President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
East Room of the White House, podium with U.S. Presidential seal; U.S. flag and U.S. Presidential flag in BG. Predominately adult Caucasian male press pool gathered for press conference with U.S. President Jimmy Carter regarding the relationship between his brother Billy Carter and Libya; some African American male and Caucasian female reporters among crowd, including female journalist Helen Thomas with United Press International. Adult Caucasian male television news crew and press photographers gathered at East Room door. U.S. President Jimmy Carter is announced and enters room, takes podium and thanks those in attendance.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter holds press conference regarding his brother Billy Carter's relationship with Libya. President Carter says this conference will be extended to a full hour in order for him to make a full statement and answer questions. Carter discusses U.S. President Richard Nixon’s Administration and the Watergate scandal, which caused the American people to lose faith in government. Carter promises to restore faith in the government. Carter says questions have been raised regarding his brother Billy Carter and the government of Libya; an investigation has been made and the facts have been made available for the committees of Congress and for the public to examine. Carter says the facts will show that he nor any member of his administration have violated any law or committed any impropriety.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter holds press conference regarding his brother Billy Carter’s relationship with Libya. President Carter highlights facts from the investigation that his administration submitted to Congress. Carter discusses U.S. Policy towards Libya. Carter says there are a few countries in the world, which we have sharp and frequent policy disagreements. Libya has steadily opposed the Camp David Accords to bring peace to the Middle East. The U.S. and Libya have two different opinions towards the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) and toward international terrorism. Libya has promoted sharply higher prices of oil within OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) and on occasion has advocated the interruption of oil supplies to the U.S. and other western nations. Carter discusses the substantial trade between the U.S. and Libya; Libya is major oil supplier of the U.S. and has opposed Iran’s holding of the U.S. Embassy hostages and also the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Carter says U.S. policy towards Libya, mixes firmness with caution.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter further discusses his brother Billy Carter’s relationship with Libya. Carter says Billy has a colorful personality and that he is personally close with his brother. Carter calls Billy extremely independent and has said “I don’t tell Jimmy how to run the country and he doesn’t tell me how to run my life.” When Carter was elected president, Billy was thrust into the limelight; media attention made Billy an instant celebrity. Billy was asked to make T.V. and speaking appearances, putting his name on a new brand of beer (Billy Beer). Carter says Billy was invited to visit Libya in the summer of 1978, with a group of business men and state officials from Georgia. Carter says he was not aware that Billy was planning the trip, until after he had left the U.S., and he was deeply concerned by the trip. After Billy returned from Libya in October 1978, President Carter was relieved to hear of the positive nature of the trip. Carter discusses a message he sent to his brother Billy regarding his trip to Libya; the message was later made public. Carter discusses a 1979 Libyan trade mission to the U.S., in which Billy visited with the Libyans. Carter says Billy made a number of statements both criticized by the press and the public, and Carter even publicly deplored some of those comments. Carter says almost all of Billy’s public appearances were canceled by his remarks and his income from these appearances disappeared, while his financial obligations continued to mount. Carter says the entire Carter family was concerned about Billy’s relationship with Libya.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter holds a press conference regarding his brother Billy Carter’s relationship with Libya. President Carter discusses his brother Billy’s hospitalizations; during one of these hospitalizations Billy discussed another trip to Libya with Carter, and he urged Billy not to go on another trip. Despite Carter's advice, Billy made a second trip to Libya in the Summer of 1979. Carter says that he is not aware of any effort by his brother to affect the government’s policies or actions concerning Libya. Carter says the only direct effort Billy was involved in, was to seek help from Libya in returning the Iran Hostages and Carter approved this action.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter continues press conference regarding his brother Billy Carter’s relationship with Libya. Carter discusses the Iran Hostage Crisis and efforts to secure the return of the U.S. hostages, including unsuccessful attempts at gaining diplomatic support from Libya. Carter says it was realized at one point, that his brother Billy might be able to get Libyan support for the release of the U.S. hostages in Iran. Billy arranged a meeting with a Libyan diplomat at the White House, but Pres. Carter himself did not attend. Carter admits Billy played no further role in discussions with the Libyans. Carter says the Libyan Foreign Office announced that the hostages should be released; the leader of Libya, Colonel Muamar Gaddafi made a direct appeal to the Iranian Official Ali Khamenei at the request of the U.S. Carter says whether diplomatic relations with the Libyans would’ve been a success without Billy’s involvement is a question that cannot be answered with certainty. Pres. Carter made his decision in good faith, with the best interest of the nation and the hostages in mind. Carter believes Billy’s only motive was to seek release of the American hostages from Iran.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
