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Collection: Deaver, Michael: Files Folder Title: January 1984 Outgoing (2) Box: 16
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National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/ THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON January 4, 1984
Dear Bob:
Thank you for your recent request for an interview with the President and Torn Brokaw.
Discussions have been held with the President regarding time for interviews over the next four months. Unfortunately, due to the heavy demands on the President's calendar, we have to regret your request for the present time.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy1 Chief of Staff
Mr. Robert D. McFarland Vice President and Bureau Chief NBC News Washington 4001 Nebraska Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016 MIC HAE L K . D E.A.VER
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
His Excellency Eikichi Hara Embassy of Japan Plot No 4 and 5 Cnanakyapuri New Delhi, India I avail my6elf of thi6 oppo rtunity to
inform you that on e completion of my a66ignment
here I will be leaving New Delhi for Tokyo on
Jrd January, 1984 . I will retire from the
( Diplomatic Service6 in the beginning of March
1984 and re6wne another profe66ion which will
be informed to you after it i6 decided. I
hope your cooperation and friend6hip will
continue in the future.
My wife join6 me in a6king to convey o ur
b e6t regard6 to Mr6 . Dea ver and Pre6ident and
Mr6. R. Reagan.
EI~I HI HARA Emb ssy of Japan, Plo No. 4 & 5 Chanakyapuri, Ne Delhi, INDIA.
~. ~M . H~ K. Ve~ -~-t- ~.de- ~'et-± ~~1>r'fl 71.e-//Mb~ ~r--- (M_, In~ ~~- - THE: WHITE: HOUSE: WASHINGTON
The Honorable Ra Department f Y Arnett 0 Interior 1800 C Street Wasi1ington D 'cN. W. ' . . . 20 .'240 THE WHITE HOUSE W A S H IN G T ON I
I
The Honorable Robert F. Finch 301 East Colorado Boulevard Suite 704 Pasadena, CA 91101
MICHAEL K . DEA.VER THE WHITE HO U SE
WASHIN G TON
January 5, 1984
Dear Mr. Adler:
How flattering to have been chosen by you to be among the 500 Washingtonians who is a leader in their field. I look forward with interest to the special 1984 January edition of Dossier and to receiving a copy of your magazine for the next 12 months.
I greatly appreciate your recognizing me and sending the complimentary copies.
With best wishes, Si°;;::J;
MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff
Mr. David Adler President/Editorial Director Washington Dossier 3301 New Mexico Avenue, Suite 310 Washington, D.C. 20016 December 30, 1983
The Honorable Michael Deaver The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D. C. 20500
My dear Mr . Deaver:
You have been chosen as one of the Washin gton 500 , a special inaugural feature appearing in the January 1984 edition of the Washington Dossier. This is the beginning of a new tradition that attempts to take a snapshot of t hose individuals whom we feel are at the center of power and influence in t heir particular circle.
The Washington Dossier is in the unique position of watching the many parts of our great city, from the highest levels of national government to mundane everyday life.
We feel it is our mission to cover the human side of power in the nation's capital and address the needs of all as regular people in powerful situations.
Because you are among the leaders of the nation's capital, we will be sending you the Washington Dossier on a complimentary basis for the next 12 months. If you are currently a subscriber we will extend your subscription for an additional 12 months. ~(~, President I Edi torial Director
3301 New Mexico Avenue, Suite 310 Washington, DC 20016 202•362-5894 THE WHITE HO U SE
WASHIN G TON
January 5, 1984
Dear Thela:
Thank you for your writing. I am happy to be included in the project for your Latin class. I have, however, never studied Latin. I can not, therefore, an swer the questions you have asked. I do encourage you in your study of Latin.
I hope that you are successful in securing information to help you in your project.
With best wishes,
Sincerely, ~ MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff
Miss Thela Hosten 38 South 17th Street East Orange, New Jersey 07018 \j Uu- \ l ( ~l K.. ~ L CD.J_Q}\_ I 3- OS<\.,°' ~ ~ ~~ ~QAC.,~Q~\~l
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON January 5, 1984
Dear Torn:
Thank you for your letter of December 16 enclosing a copy of the letter you sent to Bill Smith. Alicernarie Stotler is being given every consideration for the position on the United States District Court in the Central District of Cali fornia. I have taken the liberty of passing your correspondence on to John Herrington, Director of President ial Personnel. I have asked him to keep you posted.
Thank you for letting me know of your support for such a well qualified can didate.
With best wishes,
Sincerely, ~ MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff
Thomas M. Jones, Esq. Attorney- at Law Cornrnercebank Tower 1201 Dove Street, Suite 490 Newport Beach, California 92660 THOMAS M. JONES ATTORNEY AT LAW
COMMERCEBANKTOWER 1201 DOVE STREET. SUITE 490 NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA 512660 TELEPHONE (714) 476·2540
December 16, 1983
Honorable Michael K. Deaver Deputy Chief · of Staff The White House Washington, D. C. 20050
Dear Mike:
Enclosed is a letter which I have sent to Bill Smith regarding the appointment of Alicemarie Stotler to the United States District Court, Central District of California. She has a lot of strong Republican backing and would be an excellent representa tive of Orange County on the District Court.
Thank you for your consideration and best wishes to you, Carolyn and the family.
Thomas M. Jones
TMJ:ll THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 6, 1984
Dear Mr. Mayor:
I have discussed the District's request for Federal Funds for 1985 with Constance Horner of David Stockman's Office.
The figure of $425 million is quite a substantial increase from your budget of 1984, and it is the largest annual in crease since Home Rule.
The issue of capital loans has been denied because last year it was mutually agreed that 1984 would be the final year for U.S. Treasury loans. Moreover, it is believed that the District can gain financing in the private market for all of its projects. The District has approximately $185 million available in 1984, and we believe that, based on past trends, this can provide capital outlays well into fiscal year 1985. In the event that loans do become necessary, Mr. Stockman can review this issue at that time.
I will continue to follow your budget process and assist where I can.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President ~ Deputy Chief of Staff
The Honorable Marion Barry, Jr. Mayor of the District of Columbia District Building 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004 !lr. D ·f tock •.i- n irect1'r Office of r-1ana cment and Bud9et Execut v-0 ffi.cfl ui ldin . sn·n ton, 2 03
In the past three years I have a preciflted your support and that of the a1.mfnis ... ra 1o in rn eti 9 th needs of the rH r1ct of Colo i • A y u ell no ,. t e f"nancia and ins itu ·onal r 1at1onships . ~tween th~ fed ral nd Dfstri ct . overnme t &re eo 1p11 cat d find you. and yGur · aff h v r adily c op rat~d ~s e confront ach new cha.11enge pres nted by ML Rule . Your support for nnua increase in t e feod ~r .a1 p y · nt w ie, ha ·e t"tc:i 11e $1W tni11io1 during yo-ur tenur. flas been instrum .. nt l 1n ur a ility nsure bala ced bud ets an s n-d fin ncia1 praetfces. 1 am gratefu1 that ~1 are a ain lookurg forward to •rm st•pport for increflse reso re in FY 19f1'5 . tievertheless, tt p rpos of t fs let e is to p ea1 ttie pr rws d fe eral rJarks in wo ar as critical to the District• fint'ircial condition: the am u. t no basis for th'! federa l ta f:i1(mt; d fina cino ewth rity r c pha1 pro~ra already uthorized, ppropri ted and in pro ress.
