe about the periods in which we've occur via before, it is actually sometimes
complicated to draw in the actual conclusion that will somehow this is one of the most difficult.
Now, believe about what Abraham Lincoln faced throughout the Civil War, or perhaps the problems
that James Madison had to handle inside the center involving the War regarding 1812. Lynne was
reading the passage if you ask me the other night concerning how a Secretary associated with War
held telling James Madison the British won't ever arrive at Washington, and additionally the next
factor he knew, these people burned it down. (Laughter.) so I feel we have being a bit cautious about
drawing these kinds regarding sort of broad generalizations based upon -- well, I do certainly not
know the amount of people's views are involved with that, yet I'm really cautious about creating
those kinds regarding sweeping generalizations.
Q An Individual stated you do not want to comment about McClellan's book, regarding course, yet
what can always be your view about these tell-all books generally about -- that are published by
simply former administration officials? are they mainly self-serving, as well as will they offer any
take a glance at policy as well as power that's or else certainly not accessible to people?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: I believed Bob Dole got it regarding right. (Laughter along with applause.)
Q Oh, my. (Laughter.)
With your advantage associated with hindsight, would you wish Congress ended up more insistent
inside requiring strategies to problem concerning the war aftermath, the particular plans for
reconstruction, your estimates associated with casualties, and the price and furthermore the
duration?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, I would argue, as well as unfortunately we cannot get period for me to
go into most of it here today, nevertheless I consider it is actually no surprise in which I believe in
which that that you would in connection with most the global war in terror, Afghanistan, Iraq, ended
up being audio policy. That had been the best factor to do. I believe in which using each fiber
involving my being. That may be difficult, without question. It's extremely challenging when you
embark upon those kinds of enterprises being absolutely precise, throughout terms of the duration
regarding time they'll last, or even what exact course they'll follow.
But I consider depending on reflection, my view is the really fact that ten or fifteen years through
now, it will be distinct that planning and also liberating 50 million individuals inside Afghanistan
along with Iraq; and also closing down terrorist camps, exactly where individuals were becoming
taught to attack the actual United States; on and on following not really just the terrorists however
state sponsors associated with terror along with those who offer all regarding these people with
ever-deadlier technologies; taking on the Libyan nuclear program, the particular A.Q. Khan nuclear
proliferation network; obtaining rid associated with Saddam Hussein, as well because the Taliban
regime within Afghanistan -- most of individuals within my estimation had been extremely sound,
very important things for us in order to do. And Also the planet is significantly better off since we do
them.
Now, we could get into debates and also discussions regarding different facets with the policy, as
well as how it was pursued. That's legitimate. We do this all involving the time. We're nonetheless
doing it. I just finished studying Rick Atkinson's book, "Day involving Battle," along with we're even
now arguing concerning the Italian campaign associated with 1943. Therefore I expect that
individuals must get along with may have discussions about this. However I'm willing to debate that
what we've done provides in fact been good, solid, audio policy -- as well as America is actually safer
with regard to it.
There's a reasons why we've gone nearly seven a prolonged time without yet another attack similar
to 9/11, and also it's because of the policies we devote place, the particular tough decisions the
actual President made, the particular skilled performance of people in the intelligence, law
enforcement as well as within the military who have taken the actual battle for the enemy. And Also
this provides been absolutely the proper thing to always be able to do.
Q Aside as the result getting the best policy, would you -- have a person been comfy with the
quantity of debate concerning the aftermath beforehand?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, as I say, there -- I consider it absolutely was -- a new lot of debate as
well as discussion, certainly within the actual administration. any suggestion that this was not
carefully considered is just wrong; it's created by individuals who weren't inside the conferences I
was in. and I -- to sort of purchase in which approach, you'd get to accept the particular proposition
which it was a mistake, as well as I don't accept which proposition.
Q Throughout interviews earlier this year using -- with regards to troop surge -- associated with the
achievements the actual troop surge, Martha Raddatz described that the current poll showed that
concerning two-thirds associated with Americans the fight throughout Iraq isn't worth it. Your Own
answer was, "So?", which then an individual definitely amplified this way, "You can not necessarily
be blown off course by simply polls."
Do you wish you had answered which problem differently? As Well As does it make any difference in
the big event the public disagrees sharply with most the wisdom of the war?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: No, I -- when I said, "So?" the point was, what's the question, Martha?
