President Reagan Press Conference on Economy
President Reagan Press Conference on Economy
Members of the White House Press Corps waiting for U.S. President Ronald Reagan to begin press conference on the economy. White House journalists include Helen Thomas (United Press International) and Sam Donaldson of ABC News.
Washington DC - Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Eisenhower Executive Office Building at night; automobile traffic on street, Washington Monument and the White House in BG.
President Reagan Press Conference on Economy
White House Press Corps gathered in press room (now the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room). Two adult Caucasian male administration members look out over crowd. Podium with Presidential seal, American Flag, U.S. Presidential Flag and stage decorated with poinsettias for holiday season. Journalist Helen Thomas of United Press International, Lesley Stahl of CBS News, and Sam Donaldson of ABC News at briefing. U.S. President Ronald Reagan is announced, enters room and takes stand while press corps members stand.
President Reagan Press Conference on Economy
U.S. President Ronald Reagan addresses the White house Press Corps regarding the state of the economy. President Reagan says the strong economy is the best Christmas present possible. Reagan remarks on the state of the U.S. economy; discussing the strength of housing, personal income, prices, retail sales and employment. Reagan says 1983 has been a better year for the economy, with a strong recovery and the lowest rate inflation since the 1960's; adding that wholesale prices have fallen in the last month. Reagan says consumers are flocking into stores for the holiday season and factories are operating at 80 percent capacity, up 10 percent from last year. Reagan admits unemployment is still too high, but says more people are working than ever before in history and that more than 300,000 new jobs are being created every month. Reagan discusses next year’s (1984) budget. Reagan says in 1984 economic growth can continue with unemployment coming down and inflation staying under control. Reagan wishes the White House Press Corps a happy holiday.
President Reagan Press Conference - "Lebanon"
Journalist Helen Thomas of United Press International (UPI) asks President Ronald Reagan to clarify a statement he had made about pulling troops out of Lebanon. President Reagan responds saying he was attempting to answer a question regarding the U.S. Marines and Multi-National Forces (MNF) in Lebanon. Reagan says that if the Lebanese Government began dealing with the situation in a different way, than when U.S. forces came into Lebanon, than maybe it would then be time to pull U.S. forces out. Thomas asks Reagan if he feels he has put the U.S. Peace keeping mission in danger by entering into a military pact with a country (Israel) that has invaded and annexed Arab lands. Reagan says the U.S. is only reaffirming the relationship it has had with Israel since 1948 and the U.S. will continue its relationship with the moderate Arab state. Reagan mentions the Camp David accords and says that is import for the U.S. to maintain relationships with Israel and the Arab countries involved to stimulate peace.
President Reagan Press Conference - "El Salvador"
Unidentified adult Caucasian male reporter asks U.S. President Ronald Reagan about continuing death squad activities in El Salvador; asking the President if he is satisfied with the Salvadoran government’s efforts to halt the death squad activities and if not, how long he will support a nation where this is taking place. Reagan believes the United States should continue supporting El Salvador, as long as leftist guerrillas keep attempting to take over the government. Reagan says El Salvador has a long history of dictatorships, but now there is a government (the Salvadoran Military) trying to establish Democratic principles and policies; adding that this government is being attacked from the political left (Furibund Marti National Front, FMLN), with Soviet support. Reagan discusses the far-right groups responsible for the death squads and their goal to reestablish a dictatorship. Reagan says the El Salvador government has made great progress in establishing democracy and have been hindered in their fight against leftist guerrillas by right-wing radicals within their own ranks. Reagan discusses Vice President George H.W. Bush’s visit to El Salvador and says the U.S. must support a Democratic government in El Salvador.
President Reagan Press Conference - "Beirut Barracks Bombings"
White House reporter Chris Wallace (NBC News) asks U.S. President Ronald Reagan about the House Subcommittee’s findings on the Beirut Barracks Bombing and misjudgments made by United States Military leaders; asking the President if he believes disciplinary action should be taken against Military Officers found responsible by Congress or the Pentagon. Reagan says there are two different investigative reports coming in from the military and from Congress. Reagan says that he cannot comment on disciplinary actions until he sees the findings. Reagan states that the findings will be made public, excluding any information that needs to be classified. Wallace asks Reagan if he still has confidence in U.S. Marine Corps General P.X. (Paul Xavier) Kelley; Reagan responds yes and discusses the kind of attack that took place at the Beirut Barracks Bombing, and how it differed from previous military attacks in Lebanon.