s you know th(l'! f iscal condition of the IHstritt of 'oh1 f:da im acts dircctl on the fed r 1 oo mr.c t nd on fe ra 1 . •\P1 oye 1ho 1t e or 1ork in \lashington. I m a.ha.ys ple s ( .• ~'Jh n me ting an a1kirig wit r.1 st ff; at IL number of District r .sf dent I en-count r .. Y.t our abiHty to ro fde b si sr:rvi ces to 'them. to ensurie a safe Rd .ro erly main afned 1nfrastr c ur • ·o s st~in ~n excitin and ·1 i>rovin ysten of public du ation, at'd to "+:t the n e The r stri cti r.ms f ce on the revenue id. r~ cor...pounded by the exp 1osi'll rowth in !l1a dat a. nondiscr... tionary costs with thich · re co fronteA .• Retir~men~ ·ontrib tions for pol ce. firef'f hters, t chers and jud ~ cs no co um fully tet. p re nt of ann ial (} rati q ex (!nditur , and h v rown " ,.1 53 i 11 ion since FY 19~2. Trese c sts r resent the urden inherited fr feder lly de.,igned and ad in1stered pensioti sy te , -- oe which wh n tran f~rr d to th~ District had an unfunded liabilit· in e ·Cess of 1 i11io-n •; - 3 - than throu h Tr .asury loans. This policy is clearly in the District 1 s financial interest and is one to 1hich I remain com1itted. At the time of those discussions~ howevers we did not specifically address financing mechanist s fer ca pi ta 1 projacts authorized prior to FY 1985 and in progress. Quite 'frankly, I do not belie·v that either the District or OMB fully realized the implications of the transition to market f'inanci ng for partia1ly completed projects, or the problem that would be faced for projects in progress as a consequence of the federal practice of authorizing 1·1fetime authority but appropriating annu· 1 outlays. I assumed at the tirr.a and continued to assume that our interim borrm-Jing uthority and the appropriations bill language assu 1~ed access to lo ns for the cost to complete these projects. In the past six months we h ve done an enormous amount of work on the status, exp@nditure needs, timing and sequence of currently authorized capital projects. The results of that work have already been sha r ~ ... Th n~ ou a_ain for our c n id ration · nd support a 1 l look f<:rwar to n- oinq cao r~tf o • ..,; c rel , 1 ri on . rry , Jr. r. yot bee : Michael Deaver EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENO OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDG {_ ~ v1J WASHINGTON, O .C. "'503 I (),,P rr·,~ r-/ January 4, 1984 {'II- Oi.,,rr1'. MEMORANDUM FOR: MICHAEL DEAVER {~16p, FROM: CONSTANCE HORNER SUBJECT: Settlement of D.C.'s 1985 ($ in millions) 1985 1983 1984 Request Passback Appeal Settlement Federal Payment 361 386 442 386 442 425 Capital Loans 145 115 155 155 Other 76 100 93 75 3 77 582 601 690 461 600 502 The above reflects my final settlement of the District of Columbia Government's request for Federal funds for 1985. This resolution is the result of personal meetings between myself and Mayor Barry and our respective staffs . Quite frankly, I believe this settlement is more than fair to the District . However, we anticipate that the Mayor will further pursue his appeal to you or other White House staff for contingency long-term borrowing authority and for an additional increase in the Federal payment above the $425 million level. Federal Payments. The City requested a Federal payment in the amount of $442 million. When I met with Mayor Barry I pointed out that a Federal payment in the amount of $425 million was / quite substantial. This level represents an increase of $39 million over 1984; and it is the largest annual increase since Home Rule. The District wants the Federal payment increment of $39 .million plus any additional payment over the 1984 level that the City is advised to pay for its citizens at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. Capital Loans. The District has requested long-term borrowing from the U.S. Treasury for all projects that currently are under construction. The District officials have indicated that they will seek funding in the private market for all new starts if we agree to make loans for the projects under construction ($155 million in 1985 and $153 million from 1986-89). As a fallback, 2 they have also proposed that we simply submit contingency loan authority as a backup. The appeal for capital loans was denied because last year it was mutually agreed that 1984 would be the final year for Treasury loans. Moreover, we believe that the District can gain financing in the private market for all of its projects. The District has approximately $185 million available in 1984, and we believe that, based on past trends, this can provide capital outlays well into fiscal year 1985. In the event that loans do become necessary, we can review this issue at that time. Other. The principal costs under this category are the Federal contribution to the District's pension fund ($52 million), fees for water and sewer services to Federal buildings, and other miscellaneous costs such as inaugural expenses, congressional add-ons, etc. Our appeal settlement provides $2.3 million for the 1985 inaugural expenses that the District anticipates that it will incur. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON January 5, 1984 Dear Mr. Woodson: Thank you for your letter bringing to my attention the possibility of a major mis understanding between the Administration and the Urban Education Foundation of Philadelphia. At no time was there ever any intention by this Administration not to fulfill the commitment given by the President at the announcement of the five million dollar assistance provided by the Fed eral government to allow the transfer of property from the Provident Mutual Insur ance Company to Cheney State University and Lincoln College. ·I have received full assurance that the Department of Educa tion will provide such notification in order to conclude all negotiations on the transfer. Thank you for contacting me on this matter. MIC AEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Robert L. Woodson President National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise 1130 Seventeenth Street, NW, Suite 500 Washington, D.C. 20036 • ir 191072 National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise 1130 Seventeenth Street, N.W ., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20036/(202) 331 ·1103 President Robert L. Woodeon December 6; Boord of Directors Chairman Clifton W. Henry Hammer, Slier, George Associates Wash ington, DC Boord Members Mr. Michael Deaver Ronald D. Baker Assistant to the President Dayton, Ohio Brl9ltte Ber9er The White House Chairman, Department of Sociology Washington; DC 20500 Wellesley College 81eter Falaka Fattah Founder and President Dear Mr. Deaver: House of Umoja Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Carl Hardrick Th~~ gooa will of Pennsylvania residents; Youth Services Coordinator especially minority; established by the presi South Arsenal Neighborhood Development Corporation (SAND) dential announcement of the admipistration's Hartford, Connecticut support of the Urban Education Foundation of Ill. Carl Holman President Philadelphia is :seriously jeopardi-zed by the lack National Urban Coalition Washington. DC of communicat:ion between the administration and Paul W. McCracken e foundation. Edmund Ezra Day University Professor of Business Administration University of Michigan Since the November 10th announcement of $5 million John L. lllcKnl9ht Associote Director to the foundation; there has been no communi Center for Urban Affairs and Policy Research cation from the administration to Judge Harvey Northwestern University Schmidt; the foundation's chairman; about how to facilitate the transfer of government funds. It is iruperative that someone from the adminis tration send a commitment letter to Judge Schmidt confirming the $5 million grant to enable the foundation to borrow funds necessary for them to take possession of the facility by December 31. Again; I want to emphasize that time is critical. Numerous inquiries are being made about the administration's commitment by the Pennsylvania press corp; Senator Arlen Specter's office; Governor Thornburgh's office and others. yours, Woodson President cc: James Coyne "Turning Problems Into Opportunftiec;" ) MICHAEL K . DEAVER ~/. . ~ THE WHITE HOUSE WASH ING TON Lally Weymouth 21 East 79th Street New York, New York 10021 f~d -P rnj *~r + l4~n. r ~Q_ Cf"' ~{-' ~ d..'pJ Wl«J_ Q k5J,\"" Jp \o..J' {}~~UL . . ; ~ kl:e ~ .... ~ .. ,,..--- . !°~ . · l'fl i~ Cl\\ .'Ii.. •• . ... cS'e_Ys(_ cro.u~. ~ Lcr-e ~ ~ ~~ ~a_{) . ~ ~ ~~+-) ~lLr w~~ I -. STICKY UESTIONS FOR By Lally Weymouth Since entering the Democratic race for president, the Rever end Jesse Jackson has been acclaimed a brilliant orator, "the best in the country, along with the president," says Arthur Schlesinger Jr. By speaking up for the "Rainbow Coalition," his claimed constituency of minorities and women, Jackson has forced the Democrats to tum their attention from Reagan's issues-budget cuts, the economy, and defense-to the plight of the poor and the dispossessed. Yet, his exciting rhetoric has obscured questions about Jackson's candidacy, his past activities, and his change of position on key issues, such as abortion and Israel. I put some of those questions to him recently during a long conversation in Washington. ally Weymouth: Martin Luther will have no problem accepting me, be King Jr. had a vision of a broad cause I bring a contribution to the ar basedcoalition that would include rangement: more voters, loyal voters, re whites and achieve its goals vived interest. We're clear on the fact through nonviolent action. Do that the American Rainbow must have Lyou have a visionofworkingwithwhites? all of the colors in it and no longer Jesse Jackson: I have a great desire punish anybody because of their race, and a great ability to work with white their sex, or their religion. people. The historical fact is that blacks 0: Since only 9 percent of the vote is and Hispanics vote for whites; the whites black, you've got to figure out a way to tend not to vote for blacks. So whites reach the white vote, if you're serious must pass the character test of re about being a national candidate. ciprocal voting. I have no problem ac- . A: You're right, and that's why some cepting white Democrats; I hope they one like Ramsey Clark is a member of 32 NEW YORK/ JA NUARY 9, 1984 Ph otographed by Andy Lev in/Bl ack Star. our steering committee, one of our women are working together in the cam 0: How do you explain why many earliest endorsers. Barry Commoner paign. leading blacks are not supporting your spoke a~ our opening, and he'll travel 0: Are a lot of whites working in your candidacy? with me sometimes. We're reaching out campaign? A: There are many more who are. to all of America. This is not a black A: Sure they are. We don't have a They're just exercising their democratic campaign. running count. We've got whites on our option. Q: Is your candidacy a Black Power staff. Don't be surprised at the level of 0: You say it's imperative for you to campaign, an effort to organize the poor participation in our campaign by peace run and win. Why don't other black against the rich? activists and environmentalists and leaders see it that way? A: Of course it's not, of course it's not. women. A: Some flowers bloom late. Maynard No more than Mondale's is a white 0: The media have been ·concentrat Jackson endorsed me last month. One power campaign, or Glenn's is a white ing on your registration of new black c11n say, "Why didn't he do it a month power campaign. I don't think they're voters and the possibility that these new before? He's diddling time." running race-oriented campaigns, and voters could win the next election for the 0: What do you say about black lead I'm not running a race-oriented cam Democratic party. Do you think that you ers like Andy Young and Coretta Scott paign. We're not talking so much about may also set off a white registration cam King and others who either endorsed a black campaign as we're talking about paign by people who are afraid of you Mondale or are lukewarm to your can American life from the black perspec and don't want anything to do with you? didacy? tive. That's the perspective of the re A: I think it's unfair to assume that A: I say so far Andy has not endorsed jected, that's the perspective of the op white people are so timid that they can anybody. Ken Gibson endorsed me, and pressed, that's the perspective of living not respond to my appeal to them to do so did Marion Berry and Dick Hatcher without protection of law, and that's the justice and to make room for their com and "Dutch" Moria! and most of the perspective of women, of Hispanics, of panions who are black or Hispanic. members of the Congressional Black Asians, and Indians, and children. We're Carter and Mondale were not terrified Caucus and, polls show, most black people. 