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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (May 21, 1970)
RICHARD NIXON: the human side? Salt: Mr. Nixon, few people realize that the President is a real human being just like everyone else. Tell us something about your personal life. Nixon: Let me say this about that . . . Salt: What we really mean is can your prove to us that there is something be neath that tough, mean exterior. For a starter what kinds of food do you like? Nixon: Plain simple, wholesome, Ameri can cooking. Like cottage cheese with ketchup on it. Or possibly knishes with blueberry jam. Salt: Is this what you normally eat? Nixon: Certainly. I certainly wouldn’t eat any of that government inspected stuff like beef or salted cod. I only eat organically grown vegetables. Pat (ed. note “The President’s wife, Mrs. Nixon) has a little garden you know. We call it the “Whitehouse Hothouse.” Not to be confused with my office naturally. Salt: Of course. Nixon: Naturally. Salt: You bet. Moving right along now, does Mrs. Nixon, Pat if we may. Nixon: You may not. Salt: . . . ever get a chance to cook? Nixon: Do you seriously think I would let that woman . . . No, let me rephrase that. Mrs. Nixon does not cook. But she is coming out with a cook book in the near future though. It will be entitled "My Six Casseroles.” Mrs. Nixon has been showing “The Little Women” (ed. note— Julie and Patricia the President’s daugh ters) how to do some marvelous things in the kitchen. Julie can even, I believe the phrase is, fry water now. Maybe that is why David (ed. note—David Eisen hower, grandson of the late President Dwight David Eisenhower who is married to the former Julie Nixon, the Presi dent’s daughter) always loks so spaced. Salt: What else does the first lady do arouna me nouse' Nixon: Set up an appointment with her social secretary and I am sure she will be, and let me emphasize this, more than happy to let you view her daily routine. Salt: Which is probably one hell of a whiz bang affair. Now that they have taken the pool out of the White House, v/hat do you do for exercise? Nixon: I occasionally take a dip in the reflection pond at the Washington monu ment. I went out there about 5:30 last Saturday and it was a little crowded so 1 went home and watched a taped replay of the Texas-Arkansas football game. Salt: How is your golf game coming? Nixon: Peachy, just fine. I’m getting so good now I even beat Billy (ed. note— Billy Grahamn, noted theologian and White House confidente’.) one game out of three. I’ve been teaching Spiro (ed. note—Vice President Spiro Agnew) trick shots too. Salt: Have you been invited to play in any tournaments this year? Nixon: No. Salt: Are there any games you especial ly enjoyed such as poker or gin or maybe —war? Nixon: I used to play a very aggres sive game of Monopoly, but since I be came president and my time has been limited I have been forced to concentrate on Chinese Checkers and dominos. I real ly would like to play some Chinese check er professionals but they are all in China. I have been moving to alleviate that prob lPtYl Salt: Have you been invited to any tournaments lately? Nixon: No. Salt: We are sure you were very dis appointed that you were unable to throw out the first ball of the season at the Senator’s game. Nixon: Yes, I was very disappointed but 1 think it was a good opportunity for David (ed note—the President’s son-in law) to prove to the American public that he really isn't a weenie arm. Salt: We realize that you have a very busy schedule but when you get a chance to view the tube what programs do you watch? Nixon: Well, I do like to watch "Rat Patrol’" before going to the Senate, the "Bold Ones” before going to bed. Back in California I used to watch “Mission Impossible.” During the campaign I thor oughly enjoyed “The Avengers.” Now' one of my favorite shows is “It Takes A Thief.” I also like game shows. Salt: All right, which ones? Nixon: “To Tell the Truth,” “Let’s Make a Deal,” and sometimes I watch “The Dating Game” with Tricia (ed. note —the President’s unmarried daughter.) I also like “What’s My Line.” Salt: What exactly is your line Mr. President? Nixon: I want to make one thing per fectly clear. I am THE PRESIDENT, (ed. note—President of the United States) makes no mistake about that. Salt: Speaking of your daughter Tricia, is there any truth to the rumor that she is interested in Prince Charles of Great Britain? Nixon: My little queen can have the pick of the cream of the crop. I am sure Chuck is a fine boy and that he does come from a fine family. Although I must con fess I don’t know too much about him. Salt: You are what fashion editors call a “snappy dresser.” It has recently been announced that you have made the list of the 10 Best Dressed Living American President’s. Would you care to comment on your clothes. Nixon: When it comes to shirts, white is right for me. I used to be very hesitant about wearing dark suits but since I switched to Head and Shoulders I only wear dark suits. Salt: We noticed. Nixon: 1 like wing tip and brouge shoes. They have a lot of sole. (ed. note—that was President Nixon’s attempt at a joke.) Salt: Now’ for a few quick questions. Are you right or left handed? Nixon: I’ve always thought of myself as ambidextrous, but you could say I favor my right hand. Salt: Do you like to dance? Nixon: I’m glad you asked that, I love to dance. In fact I’ve originated my own dance step, one step forward, two steps back, one step forward, two steps back. Salt: Read any good books lately? Nixon: I started “War and Peace” when I was Vice President (ed. note — Vice President under the late President Dwight D. Eisenhower) and I’m about half-way through. Salt: Do you have any personal philoso phy that you would like to explain to our readers? Nixon: I’ve always been interested in Medieval Philosophy. Salt: Thank you Mr. President.
