Reagan’s Not About to Let ‘Fat Lady Sing’

President Reagan, delivering a rousing pep talk to top Administration appointees, spoke today of his frustration over the Iran- contra scandal and declared, “The show isn’t over until the fat lady sings.”

The President, making his sixth annual appearance before the Executive Forum, delivered remarks that indicated that he believes the scandal is now behind him.

“We’ve been through some difficult times . . . when I believed that I should remain silent,” Reagan said, referring to four months during which he refused to answer questions about the Iran affair.

He said that he was subjected to a “relentless barrage of rumors . . . assumptions . . . and ceaseless attacks” but that the Tower Commission report had cleared the air.

Applauded and Cheered

Reagan was enthusiastically applauded and cheered as he recited his agenda for the remainder of his term, one that included all his familiar goals: a line-item veto, a balanced budget amendment, arms control, “Star Wars,” aid to the Nicaraguan contras, school prayer and anti-abortion efforts.

He told the gathering that he found “encouraging” that despite “one of the most frustrating” periods in his presidency and the “relentless barrage” as the scandal unfolded, he needed only a change of 18 votes in the House on military aid to the contras.

“The show isn’t over until the fat lady sings,” he said. Then he added, “I won’t even let her whistle.”

Reagan, who is raising his profile and attempting to display a new vigor, cited economic expansion and the defeat of a communist takeover in Grenada as among his Administration’s achievements and said:

“We’re not going to fall on the ball and watch the clock run out. We’re going to have the greatest fourth quarter in the history of presidential history.”

He took several shots at Congress, accusing the Democrats of wanting to tax and spend, and add: “How do I spell relief? V-E-T-O.”