Nixon Visits Quayle, Calls Media Image of Him False

Vice President-elect Dan Quayle, often a target of derision, has at least one fan who is very familiar with the harsh political spotlight. At an impromptu news conference outside Quayle’s transition office in Washington, former President Richard M. Nixon said Quayle, who has been criticized for a mediocre academic record and campaign gaffes, bears no resemblance to the media image of him. “This is the first time I had a chance to have a talk with Sen. Quayle. . . . I was very surprised. He is a very different man from the intellectual midget who has been portrayed among the media,” the former President said. “This is a man who has strong views. He’s highly intelligent. He’s highly dedicated. I think he’s going to be an excellent vice president.” During their meeting, which lasted about 90 minutes, they discussed foreign policy and the role of the vice president. Nixon was vice president under Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 until 1961. He was elected President in 1968, reelected in 1972 and resigned in 1974, during the Watergate scandal.

In 1973, two Nebraska brothers decided that a simple hello might be the best way to say goodby to world conflict. This year, the brothers received letters of support for the 16th-annual World Hello Day from the leaders of 101 countries. “The attention we are getting shows what just one day like this can do to transcend all the geopolitical divisions. . . “ Michael McCormack, 36, said from Omaha. McCormack was attending Harvard University when he and his brother Brian, 31, started the event, which involves greeting at least 10 people in the name of peace, in response to Middle East tension. “In reaching out to others in friendship, you spread the spirit that is the foundation for peace within the home, the community, the nation and the world,” President Reagan wrote. Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis said a hello has the power to span generations and traverse the globe. Letters also came from Britain’s Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the Rev. Billy Graham, Charlton Heston, Lee A. Iacocca and thousands of everyday people, Michael McCormack said.