0: Looking at the voting figures, it appears that the success of your cam paign depends a lot on your success with 'We're bringing the experience women. A: It does. The success of the Demo of black America into politics cratic party depends upon women. The .success of the nation depends upon women. As a matter of fact, the success as we brought it into music, of the human species-I mean, let's take this to its proper conclusion-depends into art, and into culture.' upon women. [Laughs.) If Mrs. Indira G a ndhi can run India-a nation of 700- million people, three times more than this nation, with far fewer resources and Mrs. Golda Meir can guide Israel bringing to bear the experience of black when I traveled to 29 states and 82 cities through war, and Mrs. Thatcher can run America into politics as we brought it in for them. They were not terrified then, Britain, clearly women can run this music, in art, in culture. Black musicians and I don't see why they'd be terrified country. There are now women in Con don't play a different kind of piano from now. The fears that were projected as we gress, the Senate, the Supreme Court. whites; we do bring an experience to the marched to get public accommodations And we just simply must destroy the keyboard that sounds a bit different. proved to be unfounded. The fears that remaining remnants of negative, un 0: The Rainbow Coalition-who says whites projected when blacks got the founded thought that would limit the the Hispanics and the blacks are going right to vote were unfounded fears. The participation of women and those to see eye to eye and agree that you'll fears about blacks' having access to open who've been locked out. represent them? housing were unfounded fears. Any feel 0: Many of those key women voters A: We will grow in our appreciation of ings that express fear grow out of a lack are white. our mutual interests. Blacks and His of contact. And that's why we must have A: That's right. Most of them. panics have suffered the same in more contact, because when we talk to 0: What do you have to offer women? dignities because of race and color and gether and share together and act to After all, your anti-abortion stand was caste and economic barriers, and so gether, we become comfortable with very unpalatable to a lot of women. Why we're learning to live together, along each other, and we win together .... See, should women vote for you over Mon with the Indians and Asian-Americans I have reason to believe that when the dale? and gays, women, young people, peace press assumes that whites will not vote A: First of all, I must assume that activists, environmentalists. We are for blacks that's being unfair to white women will be as fair toward a man as learning how our mutual interests con people. Even though a lot of whites don't they expect men to be toward them. verge. All of us are locked out of the elite vote for blacks, they're go\ng to learn to Secondly, I'd expect women to be as fair circle. Now that all of us have the right do so out of self-interest. After all, if they toward me as I am toward them. What I to vote, we must exercise it. Further want to deal with the candidate that's have to offer women is a challenge to the more, we can survive without each going to confront plant closings, I'm the Democratic party that will make room other, but we cannot win without each best candidate. If the poor want to get for them to fit at every level, and to other. So we are now learning to live back on America's agenda and if they therefore achieve self-determination. together. want somebody to challenge trade un I'm willing to challenge the party to 0: Do you ultimately see a reconcilia ions and their discriminatory patterns make room for women-not just embel tion between blacks and whites? and corporations, they're going to grav lish the positions of women but em A: Of course I do. We're running a itate to this leadership. So the litmus test power them. I'm willing to challenge the redemptive campaign. Matter of fact, is going to be service and positions on labor unions that engage in restriction of blacks and whites and Hispanics and critical issues. trade training for women to make room 34 N EW YORK/ JA UARY g, 1984 locked out, the party can't win. If the trade-union movement locks us out, it cannot keep its credibility; if it includes us, it gains its credibility. It's like when 'I'll challenge the party ·to they thought I was going to run; at first, there was a trauma. Now that I'm run make room for women-not ning, many people who had fears three months ago are now beginning to see my candidacy as an asset to the national ·just embellish the positions ticket. Some people who were afraid three months ago have now come full of women but empower them.' circle. That's going to continue to take place. 0: You have to address certain ques tio,ns-for instance, some that were re cently raised in a Wall Street fournal for women who are locked out. I'm will choice: If she had made the choice based editorial. The f ournal spoke of federal ing to fight to get the Equal Rights upon personal convenience and per auditors' trying to decide what Opera Amendment put in its proper perspec sonal ambition, then I never would have tion PUSH did with federal money and· tive and passed. I'm willing to put a had the option to live. That's existential asking Operation PUSH to return be woman on the ticket as vice-president. at one level. At another level, it grows tween $880,000 and $2.1 million. It's I'm willing to argue publicly why that is out of my sense of the religious im suggested that there has been a lot of a logical and a proper thing to do in perative to protect human life. That's bookkeeping sloppiness in Operation 1984. And so I have more to offer women why I fight so hard to afford the people PUSH. What do you say to that? as a candidate than the other candidates the abundant life. On the other hand, it A: I would say that our accountants do. On the question of abortion, I take grows out of my sense of the law, and my and the government's auditors are now the position that as a matter of law sense of the law is that people's choice in in a routine procedural process to de women must have their freedom of a free society must be preserved-their termine the end results of programs choice protected-that is the law, and I right of choice. which happens in cities with grants ev would not attempt to repeal that law. Q: Don't you think you have a ery day. I would submit that there are, 0: But you didn't always take that credibility problem-that people who between the Department of Education position. don't know you and who've read about and the Department of Labor, 5,000 un A: Well, I've grown. I've matured. you in the media say, "Oh yes, he's resolved audits totaling $213 million. [In When you get older, you know, you changed his position on Israel"; "Oh fact, Labor says it has 175 unresolved grow or you rot. I don't apologize about yes, he's changed his position on abor audits involving $70.2 million. Educa growing and having a broader perspec tion"? tion says it has 1,037 involving $69 mil tive. My position has not changed as A: No. If you traveled and saw the lion.] So unresolved audits' being in dis radically as projected. As a matter of crowds coming in numbers four and five pute is routine. There is no allegation law, women must have freedom of times greater than for any other can of criminal conduct or anything illegal. choice, just as others have freedom of didate, it would be clear to you I don't We're simply dealing with questionables · sex preference. Women have the legal have a credibility problem. and disallowables. This is really just that right to choose what they would do with Q: I'm not saying you're not attracting basic. And so for [the Wall Street fourna~ their bodies. I would never encourage big crowds. to attempt to make of the routine the abortion. It's people's right to make a A: But that's one evidence of credi extraordinary is playing the game by two choice about their bodies. Even theo bility. People who come voluntarily sets of rules. We will abide by the law. logically, we are God's creatures; we are come because they believe in you. And Clearly, in Project Excel [a project started free agents; we're not puppets. So we when people don't show up, that's a vote by Operation PUSH] our service out have the right to choose-that's the es also. I submit to you that people who distanced our revenue. The person with a sential freedom of the human being-we react to me who don't know me are credibility problem is the one who came have the right to choose the high road or dealing in ignorance, and so as you into office with the promise of a balanced the low road, but we must live with the share information and people get to budget-who now has the largest budget consequences of the road that we know you, people's fears are relieved. deficit in the history of the nation. And so choose. And that's the delicate balance There is no basis to fear one who has a we must put this matter in context. in that situation. formula to make the Democratic party There's no way to measure the good we I'm not going to run around appealing win. If blacks, Hispanics, and women are meant to the youth of this nation by to people to have abortions or trying to included, the party can't lose; if they're motivating them to leave their gutters of violate people who Jo have them. After all, we do live under a constitution, not under a holy book. So I'd expect women to live with my sense of fear and trem bling on that issue. And, I might add, a 'Women today have a \ega\ 'ot of women don't believe in abortion nder any conditions. It's not an issue t\~nt to c.boose wbat to do 1.t is as cut-and-dried as i(.)(.)U tie(.)ti\e \ ~a~ ~~\)~\~. \~ ~ \\\\e (.)\ \\\e m(.)s\'· w\tb tbe\t bod\es. But\ wou\d \\'we \'ii'!i\le'il (.)\ \)\l\'. 0.a'j. \)(.)e'i> 'jQ\lr amoi.\la\ence ~~out never encourage abortion.' "'ll\ C,(.)ffie \)\l\ (.)\ 'jQ\l'I' te\\g\OUS 'und? b' t' of comes out of a com ma ion !he first is existential. l washb~r~ Ned\ock, and my mother a . \ ~- · ~-~ mediocrity, to move toward excellence. And those programs, of course, were cut down and pared down, and when the auditors and the accountants finish, we'll do whatever we should do within the law. 'There is no allegation of Q: It says in the Wall Street Journal editorial, "Mr. Jackson calls the audits a mere accounting dispute, but the Depart any criminal conduct with ment of Education says PUSH will have to return $880,000 to $2.1 million. This is a Operation PUSH. We're whopper of an accounting dispute." A: You know, for four years we've been dealing with questionables.' harassed about being a Libyan agent. And it finally has .come out, after four years, that there was no foundation for the allegation. But four years of constant harassment in th'e press-and that's in ity-business people in international trade small Arab business people, and so they that same Wall Street Journal [editorial] is routine and proper. are part of our community. They're buy about some Libyan connection-that had 0: Are you speaking of your assistance ing and selling, and hiring people. no foundation! to business in Libya? They're paying taxes and going to school Q: But didn't you make a request of the A: At the time we had full diplomatic with our children. And so it was a chal Libyan government on behalf of a small ties with Libya, that was the proper thing lenge to us when we came back [from the oil company? to do. The administration was encourag Middle East]. They were interested. We'd A: At the time, this country had full ing minority-business trade between this been to Jordan, we'd been to Egypt, we'd diplomatic ties with Libya. For example, country and Africa. There was a meeting been to the Persian Gulf, and we'd been Armand Hammer and Occidental were when I came·back [from the Middle East] to the camps; we'd been to Lebanon. So relating to Libya-I might add, as they where I challenged a group of Arab they were interested: ''What can we do?" are now-and I believed a part of my job Americans to begin to express their [I said,] "See, here's.the kind of thing. You was to expand business opportunities for Americanness and come out of isolation, jeopardize your standing by not being as blacks, because I think that private-busi to get more