Martha had created your statement; the lady didn't request the question.
I consider the purpose can be a valid one. I feel it's really crucial that will you remind folks -- and I
tried to reference in which in my remarks today: Presidents possess to create choices that are
oftentimes unpopular. When they're making the particular difficult calls and when they're
addressing the particular tough issues, they're planning to sooner or perhaps later be unpopular. In
the actual event that your goal and objective will be to be loved 75 as well as 80 or even 90 percent
of the time, you're in the wrong collection associated with work.
Presidents get compensated for you to go create those difficult calls and also difficult decisions. I've
labored pertaining to a few just like George Bush as well as Gerry Ford, that obviously did precisely
that. and I -- the idea I made when I had been talking together with Martha will be that a person
simply just cannot always be in the position in which in turn you reply every week or perhaps month-
to-month or even day-to-day towards the fluctuations within the polls, inside regards to what kind of
policy you're likely to set. An Individual do not need a new President who is planning to govern
which way.
And you obtain to end up being able to vote every 4 many years about which gets to become
President. you must go out and earn which proper being President, create these decisions. And Also
that's, I suppose, one of the reason why we have limited terms, as well as why we go through that
method each and every four years. I think, though, in the perspective with the Presidents we admire
most, and the ones that happen to become able to be -- within many respects, contributed probably
the particular most for the good results associated with this republic for your final 200-and-some
years, are your type who've been willing to create individuals difficult decisions, rather than end up
being governed from the polls, yet rather end up being governed through whatever they believe is
inside the very best fascination in the nation. That's why we elect them. That's what I think the good
ones have done. In case you're planning to look just in poll ratings as the measure regarding what
constitutes excellent Presidents and negative ones, I think you'd come up using a different ranking
compared to history would warrant.
Q Yet doesn't it seem sensible in which something as huge like a war should have public support? As
Well As how does the particular White house cope using the fact that war has become really
unpopular?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, what with regards to Abraham Lincoln and furthermore the Civil War?
Well, examine where Abe has been inside the summer involving 1864, when following numerous
years of struggle, hundreds of thousands of casualties, what turned the actual campaign around
throughout 1864 between he as well as McClellan had been when Sherman took Atlanta. and in
which worked obviously to make it possible for him to attain success along with to be elected for you
to his second term. Nevertheless are you able to imagine what are usually the United States
Associated With America would have been like if McClellan had won that will race -- an extremely
popular, extremely attractive guy -- rather than Abraham Lincoln, which had made all regarding the
tough decisions.
And I just -- I've stated my view on it. I don't believe you may make poll -- make policy based strictly
on the polls during an election time, after which entrust individuals you've elected in order to
govern, as well as maintain these accountable at the subsequent election.
Q Well, if folks -- if politicians really shouldn't be governed -- if our elected officials shouldn't be
governed by simply polls, why do they take so many regarding them, which includes the White
House? (Laughter.)
THE VICE PRESIDENT: you got me. I don't use a clue. (Laughter.)
Q However your White house really does that.
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Not Necessarily to the extent that you'd think. We waste a fantastic deal
regarding cash on polls --(laughter) -- as being a -- well, as a nation. I mean, individuals are always
wanting to locate a number of method to measure things; sort of the horse race mentality in which
moves using covering politics. I suppose it's beneficial to folks who're willing to pay because
regarding it and also deal with it and so forth, nevertheless the -- I would merely reiterate what I've
stated previously: I don't feel you'll end up being in a new position to govern the country according
to polls.
Q Anyone talked about a few minutes in the past that you've a cause in which we haven't stood a
terrorist attack throughout seven years. Are Usually a person stating that's simply because of the
wars in Afghanistan and Iraq? Precisely what would you suggest -- what do you mean?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: I'm stating it's since we basically made a decision following 9/11 in which
this was a new strategic threat for the United States; that just before 9/11 our approach to terrorist -
- to the attacks on the Globe Trade center throughout '93 and thus forth, Khobar Towers in '96, was
to head out and arrest people along with prosecute them, but treat it like a law enforcement
problem.
But what we acknowledged after 9/11 ended up being that this was any far more severe threat to the
nation than the job involving an individual or perhaps a couple of which may touch off a new
terrorist bomb within the basement of the Globe Trade Middle -- that, throughout fact, it was any
strategic threat, and you also were needed to mount a totally different approach if you were likely to
be successful against which sort of threat. And Also that's precisely what we should did.