President Jimmy Carter continues to discuss his brother Billy’s alleged government contacts on behalf of Libya. Carter says there have been many press reports that Billy may have tried to influence U.S. policy on licensing aircraft to Libya or on other matters. Carter says he can state categorically, that Billy had no influence on his decisions on any U.S. Government policy or action concerning Libya. Billy has never asked him to take any action that would affect these policies, nor made any such effort with anyone in the Carter administration. Carter discusses the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation. Carter says under the President’s supervision, law enforcement responsibility is delegated to the Attorney General. Carter says the President’s power of supervision of the DOJ was abused in the Watergate Scandal. When Carter took office, he instructed the Attorney General Griffin Bell that neither himself or any White House official attempt to influence the DOJ investigations concerning any charges of law violation. Carter says when a possible conflict of interest issue arises, in the case of a member of the President’s family, extra precautions are taken. In this case, there was no contact between DOJ officials and the White House concerning the conduct of this investigation.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
President Jimmy Carter continues a press conference related to his brother Billy Carter’s relationship with Libya. President Carter discusses an exchange he had with U.S. Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti concerning judicial appointments and other matters. Carter decided that comments and notes he made during this exchange, should be made public. Integrity does not mean that a mistake is never made, but means that when a mistake is made, it should be disclosed. Carter says in this brief exchange Attorney General Civiletti did not inform him as to any detail of the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation concerning his brother Billy Carter’s relationship with Libya. Carter was told only of the DOJ’s insistence that Billy file a registration statement, and about the DOJ’s standard enforcement policy. Carter called Billy to encourage him to work harmoniously with his lawyers. Carter says Billy did not think he needed to file a registration statement. Carter urged Billy to make a full disclosure to the DOJ and he did so.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
President Jimmy Carter discusses the loans his brother Billy Carter received from Libya. Carter says he was unaware of the loans Billy received until July 15th. The White House did not know of any loan payments, until Billy’s lawyers informed the President’s Counsel about them. Carter says no one in the White House furnished information on the Department of Justice investigation to Billy or anyone associated with him.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter affirms that his brother Billy has had no influence on his decisions, on any U.S. Government policy, or any action concerning Libya. Carter say neither himself or anyone in the White House has tried to influence the Department of Justice (DOJ), nor did Carter or anyone in the White House inform Billy on any part of the DOJ investigation. Carter says everything the White House did concerning this case was designed to serve the interest of law enforcement and justice. Carter admits that he is deeply concerned that Billy has received funds from Libya and that Billy may be under obligation to Libya; these facts will govern his relationship with his brother. Carter says Billy has had no influence on U.S. policies or actions concerning Libya in the past, and will have no influence in the future. U.S. political history is full of stories of Presidential families and relatives whom other people have tried to use in order to gain political favor. In most cases, the attention these stories have gotten have been worse than the actual reality. Carter says this is the same with his brother Billy. Carter has asked his counsel to draft a rule that will bar any employee of the Executive branch from dealing with any member of the President’s family, under any circumstances that create the reality or appearance of favoritism. Carter closes his speech and takes questions.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter takes questions from the press. Journalist Helen Thomas of United Press International asks Carter if it was proper for the Attorney General to tell him to urge his brother Billy (Carter) to register as a foreign agent, to avoid prosecution. Thomas also asks where the Libyan money went and how did Billy use it? Carter says he does not know were the money did go or might go, adding that Billy can answer that question. Carter does not believe there was any impropriety in his conversation with the Attorney General; he did not ask the Attorney General to take any action, nor did the Attorney General ask him to take any action. He was only informed that Billy was foolish not to file the registration papers.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter takes more questions from the press. Unidentified adult Caucasian male reporter asks Carter if he might release his delegates to vote their preference on the first Presidential ballot. Carter says he has no plans to release delegates because he cannot, the delegates represent the Democratic voters. Carter discusses his good standing in Democratic primaries and caucuses. Carter mentions the false statements made by U.S. Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy (D-MA) regarding the job of the delegates, and explains the Democratic Presidential nomination process.