President Reagan Press Conference - "Terrorism and Security"
Journalist Lesley Stahl of CBS News asks U.S. President Ronald Reagan about the increased security around the White House; dump trucks around the White House, buses blocking intersections, and ground to air missiles near the White House. Stahl asks President Reagan what the nature of the threat is surrounding the increased security around the White House. Reagan jokes about being popular. Reagan says that he frankly had not noticed the blocked intersections; adding that he does regret the inconvenience. Reagan continues that there are no specific or definite threats, but around the world there have been calls by terrorist groups to step up attacks and the U.S. has been mentioned. Reagan cites the decline in terrorist threats in the United States over the past year. Reagan remarks having seen the violence in the Middle East it would be easier to explain precautionary measures then to explain a lack of action if an attack would happen. Stahl asks Reagan if he is afraid of giving off the impression that he is giving into threats and terrorism by increasing security measures. Reagan says there have been other attempts to ram the gates of the White House over his past 3 years in office; adding the extra security precautions are normal in such a climate where these things can happen.
President Reagan Press Conference - "Lebanon"
Unidentified adult Caucasian male reporter cites polls showing that Americans do not support U.S. Marines being deployed to Lebanon; asks President Reagan if he believes Americans will continue to put up with American deaths in Lebanon. Reagan responds that he can understand public opinion due to the number of attacks on U.S. forces in Lebanon. Reagan says U.S. Marines have a purpose in Lebanon, and discusses the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, their militia, and their attacks on the Israeli border. Reagan explains the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and the subsequent war in Beirut. The President states that the Lebanese government sought assistance from Syria and further discusses the conflict.
President Reagan Press Conference - "Lebanon"
U.S. President Ronald Reagan discusses the entrance of Multi-National Forces (MNF) in Lebanon and the removal of the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization). President Reagan says the Lebanese government needs time to build the strength of their forces. Reagan discusses Israel’s intentions to withdraw from Lebanon and Syria’s refusals to leave. Reagan states the MNF has trained the Lebanese army, is a capable force and will work with the Lebanese forces to maintain order. Reagan states that the government in Lebanon has been recognized and Israel has agreed to withdraw. Reagan says the Lebanese government is trying to unite all the warring Lebanese forces to create a Lebanon for the Lebanese people, and that the situation in Lebanon has "come a long way" from where it had started.
President Reagan Press Conference - "Lebanon"
Unidentified adult Caucasian male reporter questions President Reagan on the increasing use of fire power by U.S. Marines in Lebanon; asking if a war can be avoided without Syrian cooperation. Reagan says war can be avoided, but adds he will not send American forces into danger without the right to defend themselves. Reagan references the sniper fire in Lebanon and says if a U.S. soldier if fired at then he should fire back. Reagan remarks on standing up to terrorists and not giving in.
President Reagan Press Conference - "War in the Press"
Journalist Sam Donaldson of ABC News questions U.S. President Ronald Reagan on comments made by Secretary of State George Shultz, that the press has become more negative towards U.S. Government Military actions in the post-World War II era, often trying to “screw things up.” Donaldson asks President Reagan if he shares the Secretaries views. Reagan says he does believe the press has become more critical starting in the Korean War, and more in the Vietnam War; to the point where it seemed that the press was more critical of our own forces, than the enemy. Reagan says he wishes that the press would focus more on the issue of our national security and what is endangering our forces. Donaldson questions Reagan on Secretary Shultz use of the word “us”; asking if “us” refers to any administration (Nixon, Carter, Reagan, etc.). Reagan believes the term “us” refers to “our side”, the U.S. Military and people. White House reporters take notes.
President Reagan Press Conference - "Welfare"
Unidentified elderly adult female African American reporter questions Reagan on his re-election bid and his stance on social welfare programs; asking if he believes he will have the votes of “enough white males to win re-election.” Reagan says that his Administration has not been picking on those in need of welfare. Reagan says he did not believe we were feeding "too many" of the needy, but that we were feeding too many who were "not needy". Reagan states that any family with an income at a level of 130 percent of the poverty line or below, is eligible for welfare programs and more people are being taken care of than ever before. Reagan says he was on the right side of the Civil Rights movement long before the term “Civil Rights” was ever used. Reagan remarks that records of his political appointments and regulations show that he is not prejudice against women. Reagan says a prejudice perception has been created with the high rates of unemployment, but argues that African Americans and women are receiving a higher portion of the new jobs being created.