involved in voter registration, involved as you ought to be in the broad ness development is an alternative to gov get more involved in education, in run range of American concerns." ernment aid or to welfare. It fulfills the ning for public office, in being a part of Q : In retrospect, was it unwise to so American promise. And so if anybody the broad-based human-rights struggle, licit money from Arab businessmen, in was doing oil business in the Middle East, and not just project their own narrow the sense that this act might compromise why couldn't blacks do oil business in the interest. The only way they could expect or open to question your position on Middle East? [The Wallace Company, of to get help from members of a broad subjects such as the P.L.O.? Tuskegee, Alabama] happened to be one based coalition was to be participants in A: It's not offensive to take money of those companies that we supported, a broad-based coalition. Blacks can't just from Jewish businessmen who are Ameri because it had the right to do business focus on Africa if they expect to get help cans, or black businessmen who are there. It was just good business. We have on other issues. Jews can't just focus on Americans, or Arab businessmen, or His ten or twelve small black oil companies Israel if they expect to get help on other panic businessmen. It is not right to make that we tried to help, in the Middle East, issues. Arabs can't just focus on the Mid lepers of any group of Americans. That's in Venezuela-everywhere. dle East and expect to get help on other not right. Across the years, we've enjoyed 0: As a Democratic politician with a issues. A broad-based coalition must support from a broad range of American controversial position on Israel, do you make its presence felt on a broad range of business people, whether they were Irish now think it was unwise to have sought issues. It was within that context that that or Italian or ... contributions from Arab businessmen, to statement was made. · 0: In Operation PUSH? whom you're reported to have said, 0: Do you mean the Arab busi A: ·All of them: Urban League, ''We'll do something for you if you do nessmen could be a part of the broad N.A.A.C.P., hospital charities, Harvard something for us"-or something to that based coalition? University. Harvard has not turned down effect? A: It was not just a group of busi any money from Arab businessmen. I A: I'm not going to back off of that. I nessmen or wealthy sheikhs. We had a want to get that point clear. There is think that strong leadership must mold breakfast, you know, which involved nothing unusual about the use of opinion and not just follow opinion polls. some Arab-American students and some Arab-American money in the American All of us have the right to use all of our professors and store owners. In Chicago political system. Banks use it, univer rights within the .law . Supporting minor- and Detroit, for example, you have many sities use it. 0: You know as well as I do that all Democratic senators, including the most progressive ones, are virtually 100 per cent pro-Israel. 'America has an interest in A: But that is not in the best interests of our nation. We must be pro-American! Let's be fair to America. We must protect normalized ties with the Arab America's interest. America has an inter est in the Middle East. America does world-for moral, economic, have an interest in Israel's security within internationally recognized boundaries. America has an interest in Israel morally, and military reasons.' economically, militarily, geopolitically. America also has an interest in Palestin ian self-determination (a) because we are a democracy, (b) because they're human 36 N EW YORK/ JANUARY 9, 1984 beings, (c) because at this point they're not the Arab assessment [that I gave] in hunches? That's unrealistic to think that. the enemy to our Israeli ally, and by the same press briefing before about 30 The press, because of its posture, has relieving our ally of its enemies we relieve press people. My point is that we already been ki.nd of slow to deal with the reality us and the ally of a burden that's a heavy have a strategic military alliance with of what did happen. burden to bear. We have an interest in Israel, and it's in our interest to keep it. What did happen was they came to normalized ties with the Arab world Then came this blank-check arrangement gether, in desperation, and freed each also for moral, economic, geopolitical, with [Israeli prime minister Yitzhak] other. They arrived at what I arrived at and military reasons. And we also have Shamir, which is not in America's or four years ago: that if you talk, you act, an interest in Lebanon's territorial integ Israel's best interest-which is peace in and if you act, you change things. There rity being protected and in sparing Leba the Middle East. This blank check to Sha fore, the stories need to show that what non, if we can, from being partitioned. mir, the offering up of cluster bombs we suggested should happen four years Now America must reconcile its sev clearly offensive weapons-signals a pos ago finally did happen, and the net results eral interests. The other candidates, who sible attack upon Syria that could lead us are what we predicted: that the Israelis have not gone to the Arab world, who into a tremendous state of world destabi finally determined that [P.L.O. leader have not met with Arab leaders, who have lization. It was unwarranted. These con Yasir] Arafat in fact represented a chance not rnet with Israel's enemies, are ·Jess cessions, without any adequate dialogue for some kind of rapprochement. That's able to relieve Israel of the pressure of her in regard to the annexation of the Golan the position we took. enemies'. It is irresponsible for American Heights or the West Bank, or settlements Q: I don't see evidence to show that the leadership not to talk with all sides. It's on the West Bank, or the offensive use of Israelis feel Arafat represents any chance irresponsible for a Democratic candidate American weapons in Lebanon, are not at all. I think the Israelis are hoping a to be Jess willing to dialogue about the in America's best interest. For Shamir to West Bank leadership will emerge.- Middle East with the members of the leave here . with his arms full, and for A: But they did deal with him. Knesset, with members of the Labor [Lebanese president Amin] Gemayel to Q: Only-through intermediaries party, or Peace Now. .We must not see leave here with his hands empty, feeling over the prisoners. open dialogue about the Middle East as humiliated, is not in America's best inter- A: All I'm trying to say is that as a anything other than operating in the highest and best American tradition. Q: What about the remark you once made 11bout having heard too much about the Holocaust? 'If I continued to rehearse the A: Position taken out of context. The point was that if I continued to re episodes of slavery, I would hearse the episodes of slavery and the drama of it all I would become too em bittered toward white people to function. become too embittered to If I, in my search for my family roots, began to track down the whites who were white people to function.' our slave masters, I'd become too para lyzed by the past to go into the future. I went to Africa some years ago and went up in the rocks where they held-the slaves and put them on ships. I went with a est. It's not in Israel's best interest, as human-rights activist, we wanted to be group of people: Everybody was excited. ·well. That's my position. able to meet with [then Israeli prime We got up early in the morning and went Q: The Times story said that you now minister Menachem] Begin. He refused in where they held the slaves in the pits. refer to the "Palestinians," not to the to meet with us. And we went to meet We kept looking at a little dingy place. "P.L.O.," and that there'd been an agree with the Arab leaders on the West Bank, People were very quiet. Roberta Flack ment reached between you and various and we advocated a mutual-recognition began to sing "Oh, Freedom." People Jewish leaders on this subject. policy. At this point, they don't recognize started crying. I said to myself, "If I re A: That's not true. We had a meeting each other. And you cannot have prog hearsed this pageantry too much, I with Mark Siegel [a political consultant] ress without mutual recognition and couldn't function!" and a couple of Jewish people who ex mutual respect. I further submit to you It was in this context that [I remarked pressed their sensitivity to the reference that if this country uses the same diplo ·that] the Holocaust ritual, unless it's kept to the P.L.O., and three days later Jewish matic and economic strength that was in perspective, can be damaging. We have leaders and Arafat had a meeting. used when we convened Camp David, to ugly dimensions of our past. They must Q: Which Jewish leaders? bring about a high-level dialogue be give way to our hope for the future. That A: Those who worked out negotiations tween Palestinians and the Israelis, we was not meant to be an unkind statement. to free up the Jews and Palestinians from can make peace in the Middle East. The I was really projecting my own experi the prison camps, when they freed up the P.L.O. is not just an organization in the ence with trauma. Anybody who would Israeli prisoners of war and the 4,000 Middle East. It's a spirit; it's bred in the amplify that statement as being anti-Jew Palestinians. Obviously, there was a ne children. And it's not just a military ish is being unfair. It's a distortion of my gotiation with the P.L.O. And all it really arm-it's hospitals, it's industry, it's views. My religious roots run too deep in proved was that when the P.L.O. and the education, it's a way of life. American Judaism to harbor any anti-Jewish feel Israelis talked, they freed each other, and people know too little about our Middle ings. It's just unfair. when they were not talking, they killed East options, because of such a dearth of Q: I read in the Times a story about each other. dialogue in this country. your present views on Israel. It certain Q: You don't know for a fact they Q: Are you in favor of a Palestinian ly seems that you've changed your po talked, do you? Because they could have homeland? sitions on Israel quicker than John talked through the Austrians or the Red A: Certainly I'm in favor of a Palestin Glenn has. Is this so? Cross. ian state, a homeland. A: No, no, no. That needs to be put in A: You think they did it by telegram? Q: On the West Bank? context, too. Because it's interesting how How else could they have' done it without A: The West Bank and Gaza is the they just wrote the Israeli assessment and talking? Do you think that they did it with most logical place to put it. And that's JANUARY 9 , 1984/NEW YORK 37 .;: why the West Bank occupation, ex ago, blacks, Hispanics, and teenagers I am far more concerned about public pansion of settlements, is such a threat. didn't have the right to vote. And now, negotiations for parity for the "locked And I might add that many other people twenty years later, blacks, Hispanics, and out,"for theRainbow, than I am about pri consider the West Bank occupation to be women are voting in great numbers. As a vate negotiations, private brokering for illegal: Nixon, Ford, and Carter. My basic matter of fact, the old minorities are the a position. For example, the Democratic Middle East position is consistent with new majority. But the old wineskins have party must end segregated slate-making. many elements of the Labor party and not made room for us. The result is the Where blacks, Hispanics, and women Peace Now. My position should not be nation is 51 percent female and we've · vote together, they should be slated to projected as some unilateral position in not been able to pass an E.R.A. amend gether. It must end the second-primary isolation. It's a contradiction for an Amer ment. The party did not fight as vigorous system. The second primary has been ican Democratic candidate to be embrac a fight for it as it should have. The Voting used in the South as a tool to keep ing the Likud's position, as opposed to Rights Act of '65 has not been adequately blacks, Hispanics, whites, and poor peo [the positions oO Labor and Peace Now. enforced. In the ten Deep South states, ple out of the Congress and out of state In this country, Democrats classically are where 53 percent of all blacks live, there's wide positions. In nine southern states, if to Labor and Peace Now what Re only one congressperson out of 115. [In you win in an open