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter takes questions after press conference. Unidentified middle-age adult Caucasian male reporter asks Carter if it ever occurred to him that his brother Billy might be seeking financial gain through his relationship with Libya? Carter says that he was aware that Billy may have been seeking financial gain from Libya. Carter discusses U.S. trade with Libya, saying it is not a completely outcast nation,and that there are people who go to Libya from the U.S. on a daily basis. Carter admits that his brother Billy went to Libya without his knowledge or approval, saying he does not believe Billy went to Libya with the intention of being a U.S. Representative. Carter says Billy went to Libya with a delegation of Georgia businessmen and legislators. Carter discusses the reciprocated business trip to the U.S. by the Libyans, and Billy’s role in that visit.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter continues discussing his own personal reactions to his brother Billy’s relations with Libya. He tried to encourage Billy not to go to Libya, discussing a letter he wrote to Billy. Carter says he does not have the authority to order Billy to do something, as it is not illegal for Billy to travel to Libya. Carter says he had no knowledge of payments made to his brother, and wishes Billy never had a relationship with Libya.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
President Carter takes more questions from the press. Unidentified adult male Caucasian reporter asks Carter if it would have been better to use a trained diplomat to communicate with Libya, regarding the Iran Hostage Crisis, rather than using his brother Billy. Carter says in this particular instance, trained diplomats were used and it became his immediate obsession to secure the return of the hostages. Carter says many diplomats were sent out and many countries’ diplomats were contacted. Carter says statements coming out of Libya regarding the Iran Hostage Crisis were negative towards the U.S. Under the circumstances, he decided to use Billy to see if he had any special influence to get the Libyans to help. Carter talks about the possible hostage trial in Iran and felt the hostages’ lives were directly in danger.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Carter continues discussing his brother Billy’s involvement in communications with Libya, and the Iranian Hostage Crisis. Carter says the only thing Billy did, was to reach out to his contacts in Libya and arrange a meeting with U.S. National Security Adviser Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski. Two days after Billy’s actions, Libya made a public announcement calling for the release of the hostages. Carter says the downside to these events, is that Billy’s stature may have been enhanced in the eyes of the Libyans. Carter says that he did what he thought was best for our country and the hostages.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
White House correspondent Sam Donaldson of ABC News asks U.S. President Jimmy Carter about the charge of incompetence hanging over his Presidency, especially now considering his brother Billy’s case. Carter does not agree with the claim that his Presidency is incompetent, and says the historic record of his Administration will show that it was a competent one that accurately showed the ideals of the American people and had many notable achievements. Carter does admit to making some mistakes, because his administration was in a hurry to get all the information out; but it was better to get all the information out, rather than withholding it.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Carter continues to take questions from the press. Unidentified adult Caucasian male reporter asks President Carter his opinion on his re-election campaign, regarding economic issues in the U.S. and troubles abroad. Carter says he will offer four more years of the same president, with changes and progress to be achieved within those four years. Carter says the U.S. has economic problems, just as every nation on earth does. Carter points out the progress in job creation during his time in office, and discusses the lowering of inflation and interest rates. Carter believes a good working relationship has been established between the U.S. and other nations. Carter believes the most important part of an election year is to give the American people an opportunity to hear the issues debated, the record assessed for the incumbent, and then to let the American people choose whether the nation should be lead by the Republicans or Democrats; either led by California Governor Ronald Reagan or the Democratic nominee. Carter believes the American people will make a judgement and that his administration has a good record to show.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Carter takes questions from the press. Unidentified adult Caucasian female reporter asks Carter about his close relationship with his brother Billy, and the July phone call urging him to register as a foreign agent. Carter has not spoken to Billy about government, Libya, or the case; nor has he spoken with Billy in private, since July 1st. The reporter follows up, asking if Carter believes he should be discussing the Libya case with his brother. Carter says that he and Billy have been communicating through their attorneys, though legal counsel and the White House. Carter reaffirms that he will not receive any benefit from the funds Billy has received from Libya and will exclude government matters regarding Libya from his relationship with Billy going forward.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Carter answers questions from the press. Unidentified middle-age adult Caucasian reporter asks Carter if he acted more as a brother or as a President regarding his brother Billy’s relationship with Libya. Carter jokes that Billy would say that he acted as a President and Carter believes that he has. Carter says his responsibility is to the Presidency and the upholding of the principles of the nation. He is sworn by an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the laws of the nation. If any member of Carter’s family violates the laws, then he has a responsibility to see that the law is carried out. Carter says this is the process he is currently undergoing; an investigation and decision will be made by the Department of Justice without his involvement. Carter has been committed to searching out all the facts that he can find and laying them before the American people.