And that will new strategy involved going following certainly not just the terrorists yet those that
sponsored terror; to people -- to seal on the safe havens where that they discovered sanctuary; to
always be able to go following those governments that had provided the particular sanctuary; to be
able to go strike at these people or perhaps organizations as well as elements that might provide
deadlier technologies for the terrorists. those were the actual policies we pursued overseas. I mean,
you're going into Afghanistan, you add troops on the ground, an individual shut along the training
camps exactly where al Qaeda trained an estimated 20,000 terrorists in the late '90s, 19 of whom
came here as well as killed 3,000 Americans upon 9/11.
You additionally needed to transfer aggressively at home to be able to set set up the particular
intelligence capabilities, throughout particular, that would allow us for you to prevent individuals
attacks. Which included such items since the Patriot Act, that gave us the best to use inside the
terrorist battle the same sort of resources we've been utilizing in the counter-narcotics business.
Put set up the Terrorist Surveillance Program, which had been -- now's being debated on the Hill
below your guise involving FISA, however basically allow us to intercept communications in between
what we should believed were al Qaeda-related numbers overseas and folks here in the united States
to locate out what these were trying to do by simply way of future attacks against the government.
It meant we had to provide an successful interrogation program when we captured terrorists. In the
event that you're going to capture Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the actual mastermind of 9/11, you
would like him to become able to inform you what he knows with regards to that will organization,
and what their own plans are, as well as where they're planning subsequent to end up being able to
kill Americans, and how they're organized, as well as exactly where they're operating from, et cetera
-- any entire series of concerns that are absolutely important to getting excellent intelligence in
which take upon al Qaeda and additionally to win that fight. Along With that's what we did.
Now we're taking a few flak pertaining to it. It's certainly not popular. We've got folks on the actual
market running around. The brand New York Occasions won the actual Pulitzer pertaining to
revealing the really fact of the Terrorist Surveillance Program. Now, with almost all of thanks
respect to become able to getting here in the National Press Club having a large amount of my
friends in the press, I believed the concept that The Brand Name New York times would get the
Pulitzer Prize, one of the particular highest awards within journalism, regarding revealing one of the
actual nation's most important secrets as well as telling the enemy how it had been we were
intercepting their particular communications, frankly was lower than honorable. The idea bothered
me, greatly. (Applause.)
But I've mentioned before along with I'll say again, I think this President deserves tremendous credit
if anyone are prepared to make these decisions, to set these programs in place, to stick from it when
it got difficult so when we had a lot of our friends in the press corps or in the various other party
condemning us, attacking us, claiming we were violating your civil liberties of the American people
from the measures we were taking.
Those are generally the sorts of crucial choices in which are already essential inside permitting us
intercept as well as avoid further attacks from the United States. I would argue you can easily find
1000s of Americans alive these days since involving these decisions along with these programs as
well as these actions which we've undertaken over the last seven years. And, you know, if you doubt
your results, well, I would point out in which it's now been practically seven a extended time without
having an additional major attack upon the actual United States. That's the tremendous
achievement.
Q How do you believe the press has covered your effects of the surge?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, I believe a couple of of the reporting may be quite good. I consider
your surge may be an excellent success. Your President produced that choice in a occasion when, if
you looked over the polls, or even if you'd adopted the actual wisdom of the talking heads, you'd
possess reduced troop amounts throughout Iraq. He didn't do that. He said, nope, we are truly not
likely to complete that; we're planning to add five much more combat brigades and also we're
planning to get a handle on the safety scenario throughout Baghdad, et cetera. It's worked, I think,
dramatically.
And we've seen it. We just had the announcement, associated with course, involving what happened
within May; we lost some 14 killed for action throughout May. A Person regret each and also every
single one of these deaths. Nevertheless it will be a lot a lot far better than exactly where i was per
year ago, along with it's the best casualty charge inside nearly 5 years. Your surge provides worked.
It's came up with time and opportunity for the Iraqis to accomplish an improved job of getting their
act together. Their Particular forces are far more successful today. Appear at the items they would
in the previous couple of a handful of months within Basra and in Sadr City. It's been a success.
