To gauge the initial public reaction to Ford's economy and energy program, TIME correspondents talked with consumers throughout the country and sampled local press editorials. A sizing-up, by region:
THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC: The President was given high marks for taking action, lower grades for the action he took. "Call me relieved," said Baltimore Housewife Betty Lee Digges. "I see the plan as a sign that Mr. Ford is preparing to assert some kind of leadership, instead of just letting the country drift as we have been doing so far."
But many people questioned the logic...