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter continues to take questions from the press. Unidentified adult Caucasian male reporter mentions an earlier scandal regarding fake prescriptions written by one of Carter’s advisers, Dr. Peter Bourne; Bourne was never prosecuted by the by Department of Justice (DOJ) for this crime. The reporter asks if Billy (Carter) will take the DOJ seriously, when registering as a foreign agent. Carter states "you can ask Billy, whether he takes the DOJ seriously." Carter says he believes his brother does take the DOJ seriously, and believes anyone in the country who takes U.S. laws and enforcement of the laws seriously, takes the DOJ seriously. Unidentified adult Caucasian male reporter asks Carter if he has any joint economic investments with Billy, mentioning Carter Warehouse and Carter’s trust. The reporter asks Carter if he has tried to help Billy with financial issues by using the Carter trust. Carter says when he became the President, he announced to the American people that he would put his financial holdings in to a trust. Carter also pledged to release his income tax returns and financial reports every year of his presidency. Carter says there is still a relationship between himself, Billy, and the Carter warehouse, but the warehouse has been rented out and he has had nothing to do with the warehouse, since he took office.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter continues taking questions; Journalist Leslie Stahl asks bluntly, how the President "got into this mess"; Carter says the American press and public will have to judge how big a mess this is, it's been a highly publicized affair, but if the facts provided are confirmed, he believes the investigation and report have served well. People are still gathering records, the DOJ is still investigating, and Congress will investigate. Carter believes this is a good way of resolving raised questions, and does not approve of Billy’s relationship with Libya. First Lady Rosalynn Carter seated in audience. Carter says Billy Carter still has certain Constitutional and legal rights; if Billy is found to have violated the law, his hope is Billy will be treated within accordance of the law. Carter believes his brother will be punished if he is guilty and exonerated if he is innocent. Carter says the press has participated in raising many allegations, relates the story of false allegations against White House Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan. Carter does not know what the outcome will be, assures that no one in his Administration nor himself have been guilty of impropriety or illegality.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter taking questions at press conference, middle-aged adult Caucasian reporter asking about the story that First Lady Rosalynn Carter initiated idea of using President Carter’s brother Billy to talk with Libya about the Iran hostage crisis; reporter asks Carter’s opinion on Rosalynn’s role, how he feels about the Presidential family engaging in diplomacy. Carter believes it was completely appropriate for Rosalynn to think about the release of the hostages and to have called Billy; when Billy said he might be able to help, Rosalynn informed Carter, who made the final decision to use Billy to contact Libyan officials. Carter told National Security Advisor Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski to set up a meeting with Billy. Carter says Rosalynn’s role in the entire process was limited. Carter believes it is important that, on occasion, members of the Presidential family participate in international affairs, says in many cultures around the world, a President’s family member can play a role in demonstrating personal relationship between leaders. First Lady Rosalynn Carter watching President Carter speak. President Carter discusses wanting his legal counsel to draft a rule baring executive staff from interacting with the Presidential family in a way that shows favoritism or influence.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter taking questions at press conference, adult Caucasian male reporter discussing Edward Bennett Williams seeking to undo the faithful delegate rule at the Democratic National Convention; reporter discusses Williams’ close relationship with Secretary of State Edmund Muskie, asks President Carter if his own relationship with Secretary Muskie has been strained. Carter says there is no strain between himself and Muskie, says Muskie is trying to stop the effort to change the rules of the Democratic Party.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter taking questions at press conference, adult Caucasian male reporter questioning the impropriety of Carter's conversation with Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti on Billy Carter’s need to file papers on the Libya investigation. President Carter says there was no impropriety, says Civiletti could not and would not reveal any facts about the investigation; Civiletti said Billy was foolish not to comply with the Registration Act, did say that if Billy complied truthfully, he would not be prosecuted or punished. At the time Carter understood the Department of Justice was relaying this information to Billy’s attorneys. Carter never revealed his conversation with Civiletti to anyone, says the main reason for this conversation was based on other matters.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter takes questions from the press. Unidentified adult Caucasian male reporter continues an exchange with President Carter, regarding the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation of his brother Billy’s ties to Libya. Carter reaffirms that no one in the White House gave information to Billy that related to his case. Carter says Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti provided Carter with same information that the DOJ was providing to Billy’s attorneys. The DOJ wanted Billy to register as a foreign agent. Carter said he never had any indication that Billy was taking money from the Libyans. Carter only learned of the loans to Billy, when he read it in the newspaper.