| PRESIDENT EISENHOWER'S PRESS CONFERENCE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tape Master: | 8573 | |
| Catalog #: | 525115 | |
| Clip Number: | 525115-3 | |
| Orginal Film: | UN 2818 C | |
| Timecode: | 01:46:49 - 01:50:56 | |
| Location: | Washington DC | |
| Year Shot: | 1956 (Actual Year) | |
| Audio: | Yes | |
| Color: | No | |
| Headings: | JOURNALISM: Press Conference LOCATIONS/NORTH AMERICA: USA, Washington D.C. PERSONALITIES: Eisenhower, Dwight (Ike) | |
| Description: | Q. Charles T. Lucey, Scripps-Howard: What is your reaction, sir, to Mr. Nixon's characterization of Chief Justice Warren as a Republican Chief Justice? THE PRESIDENT. Well, I am not going to comment on his comment; I never do. But I will say this: once a man has passed into the Supreme Court, he is an American citizen and nothing else in my book until he comes out of that Court. I would never admit that he longer had a political designation. Q. Charles E. Shutt, Telenews: Mr. President, not to press you about your health, sir, but as of right now, do you feel well enough to hit the campaign trail? THE PRESIDENT. I will answer those things this evening. Q. Peter Lisagor, Chicago Daily News: Can you tell us whether you consulted Vice President Nixon on your decision? THE PRESIDENT. Oh, yes. I consulted Vice President Nixon all the time, and no later than, I think, yesterday afternoon. Q. Edward W. O'Brien, St. Louis Globe-Democrat: Mr. President, if you are renominated, sir, are you quite hopeful of being re-elected? THE PRESIDENT. Am I what? Q. Mr. O'Brien: If you are renominated, are you quite hopeful of being elected? THE PRESIDENT. This is in the hands of the American people. I say my campaign is the record. Q. Edward T. Folliard, Washington Post and Times Herald: Mr. President, how many persons were in on your secret? THE PRESIDENT. Well, I think since last evening there have been probably half a dozen. Q. Mr. Folliard: How about before that, Mr. President? THE PRESIDENT. Well, there could have been no one because I didn't know myself. [Laughter] Q. William S. White, New York Times: Mr. President, can you tell us, sir, what the most decisive consideration was for you in the decision you have reached? THE PRESIDENT. Well, that is very difficult, but I think that my talk this evening will probably indicate it quite clearly. When you come down to comparisons, I am not certain what influences a man most in this world. Q. Hazel Markel, National Broadcasting Company: Mr. President, can you tell us had you made up your mind previous to your heart attack that you would run for a second term? THE PRESIDENT. You know, Miss Markel, that is one secret I don't think I will ever tell anybody. [Laughter] Possibly in my papers that can be opened 25 years after I have passed on, why, it will be told. Q. Kenneth M. Scheibel, Gannett News Service: Mr. President, this is another secret a lot of people .would like to -know: if the Congress passes the 90-percent supports and sends it to you, will you veto that bill in view of your opposition to it? THE PRESIDENT. I give an answer that I must have given at least 15 times before this body. I never predict what I am going to do to a bill before it gets to me. Q. Merriman Smith, United Press: Mr. President, may we have your permission to quote, prior to the release of the transcript, your phrase there, "My answer will be positive, that is, affirmative"? THE PRESIDENT. Yes. Q. Ray L. Scherer, National Broadcasting Company: Can we have it all, Mr. President, everything you said this morning? THE PRESIDENT. No, not in quotes, because I may have been guilty of some very bad grammar. I think that if you will give Mr. Hagerty a chance to correct the mistakes, why, then, it will be all right. Q. James B. Reston, New York Times: Mr. President, in the light of your decision, sir, will you press in this session of Congress for clarification of the Constitutional flaw about succession in the Presidency? THE PRESIDENT. Well, as quickly, I think, as legislation could be drawn up that would convince us all that it did clarify and would satisfy the conflicting ideas on the thing, I would be for it right away, just as soon as possible. It has nothing to do, though, with me, and I assure you of this: my answer would not be affirmative unless I thought I could last out the 5 years. Merriman Smith, United Press: Thank you, Mr. President. | |
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