I guess if I had been to always be able to say something in regards to always be able to the press
coverage, even as create progress within our goals inside the war, since the criticism -- that will is,
as reporting in what's taking place grows more plus more positive, I discover just general less
reporting, less interest. The Actual fact is always that people have got additional what to worry
about. Along With there happen to be the great deal of other conditions for you to cover. We're
within the center of a presidential campaign; that's large news. Gasoline costs are $4 any gallon;
that's big news. Therefore it can not get as much attention; good news by no means does. That's just
the way in which our system works.
But I do believe -- I feel the actual surge continues for you to be enormously successful, and anyone
who looks objectively at exactly where we are nowadays in Iraq might have to conclude that will
we're in way much better shape than we had been only a couple of a prolonged time ago.
Q An Individual just pointed out the election along with oil prices. Our questioner really wants to
know, how will oil rates affect the actual election in November?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, it's -- my name is not on the ballot. if I remained a new congressman
I'm sure when I went home to Wyoming each and also every weekend I would listen to a great deal
with regards to gasoline prices. That's most anybody would want to speak about. I believe that's
what's occurring correct now. when I speak with my friends on the Hill -- I rise every Tuesday, have
lunch using the Senate Republicans -- they're coming again coming from their house visits referring
to gasoline prices. It's a large deal.
But if I were to always be able to argue the way it ought to affect the particular election, I think it
need to have got negative consequences for those folks through the actual years who've worked thus
tough to restrict U.S. output of power resources. That's my look at the actual world. Certainly Not
everybody agrees with that, obviously, nevertheless we do not drill off the particular East Coast, we
don't drill off the actual West Coast, we don't drill off Florida, we do not drill throughout essential
elements of Alaska. Along With meaning we've much less domestic production as compared to would
preferably be your case. As Well As the old law associated with provide and also demand works, and
when demand gets tight, these rates go up. As Well As so today we've got $4 gasoline.
One way to adjust which is in order to increase our domestic output of energy resources, that we are
usually able to do environmentally in the sound fashion. I would hope that will be one of the actual
concerns in this campaign. That ought to be considered a lively debate. I would anticipate that will
certainly my party will carry it up. I don't know about the other party.
Q Anyone generally support tax cuts. How with regards to cutting the particular federal gasoline tax,
no less than until materials increase? Just what can you consider that will idea?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, it's a -- I think it's really a false notion within the feeling which you
aren't going to have got significantly of an impact, given the sized the gasoline tax around the total
cost of a gallon associated with gas. Anyone may well buy just any little little relief there, however it
is minimal. And Also exactly what it really does can it be avoids addressing the particular issue, that
is, markets work; regulations involving supply and demand works. In case you want to end up being
able to restrict manufacture of energy resources in the United States, that's fine, that can be done
that, if in fact, that's where national policy should go along with that can be what the particular
policy process produces. Yet you could not each block the production of extra sources as well as
complain since prices are as well high. An Individual may get it one with the ways or possibly the
other.
And say, what I concern your self with using something comparable to receiving rid regarding -- or
perhaps reducing the gasoline tax temporarily is, from a amount of point, it's going to will want for
you to go back up also it is actually important in order to collect individuals revenues, and that they
are related to -- it's practically any user charge in regards to having the sources an individual need
to maintain the transportation system. Yet it's truly a -- it is, for you to a quantity of extent, a new
way to avoid addressing the primary issue. Let's -- politicians say, well, there, I would something, I
voted to reduce the actual gasoline tax. That's certainly not why price is $4 a new gallon. They're $4
any gallon since we do not generate enough.
Q Somebody emailed on this question: Because your former head involving Halliburton, you realize
your oil business. Will Be your era of oil as our main power source coming to a close?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: No, I don't consider it is. I believe we possess been doing a lot for you to
develop further kinds, various -- additional resources of energy. Obviously, we have got the complete
ethanol program underway, as well as biofuels and thus forth, along with hybrids and also electric
cars, and all associated with that's good. I don't wish to discourage some of that. I believe it is
actually important for us to always be able to develop as broad an selection of resources out there as
possible. and that's among the positive benefits of the price amounts we view today.