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter takes questions from the press. Adult Caucasian female reporter asks President Carter if he has any new ideas for releasing the American hostages from Iran. Carter mentions the threat to put the hostages on trial in Iran and the attack on the Grand Mosque in Mecca as areas of great concern. Carter says using his brother Billy to approach Libya for support was one point in a broad pattern. Carter says from government agencies to private citizens, many people are involved in resolving the Iran Hostage Crisis. Carter says many things have been done to send the message the Iran Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini to release the hostages.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter takes questions from the press. Adult middle-age Caucasian male reporter asks President Carter if he was aware of the deal his brother Billy had with the Charter Oil Company and Pennsylvania State Senate member Jack McGregor. The deal stated that Billy (Carter) would get a commission for oil he helped import from Bolivia. Carter says he was not aware of Billy’s deal with the Charter Oil Company. Carter discusses Billy’s association with McGregor, saying Billy told him that McGregor would be attending a White House meeting on hospital cost containment. Carter says McGregor came to the Oval Office that day for a brief photograph. Carter says McGregor and himself discussed the experiences McGregor and Billy shared in the U.S. Marines. Carter and McGregor discussed other issues, such as Billy’s hospitalization and financial situation.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter taking more questions from reporters. Adult Caucasian reporter asks President Carter if he could surprise them with the names of the other unorthodox emissaries, he has asked to help with the Iran Hostage Crisis, aside from his brother Billy. Carter says that he would like to save that surprise for later.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter answers more questions from reporters. Two adult Caucasian reporters; one male and one female argue over who will question President Carter next. The male reporter asks Carter about the number of delegates he needs to secure the Democratic Presidential Nomination, and if he would support a nominee, other than himself. Carter says he has always pledged to support the Democratic Nominee, even if it is not himself.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter continues to take questions from the press. Adult Caucasian female reporter questions President Carter on his conversation with Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti, regarding his brother Billy’s relationship with Libya. The reporter quotes Carter as saying the Department of Justice (DOJ) policy towards foreign agents was general knowledge. The reporter asks why Carter needed to inquire Attorney General Civiletti, and whether Billy would be prosecuted, if he registered as a foreign agent. Carter claims that he did not say the DOJ policy towards foreign agents was general knowledge. Carter says he was not familiar with the exact policy that Attorney Generals followed with foreign agents. Carter believes the Foreign Registration Act was passed in the 1930s. Carter read in a newspaper that there had been no criminal prosecutions under the Foreign Registration Act since the 1960s. Carter says the DOJ now handles foreign agents with alternative filing requirements, and that Billy’s attorneys advised him to file as a foreign agent.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Jimmy Carter takes more questions from the press. Adult Caucasian male reporter asks President Carter what information U.S. intelligence agencies gathered when they investigated his brother Billy’s oil deal with the Libyans. The reporter also asks Carter if it was believed the Libyans were trying to influence the U.S. through his brother. Carter says the intelligence gathered on Billy has been sent to the Senate Intelligence Committee; the intelligence is of a highly sensitive nature and he is not at liberty to discuss it. Adult Caucasian female reporter asks Carter if it is true the U.S. is working with other terrorist organizations to help return the American hostages in Iran. Carter says this is not true.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
U.S. President Carter continues to take questions from the press. Adult Caucasian male reporter questions President Carter on the Democratic National Convention. The reporter asks Carter to put himself in the shoes of a Democratic delegate, mentioning Carter’s low rating in the polls and the possible Congressional investigation Carter is currently facing. The reporter asks Carter, as a delegate, how he would feel about re-nominating a President such as himself. Carter jokes that he would feel good re-nominating himself. As a delegate, Carter would feel obligated to cast his ballot in accordance with the Democratic voters, using the voters of Plains, Georgia as an example. Carter references his poll ratings against former U.S. President Gerald Ford in comparison to his present poll ratings. Carter mentions U.S. Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy’s (D-MA) campaign, and says the polls do not dictate the way delegates vote.
President Carter Press Conference : Aug 9, 1980
Adult African American male reporter questions U.S. President Carter on the oppression of African Americans in the United States and the riots in Miami Florida and Chattanooga Tennessee. The reporter jokingly remarks that Billy Carter is lucky he is not an African American, and asks President Carter what a U.S. President could do to address the oppression of African American citizens. Carter begins discussing his trip to Miami, and his work with African American leaders in the Liberty City neighborhood.