field, you must then publicans are to the Likud. That's how fact, 41.5 percent of all blacks live in the run a second race. That's neither con our politics break down. ten Deep South states, and 2 of the stitutional nor is it applied in 41 other Q: But you went way beyond that. region's 1.32 members of Congress are states. [I also want the party to] end dual A: No foundation for it. What did I say black.] So I'm running to defend the poor registration, where, in Mississippi, peo beyond that? and make welcome the outcasts and to ple have to travel up to 70 miles round Q: You called Zionism "a poisonous deliver those votes that are stuck at the trip in some instances just to vote. These weed." bottom. I think that is the salvation for changes are the guarantees for the A: Let's deal with that one; let's deal the Democratic party, the democratic party's future and viability. It must make with it one at a time. Zionism. A lot of process, and for the soul of America. room for the majority of its members. controversy about Zionism and Judaism, you know. Zionism is rooted in race; it's a political philosophy. Judaism is religion and faith; it's a religion. And there are points on the curve where Zionism and 'It's a contradiction for an Judaism are in conflict. To the extent to which the prophecy of Judaism is made silent by the politics of Zionism, it is a American Democratic threat to the glorious flower of Judaism, which is in the Garden along with Chris candidate to be embracing tianity and with the Moslem religion. Again, that's not a personal position that the Likud bloc's position.' I conjured up; that's a running debate. But I'm not ignorant of the difference between the two. There are many Jews who are not Zionists. I support the Jews in their struggle for a homeland. There Q: When you arrive at the Democratic That's what I mean by public negotia are obviously extremists who've gone far convention, how many delegates do you tions for parity and not private broker beyond a homeland for the Jewish people expect to ·have? ing for a position. into the occupation and suppression of A: I'll have enough delegates to win Q: You are saying that you are more other people-and that tension is gnaw the Democratic nomination. There are 50 interested in giving your votes to a can ing away at the soul of that nation. That's percent female voters, about 25 percent didate who promises party reforms than [the cause] of its great internal agony black and Hispanic, plus young people. If to one who would offer you a Cabinet right now. that element chooses to fully use its polit post? But do you get my position on the ical franchise, it can redirect the course A: The Cabinet post is quite secon Middle East? Because the reporting has of this nation. You put those elements dary to our share of congressional seats not been fair-it has been distorted, de together-that is the Rainbow Coalition. and state legislative seats and judicial leted. I simply reserve the right to be a We have the power to bring about a new seats and sheriffs and registrars and tax part of an open dialogue about a region course and to elect a new leadership. assessors. The aristocratic Democrats of the world where America's interest is Q: In all likelihood, you have the op must not use restrictive measures that involved. One cannot have a blank-check portunity to influence Democratic-party limit participation of the majority of the arrangement with any nation and protect politics but not the opportunity to be the party. our nation's interest. Right now, by not candidate. Thus, the choice you appar 0: If you or any candidate doesn't get dealing at all with the offensive use of ently face is what to do with the votes of 10 percent of the vote in two successive weapons in Lebanon, by not dealing with your followers: keep them within the primaries, federal campaign money is that in negotiations, it makes America a party, perhaps in exchange for some automatically cut off. Are you worried party to the invasion, which is in fact a thing, or go outside the party and run as by this? declaration of war. It takes away the in an independent candidate. Which A: I don't see it as a problem. I think nocence of the American soldiers who course do you favor? that's the way the law is interpreted. are there. It says their presence is not just A: At this point, I'm running third out We're going to meet with [Democratic a peacekeeping force. of a field of eight. And the race has party chairman Charles] Manatt on the Q: Why are you running for president hardly begun. The polls indicate I have whole question of the Hunt [delegate when it appears virtually certain that you tremendous room for growth and accep selection] rules, because they're stacked can't win? tance, so I will not by any means presup against me, but that's not going to alter A: I'm running because there are more pose at this point any negative thoughts our movement. people locked out of the Democratic upon my candidacy. If we follow your Q: Much has been written about your party who are its natural constituents scenario, for the sake of conversation, campaign's being, in effect, a registra than are locked into it. Twenty years then at the convention in San Francisco, tion drive for black voters. 38 EW YORK/ JANUARY 9, 1984 A: That's one attribute of my cam paign. Q: Is it in fact only a registration drive? A: Of course riot. It's an effort to win the Democratic nomination. At this point, we are registering more new voters than any other candidate. We are reviving the interest of voters who had despaired in any other candidate. By reviving the progressive wing of the Democratic party, we have diminished tremendously the [potential] third-party revolt led by [John] And~rson, because Anderson was going to draw heavily upon disgruntled Democrats. And thereby we made the party more viable. So, far from splitting the party, we have broadened the base of the party, which is the only strategy that can effectively win against Reagan or whomever the Republicans run in '84. Q: But your scenario requires an ar rangement between you and the Demo cratic nominee whereby you bring your so-called progressive wing into the party and do not pursue an independent ticket. Florida. Where the And where the golf. Send for our Then see your most predictable toughest executive 128-page Vocation travel agent. because Is this the scenario we can expect? dally occurrence Is decision Is whether Gulde for more of when you need It bad, A: The progressive wing is already in a shining sun. to swing at tennis or the surprising Florida. we've got It good. the party. The most Joyal element in the Democratic party is the black vote. Q: But, as you've pointed out, many of these people aren't voting. A: Many of the new ones have not Address City/State/Zip ______voted before. They have Democratic lean Flor1do Division ofTour1srn. Visitor Inquiry Section. Dept. NYM2.126 Von Buren street Tollohossee. FL 32301. Enclosed Is $2.50 for your Vocation Gulde. (No cash please, check or money order only.) Payable to: ings. In 1980, while the labor vote split Florido Department of Commerce. Allow 3-4 weeks delivery. and the Jewish vote split, the blacks re mained 90 percent loyal to the party. You're talking about the most loyal core of the party. We are demanding ac countability and a return on our invest ment. I talked with Bert Lance [last month]. He's the state party chairman in a state that depends heavily upon the votes of the black and the poor as we seek equity and parity. We're asking for the party to break an old, habit and make room for its membership. And I told him that it was important that we meet to work on a strategy for winning in 1984, and that strategy necessarily included ways to make room for women and His panics and blacks and poor people, the most natural constituents of the Demo cratic party. And he has agreed to con vene the other southern chairpersons. I said, "Now, you look at these all white, male supreme courts, sponsored by Democrats-there must be a change." And his immediate response was "I can't do anything about it; I can't deliver." My response was "If the party cannot deliver for its membership, why should the mem bership deliver for the party?" The relationship has to be a mutually beneficial relationship that is respectful, and so far the relationship has been too one-way. If the old wineskins don't ac cept the new wine, the new wine will develop wineskins of its own. Q: ·Does that mean that you'd go off and be an independent candidate? A: I'm not inclined to; I'm inclined to JANUARY 9 , 1984/NEW YORK 39 . ·'We came up with a strategy that would both expand the Democratic party and also gain us new respect within \t.' ~, \ \a,\¥.ed \t over with a combina~ion 1 expand the party, not break with the l'\ " ~\.e1 "i~~ ~\\O received party. I think the party for too long has of people. But i m m1,,, v \\ ~\., been a beneficiary of our investment, and the lion's share of the telephone cans me now we want equity and dividends- night the news broke that Mondale and that's all. We don't want to be the Harlem Kennedy were going to support Byrne Beaches Globetrotters of the Democratic party- and Daley. And then I talked to Harold to give it its soul, its excitement, its Washington about it, and, of course, he Beaches rhythm, its margin of victory, and yet not was upset by it. He was not expecting it. be allowed to set any policy. It's kind of He had worked hard for the Carter-Man- Beaches like being the party concubines: They get dale ticket, and therefore he didn't expect No matter when you come to the fun with us, then they marry other that. We called Mondale, and he said, the Cayman Islands, or where people. We want to be full partners, and "Well, I made a commitment to Daley you go - Grand Cayman, we want to have our share of the judjcial two years ago, and I will not go back on Caynian Brae, Little Cayman - seats, legislative seats, sheriffs, registrars: my word." you'll seldom miss a day We want to share that. That's fair. I said, ''Well, it seems like Mr. Dale' sunning on the greatest variety Q: People write that your decision to should relieve you of that commitmer. of beautiful beaches in the run for president came out of the Harold because he's not going to win, and he Caribbean. Washington campaign for mayor of Chi- going to affect you negatively." All white sand, uncrowded, unspoiled, unmarred by cago. Had you contemplated running be- I then called about 50 national leade high-rises. fore then? and appealed to them to send him te· A winter climate that's seldom A: It's deeper than that. The evo,lution grams to ask him not to come in. Well, below82°. of the drive for self-determination and did so anyhow. We had supported Da An ocean so clear and clean, self-respect on one hand and on the other [for state's attorney in 1980] on the c1 a few yards from shore you can the reduced options the party was mitment that he would not run for mF snorkel over the world's most presenting to blacks, Hispanics, women, and he made that commitment. So spectacular shallow underwater and poor people somewhat culminated Daley was telling us he would not' r wonderland. Or dive in what when Mondale and Kennedy came into was telling Mondale, "I'm support' SKIN DIVER magazine calls "The superbowl of scuba:' Chicago to support [Jane] Byrne and because I'm going to run." So Relax, secure in the knowledge [Richard] Daley over Harold Washington talking double. And Mr. Mondalr that you are in a 300-year·old in the primary fight. A city 39 percent commitment that he should 1 British Crown Colony with the black, about 15 percent Hispanic, about made. highest standard of living in the 10 percent Polish, about 9 percent Irish, But I look back with no sent Caribbean and people who about 3 or 4 percent Jewish. Clearly, out ness. It's just one of those really care about your comfort. of those numbers, Harold Washington juncture points, a kind of err Beautiful l·bedroom condo· miniums are available for had a good chance of winning. But here many ways, that event cryste families and foursomes at a were two of our most liberal or pro- many thoughts over a long p modest cost. Attractive small gressive allies making a unilateral entry that we had to go another w hotels. Luxurious clubs into the race to defeat us. That stimulated new thoughts ir and villas. !raumatized much of our leadership, for ica. Black America no An hour's flight- 4 70 miles 1f the two most progressive leaders in the catalyst for Hispanics, h directly south of Miami, on party would take advantage of us- women. We have noy I Cayman Airways - the only air· 0: Mondale and Kennedy? Cl)talyst for a new, brr b line with First Class and Cabin 727·200 super-service to A: Yes-then it suggested that there ment in this country. A Urand Cayman. was a gross insensitivity, and that we Q: Are you going t de Forreservations,contactyour needed to redress our grievances, not by again if you don't wir :~C::Z' agent. For information starting another party but by running for A: That's a statio9 rochures, write or call. the presidency in the Democratic prima- the line to deal witf (212) 682·5582 nes and challenging the Republicans in one S!P/jon at a tim s~~;;;~~~ e::t~~n. We came up with a you go to !