Letter from Bonny M. Henderson Expressing Her Views on First Lady Betty Ford’s “60 Minutes” Interview

Bonny M. Henderson 2212 Tunlaw Road, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007 September 1, 1975 Mrs. Betty Ford The White House Washington, D.C. Dear Mrs. Ford, I read in the Wall Street Journal that the public relations people are worried that your straightforward answers to questions will cost the President votes in 1976. I hope you will not become silent or worse yet, "modify" your views to suit assumed public opinions. Americans do not have to be fed pablum to be contented. Truthfulness, good leadership and good example will go a long way. The society is constantly changing and our leaders (and we have so few women leaders) should show that we all can adjust to the changes. It is refreshing to have a person in the White House whom Americans, and especially American women, can respect and learn from; who tries to answer questions truthfully, and who is sensitive and sensible. You have endowed your children with these admirable qualities, as well. I am thirty-one years old, married, and have a responsible position in international banking. I have voted Democratic in the last three elections. However, I intend to vote Republican in 1976 because I like President Ford's leadership. If the Presi- dent permits his advisors to silence you before the election, be- cause you are an independent thinker, I and many other women in my age group will be very disillusioned. Best wishes to you. Sincerely yours, Bonny m. Henderson Ms. Bonny M. Henderson : FORD GERALD LIBRARY Ms. Bonny M. Henderson ; PM OF ALWAYS USE 2212 Tunlaw Rd. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007 1 SEP 2000 ZIP CODE UNITED 10 STATES 1975 Mrs. Betty Ford The White House Washington, D.C.