President Reagan Press Conference - "Employment Discrimination"
Unidentified elderly adult female African American reporter questions President Reagan on the issue of the lack of seniority for minorities in the workforce due to discrimination. Reagan says the situation is very difficult, because of fairness for all those involved. If you pick a situation in which seniority is a condition for employment in state government positions where the Federal government cannot interfere, there is nothing the Federal government can do unless there is a violation of civil rights. Reagan believes a system can be worked out in which those who do not have seniority due to the long-time discrimination of the past can benefit.
President Reagan Press Conference - "Lebanon"
Journalist Andrea Mitchell of NBC News questions U.S. President Ronald Reagan on his earlier comment that he would not send U.S. Soldiers into situations where they cannot fight back; asking if we have sent U.S. Marines into Beirut Lebanon as diplomatic peace keepers where they do not have adequate safeguards against terrorism. President Reagan responds that he does not know what adequate safeguards against terrorism would be. Reagan discusses the situation in Beirut with snipers shooting innocent civilians simply to shoot someone; saying these are the situations the U.S. is trying to resolve, so that innocent civilians can live in peace. Reagan discusses letters from Lebanese citizens showing gratitude for the Multi-National Forces (MNF). Reagan says the hardest thing he has done as President is sending troops to Lebanon, but says these things must be done for national security and overall peace. Reagan calls the Middle East a tinderbox that can start a war that no one wants, and that the U.S. cannot turn away and hope the problems go away. Reagan discusses tensions between Arab nations and Israel and the need to maintain peace; using the efforts made by former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat as an example for the recognition of Israel by other Arab nations in the Middle East.
President Reagan Press Conference - "Lebanon"
Journalist Andrea Mitchell of NBC News asks U.S. President Ronald Reagan if he agrees with other conservatives like William F. Buckley Jr., who believe U.S. Marines should be withdrawn from Lebanon. President Reagan responds that he will have to talk to his friend “Bill” later. Unidentified adult Caucasian female reporter questions Reagan on the statement made by a Congressional Sub-Committee that said continued deployment of Marines in Lebanon will lead to more casualties; asking Reagan if he is confident that Marines in Beirut are well protected. Reagan says he cannot answer that until he knows more. Female reporter continues questioning, asking Reagan if he is unsure of the safety of Marines in Lebanon. Reagan says he believes the U.S. Military Officers in Lebanon are doing everything they can.
President Reagan Press Conference - "P.O.W. Lt. Robert Goodman"
Unidentified adult Caucasian male reporter questions U.S. President Ronald Reagan on the remarks he made during his 1981 Inauguration, that no American would be held hostage again; asking President Reagan if Air Force Lt. Robert Goodman (who is being held captive by Syria) is considered a hostage and what efforts are being made to secure his release. Reagan discusses diplomatic relationships with Lebanon, mentioning Ambassador Donald Rumsfeld. Reagan says the situation needs to be resolved peacefully. Reagan says Ambassador Rumsfeld has been to Damascus and talked to the Syrians, who claim that Lt. Goodman is a prisoner of war. Reagan says the United States is doing everything to establish peace in Lebanon, Israel and Syria. The reporter asks Reagan again if Lieutenant Goodman is a hostage and whether he believes the Syrians will use him as bargaining chip. Reagan doubts that Lt. Goodman will be used to bargain; adding that he is glad that Goodman is alive and every effort will be made to get him back as quickly as possible.
President Reagan Press Conference - "Closing Remarks"
U.S. President Ronald Reagan wraps up press conference. Journalist Sam Donaldson (ABC News) asks the President what he is going to get the First Lady Nancy Reagan for Christmas. Reagan says "I won’t tell". Donaldson proceeds to ask Reagan what he wants for Christmas. Reagan responds "Peace". Voice of male reporter (off-camera) asks Reagan if his year has been good. Reagan says yes, but it could be better and hopes for continued economic recovery next year. Another male reporter attempts to question Reagan, as Acting White House Press Secretary Larry Speaks tries to move Reagan away from microphones. Journalist Lesley Stahl (CBS News) questions Reagan on U.S. Marines in Beirut, Lebanon. Reagan says the goal is to get U.S. Marines home as soon as possible. Reagan quickly retakes the podium to say that no decision to keep U.S. troops deployed on his part will ever be politically motivated. Journalist Helen Thomas of United Press International (UPI) asks Reagan if he is running for re-election. Reagan says, “You will know before my birthday.” Reagan leaves the White House Press Room with Secretary Speaks.
President Reagan Press Conference on Economy
White House Press Corps members and journalists congregating in press room after Presidential Press Conference (now the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room).
Washington DC - Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Eisenhower Executive Office Building at night; automobile traffic on street, Washington Monument and the White House in BG.