/Je DeJ1 . CAYA«N ~ party on the one h~ndf on;e eXJ!and the miltedlo the mis,r Departm :If;ISLANJJs respect within the ut a1so gam a new th ,i , 420 Lek/ngtent ofTourJsn. spares us of th party. So this strate h e fJS. 10vofve1 N. on Al'e S "'.. • e..- l'ork N. >::'' U/te 2.J/2 0: Did You e need for a third 'g)' . ave some ap ' . . 10170 "" hor .did Jou 817'.~ome up with this~ party. involved in l avmg talks wit:~aa~ this decisiono~;elf change the P nous leaders? er c~af(enge the mission, but Mr. David Murdock 10644 Bellagio Road Los Angeles, CA 90024 -iE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON Mr. Harold Burson 866 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022 Mr. Lester Korn Korn and Ferry 1900 Avenue of the Stars 19th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90067 ;Jr;, "HE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON Mr. Robert Dilenschneider V" 1 Illinois Center 111 East Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60601 r HE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON The Honorable Drew Lewis - / Route 1 Schwenksville, PA 19473 WALL ST. J.:1-5-84 Manipulating the Media Is a Specialty For the White House's Michael Deaver istrator Ann e Burford , lat e in the day, By Rwtt J ARoswvsl\ Y limiting the time the networks have to pro Sraff RC'porwr of TH>: WA1.1. STH>:ET J11n'""' duce full-blown stories for the evening WASHINGTON -It was. says an admi r· news . When embarrassing stories break ing White House official, "a Deaver spe early, they often rush out upbeat news in cial." an attempt to overshadow th e negati\·e. Just before last spring's Williamsburg Thev also love to send Mr. Rea gan out in to economic summit, presidential aide Mi · thP "country. The nwd iil treat presidents on th e road as much more newsworth y. ch"I Deam in· r;l~ :;, even if the message isn 't any different ~~~~h. th~ ed~i~~ • ~ ~~ from back in Washington . York Times's chief • i?E,~,==-_~ Just about all the top White House polit· Washington corre- - · - · ical operatives. incl udin g chief of staff spondent, in for lunch . A few days_lat e.r th!-' James Baker. are deeply involved in th e Times ran a page-one story on Presic;lent mrdi a machine. The key player, though, is Reagan 's vigorous preparations. for the Mr. Deaver, a former public-relations man summit : how hard he was studying, even who over the past 17 years has developed how he planned to take the official note~. almost fili al ties with Mr . and Mrs . Rea But the real payoff was how Mr. gan. "Mike has an un canny sense for Smith's piece set the tone for the tele\'ision knowin g what the president would fee l. networks ' coverage of th e summit. All of would want, and how he would react in a the TV broadcasts conveyed the image of a given situation, " says Richard Darman, a president firmly in charge. ABC News fea· top presidential aide. tured Mr. Reagan 's note-taking on two su e:· The Deaver touch was everywhere on cessive evenings. thP president's meticulously planned , tri· Actually, this all invo lvPd a little hype. umphal visit to Asi a recently. At Guard Mr. Reagan's diligent preparations didn't Post Collier, a desol ate frontline observ a prevent him from watching "The Sou nd tion post in the Korean Demilitarized Zom-. of Music" on TV. His note-taking was Mr . Reagan shnwed up in a green military hardly unusu al , sin ce Pvery host has bePn parka to tour the facility . Gray masking the official note-taker for thesP economi c tape with "The President" written on it Tlif' Rr ;,: ,rn ites shrewd ly seizr new oppor· summits. showed him wh ere to stand so thio> TV cam As subtle media manipulati on, howt'vPr . eras could get the best angle . The pictures tunit1 es. Mr. GPrgen, th e communic ations it was remarkably successfi1l. To peoplP were captivating. The TV cameras also ze chiPf. un abashedly claims credit for ma· viewing th e event. the image conveyed neu\'P.ring onto a recent cover of Parade roed in on the Reagans· guests on the flight macr:uine a picture of th e 72 -year-old chi ef "really answered thP question of wheth er home - two little Korean children who were Ronald Reagan could be a world leader. " exe~utiv e lifting weights . The accomp ; i :i~ ._ coming to the U. S. for critical heart sur- ing article on th e presiclent's exercise re g1· contends Michael McManus. an aide to Mr. ~ry . . Deaver. men. which was requested by the 1:1 ;' 1' · It "provided some of the best presiden azine and was ghost- written by a Wh ite As President Re agan gears up for his ti al tele\'ision in a long, long time." exults anticipated reelectwn race. this illustrates House aidr under Mr. Reagan's by lii 1t' , \11-'hit e House communications director Da never mentioned his age. But . Mr. Gergt n one of his considerable assets: This \lihite vid Gergen. (Mr. Gergen , who is lea ving House probably seems more successful says, readers perceived "an enormously flt his job this month, is another master at us individu al who' s fit to govern for a long than any of its Medi a Age predecessors in ing th e media. ) projecting the strengths and hiding the A major reason for the Reagan team's time to come.·· weaknesses of the man in the Oval Of· uverkill remains a danger. of course. success is it's consistency of approach. "It's like squeezing an egg. Squeeze it too fice . Mr . Rafshoon beli eves. "They set a theme The main attraction is the president hard and you got egg on you," quips press and they don't ever digress ... and they spokesman Larry Speakes. A sudden flurry himself. Although he's oftPn fuzzy on facts , don't ev-er do anything to detract," he said . allies and adve rsari es alike credit the for of Hispani c- related White House events As a result, he claims, Mr. Reagan usually last summer created cynicism am ong H1· mer Hollywood actor with an instinctive appears a tower oY resolution and stead unde rstanding of how to usP the medi a. spani r groups. and many Reagan ad \' isers fastness even when he 's actually vacillat now consider it a heavy-handed mista ke. He 's affable, sometimes a bit schmaltzy. ing or playing politics. but sophisticated enough to avoid the Sti ll. as the 198~ election campaign unfolds. A case in point: The president's sudden th !' advisers are looking for events th at maudlin or cliched and to project strength in terest this year in "educational excel when necessary. will associate the president with blue-col · lence." Surveys by Jar voters and other crucial voting bl oc: ~ . "People ask mP wh o took my job in this presidential poll administration ," says Gerald Rafshoon . ster Richard One of the most stunning publi c- rela · Jimmy Carter's media adviser. " I say Wirthlin showed a !ions triumphs of the Reagan imagr nw· Reagan ." 2-to-l public disap chine has been the transformation of thf' Another vital element . though, is the proval of the ad First Lady's image. Several years ago. as Reagan team's keen und erst anding of tele ministration's cut she ordered expensive new china in th e vision, the major source of news for most backs in federal midst of cutbacks on food stamps and as Americans. Mr. Deaver. wh o is chief im aid to public she donated old gowns for a tax break. age-maker. and his crew apprPciate th at schools. But Mr. critics had a field day t:alling her "Queen lhf.J_orrmost need of TV is pictures . and Reagan , seizing on Nancy." they believe favorable visuals far outweigh a report oy a pre- Under thP waLci1fui eye of Mr. Dea '('l', l"'nmmD>ntc fT"nrn 'T'\T l"rYr- •' . _. __ _ '- •- -L---- ..lO...l""' .... ~nu riPT'\r'2if'i~tino -- ~ - -- - '- -'---- .. -- -~ - - r"\.. ~ , ~ 1: WALL ST. J.:1-5-84 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON Preston Moore TO: a Specialty FROM: MICHAEL K. DEAVER 1aelDeaver Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff Burford, late in the da y, 1e the networks have to pro· 1 stories for the evening 11barrassing stories break Information ~n rush out upbeat news in overshadow the negative. :o send Mr. Reagan out int o 0 Action he medi a treat presidents ; much more newsworthy. essage isn't any different ~ashington . Thought you would II the top White House polit · enjoy this. . including chief of staff are deeply involved in th e . The key player, though, is ormer public-relations ma n 3.St 17 years has developed •s with Mr. and Mrs. Rea· ts an uncanny sense for· the president would fee l. d how he would react in a " says Richard Darman, a aide. _... ___ . -· touch was everywhere on cessive evenings. the president's meticulously planned, tri · Actually, this all involved a little hype. umph al visit to Asi a recently. At Guard Mr. Reagan 's diligent preparations didn 't Post Collier, a desolate fronlline observa· prevent him from watching "The Sound ti on post in th e Korean Demilitarized ZOm·. of Music '" on TV. His note·taking was Mr. Reagan sh0wed up in a green military hardly unusual , since every host has been parka to tour the facility. Gray masking the official note·taker for these econon1ic tape with "The President" written on it summits. showed h1im where to stand so the TV cam· The Re a•-:rni tes shrewdly seize new oppor· As subtle media manipul ation , howt> vPr. eras could get the best angle. The pictures tunit1 es . 'Mr. Gergen, th e communications chief. un abashedly claims rrPtii• '~- - it was remarkably successful. To peopl e were captivating. The TV cameras also ze· DPll\l&>rin,... -- ~ viewing th e event. the image conveyed roed in on th e Reagans' guests on thP fliah• '"really answered the question of whether home-two littl<> i.· ~-- · · Ronald Reagan could be a world leadPr " -- WHITE HOUSE ASHINGTON Moore preston 4285 Mr• • · e BOX post offic 77210 Houston, TX. 11Jfti- THE WHIT_E HOUSE WASHINGTON Archibald B. Roosevelt 3400 R Street Washington, D.C. 20007 MICHAEL K . DEAV ER THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON January 6, 1984 Dear Mr. Black and Mr. Marcil: The President has asked me to respond to your invitation to meet with a repre sentative group of your membership. Un fortunately, the schedule for this month is extremely busy for the President. He has, however, asked me to inform you that he has asked selected members of his senior staff to meet with your group. The President and I welcome hearing your views on the press policy concerning the Grenada Rescue mission. With best wishes, MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Creed C. Black Mr. William C. Marcil American Society of Newspaper Editors The NewspapeL Center Box 17407 · Dulles International Airport, Washington 20041 THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WASHINGTON January 4, 1984 TO: Honorable Michael K. Deaver Deputy Chief of Staff and Assistant to the President FROM: William French Smith·'~ Attorney General /J.117 The enclosed is as discussed in our t elephone conversation . The principal thrust of my conversation with Bob Erburu was to the effect that t heir group would like very much to meet with t he President . But, in any case, they feel they should have a response of some kind to their request . Enclosure TIMES MIRROR SQUARE LOS ANGELES, CALI FORNIA 90053 (213) 972-3814 TIMES MIRROR ROBERT F. ERBURU President and Chief Executive Officer December 20, 1983 The Honorable William French Smith c/o The Beverly Wilshire Hotel 9500 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills, California 90212 Dear Bill: I appreciated your taking time to visit with me after the Huntington Trustees meeting on Friday. Enclosed are copies of letters dated November 1 and December 1, 1983 to The President from Bill Marcil, president of the American Newspaper Publishers Association and Creed Black, ---.... president of the American Society of Newspaper Editors. Although I was unaware of the event when we talked, Jack Nelson, Washington Bureau Chief of the Los Angeles Times, on Friday delivered a speech to Sigma Delta Chi, the Society of Professional Journalists, about The President and the press. You may have seen in Sunday's Times an article in the Opinion section by Jack based upon his talk. I doubt that you will agree with what he had to say but his remarks illustrate the strong feelings which are developing among the press about The President's position concerning access to information. In th is article, reference is made to the letters from Marcil and Black to The President and the lack of response thereto. I believe that it is important for the administration to discuss with responsible members of the press the current concerns of the press about the attitudes of the administration in the areas in question. A meeting with The President would be especially important at this time in light of the strong feelings on the part of some as indicated by tenor of Jack Nelson's speech. I appreciate your willingness to call this subject to The President's attention if it is possible for you to do so when you are in Palm Springs. We obviously did not have time for a full blown discussion of this subject on Friday but as I read the Nelson speech I thought to myself that I would very much like to do so. Perhaps we can arrange for such an opportunity when next we talk. The Honorable William French Smith Page two December 20, 1983 I hope you have a very happy Christmas and the best of the New Year . Please give my best to Jean. Warmest regards, /) v '7;11 RFE:ak Enclosures The Newspape r Cen1er. Box 17407, Dulles Interna tional Airport , Washington . D .C . 