Vice President Ford: "Why I Will Not Run in '76": An Exclusive Interview

Q  Aside from this principal duty of liaison with Congress, what else do you expect to do, viewing your job in its broadest aspects?

A  Based on the experience I've had so far, the White House quite frequently will ask me to take speaking engagements that the President doesn't have time to accept.

Then of course, there are party functions that will require attention. I was asked several times in my confirmation hearings: Would I be out on the hustings campaigning for Republican candidates? And I said, to the degree that I could, time permitting of course, I would.

In my appearances around the country, I have my own speaking style. But I think it's part of my responsibility to promote affirmatively the programs the Administration believes in.

Q  What about foreign travel? A Vice President is often used as a sort of good-will ambassador, or on special assignments abroad. Do you anticipate doing much of that?

A  Possibly, but that certainly isn't in my early planning.

Q  Just how much campaigning for other Republican candidates do you expect to do?

A  I can only say that to the degree that I can help Republican candidates and still maintain my work load here, I will do it. However, I recognize that there is some concern about travel of this kind that involves the use of aviation fuel. The energy crisis could restrict my activities.

Q  How closely will you be working with the Republican Governors and local leaders across the country?

A  I went to the Republican Governors Conference in Memphis last month because I want to continue the relationship I had established with them beginning in 1965, when I became Minority Leader of the House.

I went to virtually every one of the Republican Governors meetings in the capacity, and I didn't want them to feel that in my new area of responsibility I was going to change. I hope to go to a number of other Republican regional meetings.

When I go for a particular purpose, such as supporting a congressional candidate, obviously I'll also be working with the local Republican Party.

Since I'm not going to be a candidate in 1976, I'm not as "suspect" as some others might be in the sense of being personally ambitious, and therefore, I can perhaps be more helpful in bringing the party together.

Q  You say you're not going to be a candidate in 1976. Can you envision a situation where your name might be very high in the thoughts of leaders of your party in '76 as a presidential candidate?

A  I can envision such a situation. But I assure you that my own personal feeling is that I will not be a candidate—and I mean that very strongly and very sincerely.

Q  Why will you not be a candidate?

A  Primarily, the reason why I will not run in '76 is that I think I can do a better job for the Administration and the party by not involving myself in the prospects of a personal campaign for the Presidency. I think being a candidate or a potential candidate would significantly undercut what I hope I can do as Vice president.

Q  Do you mean that people would be suspicious of you or your actions and motives if you were a potential candidate?

A  Right.

Q  Once it became 1976, would that still be a valid argument?

A  Well, I suppose you can make that point. But we have now—and I'm sure we'll have in '76—some good potential candidates.

Q  Are you definitely foreclosing the option that might be open you thee years from now?

A  I am foreclosing that.