Gerald Ford actually said...

"Fiscal responsibility is essential for cities, states and the Federal Government."

"I have no doubt that the adoption of sound budget policies would have a substantial and beneficial effect in both short and long term credit of the City of New York."

"I was deeply impressed with the problems you and the City Council must face in the next few weeks in meeting the financial problems of the great City of New York."

"The bill would have retired inflation and set back the recent progress made in freeing farmers from Federal controls."