2004 1 TO AOllANCE THE CAUSE OF A FREE PRESS Executive Offices : Res Ion. Virginia (703) 620-9500 omcus Chainrum and President December 1, 1983 William C. Marcil The Forum. Fargo. N. D. Vice Chairman RichardJ. \'.Johnson Houston Chronicle Secret..ary The President Robcn G. Marbut The White House Hane-Hanks Communications Inc. San Antonio, T cxas Washington, D.C. 20500 Tre.isurcr Ah·ah H . Chapman Jr. Pear.Mr. President: . Knighl-Riddcr l'ewspapcrs Inc. Miami ch.airman of the Executive Commillec We wrote you a short letter one month ago asking if a few Katharine Graham The Washington Post Co. press executives might meet with you to discuss serious matters of mutual concern to the press and to your admini DIRECTORS stration. Because we have not had any reply to that letter, we want to reiterate that our concerns have not diminished. Gamer Anthonv Cox Enterprises Inc. Atlanta We recently co-chaired a meeting with top-level representa Frank A. Bennack.Jr. The Heam Corp. tives of The Associated Press , United Press International, l\e"'· York The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, Associated Hekn ti. . Coplev ·~ Press Managing Editors and The Society of Professional The Cople~ · Press l nc. Li Joli:.. Calif. Journalists/Sigma Delta Ch i . It was clear to everyone that William H. Cowl.cs 3rd it is now more important than ever for a few of us, perhaps The Spokesman-Re,·iew and Spokane (\\'ash.) Dailv Chronicle including one or two broadcast representatives as well, to Robcn F. Erburu have an opportunity to talk directly with you and your The Times Mirror Co. senior assistants. Lo. Angeles Edwarrl W. [silo"· Scripps-Hm,-ard We are confident that it would be mutually beneficial for us Cincinnati to talk together about press and government relationships. Jacques-G. Francoeur UniMedia Inc. Montreal We reiterate that we are recommending a small, substantive [d,.-jn L Heminger The Courier meeting so that we can discuss very serious and increasing Findlay, Ohio concerns which are shared broadly throughout the U.S. news John B. Lale media. Times Publishing Co. St. Petersburg. Fla. K. Prescou Low The P..uriot Ledger Qui00-. Mass. Charles M. Meredith Ill The Free Press Quakenown. Pa . Donald E. !\'.t>whouse The Star-Ledger President . ~·ar~ . !\ ..J. American Society of Warren H. Phillips The Wall Street Journal Newspaper Editors !\'.ewYork LlO\·d G. Schermer Ltt Enu.·rpri.cs Inc. • Da\·cnpon. Iowa Donald X . Soldwedcl The Yuma (Ariz.) Daih· Sun Arthur Och• Sulzlx:ri;(er The '.\"ew Yorl Timt>s Co. George W. Wilson --- roi'icord.(!\.H.1'.'.toni1or Jerrv \\'. Friedheim [xec·uti,·e \ "i< e Presidcm LEXING ION (KY.) HERALD·LEADER ?-\JV\Cl~l\....1-\1~ j I ASNE ~J Prosident SGCIETYOF ~ RICHARD D. SMYSER NEWSPAPER EDITORS THE OAK RI OGER, OAK RIDGE, TENN. --....,_ Vice President ROBERT P. CLARK .Lexington Herald-Leader Co. HARTE-HANKS NEWSPAPERS Main and Midland Secretary Lexington, Kentucky 40507 MICHAEL G. GARTNER DES MOINES (IOWA) RE~IST.EEI November 1, 1983 Treasurer The President The White House Washington~ D.c. · 20500 Dear Mr. President: Would it be possible for a small group of newspaper editors and publishers to meet with you? The le.aders ~f our two organizations, the American . society of . Newspaper .Editors and the American Newspaper Publishers Associationi would very much appreciate the opportunity to discuss matters of concern to the press ·and the U.S. government. We believe .such a discussion would be mutually beneficial. ~ - Yours truly, rir(·'Jt/ /;l/~~b~ Creed C. Black William Marcil · President President ASNE ANPA CCB: jc_ cc: . James Baker Mi°ehael Deaver David Gergen Edwin Meese bee: William C. Marcil r,~A @IBilWW~.. a . ~ . ./Jerry Friedheim . lE' . 1 Edward R. Cony ~ 1 ·' Charles S. Rowe A NOV ( .. 1983 Herbert G. Klein Lee Stinnett 01RGE OF -·'"· . JffiRY \f .fRlffilltlM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSISTS OF THE OFFICERS AND THE FOLLOWING:. ,jlJl)OfHW. llllOWN c11nosrvc BVl.KHEY JUDITllG Cl, """"'Sii klNQ DAVIOlAWOF.NCEJr. R()fJEnl c .. AYN•no ~llnl ()!;OQnNe -(WMllJI- OetooolFrHPtHI Cl•>.land(~Jlrot."""' CllAtllES s nowe JOllN SEIGENTl Jerry W. Friedheim Executive Vice President December 14, 1983 MEMORANDUM TO: Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Robert F. Erburu Katharine Graham Herbert G. Klein There has been no response to the enclosed requests from Bill Marc l and Creed Black for a meeting with President Reagan. We are bring ng this to the attention of the Vice President, Mike Deaver, Ed Meese, Dick Darman and Mike Baroody, and are urging them to help arrange this meeting. It might now be appropriate for you to make any White House contact you feel would be helpful. Friedheim RECEIVED DEC 1 ~ i983 Qffice of ROBERT F. ERBURU /lU -re.vJ ffcra !lite problem is that Reagan Continued from Pare 1 himself and his longtime demands of leadership require a modicum COnfidantS and inner-cir~le . . of =i~~~:~~vised: "Take advantage Reagan's members all believe of· the country's growing preferance for I8trongty in secrecy . =t)eade~hip to legitimize this ap- 1 t The report urged White House staffers Anti-Press .ijl governmen · · . to discourage discussions of the President's - . . political motivations and str~tegies! but to 'CQinmon threads: The press caused the.loss "be open and acco~odating . with .the CaJllpaign . of·the Vietnam War and has under~ned technical policy analySlS that undergirds . public confidence in our Presidents and the decisions." 'Dfl'n,ln Drim.o ;oW' institutions. · The press is an:ogant, · "This tactic, Entman suggested, "sho~d G1i"'' _,w,uu "''"' biased and irresponsible in its reportmg. .defuse complaints about total inaccess1 - .. " S.H. Byers of Newport Beach wrote, bility" and "could reduce the total volume on Wider Policy ''The only good thing that has happened as of reporting since dry data are often a result of the 'media restraint' regarding defined as unnewsworthy." / i-/I S/r3 the Grenada episode is that it has prove~ to The President was urged to "ke~p the r ' the· American people that the United press staff (except the secretary) m the By J8Ck Nellon .Stat'8 can function for three or four days dark about the politics of White House · . WASJUNGTON without the meddling, news-inventing and decision-making." Entman reasoned that n the aftermath .o~ the ne~s blackout biased reporting of some of .the media · if press officers were no~ privy to a the Reagan Admirustration imposed on employes. · · . President's political strategies and future :I . ,the Grenada invasion, ~~e pres~dent of "Stop moaning and crying~the ~djust- plans, but were well-briefed on policies: a major · college told me: We no longer Qlent is long overdue for a little super- they can "honestly fend off reporters ljaveafreepressinthiscountry." . viaedrestraint'ofthepresscorps." . ;gossipy 'why' inquisitions and steer the · While that sentiment sou~ds a little , There is a widespread feeling that m focus to the "what." extreme, it does reflect a grow1~g concern protesting the Grenada news blackout and The Grenada invasion showed that Rea 'among some thoughtful Amencans .t~at other press controls, journalists do not . gan and his inner circle are quite adept at President Reagan's. press-control ~h~1es ·Jlav.e the public interest in mind, but. ~e keeping not only the press staff, but the are severely eroding Americans First ~ing self-serving. Many of t~ese Cf1:bcs press secretary in the dark. Larry Speake.s Amendment rights. · ·would welcome even more supervised was not briefed on plans for Grenada until But while many Americans are con- restraint" of the press. 30 minutes before the invasion. Since press cerned ah?ut this problem, many moi:;e , Judging by the tone of t~e letter-writers , officers were kept in the dark, they were in ..acquiesce m-or even applaud-Reagan.s and by Reagan's success m pr.ess control no position to make the argument they press-control poli~ies. And ~he! .turn the~r during his first three years in office, the now say they would have made: tha~ a pool WJ'ath on journalists who ms.1st on t~e1r public can . ~t expect more pre~s of reporters should have accompanied the right of access to government mformat1on. restraints during the remainder of his invading force. Let me quote briefly from a few of the presidency. In fact, since taking office I Speakes' ignorance of the plans caused many letters denouncing the press I have Reagan has metl:ioqicjllly and relentlessly hini to mislead the press by telling report recently received:. · . shut off access to information. · ! ers before the invasion it was "preposter- -An angry John Gannon of Memphis, · nus policy can .fairly be attributed to ous" to think the U.S. intended to invade 'Tenn., wrote th.at the press is "arrogant, Reagan rather than to the Reagll!1 Admin- Grenada. He later acknowledged that h~s ~otistical ,.. opinionated and far too antago- tSt.ration or the White House, as is so ?ften comments had seriously damaged his oistic toward whoever we elect to r~n our done in news stories, because there is· no credibility. . government. I prefer to trust Jimmy question that this is one case w~ere the Speakes and David Gergen, the Wh~te Carter or Ronald Reagan or Walter Mon- bilck does stop in the Oval Office. Re- House communications director, were d1s dale, or whoever we elect as President, as I p,ea~y since taking office Reagan has \ mayed and frustrated by the news black feel they have my interest at heart more made it clear that he is concerned a~ut I out and felt it was preposterous that they than you do." .. : the" leaking of government ~format~on , ' were kept in the dark. Speakes has ne~er -Ray Shaw from San Jos~ wrote, I~ but not about making information ava1la- had the kind of access to the Oval Office sick of the press and people hke you trymg; t>k to the public. His policies have gener- normally given to a White House press to always put down our gove~nment a~d; aUt followed a press-co~tr~l strateg!' secretary and necessary to d? a c~edibl. e our country. You guys sound like enemies! recommended at the beginning of his job. And he remains on the )Ob with his to our country. You should go.to Cuba and! Administration and ouUined in a report by 1 credibility further diminished. Gergen, his Russia i~ you are so interested m them._ The\ ~rt..Entman, a Duke University profes- own inclination toward op~n goy~rnment press distorts the truth. · · · P.S.-Thel sor.. The report was prepar~ for the out of step with Reagans policies, has bell with the press. My C?u~try_ is always Institute for Contemporary Studies of San resigned. ftrst. The Ameri~ public is s1~k ~f you\ Ff.uicisco, part of a foundati~n established Because the press was .excluded for two news guys who act like qur enemies. by Edwin Meese III, Reagan s counselor, a . days and restricted in its coverage for -From Chester Wentzel i~ Valley S~- man who has made no secret of his distrust three additional days, the only firsthand tion, Ky., ·came ~other typical n:5P°nse: Of the press. (He compares a repor.ter version of events at Grenada came from "Thank God PreSldent Reagan ~d keep u:iirig leaked information to a fence dealing two governments-the one in Washington the media out of Grenada those first few in stolen property.) · and the one in Havana. days or else we might have had another! . The Entman Report-its tone reflected Vietnam... 