But I additionally consider which you need to notice that we possess got an economy that is built
around the foundation associated with fossil fuels. Now, in which might change over time, but you
can't change it overnight. As Well As that's everything coming from filling stations in which peddle
gasoline, refineries in which create refined product, to a enormous investment on your market
throughout deep offshore wells along with pipeline techniques as well as processing facilities that
will we've invested over a hundred many years as well as a massive assortment of billions and vast
quantities of dollars inside developing. Along With over time, we'll note that possibly become much
less important, nevertheless the idea that five or perhaps 10 or even many years via now we'll
become in the place where unfortunately we cannot depend on in which anymore, I just feel will be
unrealistic.
We will continue to possess to always be able to depend on non-renewable fuels with regard to
several significant further time period of time, and which we will not really be in the place to switch
dramatically overnight for you to gasoline cells, pertaining to example. We'll get there someday,
nevertheless it is actually not going to take place instantaneously.
Q I hope this will be just not your own last stop by at our podium, consequently possibly we'll
possess a opportunity to request for the reflections after the change in the administration. However
we use a query from a 12-year-old in our audience today. Your Woman says: "Mr. Cheney, what was
probably the actual most difficult obstacle inside your reign as Vice President?"
THE VICE PRESIDENT: What was probably the actual most challenging obstacle? Well, very first
associated with all, I didn't exactly consider it as a "reign." (Laughter.)
Q I'm just reading your question. (Laughter.)
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Henry, when he was in government, he reigned. (Laughter as well as
applause.)
But I don't imply to make mild with the question. the query from the 12-year-old is probably the very
best 1 I've had today. (Laughter.) Yet no, it -- a difficult section of it, frankly, in order to some extent
offers involved the press. My occupation as Vice President is really as an advisor. I don't operate
anything. I'm not necessarily -- it isn't just like getting Secretary regarding Defense, when I had 4
million folks doing perform for me, or even becoming the congressman when I has been casting any
vote and explaining my actions on the major legislation of the day or even getting President Ford's
Vice President -- or perhaps Chief of Staff.
Being Vice President, in the means it's worked for me, continues for you to be strictly an advisory
capability. I mean, I'm questioned with regard to my views, I find to sit throughout upon most of
your policy meetings, your President offers encouraged me to talk up whenever I want to, and also
I've carried out most that.
But what that will means, inside the standpoint of my relationship using the press, is, I'm in zero way
likely to tell you what you need to know, since everything you need to know is, what advice did you
give? That's type of the key issue to request an advisor. And Which I can't function lengthy or
extremely successfully being an advisor to the President if I discuss my advice. Each time I take the
seat having a reporter, that's with regards to the initial problem they will ask, and also my 1st
answer is, I'm certainly not likely to discuss it.
And exactly what it means is always that I happen to always be able to be due to be able to the --
think the status and the image of someone that keeps secrets, which is a Darth Vader. (Laughter.) I
questioned Lynne the other day if -- how your woman felt regarding me becoming referred to as
Darth Vader, and he or perhaps she said, well, it humanizes you. (Laughter.)
So it forces you to become able to definitely function in the completely different way, however it is
section of the actual deal. My effectiveness depends straight upon my capability to give assistance
and also ensure that will it stays confidential. And Also therefore, I don't come towards the Press
Club very often. (Laughter.)
Q However a portion of your current model can be a bit distinct using their own company Vice
Presidents, inside that you had caused it for you to be distinct via day one that you didn't intend to
perform regarding President, which is definitely not the case for most vice presidencies.
THE VICE PRESIDENT: That's true.
Q Do you believe the republic will be better served with the Cheney model regarding vice
presidencies?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: I thought you had been likely to say if I'd run pertaining to President.
(Laughter.)
Q Tend To Be anyone creating an announcement today? (Laughter.)
THE VICE PRESIDENT: No, no, no. I think every administration, each President has reached figure
out how he wants to complete it. It's actually a sort of the one-off sort of an arrangement. I may
remember talking to President Ford regarding it, and the actual man explained the nine several
weeks he invested as Vice President had been your worst nine months of his life. He hated the job,
did not such as it, discovered it extremely difficult as well as tough to do.
I -- from my standpoint, I failed to rush to the opportunity to serve as Vice President. Very first
occasion the topic came up, I really mentioned I wasn't interested. Eventually, I ended up being
persuaded to adopt the actual job, right after I'd expended a while using the President hearing him
talk regarding it and how he ended up being thinking about it even as went through the process of
looking for somebody to accomplish it.