1 . If the prJ!$8 had been morel iri _i\s title, "The Imperial Press" -got honest about Vietnam ·our troops coul~ scant attention outside the Administration, have won in that action." · · \>U\ ·a lot of attention. within the ~hite Many of the people who are angry at ~ Hol{Be. And, as the evidence shows, it has press and fully support President Reagan s, t>een carefully heeded. press-control policies wrote c~refully · The report urged that Reagan "tame thought-out l~ter.a through which nm Wlitte House-beat reporting by decreasing repertenr' expectations of full access to otfiCiala, by directly a.erting that the - :. .,...... _,BBAG~. P~e! Embarrassirigly enough for the United Not until two days after the media Since then, the Reporters Committee States, the version from Havana turned reported that U.S. planes had bombed the has catalogued another 15 steps the Rea out to be closer to the truth than the one mental hospital did the White House press gan Administration has taken to deny from Washington. In . the beginning the office confirm the bombing. access to government information. United States claimed that at least 1,100 And not until six days after the Los Among those steps: "well-trained professional soldiers" from Angeles Times reported that four planes -The Grenada news blackout. Cuba were fighting in Grenada. Cuba occupied by Americans had left Grenada -A White House order initiated by estimated there were fewer than 800 the day before the invasion did the White Reagan that all press interviews and all Cubans on the island and that only about House acknowledge the Grenada airport press telephone calls to White House 100 were "combatants." The State Depart- officials be cleared through the Office of ment ultimately agreed with that assess- Communications. This order has intimidat- ment. Th nl. fi sth d • ed and inhibited officials who had cooper- First impressions are lasting and the e 0 y r an version ated with the press in the past and has had overwhelming impression left with the of events at Grenada came a chilling effect on ov~rall coverage. American people was that U.S. forces met -A request for total exemption of the stiff resistance from a large contingent of from two governments, · CIA from Freedom of Information Act, as well-armedCubansonGrenada. Washing- • W bin dH well as an executive order suppressing ton reported that the United States had 1ll as gton an avana. much historical information previously attacked Grenada with such precision that Embarrassingly for the available under the act and new Justice there were no civilian casualties, but later 1 Department rules making it more expen- confirmed a report by the Canadian press United States, the version sive for the press and scholars to obtain .that U.S. bombing of a mental hospital such data. killed at least 20 patients and orderlies. from Havana turned out -A requirement that any government Washington reported that the day be- to be closer to the truth. . employee with access to classified nation- fore the invasion, the Grenada military · al-security information sign prepublica- regime had closed the island's airport, I . tion clearance agreements for books and making it impossible for Americans to I articles. leave if they des~ed ..As was later had .not bee~ closed on ~at day. S~akes -A Justice Department policy allowing so 1 learned, four commercial flights. dep~ted Iearhe .r had cit~ the ~lOSJng of the airport Ithe FBI to monitor and infiltrate press and from G~enada the day ~fore the invasion. as evidence ~ mvas1on w.as necessary to academic institutions without the probable President Reagan hJmself accused the save the ~encans on the island. cause of. suspicion of involvement in or Soviet Union of having "assisted and A semor White House official, who information about domestic crime or disor- encouraged the violence" in Grenada that agreed to be interviewed on the condition ders. led to the bloody coup prior to the invasion. he not be identified, said he feared that These 30 steps taken by Reagan to . But no evidence that the Soviets played I unless Reagan and Baker admit the Ad- promote government secrecy have been .such a role has ever surfaced. ministration made a m,istake in misleading taken one at a time in a noncombative These examples-and there were other ! the press and barring reporters from manner, a strategy designed to minimize instances of erroneous or unproved infor- covering the invasion, that policy will public opposition. But these steps have had mation supplied by Washington-are cited become "a model for the future." . I a profound cumulative impact and have set only because they show how the people Of course, ~er h~ ~eady made it : a policy and tone for secrecy in govern are misled when they get only the govern- 1, clear the Admm1stration mtends to u_se ment that exceeds anything since Water ment version. Grenada as a model for the future. He said, gate. In fact not even during the Nixon Without arguing the merits of the "I would argue that policy with anybody." 1 years were s~ many steps taken to estab- invasion, it seems obvious that people who As bad as that precedent may be, .the lish secrecy as government policy. want to be informed about what their Grena~a blacko~t was only, a 1?BJCal Reagan himself has been remote from government is doing would have been . extens1~n of President R~agan s ~hey of the press. With the exception of Nixon, he better se:ved had the press been along to ! contr_olling goven:in:ient 1~ormation . One has been much more inaccessible than any at ~e~t giv~n some account other than the year mto the Admim~strabon, for example President in recent times. During the 35 off1c1al version. . . the Reporters ~~ttee for Fr~om of months of his presidency, he has held only The prob~em JS th~t Reagan himself a~d the Pre~s compiled a hst of 15 specific ste~s 20 press conferences. Nixon's record was such long-time confidants and.fellow Cali- that had been taken to deny the public similar but the others all held one or two a fomians Meese, Deputy Chief of Staff access to government information. month:' Carter held 59 in 48 months· Ford Michael K. Deaver, Interior Secretary Briefly, some of them were: 39 in 30 months· Johnson 135 in 62 and William P. Clark and Defense Secretary -The Defense Department, attempting Kennedy64in34,months. ' Caspar w. Weinberger and Atty. Gen. to trace news leaks, ordered employees William French Smith all believe strongly with access to national security informa- But Reagan-as adroit at public rela in secrecy in government. tion to take lie-detector tests. . tions as at governmental secrecy- has Even James A. Baker m, the White 1 -Atty. Gen. Smith issued new rules to managed to avoid the impression that he is House chief of staff, who earlier was one of ' restrict information released under the remote or secretive. You see him on the more candid and accessible members Freedom of Information Act. · television riding a horse or answering of the President's inner circle, has played a -The Justice Department supported a questions from high school students. You key role in restricting the media's access to . law allowing surprise raids of newsrooms see him at state dinners or other formal government information in pursuit of national security leaks. occasions where he speaks, but answers no Press relations comes under Baker's -The Administration supported a bill questions. 1 jurisdiction and he and the President made exempting much law-enforcement infor- You see an interview with him in a the decision not to inform their own press mation from the Freedom of Information sports magazine. You see hin1 in Parade staff of the Grenada plans. Even after the Act, if it relates to organized crime, Magazine exercising and giving tips on invasion occurred, the press staff was so counterintelligence and domestic disor- how a 72-year-old man stays in shape and ill-informed it was unable to answer' ders, even in cases where the information you see a television newscaster showing questions from reporters who had man- show the government has broken the law. the pictures of Reagan exercising, saying aged to dig up some facts about the -An executive order was issued allow- with a big smile, "Mr. President, keep at it operation despite the blackout. ing the CIA and FBI to monitor and out there, you're an inspiration!" infiltrate the press and academic groups, if it is believed necessary for national securi- ty. And Reagan, with his amiable manner, The press does have to be more respon- comes cross as a likeable guy and as an sible: to be skeptical of government, but inspiration to many people. The public not cynical; to avoid arrogance and be generally trusts him, but distrusts the sensitive to rights of privacy. press. But it is a tribute to Reagan's public-re- But behind the smile is a "We vs. Them" lations genius that somehow, in the after attitude that has set the whole tone for his math of the only news blackout ever Administration's relations with the press. imposed on a U.S. invasion, he has manged It's not that he hates the press the way to divert the press from a much more Nixon did, it's just that he is insensitive to crucial issue: His overall policy of keeping the press' role in our society and sees the the press in the dark. media generally as something to be manip- That's a message the media must get ulated, but not trusted. across to the people. They must see that Reagan's top advisers are leery of any when the press is kept in the dark, so are press contact in which they do not abso- they. And all need to be reminded of lutely control the agenda. But the basic Entman's advice to Reagan on how to win press policy stems from Reagan himself. public acceptance of his secrecy-in-gov George Skelton, who covers the White ernment policies: House for The Times and who covered "Take advantage of the country's grow Reagan during his eight years as Califor- ing preference for strong leadership to nia's governor, says: · _legitimize this approach." "Unlike career-long politicians, who . . . . learn to deal effectively with the news Jack Nelson is ~hief ?f T?ie Times' Washing- media, even sometimes respect it, Reagan ton BureaV:. His article is excerpted from an spent most of· his adult life in Hollywood ~ress Friday ~o the Lo~ Angeles chapt.er of working in the entertainment industry. 'Sigma D;elta Chi, the Society of Professional "There, hype and sensationalism and Journalists. gossip were the norm for entertainment reporters and Reagan never trusted them. It took a long time for hini to gain even a small amount of respect for serious-mind- ed government and political reporters after arriving in Sac:ramento, and he has still riot got a full fix on what the American press is all about." So far there is no evidence Reagan takes seriously the media's protest over the Grenada blackout or his many other press-control policies. The other night at a Washington ceremony, the President turned to World War II hero Jimmy' Doolittle, who led a daring air raid on Tokyo in 1942, and jokingly asked how the general had managed not to take any reporters along on the raid. Other Reagan Administration officials have joked about the news blackout and spurned protests by journalists. An t Preside t · se has ignore 'tten requests by the residents of the American 1e y of Newspaper PUblishers and t e Amencan Society of Newspaper Editors to mee witn: rum to discuss Grenada and other press-control issues. In the end, the public will have to determine whether people are hurt more by the the abuses of the press or by the President's policy of increasing govern ment secrecy, a policy that makes him less accountable to the people who elected him. This nation's tradition has been that the abuses have been a small price to pay for a free press that gives the public information beyond the government's own version of its policies and activities. 11-T he existence of abuses is · undeniable and well known. Ever since the Janet Cooke case three years ago, the press has been examining and re-examining its own failings: cynicism, arrogance, irresponsi bility, invasions of privacy. Publishers, editors and reporters, television news executives and newscasters all admitted the media's failings long before Grenada, which moved many journalists to renew and intensify their public self-examina tion.