And he's been absolutely correct in order to his dedication to me, which usually was I'd have an
opportunity being a new main participant within the process, to become part of his government, to
obtain associated with whatever concerns I desired to join up in. Sometimes he agrees, sometimes
he doesn't; unfortunately we cannot always come towards the exact same conclusion, simply by any
kind of means.
But coming from my perspective, I had an obligation, as well as I think it had been -- I feel it's
worked well -- for you to not be consumed using wanting to use the job in order to advance my own,
personal political interests. that is to say I wasn't going to run with regard to anything when I got by
means of here; that will I ended up being likely to serve as Vice President and also move on; in which
my -- folks were necessary to examine what assistance I gave based upon -- as well as realizing that I
had been passing on based upon what I had been believed ended up being far much better to do, as
opposed to how it had been likely to affect the actual Iowa caucuses, regarding example. And I Also
think that's labored extremely well.
In various other administrations, Vice Presidents is likely to be picked pertaining to a myriad of
reasons, simply because that they can help bring a vital state inside the presidential election. We're
with regards to to see 2 candidates picked here through Senators Obama and also McCain. I wait
eagerly to find out how that will method works and exactly where they are available out.
Nevertheless they will might help make decisions using respect for their running mates that are
entirely different than President Bush did when he stumbled on me. and that's fine. That's as it
ought to be, and I wouldn't normally think routinely in which the only method to do it really is the
way in which we'd completed it. I think it's worked well regarding us, yet I'm sure in the big event
you were for you to speak with other Vice Presidents, using the exception involving President Ford,
they probably enjoyed doing it the way in which they do it.
But each administration sets new standards. I always understand that for your very first 150 years of
the republic, your Vice President didn't even have an workplace in the executive branch. I'm still
paid out through the Senate; that's where my paycheck will come from. As Well As it was not until
Walter Mondale had been Vice President that he had a workplace in the West Wing.
So it's grown as well as developed as well as evolved more than the years. I would expect it'll
continue to complete so. and I don't believe we've broken the actual mold pertaining to it. I feel it's
going to adjust and evolve over time, depending on what the President requirements and the
personalities in the President and also the Vice President.
Q Can Easily we anticipate a magazine from you of your experiences?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Perhaps.
Q Oh, good. (Laughter.)
THE VICE PRESIDENT: I really haven't
determined yet, and also -- I've never published
any book, and also I usually said that I got this
occupation simply because I didn't compose in
regards to always be able to the final one. (Laughter.) However we'll see.
Q Well, about that tantalizing note, we're virtually from time, yet prior to asking the final question, a
new handful of essential matters to take treatment of. First, i want to remind our members involving
upcoming speakers. About June 5th, this Thursday, Sharon Rockefeller, President and also CEO of
WETA; in June 9th, Brian Montgomery, Assistant Secretary in the Federal Housing Administration
will talk about the actual nation's housing crisis; June 13th, Mary Tyler Moore, actress along with
international chairwoman with the Juvenile Diabetes research Basis will be here.
Second, I'd like to present our guest with just about all the National Press Club mug. As Well As Mr.
Ford, thank you.
And the final question: Mrs. Cheney says you along with also Barack Obama are generally 8th
cousins. Virtually Any plans for a family members reunion? (Laughter.)
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, that's true. We are, throughout fact, distantly related. and we've not
talked about a loved ones group reunion; I have no objections. I'm unsure Senator Obama is up
pertaining to it, at least certainly not prior to November. (Laughter.) He'd probably end up being
fearful I may well whisper throughout his ear and adjust his entire look at the Center East.
(Laughter.)
But no, we actually are. We -- when Lynne was carrying out the research on her book, discovered a
fascinating thing; I won't bore a person effortlessly the details. We'd often recognized in regards to
the Cheney loved ones series in my father's side in the family, again to be able to Massachusetts in
the 1630s. My grandmother was named Tyler, but it ended up the girl had been descended from the
Richard Cheney, identical final name, who landed throughout Maryland within the 1650s. Therefore
had Cheneys upon both sides of the family. and we don't even are now living in West Virginia.
(Laughter.) Anyone can say those activities when you are usually not operating pertaining to
reelection. (Laughter.)
But the actual fact is, we -- his mother and my grandmother possess a common ancestor descended
through Maryland about eight generations back. Consequently we are, inside fact, cousins.
Thank you.
Q Vice President Cheney, you've been any charming guest. Thank anyone so much. (Applause.)
END 1:58 P.M. EDT